Disclaimer: This content has been produced purely for informational and educational purposes only and is never intended to be used as a substitute for professional medical guidelines including diagnosis, advice, and treatment.  

Shilajit has been shown to have several benefits ranging from increasing testosterone levels to boosting immunity to protecting heart health. Though the research on the benefits of shilajit for heart health is in the preliminary stage, the findings so far are promising. Studies suggest shilajit can help improve heart health and protect the heart from diseases. Keep reading to learn more. 

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of shilajit for heart health according to both traditional uses and research findings. But before we get into how shilajit can help with heart health, first, we’ll need to know the basics of shilajit a little bit more. So, let’s get started.   

Table of contents 

• What is shilajit?
• Nutritional value and properties of shilajit 
• Potential benefits of shilajit for heart health 
• How to use shilajit 
• Precautions and side effects 
• Final words 

What is shilajit? 

Shilajit is a mixture of natural compounds rarely found oozing from the high-altitude rocks of several mountainous ranges in the world, especially in the Himalayas. It’s a complex mixture of minerals and plant remains that are formed through a long process of decomposition, sometimes several centuries, by the activities of microorganisms. 

Shilajit has a long history of use in several systems of medicine, including traditional, eclectic, and folk medicines as well as others. As a naturally produced biomass in the mountains, shilajit is densely loaded with various biologically active compounds and essential minerals alongside fulvic and humic acid. It has been shown to have a wide range of varying healing properties which is why shilajit is often fondly called the ancient panacea. 

Let’s have a look at the nutritional value and healing properties of shilajit in a bit of detail:    

Nutritional value and properties of shilajit 

Shilajit is known as black bitumen, asphalt, mineral pitch, mineral wax, and many other names. Researchers often classify it as a herbomineral because of the eclectic and complex nature of the compounds it contains. 

It contains considerable amounts of glycerol, vitamins, traces of amino acids, and a range of essential minerals including iron, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and more, all of which have appeared to contribute to the diverse healing properties of shilajit.  

Numerous studies have shown that shilajit has a range of pharmacological properties, including: 

• Antioxidant 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Cardioprotective 
• Anti-anxiety (also read our article: Shilajit for Anxiety)
• Anti-ulcer 
• Antiviral 
• Analgesic 
• Immunomodulatory
• Antifungal 
• Nootropic 
• Antidiabetic 
• Spermatogenic (helps in sperm production)
• Anti-cancer 

These pharmacological properties of shilajit have been found beneficial for the prevention and management of various health conditions such as heart and blood vessel problems, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), chronic pain, diabetes, ulcerative colitis, infertility, and even certain types of cancer.  

 

Potential benefits of shilajit for heart health 

Shilajit has pharmacologically active compounds that have been found to produce favorable effects on the heart. It can help protect and improve heart health in many different ways. The benefits of shilajit for heart health seem to mainly come from its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and cardioprotective properties. 

Studies suggest that shilajit can help improve the function of cardiac tissue and regulate heart rate, which is highly helpful in alleviating symptoms of arrhythmias and palpitations. Moreover, it can help prevent and reduce the accumulation of lipids in the blood and lower cholesterol levels, which in turn lowers the risk of developing various serious ailments related to the heart and blood vessels including heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, and atherosclerosis, hardening of the walls of arteries. 

A 2003 human study in the Ancient Science of Life investigating the effects of shilajit on blood chemistry showed that shilajit has noticeable hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects that can significantly reduce the levels of serum cholesterol, and serum triglycerides, and improve the levels of HDL cholesterol in normal human subjects.  

How to use shilajit 

The dosage of shilajit for heart health or any other reasons may vary from person to person depending on the current symptoms and aim of use. However, doses may range from 300 mg to 2 g per day depending on the personal health status and specific health needs. But it’s always essential to speak with a naturopathic doctor prior to using shilajit to determine the exact safe dose for your individual health needs. 

Precautions and side effects 

Although shilajit appears to be safe when taken in doses prescribed by clinicians, there are some possible side effects and concerns, such as: 

• Unprocessed raw shilajit may have risks of contamination with fungus, heavy metals, toxins, or others. 
• Shilajit may enhance iron levels in the body which may lead to a risk of iron toxicity or hemochromatosis, a condition with too much iron in the blood. 
• Shilajit has an impact on the hormone system that may alter important bodily functions. 
• Overdose may cause symptoms of side effects or allergic reactions including rash, swelling, and increased heart rate, albeit these are not common for all. 

For these above reasons. It’s always essential to talk with a licensed naturopathic doctor or healthcare provider before taking shilajit or consider taking shilajit only under medical supervision.  

Final words 

Shilajit is a herbomineral with renowned healing properties that can help humans with a host of ailments. The use of shilajit for heart health has been found to produce positive effects on the heart and blood vessels. It has several cardioprotective effects on the body ranging from lowering cholesterol levels to improving the function of cardiac tissue. However, it’s always essential to speak with a qualified naturopathic doctor prior to using shilajit to determine its safety and individual dose.

Important resources:

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22557121/
2. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12012-014-9245-3
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3326792/
4. https://examine.com/supplements/shilajit/research/
5. https://www.himshilajit.com/enhance-your-lifespan-by-having-a-healthy-heart-shilajit-top-benefits/
6. https://vitadote.com/shilajit-benefits-for-heart-health/
7. https://mountaindrop.eu/shilajit-and-heart/
8. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_shilajit_do_for_the_body/article.htm
9. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/shilajit-benefits-,-medicinal-uses-and-side-effects
10. https://drvaidyas.com/blogs/all/10-proven-health-benefits-of-shilajit
11. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-shilajit-89514
12. https://www.myupchar.com/en/tips/shilajit-benefits-medicinal-uses-and-side-effects-in-hindi#how-to-use-shilajit
13. https://pharmeasy.in/blog/health-benefits-of-shilajit/
14. https://www.healthline.com/health/shilajit
15. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320318#:~:text=Shilajit%20may%20also%20protect%20the,who%20were%20not%20given%20shilajit.
16. https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/shilajit-benefits-uses-formulations-ingredients-method-dosage-and-side-effects