Shilajit Purpose & Benefits: A Comprehensive Guide
Curious about shilajit benefits? Learn what it is, potential male vitality and energy supplements claims, safety tips, doses, and how to choose quality products.
Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran
Reviewed by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai MBBS
Last updated on 9th Dec, 2025
Introduction
Shilajit has quickly gained popularity as more people seek natural, energy-boosting supplements that promise improved stamina, mental clarity, and vitality. With its long history in Ayurvedic medicine and increasing interest from wellness communities, many are curious whether shilajit can genuinely support energy, male fertility, and overall well-being. However, claims surrounding shilajit vary widely, and the quality of available evidence ranges from traditional insights to small human studies.
This guide explains what shilajit is, how it may work, what benefits are supported by early evidence, what risks to be aware of, and how to choose a safe, high-quality product.
Consult a Top Ayurveda Doctor for Personalised Advice
What Is Shilajit?
The basics of shilajit include:
Origin
- Formed over centuries from decomposed plant matter trapped in high-altitude rock layers such as the Himalayas.
- Heat during warm seasons causes the substance to soften and seep out of the rocks like a resin.
Composition
- Contains fulvic acid, humic substances, and trace minerals.
- These components are associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, though composition differs by region and purification process.
Traditional Use
- Used in Ayurveda as a rasayana, a rejuvenating substance believed to enhance vitality, stamina, and resilience.
- Historically taken to support physical endurance and adapt to environmental stressors, including altitude.
Key Takeaway: Shilajit must be properly purified. Raw shilajit can contain harmful contaminants and should never be consumed.
Potential Shilajit Benefits
Research on shilajit is expanding, though much of it remains preliminary. Traditional use provides a foundation, but modern studies, mostly small or early-stage, help outline what shilajit may support.
Male Vitality and Fertility
What do We Know?
- Small clinical trials suggest shilajit may support sperm count, sperm motility, and possibly testosterone levels in certain groups such as infertile men or older adults.
- Fulvic acid and mineral content may contribute to these potential benefits.
What It Doesn’t Mean?
- It is not proven to boost testosterone for all men.
- It is not a cure for infertility and should not replace medical evaluation.
Endurance and Fatigue
What do We Know?
- Shilajit is widely marketed for energy because it may support mitochondrial function—the process by which cells produce energy.
- Preliminary research and traditional use suggest possible improvements in fatigue resistance and training adaptation.
What It Doesn’t Mean?
- Evidence is not robust enough to confirm clear performance or energy benefits for everyone.
- Sustainable energy still depends on sleep, nutrition, hydration, iron status, and stress management.
Brain Health and Healthy Ageing
What do We Know?
- Laboratory studies suggest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that could theoretically support cognitive health and ageing processes.
- Some early findings link shilajit’s fulvic acid to protective effects on brain tissue.
What It Doesn’t Mean?
- Human evidence is limited.
- It cannot be claimed to prevent cognitive decline or treat neurological conditions.
High-Altitude Support
What do We Know?
- Traditionally used to help with high-altitude fatigue and acclimatisation.
- Its antioxidant properties may help the body manage physical stress.
What It Doesn’t Mean?
- It is not a substitute for proper acclimatisation, hydration, or medical treatment for altitude sickness.
Bottom Line On Benefits
- Evidence is promising but not definitive.
- Potential benefits appear strongest for aspects of male vitality and energy support.
- Larger, well-controlled human studies are needed.
How Shilajit May Work?
Shilajit's work process includes:
Antioxidant Support
- Fulvic acids may help balance free radicals, supporting cellular health and protecting tissues from oxidative stress.
Mitochondrial Function
- Early research suggests that shilajit may support energy production pathways, which could explain perceived increases in stamina or reduced fatigue.
Mineral Content
- Trace minerals may support metabolic and cellular processes, contributing to overall well-being.
- Note: Mechanisms are still under investigation, and individual results vary widely.
Safety, Side Effects and Who Should Avoid?
Shilajit is potent, and safety depends heavily on product quality and individual health conditions.
Commonly Reported Side Effects
- Digestive upset such as nausea, diarrhoea, or stomach discomfort
- Headache or mild dizziness
- Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
Safety Concerns To Know
- Heavy metal contamination is a serious concern in unregulated or unpurified products.
- Some formulations may affect blood pressure or blood sugar.
- Potential influence on iron and uric acid levels may be problematic for people with certain medical conditions.
Who Should Avoid Shilajit
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- Children and teenagers
- Those with known heavy-metal sensitivity or past exposure
- Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as kidney disease, gout, hemochromatosis, liver disease, or cardiovascular disease, unless supervised by a clinician
- Anyone on prescription medication should seek medical advice first
How To Choose a Quality Supplement?
Tips to choose a quality supplement are:
What To Look For?
- Third-party testing, such as USP, NSF, ConsumerLab, or a detailed Certificate of Analysis
- Clearly labelled “purified” shilajit
- Transparent sourcing and purification information
- Minimal additives and clear fulvic acid standardisation were stated
- Realistic claims without exaggerated promises
Why Quality Matters?
- Supplements are not regulated like medications.
- Poor-quality shilajit may contain harmful contaminants such as lead or arsenic.
- Reliable brands provide detailed testing results to ensure safety.
Typical Forms And Doses Studied
Typical forms and doses include:
Forms You May Find
- Resin
- Powder
- Capsules of purified shilajit
Doses In Research
- Most studies use roughly 250–500 mg per day, often split into two doses.
- Starting low helps you assess tolerance.
- Reassess after 8–12 weeks to determine whether it is beneficial for you.
Tips For Safe and Effective Use
Pointers for safe and effective use are:
Before You Start
- Speak to your clinician, especially if you take medications or have underlying conditions.
- Do not rely on shilajit for energy without first optimising lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and hydration.
While Using Shilajit
- Track changes in energy, digestion, mood, and side effects.
- Take with food if you experience stomach discomfort.
- Avoid combining with other stimulants until you understand how your body responds.
Shilajit Vs Energy Supplements
Shilajit versus other energy supplements include:
How does it compare?
- Caffeine: Effective for alertness but may cause jitters or sleep issues.
- B vitamins: Useful only if deficient; extra amounts do not increase energy.
- Iron: Beneficial only for those with iron deficiency; excess can be harmful.
- Creatine: Strong evidence for physical performance; different mechanism entirely.
- Shilajit: Early evidence suggests potential energy and male vitality support, but research is still limited.
Who Might Consider Shilajit?
Consider shilajith in the following situations:
- Adults seeking a natural supplement to support fatigue or training recovery
- Men exploring supportive options for fertility or age-related changes
- Individuals who have already addressed sleep, nutrition, and hydration and want an additional supplement for energy
- Important: Shilajit should not be seen as a cure for medical conditions or a replacement for professional treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Shilajit may support energy, stamina, and male vitality, but evidence remains early and limited.
- Product purity is essential—only use third-party-tested, purified supplements.
- Consult a healthcare professional before starting, especially if you have health conditions or take medication.
- Focus on lifestyle foundations first; supplements cannot replace healthy habits.
Consult a Top Ayurveda Doctor for Personalised Advice
Consult a Top Ayurveda Doctor for Personalised Advice
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
Consult a Top Ayurveda Doctor for Personalised Advice
Dr. Shiv Prakash Singh
Ayurveda Practitioner
19 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda College Street, Kolkata
Dr. Rik Sadhukhan
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • BAMS
Kolkata
Vedhive Ayurveda, Ballygunge, Kolkata
Dr. Anjan Das
Ayurveda Practitioner
8 Years • Ayurvedacharya ( B.A.M.S )
Dumdum
Vedhive Ayurveda Clinic, Dumdum
Dr. Pepsy Jose
Panchakarma Practitioner
14 Years • BAMS, MD Ayurveda (Panchakarma)
Bengaluru
AYURRHYTHM HOLISTIC CLINIC AND PANCHAKARMA THERAPY, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shilajit Safe To Take Daily?
Possibly, for healthy adults using purified, independently tested products at studied doses. Safety depends on personal health and medications, and avoid it during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Does Shilajit Really Boost Testosterone?
Some small studies show increases in specific male populations, but findings are not universal. It should never replace clinical evaluation for low testosterone.
Can Women Take Shilajit?
Some may take it for general wellness, but research involving women is limited and those pregnant, breastfeeding, or with underlying health conditions should avoid it.
How Long Does It Take To Notice Effects?
If benefits occur, they usually appear within 4–12 weeks. Reassess with your clinician if no improvements occur.
How Can I Avoid Contaminated Products?
Choose purified shilajit from companies with independent testing certificates. Avoid raw products and supplements with vague sourcing or unrealistic promises.