Have you heard about Shilajit, a natural substance touted as "nature's Viagra"? Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years, Shilajit is gaining global popularity for its numerous health benefits. But what exactly is Shilajit, and is it worth the hype? Let’s explore the science, benefits, and risks of this fascinating natural remedy.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance formed over centuries by the decomposition of organic material in high-altitude mountain ranges. Found in the Himalayas, the Caucasus, and even the Rocky Mountains, Shilajit is a rich source of trace minerals, humic acid, fulvic acid, and antioxidants.
This ancient remedy has been used in Ayurvedic medicine to promote longevity, enhance energy, and improve fertility. Its formation and collection are no small feats—Shilajit forms only at altitudes above 12,000 feet, and harvesting it involves dangerous climbs in rugged terrain.
The Science Behind Shilajit’s Benefits
What makes Shilajit so special? Its secret lies in its composition. Shilajit contains essential trace minerals that the body needs to function optimally. These minerals are vital for many processes, including:
- Enzyme Activation: More than half of the body’s proteins, called metalloproteins, require metals like iron, zinc, or manganese to function.
- Detoxification: Fulvic acid in Shilajit acts as a chelating agent, binding to harmful heavy metals and removing them from the body.
- Replenishing Deficiencies: Modern agricultural practices have stripped our food of essential minerals, leaving many people deficient. Shilajit restores these vital nutrients.
Scientific studies back Shilajit’s benefits. Research has shown that it can increase testosterone levels by 20% and improve sperm count and motility. These findings support its traditional use as a remedy for fertility and sexual health.
How Safe is Shilajit?
Shilajit is generally safe, but not all products on the market are created equal. Here are some key concerns:
- Contamination: Poorly sourced Shilajit may contain harmful substances like heavy metals, coal, or even sawdust. Always choose products with verified testing and certification.
- Medication Interactions: If you’re taking medication for blood pressure or diabetes, be cautious. Shilajit can lower these levels naturally, potentially leading to dangerous drops when combined with medication.
- Ethical Concerns: Some harvesting practices involve child labor or unsustainable methods. Ensure the product you choose comes from an ethical and sustainable source.
Choosing the Right Shilajit
When I began sourcing Shilajit for my practice, I encountered many challenges. Many suppliers couldn’t provide basic documentation like heavy metal testing or certificates of analysis. After extensive research, I partnered with a small-scale harvester in the Rocky Mountains who uses sustainable and ethical practices.
To improve convenience, we created a liquid Shilajit formulation. Unlike traditional sticky resin, the liquid is easy to measure and use without mess or guesswork. This makes it more practical while retaining all the health benefits.
How to Use Shilajit Safely
- Start Slow: Begin with small doses to see how your body responds.
- Take Breaks: Once your body is replenished with minerals, switch to a maintenance schedule (e.g., 4-5 days per week).
- Monitor Interactions: If you’re on medication, consult with a healthcare professional before starting Shilajit.
The Verdict: Is Shilajit Legit?
Shilajit is a powerful natural remedy with a rich history in traditional medicine and compelling modern research to back it up. From boosting energy and fertility to replenishing vital nutrients, its benefits are well-documented. However, sourcing and safety are crucial. Always choose high-quality, ethically sourced products to ensure you’re getting the real deal.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of Shilajit, visit my website for trusted, lab-tested products. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for special offers and updates.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew Kaufman is a physician, educator, and natural health advocate. With a passion for uncovering truth in health and science, he helps individuals achieve optimal well-being through education and evidence-based natural remedies.
FULL TRANSCRIPT
I'm Dr. Andy Kaufman, recovering physician, plandemic whistleblower, natural healing pedagogue, and legal code talker. You can call me the "Truth Doctor." I'm here to shift your paradigm as I perform a radical forensic dissection, discerning fact from fiction, science from pseudoscience, medicine from poison, law from legal fiction, and individualism from collectivism. This is your channel for unraveling the truth about health and science. This is the Healthy Living Livestream.
Hello everyone. I am Dr. Andrew Kaufman, and I'm excited to be here today to talk to you about Shilajit. Is it legit? Before I get going, and I’m going to start off with a little video to show you what it’s like to actually harvest Shilajit, let me remind you that if you sign up for my free newsletter, you’ll be the first to know about special discounts and offers, including about the subject of today’s livestream. And when you do this, you have the opportunity to get a lot of free resources. For example, my masterclass on how to avoid the emergency department, along with accompanying PDF documents that are very, very useful to handle most common medical emergencies at home—just by giving your email address. So please go to andrewkaufmanmd.com and sign up.
Okay, so I thought I would start us off with a little clip from a mini-documentary about Shilajit that highlights an individual and his son, members of a village still willing to go out and find and harvest some Shilajit because of its high value. I’ll let you take a look right here:
This man is hunting for an aphrodisiac that some people call a "natural Viagra." It only forms at high altitudes, like here in the Himalayas. One misstep, and the drop is 15,000 feet. People across South Asia have taken Shilajit for centuries to improve libido and treat infertility. Now, people are paying hundreds of dollars to get their hands on it. But while it’s soaring in popularity around the world, so are the fakes. So, is Shilajit really a miracle product? And is the risk of finding it worth the hype?
Well, I think you might find that interesting, especially that at least in the Himalayan mountains, to harvest Shilajit, you have to go above 12,000 feet in altitude. This presents quite a danger of climbing, often in very inconvenient areas. Regarding the controversy of Shilajit, let me ask a simple question: would people risk their lives climbing to obtain such a high-value product if it didn’t provide some benefit? I think you can answer that question effectively using common sense.
Now, it has been used for roughly 3,000 years in Ayurvedic medicine, which is quite a lot of experience. And as pointed out, it is quite dangerous, and there are several pitfalls in this industry or market with respect to this product. I’ll cover those today so you can be an educated consumer. But let me start by explaining exactly what it is and what it provides in terms of health benefits.
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is essentially a rock-type substance that, when purified, becomes a sticky, tarry substance. It forms only at high altitude in various mountain ranges around the world, including the Himalayas, the Caucasus Mountains, Chile, and even the Rocky Mountains in the United States—and probably elsewhere, where it hasn’t yet been looked for or found.
Shilajit is the result of microorganisms breaking down plant molecules over a long period. It contains typical constituents of plants, including humic acid, fulvic acid, trace minerals, and small amounts of other phytochemicals, some of which are said to have antioxidant properties.
What Makes Shilajit Effective?
Shilajit’s main benefit is its wide variety of trace minerals. Trace minerals are metals, including various heavy metals, essential for the body’s function. Over half of the proteins in the human body require small amounts of metals to function optimally.
Most of us are already familiar with this concept in blood function. Hemoglobin, a protein that binds oxygen and delivers it to tissues, relies on an iron atom inside its molecule. Similarly, superoxide dismutase, a detoxification enzyme, requires manganese. Even sperm production (spermatogenesis) requires zinc for optimal function.
Unfortunately, due to modern food production systems, these trace minerals are largely absent from our diet. Veterinarians recognize their importance for animals and use them to maintain basic health, but even then, the focus is rarely on optimal health. Shilajit is a great way to provide these missing nutrients while also offering the benefits of fulvic acid, which helps remove harmful metals from the body.
Clinical Evidence for Shilajit
There’s a misconception that there are no human studies on Shilajit, but this is false. While most studies have been conducted on animals, there are two well-done randomized controlled trials involving humans. One focused on testosterone and sex hormones, while the other looked at sperm count and motility. Both studies showed consistent results, with testosterone increasing by around 20% and significant improvements in sperm count and motility. These findings support Ayurvedic claims of Shilajit’s role in fertility and sexual health.
Shilajit is also remarkably safe. Toxicology studies show that the lethal dose is over 10,000 times the therapeutic dose, making it highly unlikely to cause harm under normal use.
Risks and Concerns
However, there are risks to be aware of:
- Fake Products: Many products marketed as Shilajit are adulterated with fillers like coal, fertilizer, or even sawdust.
- Contamination: Raw Shilajit may be contaminated with heavy metals or toxins due to environmental factors during collection. Always verify your product’s purity through third-party testing.
- Medication Interactions: Shilajit can naturally lower blood sugar and blood pressure. If combined with medications for these conditions, it could cause dangerous drops.
My Shilajit Journey
When sourcing Shilajit for my shop, I encountered many suppliers who were uninterested in testing or documentation. Eventually, I connected with Phoenix Aurelius, who introduced me to a one-man operation harvesting Shilajit in the Rocky Mountains. The process is sustainable and ethical, ensuring quality while protecting the environment.
Conclusion
Shilajit is a powerful tool for replenishing trace minerals, supporting detoxification, and improving vitality. With its rich history in traditional medicine and strong scientific backing, it’s a worthwhile addition to natural health regimens. However, sourcing and quality are key—always choose trusted suppliers to ensure safety and efficacy.
