Why Does Shilajit Make Me Feel Weird?

According to anecdotal reports and some clinical research, purified shilajit is generally safe for most people, but a small number of users report feeling 'weird' or experiencing adverse side effects. This odd sensation from shilajit could stem from contamination, dosage sensitivity, or other biological reactions within your body.

Quick Summary

The strange sensation experienced after taking shilajit can be caused by contamination with heavy metals, exceeding the proper dosage, or individual sensitivities to its potent mineral content and bioactive compounds. Understanding these factors and ensuring a pure, correctly dosed product is key to a positive experience.

Key Points

• Check for contamination: Low-quality, unpurified shilajit can contain toxic heavy metals that cause serious health problems.

• Mind your dosage: Taking too much shilajit can overwhelm the system, leading to digestive upset, headaches, and dizziness.

• Be aware of adaptogenic effects: As an adaptogen, shilajit modulates the body's stress response, which can feel unusual or cause temporary mood and energy shifts.

• Watch for allergic reactions: Although rare, rashes, itching, and swelling can signal an allergic response to shilajit or an impurity.

• Heed digestive sensitivities: The high mineral concentration in shilajit can irritate sensitive stomachs, causing nausea or discomfort, especially on an empty stomach.

• Individual body chemistry matters: Some individuals may have a unique or negative reaction to shilajit that others do not experience.

• Always start with a small amount: Titrating your dose slowly is a key safety practice to allow your body to adapt and minimize negative side effects.

Common Reasons Why Shilajit Can Cause a 'Weird' Feeling

While many users report benefits from shilajit, experiencing an unusual or negative reaction is not unheard of. Several factors can contribute to this strange sensation, ranging from the product's quality to your body's individual response.

Contamination from Heavy Metals

One of the most significant and dangerous reasons for feeling unwell is the presence of heavy metal contamination. As a substance that seeps from mountain rocks, shilajit can naturally contain toxic metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury. If the product has not been properly purified by a reputable manufacturer, these heavy metals can accumulate in your body, leading to toxicity. Symptoms of heavy metal poisoning can include nausea, weakness, headaches, and abdominal pain, all of which align with a general 'weird' or unwell feeling. Always purchase third-party lab-tested shilajit to ensure it is free from these harmful substances.

High Mineral Concentration and Dosage Sensitivity

Shilajit is packed with a rich array of minerals, often containing over 84 trace minerals. For some individuals, this potent influx of minerals can shock the system, especially when starting with too high a dose. This can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, stomach cramps, and diarrhea, which can make you feel distinctly 'off'. Starting with a much smaller, pea-sized amount and gradually increasing the dose allows your body to adjust to its potent composition.

Adaptogenic and Hormonal Effects

Shilajit is a powerful adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress. For some, this modulation of the stress response can feel unusual, as their body re-calibrates its cortisol and adrenal function. While many find this effect calming, others, particularly those with sensitive nervous systems, might experience temporary effects like jitters, changes in mood, or brain fog as their body adjusts. Furthermore, shilajit can influence hormone levels, particularly testosterone. For some, especially women, this hormonal shift can cause mood swings or other strange feelings.

Allergic Reactions

Although rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to shilajit or its components. This can manifest in symptoms like itching, rashes, or hives. In rare and severe cases, a reaction could trigger anaphylaxis, a serious medical emergency. Anyone experiencing such symptoms should stop taking shilajit immediately and seek medical attention.

Comparison of Potential Causes for Feeling 'Weird' from Shilajit

Cause	Mechanism	Common Symptoms	Prevention/Solution
Heavy Metal Contamination	Ingestion of toxic metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic due to poor purification.	Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, headaches.	Purchase only lab-tested, purified products from reputable sources.
Dosage Issues / Mineral Load	Overloading the system with too many minerals and bioactive compounds.	Nausea, stomach upset, dizziness, digestive discomfort.	Start with a small, pea-sized dose and increase gradually. Take with food.
Adaptogenic Effects	Modulation of the body's stress response (HPA axis) and hormonal levels.	Jitters, mood shifts, brain fog, or feeling overly calm/energized.	Reduce dosage, be patient as your body adapts, or discontinue if it persists.
Allergic Reactions	Immune system response to shilajit or impurities.	Rashes, itching, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing.	Discontinue immediately and seek medical help if severe. Patch test first if sensitive.
Individual Sensitivity	A person's unique biochemistry reacts negatively to the compounds in shilajit.	Unique symptoms not covered by other categories; often digestive or related to energy.	Start low, monitor closely, and stop if adverse effects continue.

What to Do If You Feel Weird

If you experience strange or unpleasant feelings after taking shilajit, it's crucial to address the issue immediately. The first step is to stop taking the supplement. This allows your body to clear the substance from your system and helps you determine if shilajit was the cause of your symptoms.

Next, critically evaluate the product you purchased. Check for third-party lab testing results, which are often available on a reputable brand's website. If no such information exists, it's a strong indicator that the product might be impure or low-quality. A pure product should be black or dark brown and have a sticky, tar-like consistency. If your product's texture or color is off, discard it.

Consider your dosage. Many people mistakenly begin with too high a dose. Try restarting with a very small amount (a grain of rice size) dissolved in warm water or milk, and take it with a meal to ease digestion. Staying well-hydrated is also important, as this can assist with detoxification and help your body process the minerals.

If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction—such as severe itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing—seek immediate medical attention. For less severe but persistent issues, consult with a healthcare professional before resuming use. They can help determine if shilajit is right for you, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions like low blood pressure, high iron levels, or diabetes.

Conclusion

Experiencing a 'weird' feeling from shilajit is a sign from your body that something isn't right. The most likely causes are heavy metal contamination from an unpurified product, an incorrect dosage overwhelming your system, or an individual sensitivity to its potent adaptogenic and mineral properties. The primary takeaway is that the source and purity of your shilajit are paramount to safety and effectiveness. By starting with a low dose of a third-party-tested product and listening closely to your body, you can safely explore shilajit's benefits while minimizing the risk of unwanted side effects. Always prioritize your health and consult a professional if concerns arise.

Visit Cymbiotika for high-quality, third-party tested shilajit products.

Sources

• Continental Hospitals. (2025). Is Shilajit Safe? Side Effects & Precautions You Need to Know. https://continentalhospitals.com/blog/is-shilajit-safe-side-effects-and-precautions-you-need-to-know/
• Stronglife. (2024). 9 Potential Shilajit Side Effects: How To Avoid Them. https://stronglife.co.uk/shilajit-side-effects/
• Organic Aprico. (2025). Is Your Shilajit Safe? The Truth About Heavy Metals and Lab Testing. https://organicaprico.com/blogs/blog/is-your-shilajit-safe-the-truth-about-heavy-metals-and-lab-testing/
• Prabhat Ayurvedic Pharmacy. (2025). Shilajit Side Effects. https://prabhat-ayurveda.in/blog/shilajit-side-effects
• WeightWorld UK. (2025). Side Effects of Shilajit: What You Should Know Before Taking. https://www.weightworld.uk/health-wellness-hub/supplements/side-effects-of-shilajit.html
• Organic Aprico. (2025). Is Your Shilajit Safe? The Truth About Heavy Metals and Lab Testing. https://organicaprico.com/blogs/blog/is-your-shilajit-safe-the-truth-about-heavy-metals-and-lab-testing/
• Cymbiotika. (2025). Does Shilajit Help With Anxiety and Depression? Exploring Its Potential Benefits. https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/energy/does-shilajit-help-with-anxiety-and-depression-exploring-its-potential-benefits
• Wellversed. (2025). Shilajit Side Effects You Must Know. https://wellversed.in/blogs/articles/shilajit-side-effects-you-must-know/
• Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Heavy Metal Poisoning (Toxicity). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23424-heavy-metal-poisoning-toxicity
• Cymbiotika. (2025). How Much Shilajit is Too Much? Understanding Safe Dosage for Optimal Benefits. https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/energy/how-much-shilajit-is-too-much-understanding-safe-dosage-for-optimal-benefits
• Cymbiotika. (2025). Does Shilajit Help With Anxiety and Depression? Exploring Its Potential Benefits. https://cymbiotika.com/blogs/energy/does-shilajit-help-with-anxiety-and-depression-exploring-its-potential-benefits
• WeightWorld UK. (2025). Side Effects of Shilajit: What You Should Know Before Taking. https://www.weightworld.uk/health-wellness-hub/supplements/side-effects-of-shilajit.html
• RediClinic. (2024). We asked experts if there's any side effects of shilajit. Here's what they said. https://www.rediclinic.com/blogs/health-and-wellness/we-asked-experts-if-theres-any-side-effects-of-shilajit-heres-what-they-said/
• Stronglife. (2024). 9 Potential Shilajit Side Effects: How To Avoid Them. https://stronglife.co.uk/shilajit-side-effects/

How to take shilajit safely

1. Start with a minimal dosage: Begin with a pea-sized amount and increase gradually.
2. Choose a reputable brand: Look for third-party lab testing and certification to ensure purity and safety.
3. Consider your sensitivity: Take shilajit with food and plenty of water to aid digestion.
4. Listen to your body: If you feel unwell, stop taking the supplement.
5. Consult a doctor: Talk to a healthcare professional if you have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.

What to do if shilajit feels weird

1. Stop taking shilajit immediately: This is the most crucial first step to prevent further discomfort.
2. Evaluate the product: Check if your shilajit is from a reliable source and has third-party testing for heavy metals and purity.
3. Reduce dosage: If you decide to try again, start with a much smaller amount to allow your body to adjust.
4. Take with food: Consuming shilajit with food can help mitigate digestive issues.
5. Consult a doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice, especially for severe reactions like swelling or difficulty breathing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can heavy metals in shilajit make you feel weird?

Yes, if shilajit is not properly purified, it can contain toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and a general feeling of being unwell.

What is the correct way to start taking shilajit?

The correct way to start is with a very small, pea-sized amount, especially if you are new to it. You can gradually increase the dosage as your body adjusts and tolerates it well.

Can shilajit cause headaches or dizziness?

Yes, some people experience headaches or dizziness, particularly when starting shilajit or taking a higher dose. This could be related to its effect on blood pressure or the body's adjustment to its mineral content.

Is a stomach ache from shilajit normal?

A stomach ache is not normal but is a known side effect for individuals with sensitive digestive systems or when the dosage is too high. Taking it with food can help alleviate this.

How does shilajit affect mood and anxiety?

As an adaptogen, shilajit modulates the body's stress response and neurotransmitter levels. While often calming, for some, this process can cause temporary mood shifts, jitters, or brain fog as the body re-calibrates.

Can I have an allergic reaction to shilajit?

Though uncommon, allergic reactions are possible and can present as skin rashes, hives, or swelling. Stop use immediately and seek medical attention if you suspect an allergic reaction.

What should I look for in a high-quality shilajit product?

Always choose a product from a reputable brand that provides third-party lab test results, ensuring it has been purified and tested for heavy metals and other contaminants.