Shilajit, often referred to as mineral pitch, is a sticky substance with its roots deep in the Himalayas, renowned for its traditional use in Ayurvedic medicines. In recent years, the demand for Shilajit has surged due to its many sexual properties. Shilajit has been seen to increase virality amongst men. It has also been used by gym lifters because it increases strength and endurance. It has many health benefits such as improving brain function, preventing ageing, combating iron deficiency anaemia, and having antiviral properties. As its popularity grows, so does the risk of encountering fake or adulterated products in the market.
The surge in demand for Shilajit has led to concerns about its purity being compromised by unscrupulous dealers looking to maximise profits. This blog will delve into the crucial differences between fake and original Shilajit, focusing on the gold grade, which offers the most therapeutic value.
Grades of Shilajit:
1. Gold Grade (Red and Gold Rock):
- Characteristics: Obtained from red and gold rocks, considered the highest grade.
- Primary Use: Utilised in Rasayana therapy, focusing on rejuvenation.
2. Iron Grade (Black Rock - Nepal and Bhutan):
- Characteristics: Derived from black rocks, mainly found in Nepal and Bhutan.
- Primary Use: Targeted for imbalances of the Meda Dhatu, related to the fat or adipose tissue system.
3. Silver Grade (Grey Rock):
- Characteristics: Originates from grey rocks.
- Primary Use: Applied for imbalances of the Maja Dhatu, associated with the bone marrow and nervous system.
4. Copper Grade (Brown Rock):
- Characteristics: Sourced from brown rocks.
- Primary Use: Intended for addressing imbalances related to the liver.
5. Fifth Grade (Useless Substance - Animal Faeces):
- Characteristics: Considered a low-quality form, often misrepresented or sold fraudulently.
- Description: A substance made from animal faeces.
- Note: This grade is essentially useless and lacks the therapeutic properties of genuine Shilajit.
Important Considerations:
- Colour Determination: Grades are distinguished by the colour of the rocks from which the Shilajit emerges.
- Challenges in Identification: The purification process results in a black or blackish resin, making it difficult to visually distinguish the grade.
- Risk of Fake Products: Besides the challenge of identifying grades, there is a risk of encountering fake products or claims of lower quality Shilajit being labelled as top grade.
The Gold Grade and Its Significance:
The gold grade of Shilajit is the pinnacle, holding legendary properties sought by Ayurveda practitioners when aiding their patients in attaining general health and well-being. The effectiveness of this grade has been proven through trial and experience over thousands of years. It is sourced from the highest reaches of the Himalayas and other high altitude mountains, 16,000 – 18,000 feet above sea level, and undergoes purification using the traditional Tibetan method. This method ensures 100% ultra-pure resin, using only natural spring water and the sun.
Identifying Original or Pure Shilajit
Shilajit's origin involves millions of years of geothermal pressure acting on biomasses of plant materials and minerals, resulting in a tar-like pitch found in the rocks of the Himalayan region or other high altitude mountains. The rocks' colors determine the grade, with the gold grade being associated with red and gold rocks. However, when purified, the resulting resin is uniformly black, making it impossible to distinguish the grade solely by colour.
Most are copies of one another or both:
- Real, but with harmful or ineffective fillers
- Extremely poor quality
- Comparable-looking materials such as ozokerite or mummyo
- contain absolutely no Shilajit.
The majority of counterfeit Shilajit is sold as a readily counterfeitable liquid tincture or powder (occasionally in the form of capsules). However, imitations of the resin form have also become more common in recent years. A number of inventive methods are employed in the production of counterfeit goods, such as the production of fulvic acid—a crucial active ingredient in Shilajit—by fertilisers, coal, and charcoal. Some dubious brands merely combine inert ingredients and occasionally additional herbs.
Forms of Shilajit:
It's crucial to note that Shilajit should never be purchased in powdered form or as a capsule. Authentic Shilajit raisins are sticky, black, and tar-like.
How to Identify Original Shilajit That's Pure and Authentic
Here is how to know shilajit is original:
Pliability Test:
- Shilajit is responsive to temperature changes.
- When warm, it becomes sticky and adheres to fingers.
- When cold, it hardens and can break like a stone.
Solubility Test:
- Authentic Shilajit dissolves readily in water, turning it dark brown or reddish-black.
- No residue is left behind in pure Shilajit; however, mixed or fake products may leave a sandy residue.
Alcohol Test:
- Pure Shilajit does not dissolve in alcohol.
- If the sample dissolves, it likely contains additives.
Flame Test:
- Pure Shilajit does not burn but creates bubbles and turns into ash when heated at higher temperatures.
- Impure Shilajit may catch robust fire.
Colour and Odour Test:
- Pure Shilajit is mostly dark, rarely white, and has a pungent smell from the breakdown of plant matter and minerals.
Pure shilajit price per kg is usually around ₹ 2000 / Kg - ₹ 24,000 / Kg.
The rise in demand for Shilajit should not compromise its authenticity. By being aware of the telltale signs of fake Shilajit and choosing trusted sources, consumers can truly benefit from the ancient wisdom encapsulated in this remarkable substance. Let's cherish the authenticity and harness the true potential of Shilajit for our well-being