What Is Shilajit? Why This Ancient Ingredient Is Getting So Much Attention in 2026

Quick answer: shilajit is a dark, sticky, mineral-rich resin that forms over long periods in mountain ranges such as the Himalayas. It has a long history in Ayurvedic practice and contains fulvic acid plus many other organic compounds and minerals. A few small human studies have looked at testosterone and exercise, but the evidence is limited and comes mostly from one branded extract. If you buy shilajit, product quality matters more than hype: look for clear labelling, purification details and testing for heavy metals.

The supplement shelf keeps adding new ingredients, but one of the most talked-about in 2026 is very old. Shilajit now turns up in men's health formulas, everyday wellness routines and plenty of social media posts about energy, vitality, testosterone and healthy ageing. Here is what it is, what the research actually shows, and how to choose a product if you decide to try it.

In this guide: What it is · Why it is popular · Energy · Testosterone · Gym performance · Fulvic acid · Resin, capsules or gummies · Safety and quality · How much to take · Is it worth it? · Where to buy in Melbourne · FAQs

1. What exactly is shilajit?

Shilajit is a naturally occurring, mineral-rich substance found in certain mountainous regions, including parts of the Himalayas. In its natural form it is dark brown to black, with a sticky, resin-like texture. It develops through slow geological and biological processes involving organic material over long periods.

Unlike a typical herbal extract, shilajit is not made from a single plant. It is a complex mixture of organic compounds and minerals, and its exact make-up varies with where it comes from and how it is processed and purified.

The component you will see mentioned most is fulvic acid, a group of naturally occurring organic substances. Shilajit contains more than fulvic acid alone, and the presence of fulvic acid on its own does not prove that a product has health benefits.

2. Why is shilajit so popular in 2026?

Shilajit has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic practice. The renewed interest comes from a broader shift towards traditional wellness ingredients, men's vitality and healthy ageing, with shoppers looking beyond protein, creatine and multivitamins. It is often talked about alongside ashwagandha, tongkat ali and other ingredients marketed for vitality, and social media has introduced it to a much wider audience.

Popularity is not the same as proof. An ingredient can be interesting to learn about while its advertised benefits are still not established by strong clinical research.

3. Shilajit and energy: does it work?

Energy and vitality are the most common reasons people look at shilajit. Some laboratory and animal studies have explored whether shilajit or its components affect processes in the mitochondria, the parts of your cells that produce much of the energy your body uses. That research is where many "cellular energy" marketing claims come from.

Early lab and animal findings are not proof that taking shilajit lifts everyday energy in healthy people. Human research is limited, and there is no strong clinical evidence that shilajit treats fatigue.

If you often feel exhausted, look at the common causes first: short or poor sleep, not eating enough, stress, low iron and other medical or lifestyle factors. Persistent tiredness is worth raising with your GP rather than trying to fix with a supplement.

4. Shilajit and testosterone: what does the research say?

The study most often quoted is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in Andrologia in 2016. It followed 75 healthy men aged 45 to 55 who took 500 mg a day of a branded purified shilajit extract (PrimaVie) or a placebo for 90 days. The researchers reported higher total and free testosterone in the shilajit group, about 20% and 19% respectively, compared with placebo.

That result is interesting, but keep it in context:

• It is one small study in one age group, using one specific branded extract.
• It measured hormone levels in blood tests. A change in a lab number is not the same as a noticeable improvement in strength, muscle, libido or wellbeing, and the study did not show those outcomes.
• It does not mean every shilajit product, at any dose, will do the same.

Shilajit should not be treated as a testosterone therapy or as a substitute for a medical check if you think your testosterone is low. That needs a GP and a blood test.

5. Does shilajit help with muscle or gym performance?

A 2019 study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition gave 63 recreationally active young men 250 mg or 500 mg a day of the same branded extract, or a placebo, for 8 weeks. In a sub-group analysis, the 500 mg group lost less leg strength after a tiring exercise test (about 9%, compared with 16% on placebo) and had lower levels of hydroxyproline, a marker linked to collagen breakdown. The 250 mg dose did not differ from placebo.

That is a preliminary finding from one small trial. It is not enough to say shilajit reliably builds muscle, increases strength or speeds recovery for gym-goers in general. The basics are far better supported:

• Progressive resistance training
• Enough protein every day (our guide to how much protein you need per day explains the numbers)
• Enough total food for your goal
• Consistent sleep and recovery
• Sensible training volume

For comparison, creatine monohydrate sits in Group A of the Australian Institute of Sport's Sports Supplement Framework, meaning strong evidence for use in specific situations in sport. If performance is your main goal, our best creatine in Australia guide is a better starting point. Shilajit's role in sports nutrition is much less established.

6. What is fulvic acid, and why is it on shilajit labels?

Fulvic substances are naturally occurring organic compounds formed as organic matter breaks down and changes over time. They are found in soil and sediment, and they make up part of shilajit.

Some brands standardise their extract to a fulvic acid percentage, for example "50% fulvic acid". That tells you about one component of the product. It is not a universal measure of quality or effectiveness, and a higher percentage does not automatically mean stronger effects. Identity, purity, processing and contaminant testing matter just as much.

7. Shilajit resin vs capsules vs gummies: is one better?

You will find shilajit in several formats. Examples from our shilajit range:

• Resin. Closest to the traditional form. You dissolve a small amount in a warm drink. Examples: Shilajit by Asli Ayurveda (purified resin in a 20 g jar) and Hillside 100% Pure Himalayan Shilajit (sun-dried resin). Resin is not automatically purer or more effective just because it looks more natural.
• Capsules. A measured amount every time and easy to fit into a routine. Example: Shilajit by Legit Supps (500 mg extract per capsule, standardised to 50% fulvic acid).
• Gummies. Convenient, but usually a blend. Example: Pure Himalayan Shilajit Gummies Gold, which combine shilajit with ashwagandha (KSM-66), black musli, gokshura and other herbs. Check every ingredient in a blend, not just the shilajit. Read more in our shilajit gummies article.
• Powders and extracts. These vary a lot in composition and standardisation, so the label detail matters even more.

The format matters less than whether the ingredient is clearly identified, purified and tested.

8. Is shilajit safe? Why quality matters

This is the most important part of buying shilajit. Because it comes from natural geological sources, raw or poorly processed material can contain unwanted contaminants, including heavy metals and microbes. That makes purification and testing essential.

In January 2025, Victoria's Department of Health updated a health advisory about lead poisoning linked to imported Ayurvedic medicines, some of which were also contaminated with mercury and arsenic. The advisory does not name shilajit, but it is a useful reminder: for products sold as medicines, look for an AUST L or AUST R number, be careful with overseas websites, and report side effects to the TGA.

When you compare shilajit products, check for:

• Purification: does the brand explain how the raw material is processed?
• Contaminant testing: is there credible testing for heavy metals and microbes?
• Clear labelling: does the label say exactly what preparation is used and how much is in each serve?
• Batch testing: can the brand provide quality documents, ideally for the batch you are buying?
• A known supplier: is the product from a business with clear quality-control practices?

A long history of traditional use does not prove that every modern product is safe. There is limited evidence on long-term use, use during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and use alongside medicines or existing medical conditions. If any of these apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking shilajit.

9. How much shilajit should you take?

There is no established, evidence-based shilajit dose for general health, muscle or testosterone. The two human studies above used 250 to 500 mg a day of one specific purified extract, and those results cannot simply be applied to a different product. Resins, capsules and gummies contain different preparations and amounts.

Follow the directions on your product's label, do not take more because it is "natural", and get professional advice if you are unsure.

10. Is shilajit worth taking in 2026?

It depends on what you expect. If you are curious about traditional ingredients, shilajit is worth understanding, and there are a few small human studies on hormone and exercise measures alongside earlier lab research.

If you are hoping for a dramatic rise in testosterone, instant energy, faster muscle growth or guaranteed anti-ageing effects, the evidence does not support those expectations. Shilajit is best seen as an emerging ingredient with interesting but limited research. Sleep, nutrition, training and well-supported supplements should come first.

11. Where to buy shilajit in Melbourne

Compare more than the price and the claims on the front of the pack. Look at the preparation, serve size, quality information and whether the product suits you.

At Supps247 Chirnside Park, inside Chirnside Park Shopping Centre, our team can walk you through the differences between shilajit resins, capsules and gummies and help you compare labels. The store is handy for Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Croydon, Kilsyth, Ringwood East and the outer east. Stock changes, so call the store before you visit if you want a particular product.

Not near Chirnside Park? Supps247 has 18 stores across Victoria and in Brisbane. Find yours on the store locator, or shop the shilajit range online with Australia-wide delivery.

FAQs

What is shilajit made of?

Shilajit is a complex mix of organic compounds and minerals, including fulvic acid. The exact make-up varies with where it comes from and how it is purified, which is why two products can be quite different.

Is shilajit resin better than capsules?

Not automatically. Resin is closer to the traditional form, while capsules give a measured serve. What matters most is that the product is clearly labelled, purified and tested for contaminants such as heavy metals.

Does shilajit increase testosterone?

One 2016 study of 75 men aged 45 to 55 reported higher testosterone levels after 90 days on 500 mg a day of a branded purified extract. That is a single small study and it did not show changes in strength, muscle or wellbeing. Shilajit is not a treatment for low testosterone. See your GP if you are concerned.

How long do people take shilajit for?

The human studies ran for 8 weeks and 90 days. There is limited evidence on long-term use, so follow your product's directions and speak with a health professional if you plan to take it for an extended period.

Who should avoid shilajit?

There is not enough safety evidence for pregnancy or breastfeeding, and little is known about use alongside medicines or existing medical conditions. If any of these apply, talk to your doctor or pharmacist first.

This article is general information, not medical advice. Supplements do not replace medical care, and whether a product suits you depends on your own health. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

Last updated 13 October 2026. Sources: Pandit S et al., Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers, Andrologia (2016); Keller JL et al., The effects of Shilajit supplementation on fatigue-induced decreases in muscular strength and serum hydroxyproline levels, Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (2019); Department of Health Victoria, Ayurvedic medicines possibly containing scheduled poisons and heavy metals (updated 17 January 2025); AIS Sports Supplement Framework, Group A.