Shilajit: What It Is and a Brief History

Introduction

Shilajit is a dark resin that seeps from high mountain rocks during warm months. It has been used for centuries in the Himalayas and across Central Asia in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. Modern interest focuses on its rich content of fulvic acid and trace minerals and its reputation as a rejuvenating tonic.

What Shilajit Is

Shilajit is a natural phytocomplex created over very long periods by the decomposition of plants and microbial action in rocky, high altitude environments. In warm weather it softens and emerges from rock crevices where it can be collected and then purified. Chemically it contains humic substances such as fulvic acid and humic acid, along with a broad spectrum of trace minerals including iron, magnesium, selenium and zinc.

Traditional Names and Origins

It is known by many names. In Sanskrit it is called a rasayana, which refers to a substance that promotes rejuvenation and longevity. In Russian and Central Asian traditions it is often called mumiyo or mumijo. Historical references appear across Indian, Persian and Arabic sources, and even in Greco Arabic medical writings, where it was described as a wide ranging remedy for weakness and convalescence.

Historical Use in Ayurveda

Classical Ayurvedic texts describe Shilajit as a substance that supports strength, memory, vitality and reproductive health. It was given in very small daily amounts dissolved in warm water or warm milk. It appears in traditional formulas for energy, healthy ageing and sexual wellness.

Modern Perspective

Today purified Shilajit is sold globally as a food supplement in resin, powder and capsule forms. Interest from researchers has grown because fulvic acid can act as a carrier for minerals and because several lab and clinical studies suggest roles in energy metabolism, antioxidant activity and support for healthy ageing.

Product note for readers

At 5 Rivers Nutrition we offer Shilajit Gold Plus 12 in 1 capsules for convenient daily use and Shilajit 6 in 1 resin for those who prefer the classic resin format. Both are purified and batch tested.

References

Guzmán Martínez AM, et al. Shilajit: A natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2012.
Carrasco Gallardo C, et al. Biological effects and clinical applications of fulvic acid and humic substances. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2012.
Pandit S, et al. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016.
Biswas TK, et al. Clinical study on processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010.
Velmurugan C, et al. Safety profile of black Shilajit in a 91 day study. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine. 2012.
Rybicka I, et al. Fulvic acids and mineral bioavailability. Foods. 2019.
Cleveland Clinic. A quick introduction to Shilajit. 2025.
Verywell Health. Shilajit overview and evidence summary. 2023.