- Shilajit is a natural resin that forms in the Himalayan mountains over centuries.
- It contains fulvic acid and more than 80 trace minerals that support energy, hormones, and recovery.
- Used in Ayurveda and Tibetan medicine for over 3,000 years as a rejuvenating tonic.
- Modern research links Shilajit to benefits for ATP energy, testosterone, cognition, and resilience.
- Choose a purified, standardised extract such as MEET Shilajeet, not raw resin of unknown purity.
Shilajit has been called the “destroyer of weakness” in classical Sanskrit texts. For more than three millennia, healers in India and Tibet have collected this dark, tar-like substance from high mountain rock faces and used it as a daily tonic for strength, recovery, and longevity. In recent years, interest has surged again as researchers have begun to explore Shilajit’s unique combination of fulvic substances and trace minerals through a modern scientific lens.
This beginner’s guide explains what Shilajit is, how it works, the benefits you can expect, and how to choose a safe, effective supplement. If you want the full science overview, read our Shilajit – Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Science, and if you are ready to compare products and formats, see the Shilajit Buyer’s Guide.
A personal note from Ben
When I first considered adding Shilajit to our range, I was cautious. There were many sticky resins online with unclear sourcing, variable potency, and real concerns about heavy metals. I decided to wait until a branded extract with human research became available. That is why we chose MEET Shilajeet, standardised to 60 percent fulvic acid and evaluated in a published clinical study. I use it when training volume or work demands are high, because it supports a steadier type of energy rather than a quick stimulant buzz.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a natural exudate that seeps from rocks in high-altitude ranges such as the Himalayas, Altai, and Caucasus. Over centuries, layers of plant matter and minerals are compressed and transformed by temperature and microbial action. In the heat of summer, the resin becomes pliable and can be collected from rock faces. Traditional medical systems class it as a rasayana, a rejuvenator used to restore vitality.
Chemically, Shilajit is a complex mixture. The main bioactive is fulvic acid, which can act as a nutrient transporter and antioxidant. It also contains humic substances and a wide spectrum of trace minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and iron. These minerals are present in organic complexes that can improve their bioavailability. You can read more about our raw material selection on the Ingredients A–Z page for Shilajit.
Benefits of Shilajit
1) Energy and endurance
The best known effect of Shilajit is support for cellular energy. Your mitochondria produce ATP, the fuel used by every cell. Fulvic acid appears to help maintain electron transport chain efficiency and protect mitochondria from oxidative stress. In preclinical work, Shilajit improved exercise tolerance and markers of mitochondrial function (Joukar 2014). For a deeper dive into energy and mitochondria, see Shilajit and Energy.
2) Testosterone and male vitality
A double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study on MEET Shilajeet reported significant increases in total and free testosterone after 90 days, with improvements in vitality and reproductive health markers (Chauhan 2023). While more research is welcome, this positions Shilajit as one of the few natural ingredients with human data for male hormonal support.
3) Brain health and cognition
Fulvic acid has been studied for neuroprotective properties. Early research suggests Shilajit can reduce oxidative stress in the brain and may support memory, attention, and learning (Bhattacharya 2001; Carrasco-Gallardo 2012). Many users describe a clearer mental state and less “brain fog” once they take it consistently.
4) Mineral balance and recovery
Daily stress, intense training, and low quality diets can deplete key minerals. Shilajit contains a spectrum of trace minerals in a matrix that can aid absorption. People often report better post-exercise recovery, steadier energy across the day, and fewer cramps when mineral intake is supported in this way.
5) Healthy ageing support
Oxidative stress and mitochondrial decline are closely linked to the ageing process. By providing antioxidant support and helping mitochondria run efficiently, Shilajit may contribute to long-term vitality. Reviews summarise potential benefits across metabolic, cognitive, and reproductive health (Aggarwal 2010).
How Shilajit works
Mitochondrial efficiency
Fulvic acid can influence the electron transport chain, the final stage of ATP production. By supporting membrane potential and reducing free radical damage, it helps cells produce energy more effectively during training, work, and recovery.
Mineral transport and bioavailability
Fulvic substances can form complexes with minerals, helping them cross cell membranes. In practical terms, this means nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and iron may be delivered to where they are needed for energy metabolism and hormone synthesis.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support
Shilajit provides antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals. Lower oxidative stress supports healthy signalling in the brain and hormone systems and protects mitochondria from damage during intense effort.
Forms of Shilajit
- Resin: This is the traditional format. It is sticky, hard to dose, and often untested. There is a real risk of contamination if purity is not verified.
- Powder: Easier to handle than resin, but many powders are not standardised. Taste can be bitter and potency may vary.
- Capsules: The most convenient and consistent option. When the extract is purified and standardised, dosing is accurate and testing can be verified.
For a side-by-side comparison of formats and quality checks, see the Buyer’s Guide.
Dosage and safety
Most studies use 600 to 1200 mg per day of a purified, standardised extract. Our Shilajit capsules provide 600 mg MEET Shilajeet per serving, standardised to 60 percent fulvic acid, so one to two capsules daily matches research practice. Take with or without food, and be consistent for at least eight to twelve weeks for full benefits.
Safety depends on quality. Unrefined resins may contain heavy metals or microbial contamination. Choose products manufactured under GMP, with third-party testing and transparent specifications. Clinical research on purified Shilajit supports daily use within the suggested range.
FAQs
Can women take Shilajit?
Yes. While testosterone research most often involves men, women also use Shilajit for energy, mineral support, and recovery. Start with one capsule per day and adjust as needed.
How long does Shilajit take to work?
Many people notice steadier energy within two to four weeks. Hormonal changes in men are usually measured after eight to twelve weeks in research settings.
Can I combine Shilajit with other supplements?
Yes. For stress balance, pair it with Ashwagandha KSM-66. For ATP output during training, add Creatine Monohydrate. For cognitive clarity, consider Lion’s Mane.
Is raw resin a good option?
Not usually. Unless it is properly purified and tested, raw resin can contain contaminants. Standardised capsules are cleaner and easier to dose.
Is Shilajit vegan?
Yes. Shilajit is derived from ancient plant matter, not from animal sources. Always check excipients if you require vegan capsules.
How does Shilajit compare with Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is best known for stress, sleep quality, and cortisol balance. Shilajit focuses on cellular energy, mineral delivery, and male vitality. Many people choose to use both for complementary benefits.
Scientific references
- Chauhan A, et al. 2023. Clinical evaluation of MEET Shilajeet on testosterone and vitality in men. IJTSRD. Full text (PDF)
- Aggarwal BB, et al. 2010. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential for clinical use. Phytotherapy Research. PubMed
- Bhattacharya SK, et al. 2001. Shilajit attenuates stress-induced cognitive dysfunction and oxidative damage. Phytotherapy Research. PubMed
- Joukar S, et al. 2014. Effect of Shilajit on exercise performance and mitochondrial function. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. PubMed
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. 2012. Shilajit, a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. PubMed
Accessed and current August 2025. References include peer-reviewed journals and human clinical research.
Ready to try Shilajit?
If you want a clean, research-aligned way to experience the benefits, our Shilajit capsules deliver 600 mg MEET Shilajeet per serving, standardised to 60 percent fulvic acid, manufactured under GMP, and third-party tested for purity.
About the author
Ben Law is the founder of Love Life Supplements (est. 2012). He has spent more than a decade developing premium, research-led formulations with a focus on purity, potency, and transparency. Ben also hosts the Optimised Health Show podcast, speaking with experts in nutrition and performance.
Learn more on our About page.