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What are the Most Common Shilajit Side Effects?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 115,334
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There are very few side effects associated with shilajit consumption. It rare instances it may cause or exacerbate gout and if consumed with iron supplements an overdose could occur since it is very high in iron. Aside from this, shilajit is considered safe in relatively high quantities without the risk of adverse reactions.

Shilajit is comprised mainly of decayed plant matter and is found among river rocks in various parts of Asia. It is also called mineral pitch. People in these regions have used it for many years to treat and prevent a variety of health problems, including leprosy, hemorrhoids, sexual dysfunction, skin irritation, wrinkles, asthma, diabetes, and anemia. These benefits have been noted and recorded.

Since shilajit side effects are so rare, many patients prefer to use supplements instead of more conventional drugs. This can be beneficial to some, although those with a serious medical condition should always consult a physician before starting any treatment plan. Although there are few shilajit side effects, neglecting other therapies when appropriate for conditions such as diabetes or asthma could result in a host of health problems.

Being that shilajit is a naturally occurring substance, it may not be fully tested for potential drug interactions. Patients should keep this in mind when taking it in combination with medications. An herbalist or naturalist should be consulted if unsure. Although no known interactions have been reported, shilajit side effects have not be tested for all available over the counter and prescriptions drugs.

Although not reported, any shilajit side effects should be noted if they do occur. Each person is an individual and may react differently than most to a particular substance. Just as most can tolerate peanuts or shrimp, others can have an often fatal allergic reaction. If this type of reaction should occur, symptoms could include itchiness, welts, hives, shortness of breath, dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, vomiting, or swelling. These symptoms are extremely unlikely, but should be kept in mind.

It should also be noted that all tests conducted on shilajit have been done on lab animals and not on humans. For this reason, persons taking shilajit should be watchful for any unusual symptoms while taking the supplement.

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Discussion Comments
By anon995117 — On Apr 04, 2016

Shilajit is amazing.

1. I was suffering from a long term physical ailment that suddenly showed signs of improvement a few days after I started Shilajit. It had been going on for over 12 years and suddenly it was getting better. A coincidence is possible, but not likely.

2. I had lost sexual desire and was not even getting morning wood. Within a few days of starting Shilajit I was having sexual dreams and waking up feeling like a 14 year old boy.

3. For many years, I was having trouble sleeping through the night. I would usually just give up on sleeping and get up at 4 a.m. or so. After a week of Shilajit, I sleep through the night and don't even feel like getting up at 7 a.m., just like a high school kid. I didn't use the "snooze" button for over 20 years, but I'm using it again!

4. My energy level when playing sport or lifting weights is completely different. I can complete grueling workouts (in my mid 40's) and have started playing basketball with teenage kids in the park.

5. I have tried many different supplements and vitamins over the years. I have to say that this is the first time I can definitely say that something feels different.

6. Stock up on dark skinned berries. Eat blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries (choose one, at least one cup at a time) at least three times a day. Blueberries, in particular, are another Shilajit level substance for your body, and you have to consume them. (blending into a smoothie is fine). Dark skinned berries are an absolute necessity to every human being.

7. Last, but not least, never loan money to a person who doesn't take Shilajit twice a day, and eat at least one cup of blueberries each day.

By anon993571 — On Nov 24, 2015

You can't take shilajit with zoloft.

By anon989320 — On Mar 01, 2015

My asthma is gone. Presto, change-o. I have also benefited from the clarity of mind that it offers, the amazing focus it gives me and the relief from anxiety. I run my own business and it can be really a lot of pressure at times but when I take my shilajit, I just feel so calm, like I just took a Valium. So nice. The brand I use is Pur Black. It's the best I've ever had. I recommend it to everyone.

By anon924763 — On Jan 07, 2014

Shilajit is a very powerful substance. If you take a high dose, you might get swelling in your testicles. You will feel pain and get back to normal in four days. If you stopped taking shilajit, after five days you can start it again.

By anon356769 — On Nov 28, 2013

I have a headache and swing problem due to overdose of shilajit. Please tell me the treatment.

By anon336536 — On May 29, 2013

Shilajit contains folic acid that make other substances more efficiently absorbed which potentiates them.

By anon330030 — On Apr 13, 2013

Ayurvedic medicine says that any drug of ayurveda has no side effects. There is no scientific proof for it. It is very sad. Even ayurvedic doctors who have full qualifications in medicine of ayurveda talk about Charaka and some other noted persons in ayurveda but they don't say anything about scientifically proved side effects from medicine. Charaka and some others are nowadays rmp doctors. They didn't have this much technology to test the ayurvedic drugs.

Now I advise the ayurvedic doctors first test all ayurvedic drugs and get approval from the USA or noted Indian drug testing labs and publish them as early as possible so that people would know about ayurvedic drugs to take them with care.

By anon269660 — On May 18, 2012

Can I take shilajit with Zoloft?

By anon155363 — On Feb 23, 2011

To the person who is taking astragalus drops. I found that taking large amounts, bottle after bottle, of Now Foods Astragalus 500 MG capsules, that I feel fantastic. It's a tad expensive to down tons of it, but at $3.25 a bottle it's not too bad. My immune system loves it.

By FirstViolin — On Dec 19, 2010

I recently started taking shilajit herbal supplements, and I can tell you, they really are pretty powerful.

I mean, you read all of these web sites that talk about a thousand shilajit benefits and it starts to seem kind of like a panacea, but it's really surprising to see how many of those claims are actually true.

For instance, I started taking shilajit gold supplements for my digestion, and it has really helped out with that, but it has also increased my libido, made my mind clearer, and just made me feel more vital in general.

Other people say that they get noticeable benefits to their immune system, and I know one person that even uses it to treat his diabetes (under a doctor's supervision, of course).

So I would really recommend trying a shilajit supplement if you haven't already -- it's pretty amazing what such a common herb can do for your health.

By naturesgurl3 — On Dec 18, 2010

@copperpipe -- I'm not a naturopath, but that really sounds like a lot of herbs to be taking all at once. Did you begin taking all those herbs because a naturopath recommended them to you, or are you on some sort of plan for them, or what?

Besides, I'm pretty sure, off the top of my head, that a lot of the shilajit benefits that you're looking for are also benefits of the herbs you're already taking.

If they are not working, then the answer is not to add more -- rather, you need to sit down and work out a specific plan that suits your body's individual needs with a doctor or naturopath. So, short answer, I don't think that you need to start taking shilajit on top of all those other medicinal herbs that you're taking, but you can still sit down with someone to discuss it if you're really keen on taking that one.

Be safe, and namaste!

By CopperPipe — On Dec 15, 2010

Great article! I was wondering if you could give me some more information about how shilajit interacts with other herbs and medicinal substances. I have been advised by a naturopath to start taking some shilajit gold for indigestion, and I was wondering if it would have interactions with some of the other medicinal herbs that I am currently taking.

Right now I am taking damiana herb tea, cat's claw herb tincture, and astragalus herb drops on alternating days. Would it be safe to add in shlajit on top of these, or would there be unpleasant side effects?

Thank you for the information, and for such an interesting and clear article.

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