Health Benefits of Shilajit
Medically reviewed by Suzanne Fisher, RD
Shilajit, also known as mumiyo or mumie, is an organic mineral compound found in the Himalayan mountains and mountainous regions in Russia, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. This naturally occurring, blackish-brown resin contains over 40 minerals and substances, most notably fulvic acid.
Shilajit has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine in Nepal and India for many years. Some evidence suggests that shilajit has antioxidant and inflammatory properties.
The safety and potential side effects of shilajit supplements are relatively unknown due to a lack of research. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting a shilajit supplement. Read on to learn about shilajit, including potential benefits, risks, and more.
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4 Benefits of Shilajit
Human research on the health benefits of shilajit is limited and ongoing. Some experts believe that shilajit has the potential to treat many health conditions, from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) to male infertility.
1. Has Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Shilajit has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The compound is thought to promote greater longevity and have anti-aging properties in Ayurvedic medicine. These benefits can support overall health and reduce the risk of certain conditions.
Research has shown that shilajit may also:
Increase cell turnover
Potentially encourage the body to produce more collagen
Slow down oxidative stress
2. May Prevent Bone Loss
Shilajit may have a positive effect on bone health. A study published in 2022 found postmenopausal women with osteopenia (low bone mineral density) who took shilajit supplements daily saw significant improvements in bone density after 11 months. The researchers theorized that this effect may be due to shilajit's ability to speed up cell turnover.
3. Could Increase Male Fertility
Shilajit may increase male fertility by boosting key hormones. Research has shown that taking 500 milligrams (mg) of shilajit per day can significantly increased dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) and total testosterone levels.
4. Might Improve Exercise Performance
A growing body of research indicates that shilajit can be helpful for exercise efforts. Some evidence suggests that athletes have less post-workout fatigue and are better able to reach peak muscular strength after taking shilajit supplements.
Other research has found that shilajit can aid in muscle elasticity and repair during an exercise training regimen. Some experts find these findings to be promising in terms of shilajit’s potential benefits for people with CFS.
How To Take Shilajit
You can find shilajit supplements at many online shops, pharmacies, drugstores, and health food stores. It's available as a dissolvable powder for drinks like water or milk and as a capsule.
Dosage
Shilajit isn't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning there's no set dosage deemed safe and effective. The dose administered in some clinical studies has been between 300–500 mg once per day.
It's best to follow the dosing instructions from the manufacturer listed on the label if you are taking a shilajit supplement. You can also talk to a healthcare provider for guidance on finding a safe and effective dose.
Is Shilajit Safe?
Shilajit isn't FDA-approved, and the research on it is limited. There's insufficient information about its side effects or safety among different populations. Some evidence suggests that shilajit is safe and well-tolerated by most people, even when taken long-term. Very few adverse reactions have been reported.
Talk to a healthcare provider before taking shilajit. They can advise you about potential drug interactions and side effects. Don't take shilajit to treat a health condition or to replace a prescription drug without consulting a healthcare provider.
Potential Drug Interactions
There's no evidence of shilajit interacting with medications. It's still possible that the compound may interact with certain drugs. More research is needed, but it's important to talk to a healthcare provider about any other supplements or medications you take before taking shilajit.
What To Look For
The FDA does not regulate supplements the same way it does food and drugs. Look for shilajit supplements that have been third-party tested to ensure a product's safety.
Organizations like NSF International, Consumer Lab, and U.S. Pharmacopeia test products to confirm they contain the ingredients listed on the label and do not contain a harmful level of contaminants. Look for the organization's seal on the bottle.
Look for words like "purified" on the label, and follow the instructions closely. Avoid raw, unprocessed shilajit, which can be contaminated.
Can You Take Too Much?
No adverse reactions have been recorded from taking large doses of shilajit. There's not enough research to confirm shilajit is not toxic when taken in excessive amounts.
Side Effects
The potential side effects of shilajit are unclear due to limited research. Talk to a healthcare provider about any conditions you have and other medications you take regularly before taking shilajit.
Shilajit can cause an allergic reaction like any other substance. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you develop symptoms of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction):
Diarrhea
Difficulty breathing, speaking, or swallowing
Hives
Nausea or vomiting
Rapid heart rate
Swelling in the face, tongue, eyes, lips, throat, or mouth
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A Quick Review
Shilajit's purported health benefits include heightened male fertility through higher testosterone levels. There's also evidence to suggest shilajit may lower the risk of bone loss, reduce inflammation, and improve exercise performance.
Talk to a healthcare provider before trying shilajit. The FDA doesn't regulate shilajit, and evidence about its efficacy in treating health conditions is very limited.
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