Shilajit: what's actually in the resin
6 min read
Shilajit is a resin that seeps from rock faces in high mountain ranges, the Himalayas most famously, formed over centuries as plant matter compresses and breaks down. It's one of the oldest substances in traditional medicine and one of the most inconsistently sold today, which makes knowing what to look for unusually important.
ShilajitFulvic acid is the active story
The compound most research focuses on is fulvic acid, a product of long-term organic decomposition. It is the main thing researchers measure when they study shilajit.
That's why purified extracts are standardised to a fulvic acid percentage. A product that doesn't state one is asking you to take its word for it.
The mineral profile
Genuine shilajit carries a broad spread of trace minerals picked up from the rock it formed in: magnesium, iron, zinc, and dozens present in tiny amounts.
- Trace minerals in a naturally occurring form
- Fulvic and humic acids from slow plant decomposition
- A taste and smell people either love or hide in a gummy
- No authorised health claims in the UK, so be wary of brands promising results
Purity is the whole game
Raw shilajit scraped from rock contains whatever else was on that rock. Because it concentrates minerals from its environment, it can also concentrate heavy metals, which is exactly why unpurified resin sold cheaply online is a genuine risk, not a theoretical one.
Buy purified, standardised extract with third-party testing for heavy metals. This is the one supplement where skipping the certificate of analysis is a bad idea.
How to take it
Daily, with food, in the morning, as part of your routine. It is often blended with other traditional plant extracts, as in our gummies.
Start at the low end of the label dose. There's no benefit to loading it.
Common questions
Resin or gummies?
Resin is traditional and tastes like it. Gummies dose a standardised extract, which is more consistent and considerably easier to keep up.
Is it like caffeine?
No. It isn't a stimulant. People take it as a steady daily habit.
Can women take it?
Yes, adults can. Skip it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and check with your doctor if you take medication.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, speak to a healthcare professional before starting anything new.
Do not exceed the recommended dose.
More guides
Ashwagandha
Where it comes from, why the extract type matters, and how to fit it into your day.
Beauty · Daily routineMulti Collagen
Types I, II, III, V and X, peptides, and how to read a collagen label.
Hydration · PerformanceElectrolytes
Sodium, potassium and magnesium: what you lose in sweat and how to replace it.