Shilajit
Asphaltum punjabianum · शिलाजतु
Resins & Pitch. Ayurveda and Folk & home remedies.
Also called Shilajatu, Mumijo, Mumie
Sanskrit: शिलाजतु (Shilajit)
Heavy metals in some brandsShilajit is a tar-like mineral pitch from Himalayan rocks that Ayurveda uses for energy and strength, but product quality varies widely.
Did you know? Its Sanskrit name is often translated as 'conqueror of rocks,' because it oozes out of mountain rock.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Energy & tiredness. Traditionally used for energy. A few small studies exist, and results are mixed.Traditional proof
- Men's health. Some small studies in men report higher testosterone, but the evidence is weak and depends on the product.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
In Ayurveda, shilajit is a rejuvenative used for strength, stamina and urinary and bone health. Folk healers in Russia and Central Asia have used it as mumiyo.
How it is classified
How people take it
Traditional use is a pea-sized amount (about 300 to 500 mg) of purified resin dissolved in warm water or milk, once or twice a day. Trials used roughly 100 to 500 mg, and doses are not well set.
Powder and capsule.
Where to get it
Oozes from cracks in rocks in the Himalayas, the Altai and the Caucasus during hot months. Sold as resin, powder, capsules and tablets, and quality varies a lot.
Be careful
Lab tests show some products contain lead or other heavy metals, while other products test within limits. Choose brands with third-party testing for heavy metals. Its effects on gout and kidney disease are not well studied, so avoid it in pregnancy, breastfeeding and kidney disease, and if you have gout.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding; gout; kidney disease; children under 12.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Both are classic Ayurvedic rejuvenatives for strength and stamina.
- Works well together
Both are used in Ayurvedic strength and vitality tonics.
The honest take
Shilajit has a long Ayurvedic history, but its energy and testosterone claims rest on few small studies. The bigger issue is product quality, since lab tests show lead in some brands and not others. Choose brands with third-party testing, and skip it if you have gout or kidney disease.