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Shilajit शिलाजतु
Asphaltum punjabianum · Mineral pitch
Also known as: Shilajatu, Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum, Shilajeet
Part used: Purified exudate
Shilajit is not a plant but a mineral exudate that seeps from Himalayan rocks in summer — a blackish-brown resin formed over centuries from compressed plant material. Ayurveda classes it as a Rasayana and uses it for energy, urinary complaints, diabetes and male vitality. Raw shilajit carries heavy metals and must be purified.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Asphaltum punjabianum
- Part used: Purified exudate
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Purified Shilajit 250–500 mg with warm milk or water; a common Rasayana and adjuvant.
Shilajit in other languages
Introduction
Shilajit (purified mineral pitch) is a revered Ayurvedic rejuvenator — a mineral-rich exudate that seeps from Himalayan rocks. A powerful Rasayana and Yogavahi, it strengthens, energises and carries other herbs deeper.
Classification
Classed among the great Rasayana and Yogavahi (synergistic) dravyas, purified Shilajit is rich in fulvic acid and minerals. Its pungent-bitter-astringent taste and heating potency clear Kapha, energise and rejuvenate.
Uses & benefits
Shilajit is a mineral exudate used as a Rasayana in weakness, low stamina and in Prameha, and as a Yogavahi that carries other drugs deeper into the tissues. It is used over long courses with milk, and only in the Shodhita (purified) form.
Shilajit for energy and stamina
Its best-known use — a Rasayana taken over weeks for fatigue and low endurance rather than as an immediate stimulant.
Shilajit for urinary complaints
A classical Prameha and Mutraroga drug, and one of its oldest documented indications.
Shilajit for diabetes
Named among the principal Pramehahara drugs in the classical texts, used within compounds.
Shilajit as a Vajikarana drug
Used for male reproductive vitality, one of the reasons for its modern popularity.
Shilajit for joint pain
Used in chronic Vata joint complaints, often alongside Guggulu.
Shilajit for anaemia
Its iron content and classical use in Pandu coincide, and it appears in some iron preparations.
Shilajit for kidney stones
A classical Ashmari drug used to help pass small stones.
Shilajit as a Yogavahi
Described as carrying and enhancing the action of drugs taken with it, which is why it appears alongside other Rasayanas.
Shilajit for cognitive function
A traditional use for memory and mental fatigue, with some preliminary modern interest.
Shilajit in classical formulations
Present in Chandraprabha Vati and most of the classical urinary and Rasayana compounds.
Dosage — how much to take
Purified Shilajit 250–500 mg with warm milk or water; a common Rasayana and adjuvant. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Shilajit?
The citations held for Shilajit in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Rasayana Pada).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Shilajit?
Praised as a powerful mineral Rasayana. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Rasayana Pada.
What is Shilajit traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Shilajit is a mineral exudate used as a Rasayana in weakness, low stamina and in Prameha, and as a Yogavahi that carries other drugs deeper into the tissues. It is used over long courses with milk, and only in the Shodhita (purified) form.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Shilajit?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Shilajit classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Shilajit carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Shilajit is used medicinally?
The part used is Purified exudate.
How much Shilajit is taken, and how?
Purified Shilajit 250–500 mg with warm milk or water; a common Rasayana and adjuvant. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Shilajit be avoided?
Always use Shodhita (purified) Shilajit from a trusted source. Avoid in high uric acid or certain conditions without guidance.
Where does Shilajit grow?
Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudate that oozes from rock crevices in the Himalayas and other high mountain ranges during warm weather.
Classical references
- Charaka Samhita — Rasayana Pada
Praised as a powerful mineral Rasayana. - Rasa Tarangini — Shilajatu Kalpana
Describes its purification and rejuvenative use.
Modern research
-
The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels
(see source). Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2019)
A randomized placebo-controlled trial in men reporting Shilajit (500 mg/day for 8 weeks) helped retain muscular strength against fatigue.
View study doi:10.1186/s12970-019-0270-2 -
Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers
Pandit S, et al.. Andrologia (2016)
A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial reporting purified Shilajit (250 mg twice daily for 90 days) significantly increased total and free testosterone and DHEAS in healthy men aged 45–55.
View study doi:10.1111/and.12482
Safety & precautions
Always use Shodhita (purified) Shilajit from a trusted source. Avoid in high uric acid or certain conditions without guidance.
Where it grows
Shilajit is a blackish-brown exudate that oozes from rock crevices in the Himalayas and other high mountain ranges during warm weather.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shilajit?
A mineral exudate that seeps from Himalayan rocks in summer heat — a blackish-brown resin formed over centuries from compressed plant material. It is not a plant, and Ayurveda classes it with the mineral drugs rather than the herbs.
What is the dose of Shilajit?
250–500 mg of purified resin per day, typically with warm milk. This is a small dose and reflects its potency — it is not measured in grams like a herb powder.
Is raw Shilajit safe?
No. Raw shilajit carries heavy metals, mycotoxins and free radicals, and must go through classical purification (Shodhana) before use. Buy only purified resin from a licensed manufacturer that publishes heavy-metal testing.
How do I know if Shilajit is genuine?
Genuine purified resin dissolves fully in warm water or milk leaving no grit, is sticky and softens with warmth, and has a distinctive tarry smell. Powders and capsules that will not dissolve, or material sold very cheaply, warrant scepticism.
Does Shilajit increase testosterone?
It is a classical Vajikarana drug and there is some preliminary modern work, but the evidence is limited. Its better-established classical uses are energy, urinary complaints and Prameha.
Who should avoid Shilajit?
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in gout and high uric acid, in haemochromatosis or iron overload, and if you have active kidney stones. Take medical advice if you are on diabetes medication.
How long does Shilajit take to work?
It is a Rasayana, so eight to twelve weeks of consistent use. It is not a stimulant and will not produce an immediate effect — anything promising that is describing something else.
