Do you know that for over 4,000 years, shilajit has been used in folk and alternative medicine in holistic Ayurveda, Chinese, and Tibetan cultures?
But what’s the secret behind why shilajit holds so much value in the ancient cultures in South Asia?
Research by the Central State Geographical Exploration Center has stated that the deposits of shilajit are very rare, and the reserves of raw materials in them are limited.
But because of its magical health benefits, its popularity around the globe is rising.
The fakes and adulteration in the shilajit market is also rising,
So, how to know what an authentic shilajit contains? Does it have an expiration date?
Let’s discuss the composition, how it is formed and multiple important aspects surrounding the topic..
Composition of Shilajit
To deeply understand the composition of shilajit, you must have a basic understanding of its formation.
How Is Shilajit Formed?
During the hot summer seasons (April and May) the temperature in the mountains of the Himalayan range rises.The thick essence from the surface of these rocks oozes out. It dries up and collects in between these rocks.
This blackish rock essence is called Shilajit or the black bitumen.
Now let’s understand what that black rock contains.
Also Read: Can We Take Shilajit In Summer
What Are The Main Components of Shilajit?
Once the black rock is extracted, it’s not fit for consumption.
It has multiple impurities. It needs purification using Ayurvedic methods that can result in the powerful supplement.
According to Rasasastra which is an Indian Ancient textbook, there are three pahadi shilajit purification methods:
- Method 1: Mix Shilajit with an alkaline liquid, sour liquid, or fresh cow’s urine. Stir, filter, and dry in the sun.
- Method 2: Wash Shilajit in cow's milk. Stir, filter, and sun-dry.
- Method 3: Mix Shilajit with equal parts of yavakshara (ayurvedic medicine) and pure guggulu (flowering plant). Place this mix over a steam setup with amla juice, then heat for 3 hours to purify.
Then the extracted shilajit is the purest form that you can consume.
The primary and active component of purified shilajit is fulvic acid which is considered the strongest natural electrolyte.
Fulvic acid is an unusual collection of hormones, nutrients, antioxidants, enzymes, amino acids, superoxide dismutases, free radical scavengers, bactericidal substances, antiviral, antifungal, biochemical, and phytochemicals.
Note: Fulvic acid concentration % by wt. should be lower than 20. The lower the better. It should not be higher than 50.
Also, the rare Pahadi Shilajit variant is notable for its content of humic acid, with a concentration of 80 g/100g, and traces of gold, measured at 0.5 mg/kg.
It also comprises Minerals 38.65% organic substances 36.2 %, water 9.5 %, nitrogenous substances 1.3%, lime 7.8 %, and mica 1.35 %. It has a pungent odor like cow’s urine.
Can Shilajit Expire?
No, shilajit does not expire. But its effectiveness can decrease with years passing by. Its quality can be affected by factors like storage conditions and the presence of contaminants. It’s important to use high-quality, tested authentic shilajit to ensure its purity and potency.
We believe that anything extracted from nature in its pure form that’s suitable for humans doesn’t harm our body. It’s our unhealthy lifestyle and adaptive nature towards packed and processed food that makes us resist the purest form of food products.
But as a caution, you must consult with a healthcare provider before using shilajit due to potential side effects and safety considerations based on your health conditions.
Shelf Life of Shilajit
Shilajit has a long shelf life in its resin form, and can last several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If shilajit is processed in powders, capsules, or any other form, they have a shorter life span and their effectiveness is reduced.
We recommend you to only try authentic and pure pahadi shilajit that can help you achieve your health goals.
Factors Affecting the Shelf life of Shilajit
There are multiple factors that can impact the shelf life of shilajit. It’s because of the environment of the shilajit and the container it is kept in.
- Exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures can degrade the quality of shilajit. It can reduce its effectiveness and possibly introduce contaminants over time.
- You should only keep it in a cool, dry place which is away from direct sunlight.
- Don’t keep your potent shilajit in plastic containers that can reduce its effectiveness.
Also Read: How To Test The Purity of Shilajit
Potential Risks of Consuming Expired Shilajit Products
As you now know if you have pure pahadi shilajit at your home, it doesn’t have an expiry date. But if you purchase a processed shilajit product and consume it, it can result in:
- It may cause side effects like excessive heat sensation in the body, burning sensation in the feet, or changes in urination patterns.
- Expired Shilajit may lead to contamination, increasing the risk of allergic reactions, including itchiness, hives, dizziness, and increased heart rate.
So avoid all the processed shilajit products and only look for pure resin form that is directly delivered to you from the foothills of Himalayas and not some factory.
Choose The Best Shilajit For Better Results
It’s important to invest in food products that can add more value to your overall health and assist in improving your lifestyle.
So, don’t invest in inexpensive and adulterated shilajit or its products. Choose Pahadi Shilajit from Pahadi Amrut that can help you improve your health and involve in more physical activities.
Our pure and authentic Pahadi Shilajit sourced from the pristine Himalayan regions. It is extracted and purified using traditional Ayurvedic methods so that it retains its natural potency and health benefits.
Unlike processed versions, our Shilajit is carefully sun-dried and purified without chemicals which makes it one of the purest forms available online.
We recommend you to drink sufficient water and indulge in physical activities daily if you want to consume our Pahadi Shilajit.
Also based on your previous medical history you should consult a health professional before consuming it.
So, if you are all set, then what’s making you wait?
Check out Pahadi Shilajit at our store.
