Shilajit – The Ancient Resin of the Mountains

What Is Shilajit and Where Does It Come From?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance that seeps from rocks in high mountain ranges—most famously the Himalayas, but also the Altai, Caucasus, and Andes. For centuries, it has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenating elixir. But what exactly is it?

Shilajit forms over centuries through the decomposition of plant material and microbial life, compressed by layers of rock and geological pressure. The result is a mineral-rich, organic compound that’s naturally exuded from stone when temperatures rise in the summer. Traditionally, it was collected by hand and purified before use, often reserved for royalty and sages due to its rare and potent nature.

Its name comes from Sanskrit roots—“shila” meaning rock and “jit” meaning conqueror. In essence, "conqueror of mountains" or "destroyer of weakness"—a poetic nod to both its source and its legendary vitality-enhancing properties.