The Testosterone Blueprint
MenSome evidenceNormal

Shilajit

A mineral-rich Ayurvedic resin with genuine human evidence for raising testosterone — when it's purified.

Dose
250–500 mg/day purified (≥60% fulvic acid) · No formal upper limit; studied to 90 days
When to take
Morning, in warm water or milk · Daily
Pairs well with
The core foundation (it aids mineral absorption); Zinc
Avoid
Hemochromatosis, gout; diabetes/BP meds without supervision; raw (unpurified) shilajit
Side effects
Purified form well tolerated; raw form risks heavy-metal contamination

What shilajit does

Shilajit is a sticky, mineral-rich resin that seeps from Himalayan rock, used in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenator. Its active components are fulvic acid and related compounds, which act as antioxidants and as 'carriers' that help cells take up minerals and nutrients. It's traditionally used for energy, stamina and male vitality.

Does shilajit raise testosterone?

For a traditional remedy, the human evidence is unusually good. In a randomised, placebo-controlled trial, healthy men aged 45–55 taking 250 mg of purified shilajit twice daily for 90 days saw total testosterone rise by about 20% and free testosterone by about 19%, with DHEA up and the pituitary hormones (LH, FSH) maintained. A separate trial in men with low sperm counts improved sperm parameters and testosterone too. The big caveat is quality: these results are for purified, standardised shilajit — not raw resin.

Who it's for

Middle-aged and older men wanting a vitality and testosterone lift, and men working on sperm quality. It is not a substitute for medical treatment of clinically low testosterone.

How much to take — and the safe ceiling

The studied dose is 250–500 mg/day of purified shilajit standardised to at least 60% fulvic acid. There's no formal upper limit, but the human safety data covers up to about 90 days, so use studied amounts and take periodic breaks.

When and how to take it

Traditionally it's taken in the morning, dissolved in warm water or milk, on an empty stomach. Give it the full 90 days to judge, since that matches the trials and the sperm-development cycle.

Too much / what to watch for

Purified shilajit is well tolerated. The real danger is raw, unpurified shilajit, which can carry heavy metals, mycotoxins and microbial contamination — so quality is a safety issue, not just an efficacy one.

What to stack with

Because fulvic acid improves mineral uptake, shilajit pairs logically with the zinc and magnesium foundation. Keep an eye on not over-supplementing minerals overall.

What to avoid — supplements and medicines

Avoid shilajit if you have haemochromatosis (iron overload) or gout, as it can worsen them. If you take diabetes or blood-pressure medication, use it only under medical supervision, since it may add to their effects.

Who should be cautious

Men with iron-overload conditions or gout, anyone on diabetes or blood-pressure drugs, and anyone unable to verify product purity. Quality screening is essential here.

Quality — what to look for on the label

Buy only purified shilajit standardised to its fulvic acid content (at least 60%), third-party tested for heavy metals (a clinically studied branded form is ideal). Never use cheap raw 'rock resin' of unknown origin.

Bottom line

Shilajit is one of the better-evidenced traditional options for testosterone and vitality in older men — but only the purified, heavy-metal-tested form. Use 250–500 mg/day standardised to at least 60% fulvic acid, give it 90 days, and avoid it with iron-overload conditions or gout.

Sources

Pandit et al., Andrologia (2016, purified shilajit RCT); Biswas et al. (2010, oligospermic men); Examine.com — Shilajit; reviews of shilajit safety.

Chapter 10 · What Works
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Based on guidance from the NHS, NICE, Cleveland Clinic and peer-reviewed research.

By M. Videika, author of The Testosterone Blueprint · Reviewed June 2026

General information, not a substitute for personal medical advice — always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional before making health decisions. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, under 18, or taking medication, speak to your doctor before starting any supplement.