how to identify real shilajit - #39433
I am really struggling to figure out how to identify real shilajit. Last month, I bought some online, and I've been feeling kinda iffy about its authenticity. You wouldn’t believe how many brands are out there claiming to sell the “purest” stuff. Like, seriously? I did some research, and there’s a lot of info, but nothing clear. I noticed that my shilajit is in this really sticky, black tar-like form, but what does real shilajit even look like? A friend told me it should dissolve entirely in warm water, but when I tried that, it left some weird residue. Is that normal? Or is it a sign that it’s fake? I also remember reading somewhere that it should have a specific taste, like an earthy, mineral flavor, but honestly, the one I bought didn’t taste anything close to what I expected! I'm just nervous about taking something that might not be legit. If anyone can share tips on how to identify real shilajit, like specific tests or something I can do at home, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Determining the authenticity of Shilajit can be tricky, but there are some practical approaches you can use to evaluate its genuineness. Real shilajit often appears as a sticky, tar-like substance, similar to what you’ve described, and its color should vary from dark brown to black. The presence of a sticky texture and dark color gives initial clues towards its authenticity, though they’re not conclusive.
Your observation about it leaving a residue when dissolved in warm water might be a concern. Ideally, pure shilajit should dissolve almost entirely in warm water without any significant sediment left behind. A small amount of residue might appear due to minor natural inclusions; however, a substantial amount could indicate additives or impurities.
Another method is the taste test. Genuine shilajit has a distinctive, strong earthy, mineral flavor due to its high mineral content. If your shilajit lacks this characteristic taste or tastes overly bitter or sweet, it could be a sign of adulteration.
An at-home purity test involves mixing a small piece with water and checking its solubility. Pure Shilajit dissolves quickly and uniformly, forming a light golden brown or tea-like liquid. If it doesn’t dissolve well or forms clumps, then it might be mixed with other substances.
You might also consider performing a flame test. When a small piece of pure shilajit is heated over a direct flame, it should not burn with a flame but will form a whitish ash. However, this is very subjective and should be done with caution.
Remember, while in the realm of Ayurvedic texts like Charaka Samhita, proper sourcing is crucial as the quality depends largely on the specific geographic origin and seasonal collection technique, aiming to ensure you purchase from reputable, preferably certified vendors is essential for authenticity.

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