We are a reader-supported site. Purchases made through links may earn a commission. Disclosure | Medical Disclaimer

Best Shilajit Capsules 2024 – Buying Guide & Reviews

Shilajit has been used by traditional medicine practitioners for centuries. It is known to many as “the Conqueror of Mountains” and “the Destroyer of Weakness.” This is considered a miracle drug to many.

It’s a substance that comes from great mountain ranges in India, China, Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, and Central Asia.

It usually comes in the form of a black, sticky resin that has an unpleasant taste and smell. Most people prefer to take it in capsule form to avoid that.

Top 20 Shilajit Capsules

#1 CHOQ

CHOQ uses PrimaVie’s Shilajit for their CHOQ Shilajit capsules. PrimaVie is a respected brand in the world of Shilajit, and you can read about their many qualities further in this article.

CHOQ tests their Shilajit twice via an objective 3rd party laboratory. 

Pros:

Cons:

Read Our Full CHOQ Review

#2 Natural Shilajit

Natural Shilajit capsules use gold grade Shilajit harvested from the Altai mountains at 14,000 feet. The Shilajit is slow-processed using a cold method as opposed to the more common high heat method.

The Shilajit is then freeze-dried to turn it into a powder. Natural Shilajit says this preserves more of the natural nutrients in the Shilajit. This product is eco-friendly.

The capsules are made with vegetarian ingredients and the container is made from 100% recycled cardboard and bamboo. 

Pros:

Cons:

#3 Pure Shilajit Capsules

Pure Shilajit Capsules are made with Shilajit harvested from the Altai mountains in Siberia. They use spring water to purify the raw Shilajit.

Pure Himalayan Shilajit promises their customers that their Shilajit is 100% authentic and of the highest quality.

Pros:

Cons:

#4 Raw Forest Foods

Raw Forest Foods Shilajit capsules were harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges. Raw Forest Foods promises their Shilajit capsules have no fillers. They also boast that their capsules contain 40% fulvic acid.

Raw Forest Foods are willing to disclose their certificate of analysis, but they do not reveal what laboratory did the tests. 

Pros:

Cons:

#5 Youtheory

Youtheory Mens Shilajit Advanced uses Shilajit from PrimaVie, a well-tested brand of Shilajit that has been used in multiple studies. This Shilajit was harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges.

Youtheory works with various charitable organizations around the world.

Pros:

Cons:

#6 Jiva Botanicals

Jiva Botanicals uses Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges for their capsules. This product is made in the US. Jiva Botanicals prides itself in its Current Good Manufacturing Practices or cGMP approved production facility.

Pros:

Cons:

#7 Sunfoods

Sunfoods Shilajit capsules use Shilajit harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges. Their Shilajit is hand-harvested at great heights. This Shilajit is processed at low temperatures. They have had their Shilajit tested for toxic elements.

Pros:

Cons:

#8 PrimaVie

PrimaVie Shilajit has been recognized by the ayurvedic research community as the industry standard.

It has been used in no less than 8 studies to measure the health benefits of Shilajit.

Several of these studies concluded that Shilajit has positive effects, such as increased testosterone in testosterone-deficient men and preventing heart damage in rats after a heart attack. 

Pros:

Cons:

#9 Papnami

Papnami Shilajit Organic Shilajit Extract capsules contain a mixture of 7 other herbs. Papnami claims it has had its capsules tested by a 3rd party laboratory. If you go to their website, they offer free trials for their products.

Pros:

Cons:

#10 Jarrow Formulas

Jarrow Formulas uses Shilajit from PrimaVie, which has been used in multiple studies and is a respected brand in the industry.

PrimaVie Shilajit has been tested by their in-house laboratory for toxins, and these results are available upon request via an email to PrimaVie’s customer service.

Pros:

Cons:

#11 HealthForce

HealthForce SuperFoods Shilajit Supreme capsules use Shilajit harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges. The capsules are made from non-GMO tapioca, making them both vegan and kosher.

These capsules are also compliant with the American Herbal Products Association guidance policies, and AHPA is the leading trade association for dietary supplements.

Pros:

Cons:

#12 Roar To Life

Roar To Life High Potency Shilajit capsules use Shilajit sourced from the Himalayan foothills. The manufacturer says a single serving is 2 capsules a day, which adds up to 1200 mg of Shilajit. The recommended daily dose of Shilajit is 300 to 500 mg.

Pros:

Cons:

#13 Mi Nature

Mi Nature sources its Shilajit from India. They boast that it is 100% pure. Mi Nature is so confident in its Shilajit capsules that they offer a money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied.

The manufacturers’ recommended dose is 2 capsules, which adds up to 900 mg of Shilajit. However, the recommended daily dose of Shilajit is 300 to 500 mg according to this study.

Pros:

Cons:

#14 Swanson

Swanson uses a “classic Ayurvedic herbal formula” for their Shilajit capsules. Swanson promises their Shilajit capsules are rigorously tested for purity and potency by a 3rd party laboratory. 

Pros:

Cons:

#15 Global Healing Center

Global Healing CoQ10 & BioPQQ with Shilajit capsules uses PrimaVi Shilajit, which has been used by researchers in many studies involving the potential benefits of Shilajit.

CoQ10 is a nutrient that naturally occurs in the body. It’s key in the production of energy, replication of DNA, and it also acts as an antioxidant.

BioPQQ is also an antioxidant, and some studies show that it can promote mitochondrial growth.

Pros:

Cons:

#16 Dragon Herbs

Dragons Herbs Shilajit capsules source their Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges at high altitudes.

These capsules also contain rice powder, bamboo extract powder, and calcium stearate.

Dragon Herbs is so confident in their Shilajit capsules that they have a money-back guarantee, no questions asked. 

Pros:

Cons:

#17 Upakarma Ayurveda

Upakarma Ayurveda sources its Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges at high altitudes.

Upakarma Ayurveda says its Shilajit capsules have been tested for purity by NABL or National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

This company is so confident in their product that they have a return and refund policy.

Pros:

Cons:

#18 Tattva’s Herbs

Tattva’s Herbs sources its Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges.

These Shilajit capsules also contain Amla and Pippali extract, both of which are found in India and nearby countries that are both used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Amala is a berry rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Pippali is a long pepper is rich in analgesic, alkaloids, and beta sitosterol.

Tattva’s Herbs says they have had their products tested for potency and safety twice, once in India and again in America. 

Pros:

Cons:

#19 Sayan

Sayan sources their Shilajit from the Altai mountains in Siberia. Their Shilajit is harvested traditionally, which is by hand.

Sayan Shilajit’s packaging is environmentally-friendly with its Amazon-certified compact design. 

Pros: 

Cons:

#20 MONOHERB

The MONOHERB Shilajit extract comes in 500mg per capsule and 120 capsules so it will last a good while. It is made in India and GMP Certified. It will give your energy like you never have before.

Pros:

Cons:

Buying Guide – What To Look For When Buying Shilajit Capsules

Type Of Shilajit Capsules

There are two main types of Shilajit capsules.

  1. Capsule type

This is a common type. It is a cylindrical two-part container made of soluble material. Powdered medication or supplements is measured and poured into one part and capped off with the other. One kind of capsule is made with gelatine, an animal-based product. The other kind is made strictly from plants. Plant-based capsules are usually used when the drug or supplement it is carrying is also plant-based.

  1. Tablet type

Some Shilajit capsules are sold in tablet form. Tablets are compressed medication or supplements. Powdered Shilajit is measured and forced into a mold called a die, which determines the shape of the final tablet. These tablets are removed from the mold. Sometimes certain drugs are given an external coating that can serve multiple purposes. This coating can mask unpleasant tastes or smells, make the drug easier to swallow, and/or control the release time of the drug.  

Quality/Purity Of Capsules

Shilajit comes in different grades, and not all of them are equal. The highest grade is called gold grade Shilajit, or sometimes red grade Shilajit. This Shilajit gets its name from the color of the rocks it is harvested from. Gold grade Shilajit is used in rejuvenation or Rasayan. This type of Shilajit is usually found in the Himalayan mountain ranges at high altitudes, however, it can also be found in other mountains. The other grades affect specific aspects of the body. Silver or grey grade Shilajit is used to cure imbalances in the nervous system or Majja Dhatu. Iron or black grade Shilajit is for imbalances in Meda Dhatu or fat. Copper or brown grade Shilajit is used to correct imbalances in the liver.

Unfortunately, you can’t test for the grade or quality of your Shilajit. All grades of Shilajit result in similar-looking products. The only way you can be 100% sure that your Shilajit is gold grade and not silver grade is if you watch the whole process of refining the Shilajit from harvesting to packaging. Fortunately, you can test for the Shilajit’s purity.

Here are a few tests you can do to your Shilajit capsules to see if you have a pure product. If they pass, then it is very likely that it is pure. Remember though that just because it is pure does not mean it is of a high grade.

The Water Test

Fillers and additives will be easy to uncover with a simple solubility test. Take some warm water and put it in a clear glass. If your Shilajit is a capsule type, open the capsule and dump the contents into your glass of water. If your Shilajit is the tablet type, simply drop it in the water. Stir the Shilajit and water mixture thoroughly. There should be no particles left behind. Put the drink in your mouth and press your tongue to the roof of your mouth. There should be no grittiness. If it feels gritty and has visible particles, then it has additives. 

The Smell Test

True Shilajit has an aggressive and pungent smell. It smells like tar, dirt, and smoke with a little bit of an herb-like scent. Split a capsule open to get a good whiff. If it smells like nothing or if it smells good, it is likely fake Shilajit or impure.

The Alkalinity and Acidity Test

This test requires a little bit of science. There are two methods. One involves pH strips, a special paper coated with a dye that changes color depending on how basic or acidic a liquid it is exposed to is. These strips can be bought online. The other method is more do-it-yourself and involves two basic household items: vinegar and baking soda. These tests work because Shilajit contains fulvic and humic acids, making it acidic.

The pH strips method requires pH strips, purified water, and your Shilajit. Dissolve your Shilajit into the water. Once fully dissolved, dip your pH strips. Shilajit has a pH level of 5.10. Consult the chart that comes with your pH strips.

The DIY method requires water, baking soda, vinegar, and two clear containers like drinking glasses. First, dissolve 1 part Shilajit into 100 parts water. Once fully combined, divide the Shilajit mixture between the two glasses. 

In your first glass, add some vinegar and mix completely. Leave it undisturbed for half an hour. The top of the solution should be lighter and the lower area should look hazy. If this is not what happens, your Shilajit is not pure. 

In your second glass, add a lot of baking soda and stir intensively. Your solution should stay the same color if it is pure. If it changes color then you know it is not. 

Shilajit capsule dosage depends on the Shilajit content, which varies between brands. It’s best to consult the instructions that come with your Shilajit capsules. The recommended dosage is between 300 mg and 500 mg a day. If you are unsure how much you should take, consult your doctor. 

Price

The price range varies wildly. You can buy a bottle of Shilajit capsules for as cheap as $5 to as expensive as $55. The cheapest ones will be tempting, but you have to consider how the manufacturer is able to keep their costs so low and still deliver you a product. What corners are they cutting to get this product to you? That doesn’t mean that expensive is always the best option, however. A company can hide behind a hefty price tag and still deliver a sub-par product. Do your research, and spend your money wisely. 

Best Shilajit Capsule Brands

Natural Shilajit is a fairly well-established company in the Shilajit market. They have different kinds of Shilajit products in their catalog. Their current goal is to spread the word about Shilajit to as many people as possible. Natural Shilajit is looking to make a difference in Cambodia by partnering up with the Koya project. This is an organization dedicated to educating children in impoverished regions about how to grow their food using aquaponics. For every purchase a customer makes with Natural Shilajit, they donate $3 to the Koya project. 

CHOQ is a research-based company that aims to combine tradition and science to find supplements that can optimize their customers’ performance in life. They believe in raising the bar in the supplements industry. CHOQ tests its products twice by a 3rd party laboratory. They use PrimaVie’s Shilajit for their CHOQ Shilajit capsules. PrimaVie is a respected brand in the world of Shilajit, and you can read about their many qualities further in this article.  

Pure Himalayan Shilajit is a well-established company in the world of Shilajit. It was founded in 2015 to bring their spin on Shilajit to the market. Their team sources Shilajit from different regions so they can manufacture and sell different forms of Shilajit products on their website. 

Raw Forest Foods is a company that was founded in 2010. They focus primarily on Pine Pollen-related products, but their catalog extends to other herbs and adaptogenic like Shilajit capsules. 

Youtheory was founded by husband and wife duo Darren and Patty Rude. Darren Rude has had experience working with other brands that sell supplements. Youtheory values philanthropy. They have worked to construct orphanages in Africa and water wells in Kenya. They work with New Horizons to help homeless children and Never Ever Give Up or NEGU to help children with cancer and their families. They also give back to the communities where their products are sourced from. 

Jiva Botanicals was founded by Michael Deslippe, a man who has dedicated his life to Ayurveda. He has spent many years studying it when he lived in India. Michael Deslippe says he believes in providing his customers with supplements that have merit beyond the hype. The company’s goal is to create products that unite the thousands of years of traditional medicine with modern scientific medicine. 

Sunfoods was established in 1994 in San Diego. It started out selling coconut oil, cacao, and goji berries to the locals, because these superfoods were largely new and uncommon at the time. It rapidly grew with each addition of nut, berry, and seed products on their shelves. It now boasts over 150 so-called superfoods in their catalog, an impressive feat for a family-owned business. 

Papnami is a brand that sells cocktails of herbal supplements. Common ingredients that they use include turmeric, black pepper, boswellia, and Ashwagandha. At the time of writing there isn’t much information available about the company Papnami.

Jarrow Formulas was founded in 1977 in Los Angeles. Its namesake and founder Jarrow L. Rogovin would deliver his supplements to LA health and food stores personally when it was just starting out. Jarrow Rogovin was a firm believer in science-based dietary formulations. This earned his company recognition, which allowed it to grow exponentially in a short amount of time. From such humble beginnings, Jarrow Formulas has come far; reaching countries in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. 

HealthForce was founded in 1990 by Dr. Jameth Sheridan. They are committed to bringing their customers the highest quality superfoods. Final products are tested for potency, heavy metals, gluten, and harmful microbes. They source ingredients from vendors who who assure HealthForce that they use sustainable practices to make pure ingredients. They double-down on the eco-friendly front by using amber glass bottles with oxygen absorbers and airtight metal lids. This packaging ensures your product stays fresh for longer as well as reducing your carbon footprint.

Roar To Life was founded by Megha Kapur and Swarali Phadke. Their philosophy is “Caring for life in a pure, natural and simplistic way.” That is to say, they believe that natural products are superior to artificial ones. They strive to make health products that are vegan-friendly, microbe-free, chemical-free, and non-GMO.

Mi Nature was established in 2015. It started from a small team of five people in India, and it has since exploded to over a hundred people across multiple countries. Their facilities comply with ISO and GMP standards. They believe in giving back by providing women the means to become independent, by planting more trees, and by helping the needy survive. It should be noted, though, that they do not specify how.

Swanson was established in 1969 in North Dakota. Their core principles are quality, value, and service. Swanson believes in offering only top-quality products with the best value. Their facilities have been compliant with GMP or Good Manufacturing Practices since 2001. 

Global Healing Center was founded by Dr. Edward F. Group III in 1992. This was in response to a lack of plant-based solutions to diseases. Dr. Edward used his medical background to supplement his business acumen to build Global Healing Center to what it is today.

PrimaVie is produced by Nootropics Depot. Nootropics Depot offers a wide variety of supplements ranging from mushroom extracts to fish oil to Shilajit. It regularly conducts in-house and 3rd party laboratory tests on its products. The owner is very hands-on, even going as far as moderating the Nootropics Depot subreddit and regularly replying to threads there. 

Dragon Herb’s was founded in 2000 by Ron Teeguarden. The company wants their products to be a union of art and science. Dragon Herbs now produces over 100 herbal products including Shilajit. 

Upakarma Ayurveda was founded in 2017 by Vishal Kaushik and Parag Kaushik, two brothers who saw a future in putting a modern twist to traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Their primary focus is delivering the best quality product. They also value innovating, meeting the market trends, and maintaining excellent customer service.

Tattva’s Herbs is based in Seattle, but their belief in Ayurvedic medicine means their people spend plenty of time in India to acquire the raw materials they need. They are proud of a new technology incorporated into their line of products called Supercritical Extracts. This state-of-the-art technology uses carbon dioxide to extract oils, pigments, and resins from plant matter. 

Sayan was founded by David Vartanian in 2007. He was inspired by the Siberian herbal medicine, the Chaga mushroom. He created Sayan to bring Chaga products to the US. Sayan’s main focus is creating and distributing Chaga products, but they have since expanded their catalog to include other mushroom products, teas, coffees, and Shilajit products. 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Question

Do Shilajit Capsules Expire?

Yes, Shilajit capsules eventually expire. The manufacturer usually puts an expiration date on the container. If there is no expiration date, Shilajit generally lasts 3 years after manufacturing.

Are Shilajit Capsules Effective?

Everyone will have different reactions to different Shilajit capsules. Its effectiveness will depend on your physiology and the capsule formulation.

Best Time To Take Shilajit Capsules

The best time to take Shilajit capsules is 30 minutes or an hour before activities where you need extra energy and mental focus, such as school, exercise, or work.

How Many Should Capsules Should I Take?

Do not take any more than the manufacturer recommends. If you are unsure, either take just 1 capsule a day or consult your doctor.

How Long Do Capsules Take To Work?

It depends on the person’s metabolism. Compared to liquid and resin Shilajit, capsules will take their time to be absorbed by your system. For some people, it will take effect immediately, while others will need a few weeks or months.