Shilajit: what is it and why is it so healthy?

Before we begin

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Some substances in nature are so remarkable that they are almost impossible to recreate. Shilajit is one example. This dark, mineral-rich resin has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years and has also become increasingly popular in the West in recent years.

The reason it has been valued for so many centuries? It is one of the richest natural sources of fulvic acid and contains more than 80 essential minerals. In this blog, we take you through what Shilajit is, how it forms, what makes it so special and what it could mean for your health.

Over time, this substance is increasingly absorbed into the rock. In the summer months, heat causes the rocks to 'sweat out' the substance. The dark brown mass that emerges is Shilajit, prized around the world. Once collected, it is naturally purified, concentrated and processed into one of the most potent extracts.

How is Shilajit collected?

Shilajit has traditionally been collected by indigenous mountain communities who know exactly where and when to look. In summer, as the sun warms the rock, Shilajit becomes softer and easier to see. This is when they head into the mountains. At high altitudes, often above 1000 metres, they search rock faces and cliffs. They look for the dark resin flowing from cracks in the rock. It is harvested by hand. This takes experience and courage. The places where Shilajit is found are often difficult to reach.

After harvesting, the purification process begins. Raw Shilajit contains soil, sand and small stones. To remove these, the resin is dissolved in water. It is then filtered several times. What remains is pure, bioactive Shilajit. No chemicals, fertilisers or pesticides are added. A traditional method that respects the power of nature.

Why is Shilajit so good for you?

Shilajit is extremely rich in organic minerals from plant sources. Most studies show that good-quality shilajit contains more than 84 minerals and trace elements, including copper, silver, zinc and iron in their ionic forms. This gives the substance a complete spectrum of every essential mineral. Because shilajit contains such a broad range of minerals, they are naturally present in small concentrations. It is this variety that makes it a complete and balanced supplement.

Alongside its wealth of minerals, shilajit primarily contains fulvic acid. This remarkable substance is considered one of the most extraordinary molecular compounds in nature. Thanks to its structure and very small molecular size, it can easily pass through the cell wall and enter the cell. Studies show that this substance influences the transport of vitamins and minerals in our blood to other tissues and cells.

Fulvic acid occurs naturally in healthy, living soils. We normally obtain it through plants, for example from vegetables. However, modern farming and the use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides are reducing the amount of fulvic acid in the soil. As a result, many people unknowingly consume less of it than they used to. Shilajit is one of the most concentrated natural sources of fulvic acid and may help make up this shortfall.

The benefits of Shilajit at a glance

There is a reason why Shilajit is so popular in Ayurveda. It has been used for around three thousand years as one of the most important 'herbs' in traditional Indian medicine. In Sanskrit, shilajit means 'conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness'. Although shilajit and its effects on our bodies are receiving increasing attention in scientific Literatuur, only a limited number of studies have been carried out in humans.

Shilajit owes its benefits mainly to its high concentration of minerals and fulvic acid. For example, some studies show that Shilajit contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism*. This is due to the stimulation of mitochondrial function in our bodies. Mitochondria are the engines of our cells, responsible for producing and distributing energy.

The following benefits have also been attributed to Shilajit:

Shilajit is good for kidney function and the urinary tract*
Shilajit contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism*
Shilajit supports the immune system*
Shilajit helps maintain mental balance*

Thanks to this broad range of effects, Shilajit is a valuable supplement for many people.

An age-old source of energy

Shilajit is a substance with a long history and an impressive natural composition. It is remarkable how a resin that forms slowly and quietly in the mountains can be such a rich source of support. If you are looking for a natural product rich in beneficial substances, Shilajit could certainly be a welcome addition. We believe in the power of this ‘conqueror of mountains’ and remain impressed by what nature can produce with time and patience.

*Health claim awaiting European approval

Written by Lisanne - last updated 27-05-2025