What Does Shilajit Do? What You Need To Know

For thousands of years, shilajit, a sticky, dark resin found naturally in mountainous regions, has been a staple of medicine.  Only now has it made its way over to the Western world, and already, it’s proving to be a gamechanger for those seeking out powerful superfoods. 

Because it’s something that so many of us have never heard of until now, we want to provide an overview of what this resin is, where it comes from, what its benefits are, and how you can best utilize it to take your daily supplement routine to a whole new level.

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Shilajit: What is It?

Shilajit is a sticky black substance that comes from layers between rock in the Himalayan Mountains and other high-altitude mountain regions around the world.  Depending on where it’s actually derived from, it can go by other names as well, like “moomiyo,” “silaris”, “mumie”, and “rasayana”.  It has been a major part of ancient medicines for thousands of years, including ayurvedic medicine, which is native to India and Nepal, and is the oldest medicine in the world.  Even to this day, shilajit is used in these parts of the world to treat a variety of ailments.

In terms of its chemical composition, it’s very similar to humic substances that are found in our soil, which result from the decomposition of plant matter.  Shilajit also contains a good amount of plant residue, along with resins and gums.  The plant residue was found to come from nearby plant life that, after dying, mixes with water.  The resin of the plant then washes along the soil and finds itself mingling with organic elements and minerals in these mountainous regions, until it evaporates and turns into a crust that stays stuck between layers of rock.  Limestone also seems to play a role in its chemical composition, and likely helps it harden into the typical shilajit consistency.  

It’s believed that the more shilajit ages in these rock formations, the more it takes on nutrients through fermentation, which is why you’ll see companies advertise how long their shilajit has aged.

What Kinds of Properties Make Shilajit Unique?

Shilajit is a resin that’s very sticky in consistency and extremely dark in color – almost black – although its hue can vary very slightly depending on the region from which it’s derived, sometimes having a very subtle amber tinge to it.  It’s also believed that the longer shilajit ages in its natural environment, the darker it becomes, which would mean that Himalyan shilajit is the oldest in the world.

So, what about its chemical composition?  Shilajit boasts a staggering amount of organic elements, similar to humus that comes from soil, which is rich in nutrients and other beneficial compounds.  Because shilajit undergoes such a lengthy aging process, these compounds have undergone major chemical transformations by the time they are harvested, and those chemical changes give the product even more beneficial properties.  Meanwhile, shilajit is highly water-soluble, and that means that it’s highly bioavailability, as it can absorb into the body very efficiently.

Shilajit is largely made up of of humic and fulvic acids, plus organic acids, waxes, resins, alkaloids, and other compounds that can be extremely valuable to our health.  When looking at the chemical composition of shilajit, you’ll find:                                                                                       

• Calcium
• Barium
• Benzoic acids
• Organic acids
• Alumina
• Albumen 
• Cobalt
• Calcium
• Chromium 
• Gold
• Lead 
• Iron
• Copper
• Carbon
• Nickel
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Silver
• Potassium
• Sulfur
• Sodium
• Bismuth
• Gallium 
• Beryllium 
• Zinc
• Tin
• Hippuric acid
• Titanium
• Molybdenum
• Phospholipids
• Plant resins and waxes
• Humic and fulvic acids 
• Vanadium 
• Silicone dioxide
• Hydro-oxidized amide peptide bonds 
• Phosphoric anhydride
• Phenonlic and pregnane steroids 

One thing to be aware of is that the region from which the shilajit was harvested can determine the exact configuration of the above components.  But, after years of research, it’s been confirmed that the benefits of shilajit are basically the same regardless of the region from which the substance is derived.  

How is Shilajit Made?

So, how do we go from finding this sticky substance within layers of rock, and selling shilajit in jars for human consumption?  It all begins with harvesting, and shilajit is harvested by removing the crust from designated collection sites in mountainous regions.

Once it’s harvested, purification needs to take place, as naturally, it’s going to contain a number of impurities.  A very specific extraction process has to be done, which involves water filtration and evaporation, until the shilajit is finally pure.  Because shilajit is so water-soluble, the purification process isn’t all that difficult.  It’s kept in a water solution at a precise temperature for 12 hours, and it’s stirred every 15 minutes.  Then, it is run through fine mesh, as impurities are left behind and only shilajit remains.  This is basically the same process that has been maintained since shilajit was first harvested many, many years ago.  

Finally, the shilajit is dried, before getting run through a vacuum-based evaporator.  This helps to concentrate it, and from that point, it can be sold as either resin, liquid, or powder form.  To turn it into powder, the shilajit is fully dried and ground.

What Kinds of Benefits Can We Get from Taking Shilajit?

Again, shilajit is rich in natural compounds that benefit our health, in concentrated amounts which have been fermented with age to bring out even stronger beneficial qualities.  And, many of these compounds are extremely rare, and it’s unusual to find them all together in one substance.  Now, let’s get more specific.

Fulvic and Humic Acids 

Fulvic and humic acids occur as a result of beneficial microbes consuming dead plant life during the decomposing process.  They bind to nutrients to enhance their bioavailability, making them more readily absorbed by the body, and possess immune-boosting properties as well as antioxidants.    

Composition of Minerals 

We know that minerals play a vital role in many functions of our health, and yet many people are struggling with mineral deficiencies.  The incredible composition of minerals, including rare, trace minerals, found in shilajit can substantially improve our health, and the unique bioavailability of these minerals is inherent to the distinctive physical properties of shilajit.  The fulvic and humic acid in shilajit enables these minerals to absorb into the body easily, so that we can maximize their benefits.  These acids improve cell wall permeability, so that the minerals can enter the cells of the body efficiently.

Therapeutic Uses

Shilajit has been researched by clinicians for decades, so we can, actually, look at the more specific medicinal uses of shilajit.

• Immune-Boosting Properties: Shilajit has been found to improve immunity by supplying the body with a high concentration of nutrients that support immune function.
• Cognitive Support: Shilajit’s fulvic acids contain antioxidants that play a direct role in the prevention and slowed progression of dementia, by improving cognitive health on a cellular level.
• Hormonal Balance: Shilajit may help regulate menstrual cycle, while promoting the production of male sex hormones to improve fertility.
• Blood Sugar Regulation: Shilajit’s chemical compounds can balance blood sugar levels in the body.
• Kidney and Urinary Tract Support: There are a number of minerals in shilajit that play a role in promoting the health of the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Improved Digestion and Nutrient Absorption: Shilajit’s fulvic and humic acids allow for improved absorption of nutrients, by enhancing cell permeability, while the minerals in the substance can boost digestive health.
• Promotes Longevity: The properties of shilajit have long been seen as longevity-enhancing, and the high concentration of antioxidants in the substance likely plays a role.
• Detoxification: The compounds in shilajit can purify the blood to aid in detoxification.
• Mood Effects: Shilajit has been found to offer antidepressant and anxiolytic effects that can alleviate mood disorder symptoms.
• Bone Health: Many minerals in shilajit play a vital role in supporting the health of our bones.
• Reproductive Health Properties: One of the most ancient uses for shilajit is boosting libido.
• Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Shilajit has been found to regulate inflammation in the body.

Does Shilajit Have Side Effects?

Shilajit is considered to be safe for daily human consumption, and as long as the product is legitimate and has undergone the purification process required to rid it of impurities, there are no known major side effects.  Really, the most common side effect is an upset stomach if shilajit is consumed on an empty stomach.  One other thing to keep in mind is that it does raise iron levels, and because of that, you don’t want to take too much of it.  Some people also report hormonal changes from taking too high of a dosage daily.

How to Take Shilajit

Shilajit comes in various product forms, such as:

• Resin (also called “live resin”)
• Liquid
• Powder
• Capsules

Live resin is widely viewed as the best option of all for maximum benefits.  Mainly, that’s because live resin is the most concentrated and unprocessed form of shilajit.  This can mean more effectiveness and more bioavailability.

If you’re wondering about what the daily dosage recommendations are, keep in mind that shilajit products have clear dosing instructions on their labels.  Like we said, shilajit is considered safe, so you don’t have to really worry about dangerous side effects from taking a relatively higher dose than what’s recommended.  Generally, the suggested daily serving is 100-300mg, and most people get the results that they’re looking for from sticking to that amount.

With its high mineral content, shilajit works cumulatively, which means that each daily dose contributes to the long-term positive benefits that it’s known for.  Because of that, consider incorporating it into your daily routine for the best results possible.

Because of its potency and bioavailability, we again want to point out that shilajit is best taken in live resin form.  The most common way to use resin is to stir it in a hot liquid, like tea, coffee, or water.  Shilajit naturally has a bitter and burnt taste, so feel free to sweeten up whatever you’re drinking to mask the flavor to your liking.  Of course, some people just don’t mind the taste at all.  Shilajit does not need to be consumed right away, so don’t worry about having to chug a hot liquid in order for the product to be effective – you can wait until it cools down and sip it however you prefer.

Now, know that you’ll probably get stronger effects by consuming it on an empty stomach, as this allows it to absorb more easily into the cells of the body.  But, like we said, sensitive individuals may end up with an upset stomach from taking it on an empty stomach, so if your stomach is sensitive, keep that in mind.  For many, this side effect stops occurring after the person has gotten used to consuming it daily.

How to Seek Out the Highest-Quality Shilajit 

For a lot of us, shilajit is brand new, and we have no frame of reference when it comes to choosing the best-quality shilajit possible.  So, how can we be totally sure that we’re buying a product that’s legitimate, potent, pure, and effective?  Here are the things to look for.

A Trustworthy Brand 

One thing to pay attention to is the reputation of the brand or vendor that you’re buying from.  Shilajit can vary in terms of purity, and of course, there is always the risk of counterfeit products.  By buying online, you can purchase directly from a brand while looking for certain indicators of quality, safety, and legitimacy on their website.  Look for key information about how their shilajit is sourced, processed, and purified, and look at the reviews for the company to be sure that customers are satisfied with the product.

Lab Reports 

Any legitimate company selling shilajit online will publish third-party test results in a way that’s easy to find.  This mainly shows you the purity of the product, but will also likely give you a breakdown of the key chemical compounds in the product, with an emphasis on the presence of certain metals including lead, nickel, etc.  These tests should be easy to find on a company’s website, because a good brand knows just how important it is that consumers are able to access them before making a purchase.

Test it On Your Own 

As it turns out, there are some pretty simple purity and authenticity tests that you can do home, but of course, that implies that you already bought the shilajit and have it in your possession, at risk of having to throw it out should it not be legit.  

An easy test is to place shilajit in a relatively warm environment until it liquifies.  It should be sticky and have a flowing consistency, since any rigidity indicates that it’s not pure or authentic.  Another thing you can do is dissolve it in water.  Because shilajit is water-soluble, it should dissolve within a few minutes, turning the water amber.  Also, once it dissolves, there should be no sediment.

The Takeaway: Shilajit is the Real Deal as it Pertains to Natural Wellness 

The bottom line is that shilajit is a nutrient-dense substance that actually lives up to the hype, and there’s a reason why it’s been such a mainstay of ancient medicine for so long.  Luckily, while it was once nearly impossible to unearth in this part of the world, nowadays, companies are offering it in user-friendly forms, that you can simply buy online and enjoy it being shipped to your home.  

If you’re intrigued by the potential that shilajit has when it comes to your wellbeing, explore the Shilajit Live Resin products at Bounce Nutrition.  Bounce Nutrition’s shilajit is third-party tested, sold in the form of black live resin that dissolves easily in water for maximum absorption.

TO BUY SHILAJIT PRODUCTS CLICK HERE