Did you know that Shilajit is believed to enhance physical performance by up to 29.7%? This is a naturally occurring, blackish-brown resin found in the Himalayan mountains and other mountainous regions like Russia and Afghanistan.
When it comes to finding the best Shilajit supplements, it’s important to find the most potent source. Shilajit is a powerhouse of natural compounds believed to offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
In this article, we will take a look at what Shilajit is made of, its mental health benefits, and how you can use it as a supplement in your daily routine.
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit, meaning ‘conqueror of the mountain, conqueror of the rocks‘, is an organic-mineral product predominantly of biological origin. It forms in mountain crevices and caves, primarily in the Himalayas, Caucasus, Altai, Siberia, and Mongolia.
Composition
Shilajit typically appears as a dark brown or almost black resinous mass. Depending on its source, it can vary slightly in color, with some shades of amber or red. In its raw, unpurified form, it resembles a waxy exudate from mountain crevices, shaped by moisture and environmental conditions.
Authentic Shilajit is composed of about 60-80% humus, including fulvic and humic acids, along with plant alkaloids, organic acids, resins, and waxes. These elements undergo a profound transformation over millions of years, resulting in the potent natural product we recognize today.
Formation Process
Shilajit is formed through the decomposition of plant and microbial matter over an extended period. Plants and microorganisms deposit organic materials in the rocks, which undergo microbial digestion and transformation. This process is slow and occurs over millions of years, allowing the organic material to accumulate and mature.
Within the rocky layers of the mountains, this organic matter is subjected to immense pressure and high temperatures. These geological forces transform the matter into a thick, resinous substance rich in bioactive compounds. This transformation is crucial in developing Shilajit’s unique properties.
The process known as humification plays a key role in the formation of Shilajit. This involves the conversion of organic matter into a humus-like substance, which undergoes further changes to become the Shilajit we know today. Humification ensures the preservation and concentration of the beneficial compounds found in Shilajit.
Historical and Traditional Uses
Shilajit has been recognized as a potent medicine for over 3000 years. Its use dates back approximately 5000 years, with ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita praising its ability to cure various ailments, from digestive issues to respiratory problems.
In Ayurveda, Shilajit is classified as a Rasayana compound, known for its rejuvenating and anti-aging properties. It has traditionally been used to enhance physical strength, promote overall health, and increase longevity.
The Charaka Samhita emphasizes its efficacy, stating that Shilajit can cure any disease when administered appropriately. Beyond its medicinal value, Shilajit holds spiritual significance, especially in the Himalayan regions, where it is considered a treasure and a miracle of the mountains.
Today, Shilajit continues to be valued for its health benefits, with people in Nepal and Northern India consuming it regularly, often mixed with milk. Its legacy as a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine remains strong, and it is recognized for its capacity to enhance physical performance and deliver anti-aging benefits.
Forms and Types of Best Shilajit Supplements
Shilajit is processed and purified from intoxicants and heavy metals once it is extracted. It can then be converted into various forms which can be used as supplements.
The best Shilajit supplement for you will depend on your preference of consumption.
Below are some of the most common forms of Shilajit:
| Form | Description |
| Resin | Processed and purified formMore refined, resinous consistencyConsidered a more concentrated version that is easier to use as a supplement |
| Powder | Most common formDried and crushed to covert into powderCan be taken with milk or mixed into other beverages or foods |
| Capsule | Encapsulated and sold as a dietary supplementMay contain shilajit alone or combined with other herbs for added benefits |
| Liquid | Purest form because of minimal processingA few drops can be added to food and beverages |
There are two types of Shilajit based on the region: Altai and Himalayan.
- Altai Shilajit is collected at lower altitudes and has a slightly different mineral composition, making it less potent but still highly regarded and more commonly available than Himalayan Shilajit.
- Himalayan Shilajit is further classified into four types based on their nutrient composition and the color of the ores surrounding them: red (gold), blue (copper), white (silver), and black (iron). The colors indicate a higher concentration of the respective minerals, with red Shilajit containing slightly more gold, white more silver, blue more copper, and black more iron.
Shilajit and Its Relation to Mental Health
Shilajit has positive effects on both the body and mind. Its wide range of beneficial compounds, including fulvic and humic acids, minerals, and antioxidants, play a crucial role in enhancing mental health and cognitive function.
How Does Shilajit Work to Improve Mental Health?
Shilajit influences mental health through several key processes:
- Regulation of Neurotransmitters: Shilajit helps regulate the brain’s neurotransmitters, reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It plays a crucial role in balancing neurotransmitter levels, such as increasing dopamine and decreasing serotonin, which can enhance mood and cognitive function.
- Antioxidant Properties: Shilajit contains fulvic acid, a powerful antioxidant. A 2012 study found that fulvic acid may help block the buildup of tau proteins, which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. This can potentially slow cognitive decline and improve mental clarity.
- Cognitive Function Improvement: The bioactive compounds in Shilajit, especially fulvic acid, may improve memory, focus, concentration, and mental clarity. Fulvic acid helps prevent the breakdown of brain chemicals essential for memory.
- GABA Levels: Studies on mice have shown that Shilajit increases levels of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps reduce brain overactivity, potentially treating depression and anxiety disorders.
Mental Health Benefits of Shilajit
Here are some of the benefits Shilajit has on mental health and brain function:
Stress Reduction
Shilajit has shown promise in reducing stress and anxiety levels. This natural resin helps in quicker recovery from stress, often linked with symptoms like low energy and chronic fatigue. Given the connection between stress, anxiety, and depression, Shilajit might benefit those at risk for mental health disorders.
Shilajit acts as a natural adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stress and manage its physiological effects. It maintains mental clarity during stressful situations and keeps the body calm.
A 2013 study in India found significant anxiolytic and antidepressant properties in Shilajit. This helps control serotonin levels, reducing anxiety symptoms like uneasiness, restlessness, and cold extremities.
Improved Cognitive Function
Shilajit enhances cognitive function by boosting brain health and energy levels. By improving mitochondrial function, Shilajit improves energy levels and supports overall cognitive function. A 2012 study showed that Shilajit supplements could reduce Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) symptoms and restore energy by preventing mitochondrial dysfunction.
Research also indicates that Shilajit positively impacts memory and cognitive function. It increases levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter crucial for learning and memory. A 1993 study published in Phytotherapy Research revealed that Shilajit significantly improved learning and memory in rats.
Mood Enhancement
Shilajit plays a crucial role in balancing mood and combating depression and anxiety. It regulates neurotransmitter levels in the brain, enhancing dopaminergic activity and reducing excessive serotonergic activity, contributing to improved mental health.
Several studies support these benefits. A 2011 study published in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that Shilajit significantly improved cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s, reducing disease progression by 43.8% compared to the control group.
Shilajit is also known as a “revitalizer”, and many studies show that it increases overall energy levels in the body and reduces fatigue. This also helps in maintaining an overall positive mood as the body is energized.
Choosing the Best Shilajit Supplement
When selecting the best Shilajit supplements, it’s crucial to focus on several quality indicators to ensure you’re getting a genuine and effective product. The brand you are choosing must provide pure and potent Shilajit products.
Quality Indicators
Here are some indicators you can look for in your Shilajit products:
- Purity: Look for products that have been lab-tested to confirm the presence of essential minerals and fulvic acid. Make sure that the Shilajit supplement you choose is free from heavy metals like arsenic and lead. Additionally, choose brands that transparently share their extraction and processing methods to ensure the product is free from fillers and additives.
- Sourcing: Opt for Shilajit sourced directly from the Himalayas for the highest quality and authenticity. Selecting organic products is also important to avoid chemical contamination and ensure a natural, pure product.
- Certifications: Certifications play a significant role in ensuring the quality of Shilajit supplements. The USDA Organic certification guarantees the product is free from pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and genetically modified organisms.
By paying attention to these factors, you can confidently choose the best Shilajit supplements that meet your health and wellness needs.
You can avoid low-quality Shilajit products by investigating the brand’s reputation and reading reviews from other customers. Avoid products that do not clearly state their sourcing, extraction, and processing methods. Ensure that all certifications are from reputable organizations and not self-claimed by the brand.
Best Shilajit Supplements On The Market
There are several brands on the market claiming to provide the best Shilajit supplements. Here are a few that stand out in quality:
#1. Based Supplements
At Based Supplements, optimal health is the cornerstone of a happy life. Their commitment to wellness shines through in their high-quality products, designed to boost energy, vitality, and cognitive function.
By sourcing and testing only the best ingredients, they aim to help customers achieve their health goals.
- Sourcing and Quality: Their Shilajit is harvested by experienced villagers in Kosh-Agach, located at the foot of the pristine Altai Mountains. The Shilajit is meticulously processed and packaged to ensure its purity and potency, offering the most potent form of Shilajit available. It is extensively tested in Russia and America to ensure it is the best shilajit supplement on the market.
- Key Features: They offer pure and authentic Shilajit resin, high-potency tablets, and Pine Pollen, all rigorously tested for safety. They publicly share their Certificate of Analysis. Trusted by over 3000 customers, their Shilajit is ideal for enhancing vitality, boosting cognitive function, and achieving optimal health and wellness.
#2. Pure Himalayan Shilajit
Since 2015, Pure Himalayan Shilajit has been dedicated to bringing the best of the Himalayas to you. The journey began with the introduction of their first Shilajit, selected during years spent living in these majestic mountains.
This isn’t just a business; it’s a passion shared by a global team committed to health and wellness, earning them recognition as one of the best Shilajit brands in the US.
- Sourcing and Quality: Pure Himalayan Shilajit stands out for its potency and purity, retaining all its inherent enzymes, salts, and proteins by preserving its original molecular structure. Unlike other brands, they avoid high heat or prolonged drying processes, which can destroy these essential nutrients.It also undergoes rigorous testing by a third-party US company, ensuring that the product is free from toxins and metals.
- Key Features: Pure Himalayan Shilajit is available in various forms like sun-dried liquid drops and gummies. Ranked among the top Shilajit brands in the US, it offers a 60-day money-back guarantee and uses innovative sun-drying methods. Ideal for those seeking a natural source of Fulvic Acid, trace minerals, and a powerful adaptogen for stress reduction.
Incorporating Shilajit Into Your Routine
To maximize the benefits of Shilajit, consistency is key. The best Shilajit supplements are available in various forms, but it is important to take the right amount. The recommended daily dosage ranges from 250 to 1,000 mg.
Here are some tips which can help you add Shilajit to your routine:
- Choose High-Quality Shilajit: Look for pure, authentic Shilajit sourced from the Himalayas, tested for purity and potency.
- Start Small: Begin with a small dose, about the size of a grain of rice or pea, mixed with warm water, milk, tea, or coffee. Consume it on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning.
- Be Consistent: Take Shilajit daily for 6-7 weeks to fully absorb its benefits.
- Different Forms: Try different forms like powder, resin, capsules, and even Shilajit-infused products like coffee and gummies to find what suits you best.
Potential Side Effects of Shilajit & Precautions
While Shilajit offers numerous health benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and take precautions to mitigate them.
Unregulated Shilajit consumption can lead to adverse effects such as itchiness, increased heart rate, dizziness, and nausea. To avoid these, ensure you choose high-quality natural Shilajit resin that is pure, authentic, and sourced from the Himalayan mountains.
It is also important that people with a medical condition avoid taking it directly without the approval of a doctor. Pregnant women and children should avoid taking Shilajit. Moreover, people suffering from diabetes and other old age diseases should also abstain from it.
Here are some general precautions you can take:
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: Before consuming Shilajit, especially if you have a medical condition like diabetes or are pregnant, consult with a healthcare provider.
- Start with a Small Dose: Begin with a low dosage to see how your body reacts and gradually increase as needed.
- Monitor for Side Effects: If you experience any adverse reactions, reduce the dosage or discontinue use and seek medical advice.
Conclusion
Incorporating the best Shilajit supplements into your routine can significantly enhance both your physical and mental well-being. This potent natural resin, sourced from the pristine Himalayan mountains, is celebrated for its ability to boost energy, improve cognitive function, and support overall health.
When selecting Shilajit supplements, prioritize quality by choosing products that are pure, properly sourced, and rigorously tested. Brands like Based Supplements exemplify these standards, offering trusted options for optimal benefits.