Shilajit’s a substance known amongst South Asians as the “Destroyer of Weakness.”
It’s used by Ayurvedic practitioners to treat a whole host of ails and maladies.
Supposedly it can cure your fatigue, insomnia, altitude sickness, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, focus issues, heart problems, and much, much more.
This wondrous substance that is secreted by mountains is one of the rarest substances on earth, rarer than even precious saffron.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Shilajit Powder
#1 Raw Forest Foods
Raw Forest Foods was founded in 2010 by Ryan Wade to sell Raw Pine Pollen and Pine Pollen Tinctures, but they have since expanded to other nature-based health products like Shilajit powder.
This Shilajit powder consists of 40% fulvic acid, one of the two humic substances in Shilajit that are linked to its supposed health benefits.
Raw Forest Foods extracts their Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges where they believe the best Shilajit’s from.
Pros:
- This Shilajit powder was tested for heavy metals by Raw Forest Foods
- This Shilajit powder was tested for fulvic acid levels by Raw Forest Foods
- There are many positive reviews from satisfied customers. They report that their energy levels are elevated and their mood is improved
- The company responded within a day to the email requesting the lab test results
Cons:
- A few customers report the Shilajit powder having no effect on them
- Raw Forest Foods does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Buyers who want to see the lab test results before making a purchase have to email the company, which is a slight inconvenience
#2 Pure Himalayan Shilajit
Pure Himalayan Shilajit has a wide range of Shilajit products available under their brand including the Shilajit powder.
This product uses Shilajit harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges.
They use cold water to process their Shilajit, a departure from traditional methods which use hot water.
Pure Himalayan Shilajit believes this preserves the molecular properties of the Shilajit.
They use freeze-drying technology to powderize their Shilajit extract, a process they believe preserves nutritious components and enzymes in the Shilajit.
Pros:
- This Shilajit powder has been tested by an objective 3rd party laboratory based in the US
- This comes with a stainless steel measuring spoon
- it’s compliant with California’s Proposition 65 safety standards regarding hazardous chemicals
- The company responded within a day to the email requesting the lab test results
- There are many a few reviews from satisfied customers. Many of them report that they experience increased energy after using this Shilajit powder
Cons:
- Pure Himalayan Shilajit does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- The powder has a tendency to clump up and turn rock hard according to reviews
- A small number of reviewers say they experienced no effects from this Shilajit powder
- While the reviews are positive, there isn’t a lot of them which means your sample size of information is small compared to other brands
- Buyers who want to see the lab test results before making a purchase have to email the company, which is a slight inconvenience
#3 PrimaVie
PrimaVie Purified Shilajit powder is produced by Natreon, a company dedicated to marrying science with ayurvedic medicine and bringing the products of this marriage worldwide.
Their Shilajit products have been used in multiple studies by researchers looking to prove the effectiveness of Shilajit.
These studies observed the effects of Shilajit on a person’s skeletal health of obese patients, muscular weakness due to fatigue, testosterone levels in men who experienced testosterone deficiency, and skin aging in women.
These studies conclude that more research can be done, but the results showed that PrimaVie Shilajit products had a positive effect on their test subjects.
This Shilajit was harvested from the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Pros:
- This product has been tested by PrimaVie’s in-house laboratory for heavy metals and harmful microbes
- This brand is trusted enough by scientists to use as their source of Shilajit for their tests and experiments
- The tests done using PrimaVie products have been published in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- The experiments using PrimaVie products concluded that their products positively impacted the test subjects
- The company responded within a day to the email requesting the lab test results
- The positive reviews report that they experience more energy and improved libido
Cons:
- You need a scale to measure an accurate dose
- One reviewer found the information on the packaging illegible
- PrimaVie does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Buyers who want to see the lab test results before making a purchase have to email the company, which is a slight inconvenience
#4 Sunfood Superfoods
Sunfood Superfoods is a family-owned company that started in 1994. They believe that consuming nutrient-dense foods supports the health and maintenance of the body.
They say local farmers harvest their Shilajit by hand at high altitudes, where many people believe the purest Shilajit’s found.
Sunfood Superfoods assures their customers that their Shilajit powder has been tested by an objective 3rd party laboratory for heavy metals, bacteria, mold, pesticide, and yeast.
Pros:
- Many customers are satisfied with this product. Most report that they experience an increase in libido, energy, healing rate, and mental focus
- This Shilajit powder was evaluated by a 3rd party organization and is certified non-GMO
Cons:
- Many customers report that the Shilajit powder has an unpleasant smell. It’s so unpleasant that some customers could not consume the Shilajit powder
- Some customers report the quality varying between batches
- Other customers say this product does not affect them
- Sunfood Superfoods does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested by a 3rd party laboratory for safety, the test results are not available online
#5 Ayure Top Grade Shilajit Powder
Ayure Top Grade Shilajit Powder is harvested from the Altai mountains of Siberia. it’s collected at high altitudes of 14,000 feet.
According to the company, it’s purified using spring water. This Shilajit powder boasts that it’s from grade A Shilajit.
Pros:
- It comes with a metal measuring spoon
- Many customers are satisfied with this product. Most report that they experience an increase in energy and sex drive
Cons:
- The packing has quality control issues. Many customers did not receive the measuring spoon it’s supposed to include
- Ayure does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested by a 3rd party laboratory for safety, the test results are not available online at the time of writing
#6 Purisure Shilajit Powder
Purisure is a company based in the US that is devoted to selling health and wellness products.
They sell many fitness, health, and superfood products including Shilajit powder.
They source their raw Shilajit from the Himalayan mountain ranges. This Shilajit powder is so-called 12:1 because they have concentrated 12 parts of raw Shilajit into 1 part extract.
Supposedly each batch is tested by a 3rd party laboratory for heavy metals and harmful microbes.
Pros:
- You can take a smaller dose of Shilajit powder compared to other products due to its concentration levels
- Many customers are satisfied with this product. Most report that they are happy with how concentrated the Shilajit powder is and that they experience a boost in energy, focus, and mood
Cons:
- Some customers felt that there is an issue with quality control. Some received batches that taste different or are not as potent. One customer’s package arrived opened and some of their Shilajit powder had spilled
- Purisure does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested by a 3rd party laboratory for safety, the test results are not available online at the time of writing
#7 Holistic Bin
Holistic Bin is a company dedicated to selling adaptogens, mushrooms, and herbs that are believed to promote good health.
Among their many products is their Shilajit powder, which is harvested from the mountain ranges of Altai in Siberia.
They process their Shilajit at low temperatures and use the sun to dry it out into powder.
Pros:
- This Shilajit powder has been tested by an objective 3rd party laboratory based in the US and the test results are readily available online
- A majority of their customers are satisfied with this product. Most say that this is a very potent brand of Shilajit powder that boosts their energy and improves health
Cons:
- While the reviews are positive, there isn’t a lot of them which means your sample size of information is small compared to other brands
- Holistic Bin does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- A couple of customers are put-off by the flavor
#8 Herbs Forever
Herbs Forever is a US-based company. Their Shilajit powder is extracted using traditional methods and dried via the sun.
Pros:
- At 230 g, this is the largest amount of Shilajit powder you can purchase on our list
- A majority of its reviews are positive
Cons:
- While the reviews are positive, there isn’t a lot of them which means your sample size of information is small compared to other brands
- Herbs Forever call their Shilajit powder A-grade, but that does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested by their in-house laboratory for safety, the test results are not available online at the time of writing
#9 Ojio Shilajit Powder
The distributor of Ojio Shilajit Powder believes in making a healthy lifestyle accessible to people and inspiring others to make healthy choices.
Ojio boasts that their Shilajit powder is highly potent and is “Grade A.”
Pros:
- It’s fairly affordable for the amount you are getting compared to the other brands on our list
Cons:
- While the reviews are positive, there isn’t a lot of them which means your sample size of information is small compared to other brands
- Ojio calls their Shilajit powder “Grade A,” but that does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested by their in-house laboratory for safety, the test results are not available online at the time of writing
#10 Matcha Outlet
Matcha Outlet is a company that primarily sells matcha, a green tea from Japan, but it also sells other health and superfoods like Shilajit powder. They say their Shilajit powder contains 50% fulvic acid.
Pros:
- Matcha Outlet has suggested recipes to make consuming Shilajit powder more enjoyable
Cons:
- While the reviews are positive, there very few of them which means your sample size of information is small compared to other brands
- Matcha Outlet does not indicate what grade of Shilajit they use
- Though they claim that the Shilajit powder has been tested for safety, the test results are not available online at the time of writing
Buying Guide – What To Look For When Buying Shilajit Powder
What Is Shilajit Powder?
Shilajit powder is a powdered form of Shilajit resin. Shilajit’s known for its energy-boosting and healing properties.
It’s the result of hundreds of years of decomposing plant matter that has been compressed in the mountain.
This mineral pitch is harvested from mountains in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, Australia, and the Himalayan mountain ranges at high altitudes.
This is processed and refined so that it becomes safe for consumption. Then it’s turned into a powder by drying the resulting Shilajit liquid.
Different Types of Shilajit Powder
Many companies like putting “top-grade Shilajit” on the packaging, but that doesn’t mean anything. Shilajit comes in 4 grades.
- Gold or Red Grade
This Shilajit’s called gold or red because it’s extracted from red or gold-colored rocks.
This is the highest quality of Shilajit available and is used in Rasayan or rejuvenation.
Gold grade Shilajit’s most often found at extremely high altitudes in the Himalayan mountain ranges, but it’s possible to find it in other mountains.
- Silver or Grey Grade
Silver or grey Shilajit’s primarily used for imbalances in the nervous system or Majja Dhatu to ayurvedic practitioners.
- Iron or Black Grade
If you are looking for this kind of Shilajit, the best place to find it’s in Nepal and Bhutan. This grade is used for imbalances in Meda Dhatu or fat.
- Copper or Brown Grade
Brown Shilajit’s used to correct imbalances in the liver.
There is technically a 5th grade, but this is animal feces that con artists try to pass off as Shilajit. it’s fake Shilajit.
Quality/Purity
Unfortunately, after Shilajit is processed for human consumption, all grades of Shilajit look the same.
Even the fifth fake grade can easily pass a visual examination. The only way you can determine the grade of Shilajit you’re purchasing is if you see the rock it’s extracted from.
Otherwise, you will have to rely on the word of the manufacturer.
The good news is you can test for purity. If your Shilajit can pass these tests, then that is a good indicator that you have the authentic product in your hands.
The Smell Test
Real Shilajit has a pungent and smelly scent. It should smell of smoke and tar, with herbal and earthy tones. If it doesn’t smell like much then it’s likely mixed with additives, preservatives, and the like.
The Solubility Test
Pure Shilajit should mix readily in warm water or milk within a few minutes of mixing. Check the bottom of your glass for undissolved sediments.
You could also put the mixture in your mouth and swish it around with your tongue.
If it feels gritty then there are impurities or additives mixed in with your Shilajit powder, making it impure.
The Alkalinity and Acidity Test
Pure Shilajit’s rich in fulvic and humic acid. You can use litmus paper which is available online to test your Shilajit and water mixture.
If you do not want to buy litmus paper, you still conduct this test using these household items: baking soda and vinegar.
You will need to prepare two batches of Shilajit and water solutions. The ratio is two parts Shilajit with 100 parts water. It’s best if you prepare your solutions in two clear containers such as glasses or bowls.
In the first container, mix in a substantial amount of baking soda and stir it thoroughly. If your Shilajit’s pure, it will not change in color. If your solution does, you do not have pure Shilajit.
In your second container, add some vinegar and mix the solution. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
If your Shilajit’s pure, the top part of the solution should be lighter, while the lower part should be foggy. If this is not the result you see, your Shilajit’s not pure.
Benefits
Historically, people from South Asia have used Shilajit for thousands of years to treat many ailments and diseases.
That is thousands of years of anecdotal evidence backing the miraculous healing properties of Shilajit.
Here are some of the health benefits attributed to the use of Shilajit products:
Boosts Heart Health
659,000 people die from heart disease per year in the US. Before Covid-19, it was consistently the leading cause of death in America annually.
Ayurvedic medicine practitioners claim that Shilajit resin can lower high blood pressure and improve heart health. A lot of it is anecdotal evidence for now, but here is a study published in 2014 that gives these anecdotes scientific backing.
The study was published by Springer Science + Business Media New York. It showed that Shilajit could protect your heart tissue from damage caused by heart attacks.
The study broke up their rats into three groups, one given no Shilajit, and the other two dosed different amounts of Shilajit regularly (one given 250 mg of Shilajit, and a group given 500 mg.)
The groups were again divided into two, one half exposed to heart damage and the other half left alone.
The Shilajit they used was harvested from Austria, not the usual Himalayan Shilajit.
The results showed that the groups that received Shilajit had healthier heart muscle fibers compared to those who did not after they had artificially induced heart attacks.
In fact, the rats that received higher doses of 500 mg had the healthiest hearts of those who had experienced heart damage.
Helps Combat Obesity
Obesity is a tricky disease because it affects every aspect of a person’s life and it can cause new health disorders or exacerbate existing ones.
It can cause chronic fatigue and increase your chances of dying of heart complications and getting diabetes among other things.
Obese people tend to have difficulty in losing weight due to pre-existing health issues or chronic fatigue.
Consistent exercise is a huge obstacle to people with obesity because of chronic lethargy.
Shilajit could help bridge the energy gap because of the energy boost that it provides.
This boost can greatly improve an obese person’s motivation and capability to exercise.
Unfortunately, other obstacles still exist, such as the strain that obese people’s bones experience during exercise. This is due to the extra weight that they have to support during intense and strenuous activities.
The Journal of Medicinal Food published a study conducted on adults with obesity. The participants were observed exercising without Shilajit and observed with a regular dose of 250 mg Shilajit.
Researchers noted that the participants responded better to the exercise when given Shilajit.
They also took note that Shilajit seemed to activate genes in their subjects and that strengthened their skeletal muscles. This meant that they experienced less physical stress in their bones.
Cures Acute Mountain Sickness
Acute Mountain Sickness happens when a person’s body fails to adapt to high altitudes and less oxygen in the mountains.
This results in unpleasant symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, pins and needles, weakness, and swelling of extremities such as your face, feet, and hands.
The International Journal of Ayurveda Research published a study that concluded that Shilajit could be used to treat the symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness or AMS.
Boosts Brain Function
Most Shilajit enthusiasts use Shilajit products because they say it helps them stay focused and it improves their productivity.
There are certain compounds in Shilajit resin that could boost brain functions and potentially even benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease is a brain disorder where a person’s memory and thinking skills deteriorate over time.
There is a study in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease that suggests that Shilajit could be a successful treatment for those with Alzheimer’s.
Kills Certain Viruses
A study done at the University of Torino found that certain viruses like herpes could be killed using Shilajit.
These tests were done in a controlled lab environment, and there is much to be researched and tested.
Still, the scientists find the idea of using Shilajit as an antiviral drug to be viable enough to continue studying.
Slows Down Cell Aging
Aging is unavoidable. The best we can do in the face of such an inevitability is to slow it down by eating right, exercising, and doing other things to care for our bodies.
Shilajit helps combat aging by preventing cell damage done by free radicals. How? With antioxidants.
Shilajit’s comprised mainly of fulvic acid, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound.
Combats Chronic Fatigue
Increased energy is the first effect consumers check for to see if their Shilajit product is authentic.
This effect is usually very evident and has made it popular amongst health enthusiasts as well as people who live with chronic fatigue but have given up on modern medicine.
The Journal of Ethnopharmacology published a study on the effects of fatigue and Shilajit on rats.
They administered controlled doses of Shilajit into the rats after inducing fatigue. They concluded that Shilajit made the rats less tired and more active.
The researchers also noted that the rats’ anxiety levels went down.
Fights Liver Cancer
Cancer is an insidious disease where cells multiply or proliferate out of control and refuse to die.
These cells become destructive when they begin invading organs and tissue they don’t belong to and disrupt normal bodily functions.
Liver cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths around the world. It costs us 700,000 lives every year.
A study published by Springer Nature showed that processed Shilajit had the potential in slowing down the proliferation of liver cancer cells.
Shilajit also had the effect of inducing apoptosis or cell death. This means that their tests resulted in Shilajit combating liver cancer.
Fight Testosterone Deficiency
Testosterone deficiency symptoms according to the St. Louis University ADAM questionnaire include a lack of energy, decreased strength, decreased libido or sex drive, weaker erections, a gloomier mood, deterioration in work performance, poorer performance at sports, and loss of height.
If a man experiences any 3 of these symptoms, they are considered testosterone deficient.
A study published in Andrologia experimented on male volunteers aged between 45 to 55 who tested positive for testosterone deficiency on the ADAM questionnaire.
Of the 75 participants, half were given a placebo, the other half were given 250 mg of Shilajit for 90 days.
At the end of this double-blind study, the researchers noted that the participants taking Shilajit had a significant increase in their levels of testosterone.
Recommended Dosage
Besides being rare, expensive, and laborious to make, the reason why Shilajit products are sold in small amounts is that a little lasts you a long time.
It takes only a pea-sized amount per dose or about 250 mg. You can take Shilajit up to three times a day.
Some practitioners and manufacturers recommend you use Shilajit powder up to 5 days a week.
Shilajit powder is regularly dissolved in warm water, milk, tea, coffee, but it can be blended into smoothies or mixed into soups.
Price
Shilajit powder prices vary greatly. A ballpark estimate is $20-$50, but the amount you’ll get for your money will depend on where you’re buying.
Remember that there are people who fake Shilajit or mix fillers to their Shilajit. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it might just be that.
However, you also shouldn’t assume that more expensive products are better.
Learn more about the price of shilajit.
Storage
Powdered Shilajit can clump together and become difficult to use if stored improperly.
Make sure that you keep it away from heat sources like hot appliances or the sun. Cool and dry places are ideal.