What is shilajit?
Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin that seeps from rocks in high mountains such as the Himalayas, used in Ayurveda as a rejuvenating tonic and rich in fulvic acid and minerals.
Shilajit is like water collected from a mountain spring: it can carry valuable minerals, but also whatever pollutants were in the rock and soil along the way.
Why it matters for aging
It forms over centuries as plant matter decomposes and mixes with minerals in rock layers. Fulvic acid, its main claimed active ingredient, is said to help the body absorb minerals, but human evidence for that is very limited.
If you consider it, choose only purified products with an independent lab certificate showing tests for heavy metals and microbes, and talk to your doctor first.
A common myth
Shilajit is a pure, natural superfood proven to boost energy and testosterone.
Human evidence is one small testosterone trial using a branded extract, and little else. Raw or poorly purified shilajit can contain heavy metals, fungal toxins and microbes.
Go deeper
Deep dives
- Shilajit: benefits, claims and heavy-metal risk
- Ayurveda and longevity: what science says about the ancient system
Related terms
Updated Nov 9, 2026 · All terms