Shilajit Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety + Uses
Last updated on March 21st, 2025 at 01:19 pm
Shilajit is not a typical remedy—neither herb nor mineral, it seems to slip through the cracks of herbal textbooks and professional safety classifications. This nutrient-rich biomass collected at high altitudes is touted as a great postpartum remedy. Some women also wonder if they can use it during pregnancy. Yet how much do we know about its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding? Read on for the ultimate monograph on shilajit safety.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. None of the information here should be taken as medical advice. Even if a remedy is classified as safe in Herbal Doula blog posts based on the existing evidence, that doesn’t mean it’s safe for you. The classifications in the database are just a general reference point. Follow your body, keep track of your response, and consult an herbalist, holistic practitioner, traditional midwife, or anyone else you feel may help you if you need expert advice.
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Shilajit Safety Categorization
Pregnancy Safety:
Caution
Labor Safety:
Unknown
Breastfeeding Safety:
Caution
Shilajit Safety Summary
There is very little traditional medicine or scientific data about the safety of shilajit during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Most professional herbal and natural medicine associations and textbooks don’t enlist shilajit. Those who mention shilajit say that it should be avoided due to insufficient data.
Based on the available data, shilajit should be used with high levels of caution in pregnancy. Overall, it may be safest to avoid shilajit in pregnancy until more data come out. Minimal doses and short durations of use may be suitable if recommended by an experienced practitioner.
There are no human studies of shilajit in pregnancy. One case report mentions a serious syndrome in a woman pregnant with twins who used shilajit from the beginning of pregnancy for 6 months. Her symptoms resolved once she stopped taking shilajit (Stavropoulos et al., 2018).
Shilajit was safe in studies with pregnant animals, but we don’t know how this might translate to human pregnancies (Ahmed et al., 2003; Idrees et al., 2016).
Although shilajit is an important remedy in traditional systems of medicine like Ayurveda, it’s not usually recommended during pregnancy. There are only several Ayurvedic polyherbal formulations (like Chandraprabhavati) that contain shilajit in small amounts in addition to other herbs. Even these remedies are advised to be used in consultation with a practitioner. They’re usually given to address specific complaints like UTIs in pregnancy.
Shilajit should be used with caution and only in small amounts during breastfeeding, preferably after consulting a knowledgeable health provider.
There are no human or animal studies of shilajit during breastfeeding. However, shilajit is commonly added in small amounts to formulations with shatavari (like Satavariguda) to support postpartum recovery and breastfeeding. These formulations are likely safe and beneficial when used appropriately.
Small amounts of pure shilajit may be safe during breastfeeding, especially if breastfeeding an older child and using shilajit for specific health concerns.
For postpartum women, shilajit may support energy levels, postpartum healing, immunity, and nutrient repletion.
If you’re considering using shilajit, be sure to find a high-quality source with a certified low level of heavy metals and other contaminants.
Read Next: Ginger Pregnancy Safety & Benefits + Breastfeeding Use
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a peculiar remedy. It’s among the most mysterious natural remedies out there.
It’s not a herb, yet decaying herbs and organic material create it. It’s not a mineral, yet it’s high in many minerals. It’s not an animal remedy either, though it’s purported to be created from animal feces and the fossil remains of marine animals. And it’s said to detoxify heavy metals, yet it also contains heavy metals (Ding et al., 2020; Hussain & Saeed, 2024).
What, then, is shilajit? And why on earth would you want to consume something that contains the remains of animal feces and heavy metals?
Shilajit is among the most important Ayurvedic remedies. It holds such a special place in traditional medicine because it’s an adaptogen and rasayana—a rejuvenating remedy that increases resilience to stress, reduces fatigue, and boosts physical endurance and quality of life. It’s thought to provide and carry nutrients deep into the body (Wilson et al., 2011; Stohs et al., 2014).
Modern research suggests that shilajit also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-dyslipidemic, cognition-boosting, antimicrobial, detoxifying, liver-protective, and fertility-enhancing properties (Stohs et al., 2014; Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012; Hussain & Saeed, 2024; Ali et al., 2024).
Shilajit is also famous because it was used for the mummification of bodies by Egyptians (Kamgar et al., 2023).
In the former Soviet Union, shilajit (also known as asphaltum there) was considered so valuable that its export was banned and it was declared a “treasure of the Country” by the government (Idrees et al., 2016).
Yet, nobody exactly knows what shilajit is. It’s officially classified as a herbal-mineral remedy. Although shilajit is a popular supplement and a remedy with a long history of traditional use—its origins are still a mystery. What all experts agree on is that shilajit is a blackish-brown biomass—a mixture of time-fermented organic material—that oozes from rocks at an altitude of 2000-4000 m (Ding et al., 2020).
Scientists think that shilajit is formed when organic and plant compounds get compressed by layers of rock and slowly decompose over centuries. High temperatures and pressure transform these compounds into a thick blackish mass that fills the cracks between rocks on mountain slopes. When the sun’s heat reaches it, it starts seeping out. At this point, shilajit can be collected (Pandey et al., 2019).
Indian and Russian researchers argue that shilajit is formed from dead plant residues and animal excrements, while Ayurvedic and Tibetan medicine scholars believe shilajit is purely mineral (“the rock origin” hypothesis) (Kamgar et al., 2023; Ali et al., 2024; Ding et al., 2020).
It gets crazier. A third hypothesis posits that Shilajit comes from the dried lumps of feces and urine from squirrels mixed up with the secretions of plants and mosses (Ding et al., 2020). Perhaps unsurprisingly, Tibetan scholars have not yet accepted this hypothesis!
Where Does Shilajit Come From?
Although most shilajit comes from the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal, it is also found in Russia, Tibet, Afghanistan, and even the north of Chile (Andean Shilajit) (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012)
In the north of India, shilajit is also known as salajit, shilajatu, mimie, or mummiyo. In the north of India, shilajit is also known as salajit, shilajatu, mimie, or mummiyo. The word Shilajit comes from Shila meaning “rock” and jit meaning “having won.” In Sanskrit, this translates to “Conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness” (Pandey et al., 2019).
In Tibet, Shilajit is also sometimes called Zhaxun, meaning the “juice of rock” or “the essence of the rock.” In Russia, the Altai Mountains, Mongolia, Iran, Kasachstan, and Kirgistan, it’s called mumijo. The Greek origin of the word “Mumijo” means “saving the body,” but in Persian, it simply means “wax” (Aiello et al., 2010).
The health benefits of shilajit differ from region to region and depend on the place from which it was extracted (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012).
So, when we talk about shilajit, we are really talking about a whole family of different shilajits. Its contents depend on the various organic materials that get compressed and ferment over time between the rocks of mountains in various parts of the world. This biomass is then collected, purified, and made into the black resin we know to be shilajit.
Composition and Active Compounds
Shilajit is composed of 60-80% organic matter, 20-40% mineral matter, and approximately 5% trace elements (Ali et al., 2024).
About 60-80% of shilajit are humic substances, including humic and fulvic acid. Fulvic and humic acid support immunity, gut health, and nutrient absorption. Fulvic acid is purported to help transport nutrients into cells and humic acid is said to boost energy and digestive health (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012; Kamgar et al., 2023).
Shilajit also contains more than 84 types of minerals in their ionic forms. This means that minerals in shilajit are not bound to salts but are “free” and may travel through tissues and reach cells more easily (Meena et al., 2010).
Some of the minerals present in shilajit include selenium, silver, iron, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Shilajit also contains glycine and other amino acids, proteins, fatty acids, and other active compounds (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012; Kamgar et al., 2023).
Shilajit also contains heavy metals including chromium and cobalt, which has raised a lot of questions about its safety. I’ll get into that in a dedicated section below (Hussain & Saeed, 2024).
All in all, shilajit’s composition is unique. It’s at once resinous, crystalline, and humus-rich. Part sticky liquid, part rock, part earth (Ali et al., 2024).
Although many compounds in shilajit have been identified, its complete composition—like its origins—is still a mystery. No comprehensive chemical analysis has ever been performed to find all the chemicals and species present in shilajit (Kamgar et al., 2023).
Shilajit Benefits, Actions & Energetics
Energetics & Affinities
Shilajit is a hot bitter.
Shilajit contains four of the six Ayurvedic tastes—pungent, bitter, salty, and astringent. It carries a pungent, heating energy.
Shilajit has an affinity for the urinary system, where it’s said to help strengthen and tone the kidneys, clear stagnation, and stimulate the flow of downwards-moving energy through the pelvic region.
Ayurveda
Traditionally, shilajit is used for skin illnesses, wounds, dislocations, bone injuries, osteoporosis, diabetes, digestive issues, respiratory infections, asthma, and chronic bronchitis. Shilajit is mentioned in early Ayurvedic texts (Ali et al., 2024).
In Ayurveda, Shilajit is considered to be a Rasayana (rejuvenator) and Balya (strength provider). It’s said to help reduce fatigue and especially balance Kapha dosha. Shilajit is thought to balance all three doshas, but its heating nature can cause unwanted effects and a “burning sensation” in the body for pitta if used in excess.
Shilajit is known as a yoga vahi—which means “catalyst”. Yoga vahi remedies help enhance the action of other remedies, and they carry and drive nutrients deep into the body. As a yoga vahi, shilajit can be taken with other herbs and supplements to boost their health benefits.
For example, a combination of ashwagandha and shilajit is thought to strengthen the nervous system and act on the male reproductive system. Shilajit with shatavari is thought to help balance female reproductive hormones.
Shilajit is also considered to be an important remedy for male reproductive health and fertility (Ali et al., 2024).
Tibetan and Unani Medicine
Shilajit is the sixth most frequently used Tibetan medicine. In Tibetan medicine, Shilajit is used for heat-related syndromes of the stomach, liver, and kidney. In South Asian Unani medicine, it is combined with other remedies for balancing blood sugar (Ali et al., 2024; Ding et al., 2020).
Mythology
According to a Hindu myth, Shilajit is believed to be a “divine syrup” given by Lord Shiva to mankind for eternal youth and health.
It’s said that, in ancient times, friction generated heat, forming a great amount of sweat. The sweat was said to be mixed with divine nectar and distributed in small quantities throughout the mountains. As the sun melted this nectar, it became Shilajit (Pandey et al., 2019).
During the summer, the mountains get heated up and release shilajit. Legends say that there are Sadhus and Yogis living high in the Himalayas who meditate for hundreds of years without even getting old or sick. They are said to withstand harsh weather with virtually little or no warm clothes and remain young and active by taking shilajit.
These legends highlight the cultural and religious significance of shilajit in India.
Shilajit Traditional Use In Women
Ayurvedic Shilajit Use in Women
According to some sources, shilajit may be traditionally used alone or in combination with other herbs or Ayurvedic ingredients in women for the following (Pandey et al., 2019):
- Bleeding disorders (including heavy and painful periods and bleeding in between cycles)
- Gynaecological and urinary disorders
- Anemia
- Anorexia
- Increasing sexual function and desire
In the Kama Sutra, shilajit is mentioned as a strong sexual desire enhancer or aphrodisiac. It was indicated for improving both male and female sexual function, often along with other remedies (Ali et al., 2024).
Traditional Use of Shilajit during Pregnancy
Some pregnant women report using shilajit during pregnancy.
Yet, there are no official sources, human studies, or traditional medicine texts mentioning shilajit use in pregnancy.
Some blogs claim that shilajit has been used in pregnancy for hundreds or thousands of years. They mention that shilajit may be beneficial in pregnancy because it’s a source of minerals and fulvic acid, which supports nutrient absorption, nutrient transport, and energy levels. Some even claim its “potential use in gestational diabetes since it’s used traditionally to lower blood sugar.” However, these blogs mention no sources. It’s possible that their claims are made up or hyped with the aim for selling shilajit supplements.
Other blogs warn against the use of shilajit.
What’s common to all these blogs is that they don’t list sources to back up their recommendations.
As part of my comprehensive review of the literature, I could only find one official Ayurvedic medicine containing shilajit that some practitioners prescribe during pregnancy: Chandraprabhavati (Jagani et al., 2022).
Chandraprabhavati is a traditional Ayurvedic medicine that includes guggul and shilajit as the basis, along with a mixture of other herbs. It’s traditionally recommended by some Ayurvedic practitioners for UTIs in pregnancy. Additionally, it’s said to “strengthen the uterine muscles and prevent sudden miscarriages.” Some practitioners prescribe it for vaginal infections coupled with UTIs in pregnancy.
Although some Ayurvedic practitioners prescribe Chandraprabhavati during pregnancy, others err on the side of caution and say its use should be avoided. Most Ayurvedic sources agree that it should be used in pregnancy only after consulting a knowledgeable practitioner.
Chandraprabhavati is also used for other diseases of the urinary tract, kidney, pancreas, thyroid gland, bones, and joints. Chandra signifies “the moon” and prabha denotes “glow.” Hence, Chandraprabhavati is said to bring a glow to a woman’s body and promote strength and immunity.
Traditional Use of Shilajit Postpartum
Shilajit is a part of some Ayurvedic postpartum formulations that are recommended to breastfeeding moms. It’s often combined with shatavari and other herbs.
The Ayurvedic polyherbal remedy Satavariguda (also known as Shatavari Gulam) contains shatavari, jaggery, ghee, shilajit, and other herbs. It’s used for gynecological conditions and problems of the urinary tract and liver, according to some sources. The main herb in Satavariguda is shatavari, and shilajit is added only in small amounts.
Satavariguda is also used by mothers after childbirth to reduce afterpains, strengthen the uterus, help re-balance hormones, assist in overall recovery postpartum, and support breastfeeding. It’s recommended to be used only under professional supervision during pregnancy.
To understand why shatavari is the main herb in this formulation, be sure to read the Herbal Doula monograph on Shatavari—the “Queen of Herbs” and one of the top Ayurvedic remedies for women.
Outside of Ayurveda, women also mention using shilajit to restore minerals postpartum while breastfeeding. Some news outlets have described this as a “dangerous threat” saying that shilajit may contain heavy metals. However, there are no official reports of shilajit causing harm to breastfeeding mothers or babies. Still, it is critical to consider the purity of shilajit supplements—especially using shilajit during breastfeeding (covered in a special section below).
One of the reasons why shilajit is gaining popularity as a postpartum remedy is thanks to its high mineral content. Shilajit also helps nourish the blood and bones—important actions for postpartum recovery.
Shilajit may also help cleanse accumulated stagnation or toxicity. Plus, according to human studies, shilajit may help increase collagen levels. Many women experience collagen depletion postpartum and seek collagen-boosting supplements for hair loss, skin health, and overall wellness (Neltner et al., 2022).
The Sherpas People
For the people of Nepal and Northern India, shilajit is a staple at breakfast time. No contraindications in pregnant or breastfeeding women are mentioned.
The Sherpas are a Tibetan ethnic group that widely use shilajit. Their almost superhuman strength, longevity, and ability to scale the high mountains are sometimes attributed to shilajit. Sherpa children take shilajit with milk, and it is also commonly dissolved in hot water to make a high-energy morning beverage (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012).
Shilajit Classification in Associations, Books & Other
Unlike many other remedies, shilajit slipped through the cracks of most herbal books and associations. It’s simply not listed.
The only exception is the NatMedPro professional natural medicines database, which mentions that there is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of shilajit when used during pregnancy and lactation. For fulvic acid and humic acid, NatMedPro states that there is insufficient reliable information available and that they should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Shilajit is not mentioned in other professional and herbal books and associations that are typically consulted for Herbal Doula safety monographs.
Shilajit Research While Pregnant or Breastfeeding
There are only a couple of animal studies that explored shilajit use during pregnancy, one case report, and no human studies.
Case Report Describes “Licorice-Like Syndrome” in a Pregnant Woman Taking Mumijo
In one Greek case report, a 37-year-old woman 32 weeks pregnant with twins was suspected to have developed a condition called pseudohyperaldosteronism from daily mumijo (shilajit) supplementation over 6 months (Stavropoulos et al., 2018).
This condition results from something mimicking high levels of steroid hormones called mineralocorticoids in the body. She also had low potassium and magnesium blood levels and high blood pressure.
This was the woman’s first pregnancy, conceived via IVF. She was prescribed shilajit for back pain in early pregnancy.
The doctors describe her case and symptoms as “licorice-like syndrome” since licorice can cause similar symptoms when used in high doses or in people who are sensitive to its active compounds.
Once she was given potassium and magnesium and stopped taking shilajit, her symptoms resolved. She gave birth to healthy twins at 39 weeks. The doctors think some compounds in shilajit were causing her symptoms and blocking her natural production of mineralocorticoid hormones.
It’s critical to remember that we all respond to supplements differently. Since the woman in the case report was carrying twins, her circulatory system was in much higher demand. There is an extra increase in blood volume in women carrying multiples, and increased sensitivity to any active compounds that affect blood pressure and circulation.
We also don’t know anything about the mumijo supplement she consumed, its quality, purity, source, or dosage.
Still, this case does give us a reason to be cautious with mumijo in pregnancy, especially since there are no other official reports of its effects on pregnant women. It makes sense to be extra cautious if carrying multiples and to avoid long-term, daily mumijo/shilajit use in pregnancy.
Animal Studies
One recent animal study reports safe shilajit use in pregnant mice. The mice were given high doses of shilajit in early pregnancy. There were no differences in litter size, placenta, body weight of the embryos, or the number of lost pregnancies (Ahmed et al., 2003).
The shilajit they used was purchased from an open market in Saudi Arabia, as a paste. Its purity is questionable.
In another study in rabbits using lower doses, shilajit was given either alone or with selenium and vitamin E. Shilajit had no negative effects on reproduction. It increased implantation rates, fetal weight, placental fluid, and the weight of animals. Shilajit—both alone and with selenium and vitamin E—also increased progesterone levels (Idrees et al., 2016).
They concluded that shilajit with selenium and vitamin E may boost fertility and conception, supporting female reproduction.
The study authors didn’t mention the source or purity of the shilajit they used.
All in all, while these animal studies are good to have, we can’t know if and how they would apply to women.
Shilajit Heavy Metals, Contamination & Safety
Shilajit contains heavy metals, even when purified. However, this is not necessarily bad according to Ayurveda (Hussain & Saeed, 2024).
Ayurveda holds that tiny amounts of certain heavy metals, like those found in shilajit, can be used therapeutically when prescribed the right way and adapted to each person’s constitution and health. The science of using metals in small doses for medicinal purposes is known as Rasashaastra in Ayurveda (Savrikar & Ravishankar, 2011).
This is certainly hard for most people accustomed to Western medicine to accept. We usually think we should avoid all toxins and heavy metals at all costs. This is where Ayurveda differs, and it’s up to you to decide what view you resonate with and what you feel safe using.
At the same time, shilajit can bind to heavy metals in the body, chelate them, and aid their detoxification (Hussain & Saeed, 2024).
Shilajit contains around 65 heavy metals including toxic heavy metals like copper, aluminum, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury. Yet, it also contains humic substances that actively detoxify around 12 heavy metals (Hussain & Saeed, 2024).
Another concern is improperly purified, low-quality shilajit.
Shilajit that’s not properly purified may lead to risks of intoxication as it may contain mycotoxins, heavy metal ions, oxidants, and free radicals (Carrasco-Gallardo et al., 2012).
Although native shilajit needs to be properly purified before it can be used, studies show that the source and collection of shilajit are equally important. Shilajit from some parts of the world is lower in heavy metals (Kim et al., 2024).
One analysis using unpurified shilajit found low levels of heavy metals in all samples, meeting the established US FDA limits for adult exposure.
They collected samples from 3 different geographic regions: the Altai Mountains in Russia, the Gilgit Mountains in Pakistan, and the Pamir Mountains in Tajikistan in the Himalayas. Shilajit from the Altai mountains contained the lowest levels of heavy metals.
Another recent study found thallium in some shilajit supplements. Thallium is toxic to humans and has been implicated in birth defects. They purchased shilajit from local markets and online from different regions in Iran, India, Nepal, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. Some were crude and some were purified. The highest amount of measured thallium was found in crude Shilajit from Iran, some purified shilajit supplements also contained this toxic metal (Kamgar et al., 2025).
The government of Canada warned consumers in 2005 not to use Shilajit, as some Indian Ayurvedic Products (shilajit included) were found to contain dangerously high levels of heavy metals. Measures were taken to remove most of these products from the market, especially those produced by Dabur India Ltd.
Therefore, purified, high-quality, ready-for-use shilajit preparations for human consumption are a must. Some brands also provide third-party testing certificates that state heavy metal content. You can always ask for a Certificate of Analysis before purchasing shilajit.
Shilajit Types, Dosage & Formulations
There are so many types of shilajit that it’s almost impossible to categorize them. As new types of shilajit also get discovered, it seems that shilajit is a category in and of itself—something like probiotics or medicinal mushrooms. We are perhaps yet to see a shilajit science that will provide more specific details and testing on each type of shilajit.
Geographically, we know of the following types of shilajit/mumio (Abylaeva et al., 2023; Andrade et al., 2023):
- Himalayan Shilajit—especially high in fulvic acid and iron
- Altai Mumio—rich in antioxidants and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium
- Andean Shilajit—rich in fulvic acid, selenium, and magnesium,
- Other types: Caucasus Mumio, Pamir Mumio, Tien shan Mumio and Andean Mumio
Indian researchers also describe four distinct types of shilajit based on color (Agarwal et al., 2007; Pandey et al., 2019):
- Gold Shilajit, which is actually reddish in color (Savrana)
- Silver Shilajit, white in color with camphor odour (Rajat)
- Copper Shilajit, which is blue in color (Tamra)
- Iron-containing Shilajit, brownish-black in color with a distinct coniferous smell and bitter taste (Lauha)
Gold and copper varieties are very rare. The most common, and supposedly most effective variety, is the blackish, iron-containing Shilajit.
The most common shilajit found on the market is the brownish-black shilajit. It’s formulated into capsules, tablets, powder, and even liquid drops, tinctures, gummies, and honey-based formulations.
The typical dosage for women who are not pregnant or breastfeeding is 300-500 mg/day.
The amount of shilajit used in Ayurvedic formulations with other herbs for postpartum and breastfeeding women is very small.
Shilajit Side Effects
The traditional usage of Shilajit suggests a favorable safety profile. Clinical trials done on shilajit report mild adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal discomfort and headache, with no serious adverse events. Shilajit seems to be well-tolerated by most people (Muhammad Ali et al., 2024).
Ayurvedic sources mention that shilajit may worsen some symptoms in people with excess Pitta dosha.
The quality of shilajit can also affect its safety profile and side effects.
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What Is the Bottom Line?
- Shilajit should be used with high levels of caution in pregnancy; it may be safest to avoid shilajit in pregnancy unless prescribed for a specific health concern. There is not enough safety data about shilajit use in pregnant women, and high doses over long periods may cause high blood pressure and mineral imbalances in women who are sensitive to its active compounds
- Shilajit may be used with caution during pregnancy, especially if taking prescribed Ayurvedic formulations that contain shatavari and other herbs along with small amounts of shilajit. These formulations may support postpartum healing, energy levels, and breastfeeding.
- Shilajit may contain heavy metals, but it’s also rich in minerals and antioxidants and helps detox the body. If you’re considering using shilajit, be sure to find a reliable source with certified low levels of heavy metals and other contaminants that may pose risks
>>>>> Love Ayurvedic herbs? Don’t miss the free monograph on Shatavari safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding!
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The founder of Herbal Doula.
Homebirthing and freebirthing mama to four, independent scientist, natural pharmacist, herbalist, doula, birthkeeper, and holistic health and birthrights advocate. Endlessly passionate about creating and sharing empowering holistic health information and birth support. Ana has written 400+ and edited 800+ articles, some of which reached over 1 million people. She is the author of the first book about homebirth in Serbia. Ana has also authored several ebooks and book chapters.
