Shilajit (asphaltum) is known for its rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties. It contains approximately 85 minerals and trace elements the human body needs to function optimally as well as fulvic acid which helps the body absorb these minerals at a cellular level.  

Where Shilajit Comes From

When direct sun rays pierce the Himalayan mountain regions, a sticky resin exudes. This resin is shilajit.  Shilajit is mainly found in the Himalayan ranges. The naturally formulating process of shilajit is very slow, as it takes years to melt by sunlight alone. The overall quantity of shilajit that is obtained is also very small. This might affect the quality and purity of shilajit which is an active ingredient in a number of Ayurvedic products.

Finding High Quality Shilajit

When you purchase shilajit capsules you can’t see what is lying inside. Is the shilajit pure and of the highest quality or is it something which will just create a placebo effect?

There are certain tests which can ensure the purity of shilajit. You can perform these tests at home to ensure what you have is truly high quality.

• Shilajit dissolves in room temperature or warm water. Once dissolved, you can see blackish or golden shades in the water.
• Shilajit does NOT dissolve in alcohol.
• When heated shilajit melts quickly. When frozen it becomes hard like a stone.
• Shilajit has a unique quality. It absorbs heavy metals like mercury. If pure shilajit and mercury are mixed together and stirred for a while, the mercury will dissolve into the shilajit. This test is not recommended. Mercury is highly poisonous and can lead to devastating effects if proper care is not taken.
• Shilajit does not burn when exposed to flames. When heated with a mini blow torch, shilajit melts and bubbles but does not burn.

The rocks from which shilajit are obtained are of various types and qualities. In Ayurveda, shilajit is classified into four types: golden, silver, copper, and ferrous (based on texture). Out of these, golden shilajit is considered the best quality and ferrous is considered the lowest.

Check the color and type of shilajit before it is heated and purified to consider the highest quality. All four types of shilajit convert into a black tar-like resin once heated.

Artificial Shilajit

Instead of direct heat from the sun, shilajit is sometimes obtained through artificial heating to meet increasing demand. The quality of such shilajit is compromised as the natural process is altered.

Shilajit has been used in India for thousands of years. Shilajit is a rejuvenator, revitalizer, sexual tonic and remedy for diabetes mellitus. Shilajit is safe and harmless and can be consumed for a long period of time in proper dosage to gain optimum benefits. Check the quality of shilajit by given parameters before consuming. And check with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or your health care provider before consuming any supplements.