4 Side Effects of Shilajit You Shouldn’t Ignore

Shilajit, a tar-like substance found in the rocks of the Himalayan mountains, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to support energy, bone health, skin healing, and overall vitality. But despite its natural origins and wellness buzz, shilajit can come with serious side effects especially if used without proper guidance or sourced from unreliable suppliers.

Here’s what the latest research and expert insights say about the potential dangers of shilajit and who should think twice before trying it.

1. Heavy Metal Toxicity

One of the most significant risks of shilajit is contamination with heavy metals like:

• Arsenic

• Lead

• Mercury

• Nickel

• Cobalt

• Thallium

These elements, which occur naturally in the Earth’s crust, can accumulate in raw or poorly purified shilajit. Even in small amounts, exposure to these metals is linked to organ damage, neurological issues, and increased risk of cancer. The kidneys, liver, brain, and skin are especially vulnerable to heavy metal toxicity.

A 2020 report published in Toxicology Reports found that some commercial shilajit products exceeded safe limits for heavy metal content, making third-party testing and reputable sourcing absolutely essential.

2. Risk of Anaphylaxis

Although rare, there is a documented case of an individual experiencing anaphylaxis after taking shilajit a life-threatening allergic reaction. Symptoms can include:

• Difficulty breathing

• Swelling of the face or throat

• Drop in blood pressure

• Fainting

People with known allergies or mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) may be more prone to this type of reaction. If you’re trying shilajit for the first time, start with a very small dose under medical supervision.

3. Skin Reactions

In a 14-week clinical trial involving middle-aged women, oral use of shilajit was associated with skin redness in some participants. While not severe, this reaction could point to underlying inflammation or sensitivity, especially in those with autoimmune or dermatological conditions.

4. Irregular Heart Rate

Animal research suggests that shilajit may affect heart rhythm lowering the heart rate at low doses and increasing it at high doses. While these findings haven’t been confirmed in human trials, they raise concerns for people with:

• Existing heart conditions

• High blood pressure

• Arrhythmias or other cardiac abnormalities

If you notice unusual palpitations or heart rhythm changes while taking shilajit, stop use and speak with your healthcare provider immediately.

Other Important Interactions to Know

Shilajit has shown potential to interact with several types of medications:

• Chemotherapy drugs: May enhance drug effects in animal studies, though human data is lacking.

• Aspirin: May protect the stomach lining in rats, but unclear if this occurs in humans.

• Hormone-based medications: Shilajit may raise testosterone, which could cause side effects like acne, elevated blood pressure, and even breast enlargement in men. It may also reduce the effectiveness of estrogen-containing birth control.

Who Should Avoid Shilajit?

While shilajit may offer benefits, it's not suitable for everyone. Avoid or use extreme caution if you are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding: Risk of heavy metal exposure to the baby

• Living with hormone-sensitive conditions: Such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer

• Diagnosed with MCAS or severe allergies

• Living with iron overload disorders: Like hemochromatosis or sickle cell disease, since shilajit may increase iron levels

The Bottom Line

Despite its traditional roots, shilajit is not a risk-free supplement. While it may offer certain benefits, the risks especially from heavy metal contamination and hormone interactions shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you're considering shilajit, talk to a qualified healthcare provider first and ensure you're sourcing it from a reputable, lab-tested brand.

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