Have you heard of shilajit? It's that black, tarry resin that slowly seeps from the walls of high-altitude Himalayan caves. Some see it as the holy grail of health, others as pure madness. But what does the science say? Is it a miracle substance or just another empty promise wrapped in a catchy story?
Shilajit is actually an ancient substance, formed over millennia when plant and animal remains are transformed into a thick, resinous substance under pressure and extreme temperatures in the Himalayas. Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicine, has claimed for over 3,000 years that shilajit is a “destroyer of weakness,” restoring youth, strength, and even virility.
Modern marketing, of course, immediately recognized its potential – today you can find shilajit in the form of gummies, capsules, powders, tinctures and even in luxury cosmetics. But beware, not everything that is old and exotic means it is also safe or effective.
Shilajit – what does the science say?
Science, although cautious, still attributes some interesting effects to shiladjitu. The most important ingredient is fulvic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant and is said to improve energy metabolism in cells. Research confirms some surprising facts:
- Testosterone increase
In a 2016 study published in the journal Andrology, men who took 250 mg of shilajit twice daily had a whopping 20% higher testosterone levels after 90 days. This translates to potentially more energy, muscle mass, and libido (source: Andrology, 2016). - Improving brain function
A 2012 study suggests that shilajit may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease by reducing the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain (source: NCBI, 2012). - More energy and less fatigue
A 2018 study found that shilajit improves mitochondrial function—meaning your cells produce more ATP, which translates to less fatigue and more endurance (source: NCBI, 2018). - Supporting bone and joint health
Fulvic acid is said to help maintain bone density, which is especially interesting for menopausal women (source: ScienceDirect, 2022).
But beware: all that glitters is not gold (or safe)!
And now we come to the slightly less pleasant part of the story. Shilajit, like any substance you buy online, requires extreme caution:
- Heavy metals: Since it is a natural substance, it can contain high levels of arsenic, lead, and even mercury. Therefore, it is essential to choose a certified, laboratory-purified product.
- No health claims are approved in the EU: The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has not approved any health claims for shilajit, meaning that marketing often strays into the gray area of exaggerated promises.
- Possible side effects: Shilajit may cause allergic reactions, digestive problems, or drug interactions, so it is essential to consult a doctor before use, especially if you have any chronic diseases or are taking medications (source: WebMD).
Why are we humans so fascinated by the resins that drip from the Himalayas?
The answer is simple: stories sell, secrets sell even better. The Himalayas are synonymous with mystery, inaccessibility and exoticism. Psychologically, we humans are programmed that everything that comes from hard-to-reach places gives us a sense of exclusivity, superiority and the true, authentic power of nature.
There are already a lot of influencers on Instagram and TikTok who show "life changes" after using shilajit in their videos - which of course increases our desire to try it ourselves.
Conclusion: Should you try it?
If you are curious and want to try this ancient wonder substance, do so responsibly:
- Choose certified, laboratory-purified shilajit.
- Be realistic about your expectations: Shilajit is not a miracle that will restore your youth overnight.
- Always consult your doctor before use.
Himalayan shilajit resin is not a fully revealed secret – the science is cautiously optimistic, the users are enthusiastic, and the market is booming. As with everything in life, caution is the mother of wisdom.
Whether it is a true Himalayan miracle or just another marketing illusion is something you will have to decide for yourself.
Whether you opt for capsules or resin, it is important to choose a product that has been thoroughly tested for the presence of heavy metals and other impurities to ensure you are getting safe and effective support for your health.
Last updated 2025-05-23 / Affiliate links / Photo source: Amazon Product Advertising API
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