Contents
There was a time in the past when Asia and the Indian continent slowly collided into each other, creating mountains currently known as The Himalayas.
Through the centuries, shilajit gradually developed from the decomposing plants that were buried within the Himalayan mountains. This powerful antioxidant would usually seep out during the summer.
It has long been popular in Ayurvedic medicine and is found as an effective supplement to improve and maintain a healthy well-being. Because of this, it is also available as an over-the-counter supplement.
Shilajit contains 80 minerals and it is labeled as the “best carrier of nutrition and energy” by India’s oldest medical system.
Like any other food supplement, Shilajit must be taken with proper dosage and frequency to make sure that the levels of minerals in your body are balanced.
The average dosage for liquid shilajit is between 100 – 150 milligram per day, and must not exceed 600 mg.
Most liquid shilajit packages include a disposable stick or stainless steel spoon in the packaging to make sure you are taking the right dosage. You can mix the shilajit liquid with any cold or hot liquid drink for better absorption.
It is important to remember that shilajit should not be boiled in order to preserve its nutrients.
This form is easier to take compared to the other forms as it doesn’t have the bitter taste. The average dosage is between 100 to 150 mg, not exceeding 300 milligrams each serving.
Solid shilajit becomes hard when cold, and sticky when hot. If your shilajit is too hard, you can use a hairdryer to warm it slightly and take a knife or a clean scissor to cut it.
A 150mg shilajit is the same as the size of a rice grain. Simply take the dose in your mouth and let it melt.
You can also mix the shilajit with any drink. Simply add a 150 mg solid shilajit to your drink and stir for about 5 seconds. Liquids with shilajit must be taken the same day.
This form of shilajit is very powerful and is usually packed in 100-milligram serving. You must not take more than 250 mg of this shilajit form to avoid overdose.
Another form of shilajit extract comes from Altay, Siberia. Shilajit coming from this area may not be pure as they can be harvested by anyone due to the low altitude of the region.
Altay shilajit is packed in 150 mg capsules. The maximum dosage per day is 300mg.
Shilajit is best taken in the early morning, or during the day. It may be taken up to 2 times a day, 4 to 6 times a week for one month, and not more. It may also be taken 2-3 times a year at separate months.
It is not recommended to take it throughout a whole year, but if you must, limit the dosage of your intake as well as the number of days you take the supplement in a week.
This supplement is generally safe if taken in the right dose. Experiencing unwanted side effects from consuming this supplement may mean that the shilajit is low quality, or not genuine.
Fake shilajit contains fertilizers or heavy metals, so make sure you only consume the real one.
Shilajit is best taken in an empty stomach, but some individuals may experience lightheadedness. If that is your case, we recommend taking your next dose with food.
Allergic reaction to shilajit includes increased heart rate, nausea, and itchiness. Stop taking this supplement if you experience any of these symptoms.
High doses of shilajit can cause increased levels in uric acid, thus increasing the bile production which can be dangerous.
Shilajit can be taken together with other organic products to maximize their benefit as it works by transporting the nutrients to each cell. For this reason, it may not be safe to take shilajit together with prescription drugs with strictly regulated dosage such as cancer and hormone medications as it may cause an overdose.
For safety reasons, shilajit must be taken 2 hours after taking other medicines to avoid interaction.
Shilajit must not be taken if you:
Shilajit may be kept in the fridge or at a room temperature. If you have the cream form, it must be stored in the fridge and consumed within 1 – 2 weeks. Solid shilajit, on the other hand, can be stored in airtight jars at room temperature. It is optional to keep it refrigerated, but it can become very hard in doing so.
Liquid shilajit must be kept in its original packaging without over-tightening the cap as it can get stuck. In cases where you find yourself struggling to open the jar, simply place it under hot water for a few minutes and try opening again. After the jar is opened, it can be stored for up to 3 years.
By consuming this superfood, women can enjoy its anti-aging properties, a healthy skin and hair as well as a balanced sexual health.
In addition to that, a study on rats shows that Shilajit supplementation supports ovulation, although it also implies that it may not be effective in some of the subjects.
Shilajit is also popular for its ability to balance hormones naturally. Hormone balancing supplements are mainly needed by women who are going through menopause.
Aside from the many general health benefits from taking Shilajit, it is also very helpful for men in terms of fertility and overall physical performance. Most shilajit supplements that are sold in powder form contain additional ingredients that increase the libido.
This study looked at purified Shilajit and was found that daily intake of 250 milligrams two times a day is effective in increasing free and total testosterone as well as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS).
An increase in testosterone levels has a lot of health benefits in men especially those who are beyond their 30’s. This includes better sexual and physical performance as it was proven that taking Shilajit directly improves the production of energy in the mitochondria. This promotes alertness and faster recovery during workouts.
Another study revealed that supplementation with this substance also increases the sperm count significantly.