Shilajit: Side Effects, Precautions and Safe Usage

Shilajit is often called a “destroyer of weakness” in Ayurveda, but many new users in India are unsure about its safety. Common questions people ask are: Is Shilajit safe? Does it raise blood pressure? Does it heat the body?

The truth is simple: Shilajit is safe only when it is purified and taken in the correct dose. Most side effects reported in India come from using raw, impure Shilajit or overusing it without precautions.

This guide explains the real Shilajit side effects, who should avoid it, and the exact steps for safe usage in India especially for beginners, people with BP issues, and those sensitive to heat.

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like mineral resin found in the Himalayan rocks. It forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plants. In India, it is valued for its Fulvic Acid content and over 80+ trace minerals.

But here is the important part:
Because it comes from mountain rocks, raw Shilajit can contain heavy metals, fungus, or contaminants. Consuming unpurified rock Shilajit is unsafe.

Always choose purified (Shodhit), lab-tested resin or capsules.

Also note: In India, the market is flooded with fake or coal-mixed Shilajit, especially cheap powders. These cause most of the liver issues and “side effects.”

Common Shilajit Side Effects

Most healthy adults tolerate purified Shilajit well. But beginners may notice mild reactions during the first week.

1. Digestive upset, nausea, loose motions

Taking too much Shilajit at once or taking it on an empty stomach can cause:

» Nausea

» Stomach discomfort

» Loose motions

Fix: Take it with warm milk or after a light meal.

2. Allergic reactions (rash, itching)

Rarely, some people have resin sensitivity. Signs include:

» Rash

» Itching

» Red patches or hives

If this happens → stop immediately.

3. Rare issues headache, dizziness, liver problems

These problems almost always come from impure or contaminated Shilajit, not from purified resin.

Signs of contaminated Shilajit include:

» Bitter or chemical smell

» Grainy texture

» No lab reports from seller

Shilajit and Blood Pressure What You MUST Know

This is the biggest concern for Indian users.

Purified Shilajit is usually safe, but it may influence blood pressure differently in different people. Some feel a slight BP drop, while others report palpitations. Anyone with hypertension or BP medication should start extremely low and monitor BP daily.

How Shilajit may affect BP (simple explanation)

Some early studies and user experiences suggest:

» Shilajit may slightly lower BP in some individuals

» Some users report palpitations or a racing heartbeat

» BP changes vary based on health conditions & medication use

Therefore:

» If your BP drops too low → dizziness or fainting may occur

» If your heart is already sensitive → palpitations may increase

This is why heart patients and BP patients must be careful.

Who SHOULD NOT take Shilajit (BP-related)

» People with hypertension who are on BP-lowering medication

» Anyone with irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

» Those with recent BP medication changes

» People with a history of heart palpitations

If you belong to any of the above categories, consult a doctor first.

Does Shilajit Heat the Body? (Garam Taseer)

Yes, Shilajit has an Ayurvedic Ushna Virya (hot potency).
This “heating effect” may cause:

» Warm body sensations

» Acne breakouts

» Stomach burning

» Feeling overly hot in summer

How to balance the heat:

» Take with milk or ghee

» Avoid combining with hot spices

» Reduce dose during summer months

» If you have a Pitta-dominant body type, start with very small amounts

This effect is normal, but you must manage it well.

Precautions Before You Start (India-Specific Safety Guide)

Follow this safety checklist to prevent Shilajit side effects:

✔ Buy purified, lab-tested Shilajit

Ensure the brand shows heavy metal test reports (Lead, Arsenic, Mercury).

✔ Start low

Begin with ~100 mg (pea-sized). This is safest for beginners.

✔ Perform an allergy test

Apply a tiny drop on the skin or consume a micro-dose and wait 24 hours.

✔ Avoid with certain medicines

» BP medications

» Heart medications

» Blood thinners like Warfarin

» Diabetes medicines (consult doctor)

✔ People who must avoid Shilajit

» Pregnant women

» Breastfeeding mothers

» People with Hemochromatosis (high iron)

» Those with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell Anemia

✔ Avoid raw or cheap Shilajit

Low-cost products sold in India often contain:

» Coal powder

» Bitumen

» Heavy metals

» Fungus

These cause most health issues not Shilajit itself.

Safe Usage Step-by-Step Guide

Typical safe dose

» Resin: Pea-sized (100–250 mg)

» Capsules: 1 capsule (most brands = 500 mg)

Best time

» Morning, empty stomach OR

» With warm milk for beginners

Herb combinations

Shilajit can be paired with:

» Ashwagandha

» Safed Musli

But if body heat increases, reduce dose or avoid Ashwagandha in summer.

When to STOP and see a doctor

Stop immediately if you notice:

» Severe dizziness

» Irregular heartbeat

» Swelling of face or throat

» Yellowing of eyes/skin (liver stress)

Quick Checklist Before Buying (Very Important)

✔ Is it resin (not powder)?
✔ Is there a lab report for heavy metals?
✔ Does it say Shodhit / Purified?
✔ Is the jar glass, not cheap plastic?
✔ Does the brand provide dosage instructions clearly?

Most fake or unsafe Shilajit fails at least 2 of these points.

FAQs

1. Can Shilajit raise blood pressure?

A. It may lower BP in some people, but others experience palpitations. If you take BP medication, monitoring is mandatory.

2. Does Shilajit heat the body?

A. Yes. It has a natural heating effect (Ushna Virya). Take with milk or ghee to balance heat.

3. Who should avoid Shilajit?

» Pregnant/breastfeeding women

» People with iron overload

» BP/heart patients on medication

» Those with Thalassemia or Sickle Cell issues

4. Is daily Shilajit safe?

A. Yes, for most adults only if purified and taken in the right dose. Start slow.

5. How to take Shilajit safely?

A. Dissolve a pea-sized amount in warm milk or water. Take once a day.

6. Can beginners use Shilajit?

A. Yes, but start extremely low (50–100 mg). Beginners often experience mild heating or digestive effects initially.

Conclusion

Shilajit side effects are rare when you choose pure, lab-tested products and follow the right dosage. The main concerns BP fluctuations, digestive discomfort, and heat are manageable with proper precautions.

If you start low, monitor your body, and avoid impure products, Shilajit can be used safely for daily wellness and vitality in India.