Shilajit: An Ancient Remedy for Modern Brain Health

Shilajit, is a sticky, tar-like natural substance secreted by and found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayas. And has been used in traditional medicine for millennia. In Sanskrit it was called “the destroyer of weakness“.

Shilajit forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant material. The end result is rich in minerals, fulvic acid, and a host of other bioactive compounds.

Recent clinical studies have started to uncover the extensive nootropic benefits of Shilajit. Particularly for enhancing brain health and cognitive function.

This review article looks into the most recent clinical evidence on how Shilajit works in your brain.

Shilajit helps:

• Neuroprotection: Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body, is a significant contributor to neurodegenerative disease.[i] Shilajit helps scavenge free radicals which protects your brain from oxidative damage.

• Alzheimer’s protection: Fulvic acid found in Shilajit can help prevent the accumulation of tau protein, which is thought to be one of the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. By inhibiting the aggregation of these proteins, Shilajit helps protect neurons from damage.[ii]

• Energy: Shilajit has traditionally been used as an energy booster. Studies show standardized Shilajit supported activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Because Shilajit helps preserve mitochondrial function and integrity.[iii]

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit (salajit, shilajatu, mimie, or mummiyo) is a blackish-brown powder or an exudate (secretion) found in high mountain rocks, especially in the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal.

It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant material and is rich in minerals, fulvic acid, and a host of other bioactive compounds.

Shilajit can also found in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and in northern Chile (Andean Shilajit).[iv]

Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani medicine for over 3 thousand years as a rejuvenator and adaptogen.[v]

Traditionally, Shilajit is consumed by people from Nepal and northern India, and children usually take it with milk in their breakfast.

The Sherpas include Shilajit as part of their diet; a population known for their extraordinary health and longevity.

Shilajit contains over 85 minerals in their ionic form, humic substances, and fulvic acid, which play a crucial role in nutrient absorption at the cellular level.

Fulvic acid, in particular, enhances the permeability of cell membranes, which boosts the transport of nutrients into your brain, and takes the toxins out of the cell.

Shilajit is an antioxidant, antidiabetic, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-inflammatory, antiallergic, analgesic, and antifungal.[vi]

How does Shilajit Work in the Brain?

Shilajit boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.

1. Shilajit for anxiety and stress. Modern life often comes with high levels of stress and anxiety, which can significantly impact cognitive function. Shilajit has been shown to possess anxiolytic properties, helping to alleviate stress and promote mental well-being.

An animal study published in the Indian Journal of Pharmacology demonstrated that Shilajit can increase dopamine and modulate serotonin levels. Which are critical for mood regulation.[vii]

2. Shilajit for fighting Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). CFS is a complex disorder that manifests as extreme fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest. CFS can severely impact cognitive function, leading to brain fog and poor memory. Shilajit has shown promise in managing CFS symptoms.

One study found that Shilajit supplementation could improve mitochondrial function, which enhances energy production at the cellular level. It does it by restoring CoQ10 levels. The study found that supplementing with CoQ10 and Shilajit boosted mitochondrial energy production.[viii]

Improved mitochondrial function translates to more energy and less brain fog, contributing to enhanced cognitive performance.

How things go bad

Our brain chemistry and energy metabolism are constantly changing. And any number of factors from chronic stress to disease and environmental factors can degrade cognitive function.

↓ Memory, recall, reaction time and mood decline

↓ Neurotransmitters and cellular signaling breakdown

↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity and overall brain health

↓ Nerve growth factor and neurogenesis decline

↓ Free radicals and inflammation damage brain cells

↓ Immune system is compromised

All of these changes can happen at any age. And are certainly contributing factors to age-related cognitive decline.

Adding Shilajit to your nootropic stack can help boost energy levels and increase cognitive function.

Shilajit benefits

Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine typically recommended Shilajit to their patients to boost energy and revitalize the body. Turns out most user reviews also report an energy boost when using Shilajit.

Shilajit may have potential for avoiding Alzheimer’s Disease because the fulvic acid in this nootropic helps prevent tau tangles. And diminishes the length of fibrils already formed.[ix]

Men benefit from using Shilajit because it boosts total and free testosterone, DHEA, and sperm count.

The combination of CoQ10 and Shilajit helps boost energy levels by increasing the product of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in mitochondria.[x]

Shilajit may help prevent ovarian cancer after radiation therapy by blocking apoptotic pathways.[xi]

And Shilajit is a potent neuroprotectant by protecting brain cells from oxidative stress and brain cell damage.[xii]

How does Shilajit feel?

Many Shilajit users report an immediate increase in energy. Some say this nootropic made them feel 20 years younger

Consistent Shilajit use has been said to boost performance throughout the day.

One Neurohacker called Shilajit her “Zen garden in a jar – one dollop, and I’m ready to conquer the day with the calm focus of a meditation guru”

Another reported “it’s like a wellness shot for your soul”.

Several Shilajit users said they no longer suffered with their usual brain fog. When used sublingually its effects are noticed within 10 minutes. With more stamina and mental clarity than they have had in months.

One user reported “my wife and I are using it to gain muscle mass and increase physical performance after the age of 45”.

The overall consensus is one dose of Shilajit results in a profound shift in energy levels.  Instead of dragging yourself out of bed, you wake up with a sense of anticipation and eagerness to embrace the day ahead.

Shilajit is “like having a sunrise in a jar!”

You now feel like working out, have more energy, lost weight, and your sex drive is insane!

Shilajit Clinical Research

Shilajit increases testosterone

Testosterone plays a critical role in brain function and cognition. Testosterone receptors in your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are involved in higher cognitive function.

But your sex hormones can decline for various reasons including age. Shilajit has been shown to help restore testosterone levels.

A clinical trial was conducted at B. Roy State Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital in India from 2012 – 2014. Researchers selected 96 volunteers with a mean age of 49 years. And divided them into two equal groups.

Group 1 received 250 mg purified Shilajit twice per day for 90 days and Group 2 got a placebo.

Supplementing with Shilajit twice per day significantly increased total testosterone, free testosterone, DHEA, and maintained healthy levels of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH).[xiii]

Shilajit for Opioid & Alcohol Withdrawal

Anyone addicted to opiates or alcohol knows the challenge that there is no approved treatment for opiate tolerance and dependence. And 12-step groups are the only real proven method for getting off of alcohol.

Withdrawal from these drugs is extremely difficult and at times deadly.

So, any natural alternative is a Godsend to someone who wants or needs to get off of opiates. Turns out that traditional Chinese Medicine has been using Shilajit for opiate withdrawal successfully for 200 years.

A study in 2001 found Shilajit was shown to inhibit tolerance to analgesic effects of morphine.[xiv]

Another study conducted at the Birla Institute of Technology in India found that Shilajit altered cortico-hippocampal dopamine in mice. Which helps reduce alcohol dependence and withdrawal.

It worked even better when combined with Ashwagandha.[xv]

Shilajit for Acute Mountain Sickness

Working and recreation at high altitudes can often result in Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

The symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness can include gastrointestinal distress, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, anorexia, breathlessness, dry nose, tiredness, giddiness, palpitation, cough, lethargy, dyspnea, edema, dizziness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and disinclination to work.[xvi]

Shilajit has been shown to help reduce the symptoms of gastro distress, headache, weakness, anorexia, dehydration, heart problems, insomnia, cough, and pain.

Shilajit acts is anti-anxiety, antistress, antiepileptic, insomnia, and works as an adaptogen.

High altitudes can cause oxygen deficiency. Shilajit can help remove excess fluid from the lungs.[xvii]

High solar radiation including UV radiation is a problem at high altitudes. Shilajit has been shown to help in the treatment of skin and eye disorders caused by solar radiation. Because of Shilajit’s photoprotective action.[xviii]

So, if you plan in hiking in the mountains or climbing Mount Everest, plan on take some Shilajit with you. It may save your life.

Shilajit Recommended Dosage

Recommended Shilajit dosage is 250 mg twice per day.

Shilajit is water soluble. You can use Shilajit in capsules or tablets, or dissolve Shilajit paste in a glass of water.

Shilajit has a bitter taste, and some say its smell resembles stale cow urine.

Shilajit Side Effects

Shilajit is considered non-toxic. So is considered well-tolerated and safe.

Side effects are rare but can include increasing iron levels so if you are dealing with hemochromatosis then don’t use Shilajit.

Shilajit can increase testosterone levels so should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women or children.

Several studies have shown that Shilajit that is sold without purification can contain heavy metals, prooxidant agents, and is a mycotoxin (fungus).

Several Ayurvedic Shilajit products sold online showed the presence of lead, mercury, arsenic and other minerals including gems. Including lead poisoning.[xix]

In 2005 the Government of Canada issued a warning and advised against using Ayurvedic Indian-sourced Shilajit because it was found to contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals including lead, mercury, and arsenic. Particularly Shilajit produced by Dabur India Ltd. New Delhi, India.[xx]

Best Type of Shilajit to Buy

Shilajit is sold in tablet, capsule, resin, and powder form. Tablets and capsules are usually 250 mg each.

You will find several Shilajit products online. But beware of the warnings by health authorities including the Canadian Government about unpurified Shilajit often loaded with heavy metals.

Your safest Shilajit option is a product called PrimaVie^® which is manufactured by Natreon Inc based in New Jersey. In 2022, Natreon was acquired by the Kerry Group also based in New Jersey, USA.

I recommend:

Nootropics Depot (PrimaVie^®) Purified Shilajit Capsules (Amazon)