A cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit has been gaining in popularity in the West—especially among those looking to optimize their health and longevity. But what exactly is this mysterious compound?

Put simply, shilajit is a natural substance formed over centuries by the decomposition of plants by microorganisms.1 The sticky, blackish-brown substance is collected from steep rock faces in various mountain ranges.2  While often associated with the Himalayas, shilajit can also be found in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and even as far as northern Chile.3

Shilajit has been recommended for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine practitioners for its rejuvenating and anti-aging effects.4 Let’s learn more about its historical use and what modern science has to say about this ancient nourishment.

A Word from the Herd 🦬

Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian medical system based on centuries-old writings that espouse a holistic approach to health. Still in practice today, Ayurvedic treatment involves a combination of diet, lifestyle, exercise, and natural products derived from plants, animals, minerals, and metals.5

SHILAJIT COMPOSITION

Shilajit is composed of animal, plant, and mineral material6 and contains over 40 substances,7 including vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and more.8 

Its exact makeup varies by region and is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, altitude and which plant species and geological elements are involved.9

Fulvic acid is an organic compound naturally found in soil, compost, and marine sediment.10 Not surprisingly, it is the main active ingredient of shilajit.11 

Fulvic acid’s small molecular size allows for easy absorption by the intestinal tract.12 It binds well with vitamins and minerals and is thought to enhance their bioavailability by transporting the nutrients across cell membranes.13 Its size and structure make it ideal for delivering essential nutrients effectively.

SHILAJIT BENEFITS

Initial studies on shilajit reveal possible far-reaching health benefits, with more in-depth research underway. Let’s explore some of its potential powers:

Brain Protector
One of the most exciting potential benefits of shilajit supplementation is its ability to prevent or slow the progression of cognitive diseases and decline.14 Studies show that shilajit helps prevent the buildup of certain proteins–known as tau proteins–which are a key contributor to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.15 Shilajit may also help enhance memory.16

Energy Booster
Remember the classic line from biology class that “the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell”? It turns out that shilajit has been linked to improved mitochondrial function17 and effectively helps restore energy levels.18 It may also reduce fatigue, a potential game changer for those experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.19

Male Fertility Support
One study saw a significant increase in testosterone levels for male participants ages 45-55 taking shilajit over the course of 90 days.20 Sperm count and motility, which are essential for fertility, also saw gains.21

Bone Builder
Shilajit can help improve bone density.22 This is especially important for postmenopausal women experiencing bone loss, as it may help stave off osteoporosis and critical bone fractures later in life.23

A Word from the Herd 🦬 

25% of American women over age 65 live with osteoporosis.27

Age Defier
Fulvic acid, the main active ingredient in shilajit, exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the body.24 These properties may contribute to overall longevity and well-being. Studies suggest that shilajit may also increase cell turnover and boost collagen production, further slowing down the aging process.25

Cancer Fighter
Research suggests that fulvic acid may combat cancer by removing harmful heavy metals from the body, aiding in the delivery of cancer-fighting drugs, and stopping the growth of cancer cells.26

SHILAJIT SUPPLEMENTS

It’s important to look for purified forms of shilajit as raw sources may contain harmful mycotoxins, heavy metals, and other contaminants.28, 29 Even better, look for third-party tested products.

Our Fine Tune formula, rigorously tested by accredited third-party laboratories, delivers a comprehensive blend of essential minerals. It provides 100% of the daily recommended values for zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese, while also serving as a good source of magnesium. Each serving size contains 20 mg of premium Himalayan shilajit, standardized to 20% fulvic acid, to ensure maximum uptake of the nutrients.

Consider Fine Tune your daily tune-up for the hundreds of mineral-dependent processes your body carries out, promoting well-being and nourishing your body from the inside out.

A Word from the Herd 🦬

“Shilajit” (pronounced SHEE-lah-jeet) means “conqueror of mountain and destroyer of weakness” in Sanskrit.30

SAFETY & PRECAUTIONS

Purified Shilajit is generally considered safe.31 However, it is not recommended for certain individuals. This includes people with diabetes or blood disorders like sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis, and thalassemia.32 Even if you do not have one of these conditions, other factors like medication interactions should be evaluated.33 Always speak with your doctor before starting a new supplement to make sure it is right for you.

PARTING THOUGHTS

Modern scientific research validates the ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine when it comes to shilajit. This unique supplement, formed over centuries in high mountain ranges, offers a natural blend of nutrients that may contribute to overall health and longevity.

From supporting brain health and boosting energy levels to improving bone density and male fertility, shilajit’s benefits are vast. What’s more, it may help combat the effects of aging through its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While the research is promising, more studies are needed to understand its long-term effects and optimal dosages. Doing so will help further bridge the gap between ancestral wisdom and modern science.

RESOURCES

1. Carrasco-Gallardo, Cristian, Lorena Guzmán, and Ricardo B. Maccioni. “Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity.” International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease 2012 (2012): 674142. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/674142. Published online February 23, 2012.
2. Agarwal, Suraj P., Rajesh Khanna, Ritesh Karmarkar, Md. Khalid Anwer, and Roop K. Khar. "Shilajit: A Review." Department of Pharmaceutics, Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University), Hamdard Nagar, New Delhi, India. Last modified August 3, 2014. Accessed September 2, 2024. http://www.shilajit.info/sdfiles/2014_08_03Shilajit-A-Review.pdf.  
3. Carrasco-Gallardo, Guzmán, and Maccioni, "Shilajit."
4. Ibid.
5. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. “Ayurvedic Medicine: In Depth.” National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Last modified August 2020. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/ayurvedic-medicine-in-depth.
6. WebMD. "Shilajit: Uses, Side Effects, and More." WebMD. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1697/shilajit.
7. Gurung, Heather. “Shilajit Benefits: How This Ancient Substance Can Support Your Health.” Health. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.health.com/shilajit-benefits-8349131.
8. WebMD, "Shilajit."
9. Agarwal et al., "Shilajit: A Review."
10. Kubala, Jillian. “Fulvic Acid: Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage, and Interactions.” Healthline. Last modified April 24, 2020. Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo, LDN, RD. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fulvic-acid.
11. Carrasco-Gallardo, Guzmán, and Maccioni, "Shilajit."
12. Ibid.
13. Senesi, N., & Loffredo, E. (1999). The chemistry of humic substances and their interactions with metals and xenobiotics. In: Spark, K., & Swift, R. S. (Eds.), Humic Substances in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Elsevier, pp. 247–292.
14. Higuera, Valencia. “Shilajit: Benefits, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline. Last modified February 19, 2024. Medically reviewed by Ami Patel, PharmD, BCPS. Accessed September 2, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/shilajit.
15. Ibid.
16. Ibid.
17. Ibid.
18. Carrasco-Gallardo, Guzmán, and Maccioni, "Shilajit."
19. Higuera, "Shilajit: Benefits."
20. Ibid.
21. Ibid.
22. Ibid.
23. Ibid.
24. Ibid.
25. Gurung, "Shilajit Benefits."
26. Swat, Marta, Iwona Rybicka, and Aleksandra Gliszczyńska-Świgło. "Characterization of Fulvic Acid Beverages by Mineral Profile and Antioxidant Capacity." Foods 8, no. 12 (November 22, 2019): 605. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8120605. PMID: 31766604; PMCID: PMC6963745.
27. FDA: U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Osteoporosis.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed September 4, 2024. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/osteoporosis.
28. Higuera, "Shilajit: Benefits."
29. Gurung, "Shilajit Benefits."
30. Agarwal et al., "Shilajit: A Review."
31. Carrasco-Gallardo, Guzmán, and Maccioni, "Shilajit."
32. Higuera, "Shilajit: Benefits."
33. WebMD, "Shilajit: Uses."