With the rising popularity of shilajit, the market has been flooded with various grades and types of the substance. Ensuring you have pure shilajit is critical, as impure or “fake” versions will not provide the intended benefits and may even be harmful.
Three Essential Purity Tests
According to Ayurvedic experts, you can verify the quality of your shilajit using these three DIY methods:
- The Temperature Test: Authentic shilajit is highly temperature-sensitive. It should melt and become sticky when warm, but become brittle and hard when exposed to cold.
- The Solubility Test: When placed in a glass of water, pure shilajit should dissolve completely, leaving the water clear (though dark in colour) without any sandy residue or undissolved particles at the bottom.
- The Flame Test: If you attempt to burn a small piece, pure shilajit will not catch fire. Instead, it should bubble and eventually turn into a fine ash.
Who Should Avoid Shilajit?
Even pure shilajit is not suitable for everyone. You should consult a physician and likely avoid this supplement if you:
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Have heart disease, high blood pressure, or take blood thinners.
- Have hemochromatosis (a condition where the body absorbs too much iron).
- Suffer from autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Buying Advice
To minimize the risk of heavy metal poisoning, only purchase brands that have been tested by an independent laboratory. Look for a Certificate of Analysis (COA) or a third-party testing seal on the packaging to ensure the product has been screened for lead, mercury, and arsenic.
