Last verified: April 2026

Shilajit

शिलाजीत — Shilajit — "conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness"

Shilajit is the classical mineral Rasayana — the black, tar-like resinous exudate that seeps from Himalayan rock faces in summer, documented in Charaka Samhita as capable of treating every disease when properly purified and administered. It is the most potent classical mineral medicine — not a herb but a mineral-organic complex formed over millennia from compressed organic matter, now documented to contain fulvic acid, humic acid, and over 80 minerals.

Important noticeThis page documents what classical texts record. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Full disclaimer

Charaka Samhita, Chikitsasthana 1.3.4

Shilajatu sarvavyadhiharam — Shilajit is the destroyer of all diseases. There is no disease in the three worlds for which Shilajit, properly purified and administered at the right time with the right vehicle, is not the remedy. It gives strength to the weak, intelligence to the dull, and youth to the aged. This is among the strongest classical claims for any single substance — reflecting the extraordinary breadth of Shilajit's documented indications.

Classical documentation

Charaka Samhita's Rasayana chapter places Shilajit alongside Amalaki and Haritaki as the three most potent Rasayana substances — a mineral, a fruit, and a berry comprising the classical Rasayana trinity. The classical indications span virtually every system: Pramaha (metabolic conditions), Kushtha (skin conditions), Mutraroga (urinary conditions), Shwasa (respiratory), Hridroga (cardiac), Medhya (cognitive), and as a Rasayana for longevity and rejuvenation.

Four grades of Shilajit are documented in classical texts based on the mineral content of the rock from which it exudes: Suvarna (gold-bearing rock — reddish, considered highest quality), Rajata (silver-bearing — whitish), Tamra (copper-bearing — blue), and Loha (iron-bearing — blackish, most commonly available commercially). The API standard applies to purified Shilajit without grade distinction.

Shodhana — purification is mandatory

Raw Shilajit is contraindicated without purification. Classical texts and API both specify that Shilajit must undergo Shodhana (purification processing) before administration. Raw/unpurified Shilajit may contain heavy metals, fungal contamination, and free radicals that are harmful. The Shodhana process: Shilajit is dissolved in warm water or Triphala decoction, strained through cloth to remove impurities, and sun-dried — repeated three times. API specifies standards for purified Shilajit including heavy metal limits and minimum fulvic acid content. Purchase only API-tested, purified preparations from licensed manufacturers.

Fulvic acid — modern pharmacology

Shilajit's primary active compounds — fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones — have been documented in multiple studies. Fulvic acid facilitates mitochondrial electron transport chain function; research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (Stohs et al., 2016) documents purified Shilajit supplementation increasing mitochondrial ATP production and reducing fatigue. Research published in Andrologia (Pandit et al., 2016; DOI:10.1111/and.12482) documents purified Shilajit at 250mg twice daily over 90 days producing significant increases in total testosterone, free testosterone, and DHEAS in healthy male volunteers — consistent with the classical Vajikarana documentation.

Modern adulteration

Shilajit is among the most heavily adulterated supplements globally. Products sold as 'Shilajit resin' or 'Shilajit extract' vary enormously in quality and safety. Quality markers: fulvic acid content minimum 60% (verified by third-party testing); heavy metals tested by ICP-MS below WHO limits; no artificial colours or thickeners. Genuine purified Shilajit has a distinctive smell (petroleum-like), dissolves completely in warm water without residue, and is black to dark brown. API Part I, Vol IV monograph specifies all quality standards.