how to know shilajit is original - #39572
I am really confused about shilajit these days. A friend of mine swears by it, says it helps with energy and stamina, but I'm so worried about quality. A while back, I bought a shilajit product online, and honestly, I didn’t feel any different after taking it. I later found out that it might not have been the real deal, which got me thinking — how to know shilajit is original? When I look on the internet, everyone claims their version is pure but they all look similar! I even tried to scrape some from a natural source I found, and it looked dark and sticky like I read, but how can I tell if it's legit? My health really took a hit last year with stress and fatigue, and I'm looking for natural ways to boost my vitality. Feeling overwhelmed with all the opinions out there, you know? I just want something genuine. Are there certain tests or specific traits I should look for? Also, does anyone know if taste matters? The stuff I tried tasted kinda… off, like burnt wood or something. Ughhh! Just any real tips or red flags would seriously help me out!
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Doctors' responses
When evaluating whether shilajit is genuine, there are a few traditional methods you can consider, backed by the foundational wisdom of Ayurveda. Firstly, authentic shilajit is known for its distinct appearance—it’s a thick, sticky tar-like substance, typically dark brown or blackish in color. However, appearance alone might not be reliable due to potential adulteration.
A widely recommended method involves the solubility test. Original shilajit should dissolve completely in warm water or milk, turning it a golden brown or reddish color without leaving any residue. If you notice sediment or turbidity, that could indicate impurities or fillers have been added. Another traditional approach is the flame test. When exposed to low heat, authentic shilajit will melt without bubbling or releasing smoke. If it chars or burns, it’s likely not pure.
The taste is also a factor. While shilajit does have an earthy, slightly bitter flavor, it shouldn’t taste intensely unpleasant or chemically. Overpowering bitterness or an unnatural taste might suggest contamination or adulteration. Also an excellent early indicator is the packaging – real shilajit should come with a certificate of authenticity or testing from a credible lab. This is sometimes overlooked but very crucial in todays market.
Chemically, it’s challenging to validate purity without sophisticated lab tests, like HPLC. But, aligning with Ayurveda, one should consider its effect on your prakriti or constitution. If it doesn’t seem to enhance your energy levels or balance vata, pitta, and kapha as expected, it might not be genuine or the right fit for your body type.
For daily use, mix a small amount with warm milk or water early in the morning, and observe how it affects your digestive fire (agni), energy, and vitality. If you feel discomfort or imbalance, discontinue immediately. Prioritize purchasing from reputable Ayurvedic brands renowned for quality and transparency. This will help ensure what you’re consuming is safe and effective.
But, please remember, any change in supplements or lifestyle should be discussed with your healthcare provider especially if you are managing specific health conditions or medications.

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