Shilajit resin is the extract and power of world’s mightiest Mountains, packed in a jar.
In the words of Dr. Axe: “Shilajit is an ancient Ayurvedic herb with many potential health benefits. It provides energy by improving mitochondrial function and fighting free radicals. Research shows shilajit may promote brain health, regulate hormones and the immune system, alleviate pain, help manage diabetes, prevent and protect from cancer, fight inflammation and viruses, support skeletal health, and benefit heart health. Shilajit has been used for millennia in Ayurvedic medicine and recent scientific studies continue to explore its health effects.”
Welcome! On this dedicated page, you can learn more about Shilajit, the naturally harvested, Himalayan high-altitude mountain resin that is purified for human use to yield a folk medicine rich in minerals. For commercial use, it is lab-tested especially when being exported. In unprocessed form, Shilajit contains debris, decomposed plants, dirt and other residue and is not fit for use. All commercial Shilajit is refined for usage but is processed differently by various makers. The best type is slowly sun-dried and is called Solar Shilajit, or Aftaabi Shilajit in Pakistan.
We are seeking to export the product out of the Pakistani Himalayas to USA and other eligible markets. Watch this page for updates. Thanks.
Let’s start with a couple of generic (non-branded) reviews of the supplement:
The BetterBonds Shilajit comes in resin form, which is the true and the best form, undiluted and not mixed with any other herbs or substances. The supplement is sometimes sold in tablet, capsule and powdered form. Those are said to be substandard and may be herb mixes or outright fakes. In some cases, true resin is mixed with a sweetener to make it more palatable. BetterBonds does not opt for any of this and presents the supplement in its purest and most potent form. Now, onto your questions:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Learn more about the native roots and origins of Shilajit, and check the links at the end for modern studies on the substance. BetterBonds has chosen to present generic information from diverse sources to build up general knowledge and trust. Thereafter, we strongly suggest that you shop with us, since we know the ins & outs of this product and its native market!
1. What is Shilajit? How and where it is harvested?
Shilajit is a naturally produced resin that appears in thin cave-like crevices near the top of the mountains of Himalayas & Karakoram in Pakistan/India/Nepal, Altai region in Russia, and parts of Peru and Iran. The quality of harvest from various regions differs. Pakistani Shilajit is top-quality; and BetterBonds obtains from a leading source, retaining the original and best form of the substance: resin.
A Legendary Ancient Medicine, That Takes Centuries to Form
BetterBonds procures one of the highest-quality Shilajit from Pakistani Himalayas. In its raw form it looks like brown-black bird droppings that have clumped up; more matter of fact this is a slowly formed substance that is made of plant matter that fell into or got compressed into mountain crevices and decomposed and fossilized over centuries, while additional geological fluids oozed out of the mountains and mixed with the composition to yield the idiosyncratic Shilajit with its distinct smell, taste, colors and form. All Shilajit today is said to be of ancient origins, supplies are finite and therefore the substance is pricey and valuable.
The Stuff of Myths
In the Pakistani Himalayas, where Shilajit has been harvested for generations, you may hear wild myths about the nature and make-up of Shilajit. Some call it the sweat of the mountains, which would make it a geological substance that oozes out of cracks within the mountains. Others say there are decomposed plant parts and yet others (rarer) suggest that this is the spittoon produced by animals and birds.
You would often hear native harvester say that they observe certain birds and squirrels frequenting the caves, and prior to the days of scientific tests, wild myths were spread perhaps by intent to keep the reality of the matter hidden. Perhaps the animals know this source of nutrition and visit the caves for a taster.
We share these legends only for your interest and because should you visit the Himalayas, you are certain to hear such tales. Modern researchers say otherwise. In truth, Shilajit appears to be a mix of biological and geological substances that come together to yield a substance of legends and myths, with true benefits according to the Eastern medicinal traditions where it has been studied and used.
ELEMENTS & SUBSTANCES IN SHILAJIT:
Albumen; Alumina; Amino acids (cysteine, lysine, alanine, histidine, arginine, aspartic acid, glycine, glutamic acid, serine, tyronine, threonine, proline, tyrosine, methionine, leucine, valine); Barium; Benzoic and fatty acids; Beryllium; Bismuth; Calcium; Carbon-60; Chromium; Cobalt; Copper; Dibenzo-alpha-pyrones; Gallium; Gold; Hippuric acid; Humic and fulvic acids (about 60-80% humic substance; i.e plant parts);
Hydro-oxidized primary and secondary amide peptide bonds; Iron; Lead; Magnesium; Manganese; Molybdenum; Nickel; Phenolic steroids and pregnane steroids; Phospholipids; Phosphoric anhydride; Potassium; Resins and plant remains; Silicate groups of silicon dioxide; Silver; Small quantities of strontium oxide; Sodium; Sulfur; Tin; Titanium; Vanadium; Wax; Zinc.
As for the humic parts, made up of decomposed and compressed plant matter, according to Ayurveda College: “Researchers have found plant organisms in shilajit from multiple species including: Trifolium repens, Euphorbia royleana, Pellia, Minium, Barbula, Stephenrencella-Anthoceros, Fissidens, Asterella, Plagiochasma, Thuidium, Marchantia and Dumortiera.“ (See Resources at end of page.)
TWO OF THE MANY HERBS COMPRESSED INTO SHILAJIT
A Himalayan Cactus
Euphorbia royleana, a Himalayan cactus the remains of which make up the fossil Shilajit. This is one of the plants found in Shilajit. See Resources at end of the page to learn its benefits.
White Clover
White clover (Trifolium repens), a herb that generally aids sexual potency and health, is part of the plant material that form Shilajit. See Resources at end of page.
The preparation method of Shilajit removes the debris and heavy metals. Our source of Shilajit is lab-tested.
Now don’t let this safely worded, humble text fool you: Shilajit is the stuff of legends in traditional medicine, is highly sought-after, takes centuries to reach its usable form, and may have a dwindling world supply. Sources of harvest often become exhausted, like a mine.
2. Does Shilajit intoxicate?
No. In fact, it may alert and sharpen the senses. Shilajit has a heating and activating effect on the body. The impact may not be instantaneous though; our prescribed method is small and gentle uptake on a regular basis to build long-term health. This gently builds up the stamina. In all situations, though, unless the body has an overwhelming offsetting response, for example when the heat is comforting in intense cold and may produce stupor, the overall impact is alertness, and never intoxication. In our experience have been paradoxes though when someone traumatized or badly starved feels comforted, warm, and thus may want to sleep. This is more of an extreme response and may indicate underlying pathologies and complications.
3. What are its benefits?
Because it a storehouse of minerals, the effects of Shilajit are several, as it heals the many effects of deficiency of minerals in the body. It is an overall health booster, and has an activating, yang/masculine quality to it (in the language of Eastern medicine). It sharpens the mind, improves eyesight, expels toxins from the body, improves muscular-skeletal health, boosts testosterone (and thereby helps men’s health and vitality), battles cold and flu, reduces fatigue, aids against anemia, and has anti-aging effects. It improves stamina and fitness. Shilajit may also aid against degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Please note that all Eastern medicinal practice is a holistic practice that goes beyond popping supplements and pills. Therefore, your total health depends upon your mindset, lifestyle, socialization patterns, self-care, work/life patterns and habits, relationships and overall ‘humanity’.
4. How is it prepared for consumption (by producers)?
Raw shilajit looks like a coal-like substance with botanical debris and suspected animal droppings. The lumpy briquettes of raw shilajit are water-soaked for purification, the debris is removed, and the filtered and purified leftover material is thickened by being placed in the sun, stirred occasionally. Shilajit produced this way is called Solar Shilajit, or “Aftaabi Shilajit” in Pakistan. Others cook the mixture to evaporate the water.
Some makers may dilute Shilajit or add additives (other herbs and sweeteners) to make the highly ionic taste palatable. Some makers add sugarcane molasses, but that may make the taste strange and the contents harder to pass through the taste buds. We work with no-additives, pure Shilajit with only impurities removed, and the leftovers thickened to perfection. This is highest quality, classical method.
5. What is the dosage?
The optimal dosage depends upon the body size and fitness, gender, temperament, tolerance, and needs of the user. It is recommended that for regular (daily) usage, as little as the size of a lentil seed, or the head of a matchstick, is mixed in warm water or hot milk. Other sources recommend up to 1.8mg per pound of body weight, but the BetterBonds’ suggested method is slow, regular usage for incremental build-up of stamina, ability and desired health effects. Please know that all but imprudent sources recommend prepared and not raw shilajit, and usage on the safer, lower and slower side since the risks of excess are many and unpleasant. You can double or triple the dosage, but space the days apart in that case. In terms of weight of shilajit, recommended safe dosage for once a day is 200mg, and not exceeding 500mg for higher end usage.
Continuous usage must be rested after every 4-5 days to so, allowing the body to absorb or adjust. Better patterns is to space the days apart, with continuous usage reserved for emergencies, cold, or for periods of intense exertion or need, such as a couple of days before undertaking a strenuous trek. As Shilajit detoxifies the body, some users may experience the build-up of gas in the chest; this is a stressful gas that needs to be released. The body resets and relaxes after. The safest usage of this substance is gentle. Hurried or excess usage can stress the body and produce adverse effects.
Here’s some advice on gently introducing Shilajit to your supplement intake, lest you have a fiery reaction:
6. What does Shilajit contain, and what does it taste like?
Please scroll up to see the contents of Shilajit. The BetterBonds Shilajit preparation contains no additives, sweeteners artificial or natural, or other herbs. Some makers prepare Shilajit that way, and we cannot comment on those.
Shilajit has a unique taste which is hard to pin down due to the complexity of its composition. It tastes earthy, soil-like, salty, bitter, metallic and pungent at once. The substance requires an acquired taste. The taste is strong if the resin is placed on the tongue directly. It is better to dilute it in warm water or milk. With improved health, the taste becomes palatable since you will feel a greater metallic taste when you are mineral deficient due to ionic difference between your body and the mineral supplement. With better mineralization in the body, Shilajit tastes and smells less pungent and challenging. (The smell and taste may be repelling to some as it tastes like decomposed forest and mountains all at once!)
7. How much should I buy?
Based on the very safe dosage of 200-500mg (milligram, not gram!) for each usage, and approximately 3 days a week, you need 600-1500mg a week (calculated arithmetically), but because 1500mg is higher end, we reduce the recommendation on the higher end to make the recommendation bracket 600-1200mg per week (calculated on an arc of declining usage). Buy at least a one-year supply when you are buying from abroad. This means that you will need a 30gram-60gram per year, for very safe, regular dosage. A more robust usage is 2-2.5x that. So, per adult person, about 120-150gm per year is higher end usage, in our opinion. There are sellers that have been seen to recommend higher dosage, but our shilajit is pure. People in colder climate may err on the higher end of usage as partly Shilajit exerts its energy in warding off cold. Of course, you can buy additional supplies and either keep them, or sell forward, gift or share.
8. What are the contraindications of Shilajit, and its cons or side effects, if any?
For the best possible answer, consult your personal healthcare provider. There are a few contraindications that we can suggest:
- It lowers blood sugar and blood pressure. For diabetes patients, this means the need to monitor blood sugar level and adjust insulin intake accordingly.
- It increased heat in the body, so if this is undesirable or if any heat-related signs appear in unwanted excess, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider or monitor your well-being according to advise or your regimen. Heat signs include rashes, increased heartbeat, general agitation, sweating.
- It builds up uric acid, which needs to be discharged. BetterBonds suggests dandelion as the balancing herb to discharge uric acid; however, do not stress the kidneys unnecessarily especially when vulnerable in that area.
- The effect on pregnant and lactating mothers is not specified.
- It can lower blood pressure.
- Shilajit has been found to contain small amounts of phenylalanine, which is contraindicated for patients with PKU (Phenylketonuria). Phenylalanine can cause neurological symptoms in the bodies of PKU patients, including signs of mental regression.
- Side effect may include: dizziness, tingling of senses, heartburn, headache, upset stomach, gas built-up on heart, agitation. Discontinue usage and make sure the dosage is safe and small.
- Since Shilajit lowers blood pressure, people with active heart disease, hypotension or those on high BP medication may avoid Shilajit.
- Not recommended for persons with sickle cell anemia, hemochromatosis (too much iron in the blood) or thalassemia.
- Shilajit may alter the body’s hormone levels; most significantly, it increases testosterone levels.
- Because this is a folk medicine which has not been studied under the Western medical system, clinical data is sparse and unfinished. Therefore, use an ayurvedic healer with a grounding in modern and Western medicine for personalized advice. Listen to your intuition and monitor your body. Lower-end usage is better than higher-end, the effects of which may not be easily controlled once they are set off.
9. Who can take Shilajit?
Men and women ideally above the age of forty. In very cold regions, or when experiencing fatigue and degeneration, adults younger than forty can use the supplement too. It is said that traditional mountain communities in Nepal administer Shilajit even to younger users and children. If so, the dosage would be in trace amounts, administered carefully and with spaced intervals (spanning days). Pets can also be given shilajit, but we currently do not have advice on what is safe. You may search the Internet for advice but remember, generic advice differs from advice by brands, as brands may have formulations and not pure resin form. Also, the potency of Shilajit differs with origin. BetterBonds’ source is highly potent.
Please know that to assess your risk, health and potential benefits, you must consult your doctor and a suitable alternative healthcare practitioner to best assess if the substance is useful for you. We do not give specific advice, only general guidelines about typical and traditional usage of the herb.
10. I read that Shilajit is “viagra for men”? What’s the deal?
Shilajit elevates testosterone levels; its mineral content, ability to strengthen the skeleton and enhance stamina, and heat up the body has made it a legend amongst the men of Asian mountain regions and beyond, who typically and (in)famously use the substance as a pick-me-up, but this is not the only and the optimal usage of Shilajit. Shilajit is good for use by men, women, and in trace amounts, for older children who live in extreme cold, however because people tend to use the mineral beyond recommended dosage, use in children is not recommended. There are preparations made for children and women that mix Shilajit with other herbs. That’s currently not available with BetterBonds.
Here’s a video about Shilajit and men’s health:
11. How to store Shilajit for longevity? And how long does it store for?
Store away from heat at or under room temperature (77°F/25°C). Shilajit can become runnier in heat. For safer usage in hot climates, seal tightly and put in the fridge. Refrigerated Shilajit hardens and even cracks, so take out of the fridge a few hours before usage, and allow to warm at room temperature. DO NOT MICROWAVE. Avoid getting the substance moist. Use a dipper to take the shilajit out of its jar, for usage. Do not double dip if the first dip has been mixed in water or milk, or put directly on the tongue!
12. What do Doctors and Reviewers say?
This section is provided to round off your research to some degree. We are adding some Western-leaning perspectives, so that you have a balanced view. Remember that in our view, what is written off as Placebo Effect or power of suggestion is actually a healing modality! In the BetterBonds’ methodology that combines various traditions we have identified that the narratives and legends surrounding something have a possible true origin and do impact the power that that object or substance has. That said, a substance is a substance and needs to be substantially validated! In comes Western science and perspectives that provide baseline studies. We are adding one skeptical view so that you have a balanced perspective. In our practice, we use skeptical voices to balance off our mental enthusiasm for an herb or product, to ward off the risk of irrational use.
BAKER’S DOZEN!
13. Does Elon Musk use Shilajit? I saw a video about that!
Ah, no, that video is an AI-generated fake, though Elon being a maverick may stumble upon exotic natural supplements one day or another. His own Twitter/X feed is the best source of news from him. Here is a short reel debunking the fake Elon video, but it’s in Urdu/Hindi:
External Resources for further study and research:
Ayur Times (highly recommended, but you need some knowledge of Ayurveda to understand the page)
Very Well Health
National Institutes of Health
Dr. Axe on Shilajit (Suitable source for Western users)
Research Gate (Uses another name for Shilajit)
Health Benefits of Euphorbia
Health Benefits of White Clover
Antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and cytotoxic activities of an important medicinal plant (Euphorbia royleana) from Pakistan
Ayurveda College’s page on Shilajit
All content on this page is written by BetterBonds. External resources are linked, embedded or cited. The information about the two plants that form a major part of Shilajit comes from an external source. In truth, in the Pakistani Himalayas, only wild legends are told either to deliberately mystify the origin, or because ancient tales are being carried down from generation to generation without verification.
This page is under development and information will be updated until it is sufficiently completed.
Last update: October 29, 2024