The Best Time To Take Shilajit

by Jason | Last Updated: November 17, 2021

Shilajit is a powerful natural remedy, but it is important to understand the best time and dosage for consumption of its different forms.

First off, it is advised to consult your holistic physician before starting regular consumption of the herb.

For each form of Shilajit, we will discuss the recommended time frame and dosage amount below.

In general, Shilajit can be taken as often as daily and the best time of day is in the morning. As with most natural remedies, you should not take it more than the recommended dosage – which we will touch on to follow.

That said, it is important that you confirm dosage of Shilajit’s various forms with a medical professional before beginning a regiment. 

A majority of the recommended dosage is based on the dried herb. As an herb, Shilajit is not water soluble.

In order for it to be more effective, you’ll need to get the herb into your system via one of various unique extraction processes.

Best Time Of Day To Take Shilajit

Many of the products created from the herb are in capsule, powder, liquid, or other convenient forms, and thus recommend a different dosage. Continue on to see each form broken down in more detail.

Resin Shilajit

Shilajit in resin form is a powerful adaptogen herb that has been used for centuries in India to improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and balance hormones.

In recent years, it’s been popularized by the Western alternative medicine community as a “superfood” with many health benefits — and it’s easy to see why!

In the resin form, the best time to take Shilajit is in the morning with breakfast or in the early afternoon with lunch.

This is the most effective time to take Shilajit because it helps to keep energy levels steady throughout the day.

Shilajit resin is very sticky and difficult to swallow unless consumed with enough liquid, so try taking it with almond milk, cranberry juice, or black or green tea (cooled down) or warm water (with honey). Start with about half a teaspoon, then work your way up to 1-2 teaspoons daily. 

You can also use Shilajit resin to make a bowel detox protocol at the beginning of the month (or when you feel like your digestion needs a little help).

You can do this once every 4-6 weeks in order to keep your bowels moving regularly.

This insight isn’t the most glamorous, but it’s worth knowing- your colon is basically your second brain.

It’s where all your neurotransmitters are made, and it’s where waste is effectively processed so that it doesn’t cause you to feel sluggish or bloated.

Capsule/Tablet Shilajit

Capsule Shilajit is the most convenient form of Shilajit because it’s easy to take on the go. It’s also significantly more affordable than most other forms of Shilajit.

However, it’s not always a great idea to take Shilajit in a capsule form daily, because most brands of Shilajit in capsule form have a low concentration of Shilajit.

This is because the extraction efficiency of capsules is quite low. Thus, you might need to take around 5-10 capsules simply to feel the effects of Shilajit if consuming the wrong brand, which is a waste of your money. 

The recommended dose of Shilajit capsules is around 1-2 capsules per day. More than that might be too much for your body, and thus might lead to side effects.

Make sure you are consuming the right kind of capsule, because usually, capsule shilajit products contain other ingredients. These are usually plant extracts, herbs, minerals, and sometimes even sugar.

To find a trustworthy brand, look for the right certifications.

Some certifications to look out for are the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), FDA (US Food and Drug Administration), GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), KFDA (Korea Food and Drug Administration) and ISO certification.

These are big regulatory bodies who are responsible for making sure that products are safe, and that the companies that produce them are safe.

The good brands usually have these certifications. It is recommended to look for brands that list their Shilajit extract percentage on the label.

Most reputable brands will list this, and the higher the percentage the better.

Powder Shilajit

Shilajit powder is the most potent form of Shilajit. It contains the most amount of Shilajit, which translates to a stronger effect in the body.

It’s also the least dangerous form of Shilajit because, in powder form, you can mix your Shilajit with water. This form of Shilajit is also the most expensive when compared to the other forms.

The best time of day to consume Shilajit powder is in the morning. It’s a good idea to start your day with a dose of powder Shilajit because it will help improve your focus, concentration, and cognitive function throughout the day.

Shilajit powder is easily bioavailable. That means the nutrients are easily absorbed by your body. The absorption rate of Shilajit powder is also very quick.

There are many ways to consume Shilajit powder. A simple way to do this is to mix ½ tsp of Shilajit powder with 8 oz of water. You can also mix in a teaspoon of honey.

Adding honey to the mix is a great way to mask the unpleasant taste of Shilajit powder.

You can also mix it with your coffee, tea, or yogurt. You can even add it to your favorite smoothie recipe. It can be added to a fruit smoothie, a vegetable smoothie, a protein smoothie, or a nut butter smoothie.

You can add it to your warm or cold cereals in the morning. You can add it to hot or warm drinks with milk. You can add it to your oatmeal. You can add it to your chia pudding.

The options are really endless, since the powder form is so versatile. Find what tastes and works best for you!

Liquid/Drop Shilajit

Liquid Shilajit is easily absorbed by the body. It’s created through a process called “carbonization”, which allows for a high concentration of Shilajit to be extracted without the addition of any other ingredients. 

Liquid Shilajit contains the same amount of Shilajit as powder Shilajit because it’s made from the same material.

One of the unique things about Liquid Shilajit is that it can be dropped under the tongue. This is great for people who are on the go. It also gives it a bioavailability rate similar to that of Powder Shilajit. 

The advised dosage of liquid Shilajit is one drop three times per day. At this dosage, users can experience increased energy, better focus, and more mental clarity.

The micro-carbonized Shilajit in liquid Shilajit is absorbed by the body very quickly, so it’s best to take Liquid Shilajit with around the time of a meal to make sure it’s fully absorbed.

More specifically, Shilajit in the liquid form should be taken about an hour before or after a meal to prevent stomach upset and gastric disturbance.

The liquid Shilajit can be taken on an empty stomach, but this may result in stomach upset and other minor side effects.

To make it easier to take, add your Liquid Shilajit to a smoothie or other liquids. For best results, take liquid Shilajit at the same time every day for consistent effects.

How Long Does Shilajit Stay in Your System?

The amount of time it takes for your body to process Shilajit depends on the amount you’ve ingested, how it is ingested, and your metabolic rate.

Obviously, if you’ve ingested massive amounts of Shilajit, it is going to take your body longer to metabolize it, meaning it can take considerably longer to leave your body.

That said, It is believed that Shilajit can stay in your system anywhere from three days to three weeks. Once it is ingested, it usually stays in your body for up to three days.

However, it can stay in your body for longer than that if you’re not producing much urine. If this is the case, the Shilajit could stay in your system for up to three weeks.

It’s important to remember that the form of Shilajit you have is going to have a direct effect on the amount of time it will remain in your body.

Shilajit can stay in your system for longer if you have a higher-quality Shilajit. This is because lower-priced Shilajit isn’t as pure, meaning it contains more contaminants that get in the way of Shilajit being consumed by your body.

Can You Take Shilajit At Night?

The actual time of day you consume Shilajit can have a direct effect on how you feel when you take it.

Many people like to avoid taking Shilajit at night, because it is marketed as an “energizing” supplement.

However, don’t let the marketing and advertising fool you. If you eat a healthy diet and take Shilajit at night, you may still wake up feeling more energized. 

I’ve seen some pretty good reviews by users who have taken the extract at night. It can be really difficult to sleep if you have a lot on your mind, so the idea of the supplement helping you unwind at night might be appealing.

I personally prefer to take Shilajit first thing in the morning. This way, it is fresh in my mind, and I have the rest of the day to enjoy its benefits.

That said, Yes, you can take shilajit at night but it’s important for you to experiment with night vs morning for yourself, to determine what is best for you.

Should You Take Shilajit in the Morning?

Many will say the best time to take Shilajit is first thing in the morning. Research has shown that it has a number of beneficial effects on brain cells, which include: increased alertness, enhanced learning, reduction in anxiety, improved mood, and improved memory.

The reason why many suggest morning is because it will have a positive effect on the focus, mood, and motivation throughout the day.

It will help you be more productive and efficient. Other people recommend taking it around 2-3 PM, as it can help you end the day on a high note, relaxing you and giving you the chance to rest.

To top it off, there is no definitive answer as to whether you should take it on an empty stomach or not, so it’s recommended that you experiment to see what works best for you.

Times to Not Take Shilajit

Depending what you read or who you listen to, you’ll hear all different recommendations on when to take Shilajit and when not to.

I’ve seen recommendations that you shouldn’t take Shilajit during the day because it will make you sleepy.

I’ve also seen recommendations that it will make you sleepy and you should take it at night.

I’ve seen recommendations that it should never be taken on an empty stomach and you should eat something first before taking it.

The point is, its important for you to experiment with various forms of Shilajit at different times of day.

When you find the timing that works best for you, then just stick with that timing. This could be based on your schedule, sleep needs, or how it makes you feel at different times. 

Based on my own personal experimentation, I discovered that I didn’t get the best benefits when taking it at night. I did get the best effects when taking it in the morning (around 7 or 8 am), on an empty stomach or with a small amount of water (to go with the water stored in the Shilajit.) This is when I’ve gotten the most benefits and I personally feel it the most.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Does Shilajit make you tired?

Shilajit does not typically cause tiredness for most people. Rather, after using it for some time, people notice that they are less tired and have more energy. However, for some, they do report that Shilajit aids their sleep.

Does Shilajit give you energy?

Many people report feeling slightly more energized while using Shilajit. Some report feeling “uplifted”. Shilajit is considered to be an energy tonic.

Users often report that they feel less tired throughout the day, and their energy level is sustained, even after taking it in the morning.

How long will Shilajit take to be effective?

Most people notice very good benefits after the first few days of use. Some people notice a slight improvement in a day or two, while others need a week or so before Shilajit fully kicks in.

Everyone is different, so some people may notice a faster or slower response. Be patient, and try to give it a fair shot so you can see it for yourself.