Shilajit Dosage For Erectile Dysfunction

If you're having issues with fertility, shilajit could help you. This article will delve into the benefits, limitations, and dosage of shilajit and help guide you on how to use this herbal mineral to improve your fertility.

What is shilajit?

Shilajit is a blackish-brown sticky herbal mineral found oozing from the rocks in the high-altitude mountains of the Himalayas. It is made through the long-term gradual decomposition of certain plants by the action of microorganisms. The use of shilajit comes from Ayurveda — the traditional Indian medicine using mostly herbal remedies. 

Packed with multiple minerals/bioactive compounds alongside humic and fulvic acid, Shilajit is renowned for its healing properties.

What is shilajit used for? 

In numerous cell and animal studies, shilajit has shown beneficial pharmacological effects, such as:

• Anti-inflammatory

• Analgesic

• Antidiabetic

• Immunomodulatory

• Nootropic

• Anti-anxiety

• Anti-ulcer

• Antiviral

• Spermatogenic effects (helps improve sperm generation)

• Anticancer

• Antifungal

• Antioxidant effect

These pharmacological effects are transferable for alternative medicine to use in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, chronic pain, high cholesterol, cancer, cardiovascular issues, infertility, ulcerative colitis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more.

What are shilajit's benefits for treating infertility?

A 2015 study¹ showed that 250mg twice a day of shilajit for 90 days increased the total and free testosterone levels in the 38 healthy participants compared to the placebo. 

Not only that but it was found that luteinizing (LH) levels were maintained. This is important because LH is secreted by the pituitary gland to regulate testosterone production.

Usually, once testosterone reaches high levels, it can cause negative loop feedback to the hypothalamus to reduce LH release, further decreasing testosterone production. In this way, testosterone inhibits its own secretion.

However, in this shilajit study, this did not happen, with increased testosterone levels and no negative impact on LH production. On the other hand, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were improved. FSH plays a role in the number of sperm available.

Therefore, these results could lead to increased sperm production (thus improving fertility) and boost sex drive (which, in some cases, may reduce erectile dysfunction). 

Furthermore, a 2010 study¹ published in the journal Andrologia demonstrated that 100mg of shilajit taken twice every day for 90 days improved total sperm count, sperm motility, and amounts of healthy sperm in 28 of the infertile men in the study. 

This effect on the sperm, therefore, improves fertility in men, as the sperm are better able to permeate an ovum.

How much shilajit should you take to treat infertility effectively?

The right amount may depend on your current health and age. Before purchasing and consuming shilajit, you should talk to your doctor to get individualized advice about taking this supplement. 

As it's not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ensure you let your health practitioner know if you're considering taking shilajit.

This herbal mineral is available as a capsule, liquid, or powder. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package, as the formula and concentration will vary from one brand and form to another. 

The recommended doses equate to approximately 300-500mg per day. Shilajit powder should be diluted and taken with milk twice a day. However, as with all supplements, always read the label first for directions. 

So far, shilajit has been deemed generally safe if not taken in excess. It’s important to avoid raw and unprocessed shilajit, as it has been shown to contain very high levels of free radicals and was found to be contaminated with different fungal organisms. 

The use of shilajit long-term as a supplement is also considered to be generally safe. However, most studies have only tested its safety for up to 90 days of consumption and not beyond.

What are the side effects of taking too much shilajit?

Unfortunately, there is limited evidence of whether shilajit is safe for long-term use in humans beyond 90 days. 

However, a 2012 rat study² has shown that shilajit is well tolerated in rats after 91 days of administration. In this study, researchers tested the effects of shilajit concerning iron toxicity. 

It's believed that shilajit could be beneficial for those with anemia since it contains compounds known as fulvic and humic acids. These compounds are good sources of iron and could, in theory, help those with an iron deficiency. 

Although extra iron is beneficial for helping with anemia, those who do not have anemia are at greater risk of hemochromatosis (toxicity caused by high levels of iron in the body). There were no instances of this occurring in the study, but researchers still raised this as a potential concern. 

While there is not enough evidence to suggest whether high doses of shilajit cause iron toxicity, if you notice these effects (which are linked to high levels of iron), you should discontinue the supplement and seek medical advice:

• Joint pain 

• Tiredness

• Weakness 

• Weight loss

• Stomach pain 

Overall, the study² concluded that shilajit was safe for long-term use, with no evidence of iron toxicity in any of the organs of the rats tested. 

If you are taking shilajit as a supplement, it would be best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines regarding doses. But if you wish to increase or alter your dose, you could run this past your doctor first.

Another feared side effect of shilajit could be an increase in testosterone levels above normal levels. However, a 2015 study assessed the level of testosterone increase that can be induced by taking shilajit. 

While the researchers said their results showed an increase in total testosterone and free testosterone, shilajit did not raise these levels above the normal range. Therefore, it could potentially benefit those with low testosterone levels. However, it is unlikely to have an effect when testosterone levels are already within the normal range. 

Lastly, more studies are required to determine the long-term safety profile of shilajit. Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not take shilajit.

Always seek medical advice first if you feel unsure about any supplements, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical condition or are taking any other regular medications. 

How can side effects be managed?

Discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately if you develop a rash, dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, or increased heart rate, as it may be that you're allergic to shilajit.

How long does it take for shilajit to start working?

The results will vary from person to person. Hence, there is no exact timeframe for when shilajit will work. 

However, one study demonstrated improvements in sperm count and motility within 30 days. But for the best results, it could take 30-90 days. 

How long will the effects last?

With continuous use of shilajit, it was effective throughout the 90-day trial. However, the study did not address how long the effects lasted after discontinuing shilajit. 

Other herbs that may help with infertility

According to one study,³ there is a range of other natural supplements that may help with infertility, including:

• Ashwagandha 

• Fenugreek

• Garlic 

• Kapikacchu

• Shatavari

• Pippali

• Bala

When to visit your doctor

You should consult your practitioner if you are considering shilajit as a treatment option for your infertility. That way, you can ensure you're not on any other medications that could negatively interact with the supplement and check that shilajit won’t impact any pre-existing conditions you may have. Your doctor may also suggest an individualized dosage for you. 

If you notice any adverse side effects while using shilajit, discontinue using the supplement.

The lowdown

Shilajit can help with infertility and provide multiple other health benefits. It's recommended you take shilajit twice daily (approximately 300-500mg/day) with warm milk on an empty stomach. 

Ensure that if you're looking to buy shilajit, it's approved by your GP, and the herbal mineral is pure and from a quality and safe source. Otherwise, it could be dangerous for your health.