Benefits & safety
Shilajit Side Effects — Who Should Avoid It & Safe Use
Reviewed by Syed Muhammad Muneeb Zahid, PharmD · Updated
Quick answer
Purified shilajit is generally well tolerated at 300–500 mg a day. Possible side effects include a feeling of heat, mild headache, stomach upset or allergy. Raw or unpurified shilajit can contain heavy metals. Avoid it if pregnant, breastfeeding, under 18, or if you have gout or iron overload, and check with your doctor if you take diabetes or blood pressure medicines.
Urdu mein: Saaf kiya hua shilajit aam tor par mehfooz hai. Kuch logon ko garmi, sar dard ya pait kharab ho sakta hai. Kachcha shilajit dhaat (heavy metals) wala ho sakta hai. Hamla khawateen, 18 saal se kam umar, gout ya sugar/BP ki dawai lene wale doctor se mashwara karein.
Common, usually mild side effects
- ◆Feeling warm or 'garmi' — take it with milk and drink more water
- ◆Mild headache or dizziness in the first days — reduce the amount
- ◆Stomach upset — take it after food
- ◆Allergic rash — stop and see a doctor
The real risk: unpurified or fake shilajit
Raw shilajit stone can contain lead, arsenic, mercury and fungal contamination. Only buy purified resin and ask for a heavy-metal lab report.
Possible interactions
- ◆Diabetes medicines — shilajit may lower blood sugar further
- ◆Blood pressure medicines — may add to the lowering effect
- ◆Iron supplements — shilajit already contains iron
- ◆Any long-term prescription — ask your pharmacist or doctor
Who should avoid it
- ◆Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- ◆Children and teenagers
- ◆People with gout or high uric acid
- ◆People with haemochromatosis (iron overload) or thalassemia on iron chelation
- ◆Anyone with a known allergy to it
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to take shilajit every day?
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Purified shilajit at 300–500 mg a day has been used daily for up to 90 days in studies without serious side effects. Many people cycle it: 6–8 weeks on, 1–2 weeks off.
Does shilajit cause heat in the body?
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Some people feel warm, especially in summer. Taking it with milk, lowering the dose and drinking more water usually helps.
Is shilajit bad for the kidneys?
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There is no good evidence that purified shilajit harms healthy kidneys, but contaminated raw shilajit may. People with kidney disease should ask their doctor first.
This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Shilajit is a traditional supplement, not a medicine. Speak with your doctor before use if you are pregnant, nursing, under 18, on medication or have a medical condition.
