Shilajit, an old ingredient with a new following

Our name comes from a Sanskrit word, Veda, which means knowledge. So it feels right to spend some time on shilajit, an ingredient that has been part of Ayurvedic tradition for a very long time and has recently found a new following. Here is what it is, where it comes from, what researchers have found so far and how we use it.

What shilajit is

Shilajit is a dark, sticky, tar-like substance that seeps out of rock in high mountain ranges, mostly the Himalayas, and is also found in other mountain regions of Asia and South America. According to researchers, it forms slowly over a very long time as plant material is broken down by microorganisms and pressed into the rock.

When it is collected and prepared for use, it becomes a dark resin or a powder. In Ayurveda, it is classed as a rasayana, a word for traditional preparations used to support vitality and resilience over a lifetime. That is where much of its reputation comes from: it has a long history of use, passed along in a tradition that values daily care.

What it contains

The ingredient researchers talk about most is fulvic acid, which is a major part of the organic matter in shilajit. It sits alongside a wide mix of minerals and other plant-derived compounds. Scientists are still working to describe the whole of this mixture, which is complex and varies depending on where the shilajit was found.

In laboratory studies, fulvic acid has been shown to behave as an antioxidant. These are cell and animal findings, and they are a reason for curiosity, not proof of effects in people. It is worth keeping that difference in mind with any traditional ingredient.

What modern research says

Here is where things stand. Most of the research on shilajit is early. Much of it is in the lab or in animals, and the human studies so far have been small. One recent pilot study followed 25 healthy men for 28 days as they took shilajit resin each day, looking at safety and measures of physical performance. It was a small, open study with no placebo group, and its authors themselves call for larger controlled trials.

Reviews describe shilajit as a promising traditional ingredient that still needs well-designed human research. That is good news for curious people: the story is still being written.

Quality is part of the story

Shilajit is a natural material, and natural materials vary. Researchers point out that how shilajit is collected, purified and prepared matters, and that quality differs across the category. That is true for most traditional ingredients, and it is one more reason to read labels, ask questions and choose brands that are open to them.

If you have a question about any of our formulas, write to us at care@nuraveda.com and we will answer it.

How we use it

Our [Shilajit Adaptogen Complex](/products/shilajit-adaptogen-complex) does not stand shilajit alone. Each capsule brings it together with three other traditional ingredients: [ashwagandha](/products/ashwagandha), tongkat ali and [sea moss](/products/sea-moss). It is a small, balanced blend, made to be taken as one capsule a day. The label supports energy and stamina*, which is the role this complex is made for.

The directions are simple: one capsule once a day, with a full glass of water, or as directed by your healthcare professional. It is a daily habit, not a stimulant, so there is nothing to feel right away. Many people choose a consistent time, often the morning, and notice how their days feel over the weeks that follow.

A morning with shilajit

Picture a slow start. A glass of water on the kitchen counter, a single capsule, and a few quiet minutes before the day begins. Some people add a warm drink and write a short list for the day. The habit is small on purpose. A ritual only works when it is easy to keep, and one capsule with water is about as easy as it gets. Many people pair it with a walk or a stretch, then carry on with breakfast. Over a few weeks, the routine itself becomes the point: a calm, steady beginning you look forward to.

Who should check first

As with any supplement, check with your doctor before you start if you are pregnant or nursing, under 18, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Keep it out of reach of children, and store it somewhere cool and dry.

Where it fits in your day

Shilajit belongs to the [Energised room](/collections/energy-longevity), alongside [NAD+](/products/nad), [NMN](/products/nmn), [matcha](/products/ceremonial-matcha-powder) and the [mushroom coffee](/products/vitality-mushroom-coffee-medium-roast). In rituals, it is a natural fit for the morning. If you like to build a set, the [Energy stack](/pages/energy-stack) gathers these formulas, and you can add the whole stack to your cart in one tap with the saving applied for you.

Questions we hear

Is shilajit the same as a mineral supplement? Shilajit contains minerals, among many other compounds. It is a traditional resin, not a simple mineral tablet, and its makeup varies.

Can I take it with ashwagandha? The complex already includes ashwagandha. If you take ashwagandha separately as well, ask your doctor how the two fit together.

Is it suitable for vegans? The capsule is a standard supplement capsule. Check the product page for the full ingredient list, and write to us if you have a dietary question.

What does "supports energy and stamina" mean? It is a general statement about the role of the ingredients in normal function. It describes the everyday role of these ingredients in the body, not an effect on any health condition.

Keep reading

• [NAD+, explained simply](/blogs/almanac/understanding-nad-in-plain-words)
• [Colostrum, explained](/blogs/almanac/colostrum-explained)
• [The Morning Ritual](/pages/morning-ritual)

Meet the formula or step into the room.

Sources

• Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. PMC3296184
• Safety and efficacy of shilajit resin supplementation on physical performance and blood biomarkers in healthy adults: a 28-day open-label pilot study. PMC12848467
• Hazardous or advantageous: the roles of heavy metals and humic substances in shilajit. PubMed 38393486

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This article is for general information and is not medical advice.