Several things have been said about Shilajit. The Himalayan region, which includes parts of Afghanistan, Tibet, Asia, India, and northern Chile, is where this herb is primarily found naturally. This plant is well known for its adaptogenic and antioxidant properties. Because of Ayurveda's numerous benefits, many brands have entered the market as interest in it has grown. Selecting a brand to buy is frequently a challenging choice for customers. This article will explain how to check the purity of shilajit.
What is shilajit
Shilajit is a naturally occurring resin with two distinct colors: brown and black. It is created by the centuries-long breakdown of plants, minerals, and animals under intense heat and pressure. This substance contains fulvic acids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and humic acid, offering various benefits.
How to check purity of shilajit
This substance is available under many different brands, but it is impossible to determine which are genuine. Two methods are available for checking it: one is simple, requires little equipment and ingredients, and can be done at home; the other is large-scale and requires significant investment in machinery and other resources.
A. Home based test
Below are a few tests which can be done at home with minimum equipment and ingredient
a. Solubility test procedure
For this test, you will need shilajit, which you have, and water at room temperature. It is necessary to thoroughly dissolve shilajit in water; if the mixture is mixed and no residue remains, giving you a golden or dark brown tint, your shilajit is authentic; otherwise, it is not
b. Burn test procedure
Gas and the flame shilajit you will use are required for this test. Put this product on a fire. It might not be the original shilajit if it emits excessive smoke and leaves a lot of residue after burning. The original will burn with the most negligible ash and without emitting smoke.
c. Pliability test procedure
The shilajit you considered utilizing for this experiment must also be added to your refrigerator. After putting it in the fridge, mold your shilajit into a different form for a few minutes. The original shilajit becomes sticky and brittle when shaped by hand.
d. Color test procedure
Color is an excellent way to determine Shilajit's purity. The original Shilajit was dark and brown, but contaminants could cause it to be a different color.
e. Acid test procedure
This test requires weak acid and the product itself. Add vinegar or another mild acid to shilajit. A pure shilajit will not react violently; it will dissolve. If it fizzes or reacts strongly, additives or impurities may be present.
B. Large scale test
a. Spectroscopic analysis
This analysis identifies the chemical makeup of the shilajit you own. Although the chemical makeup of the impure form will differ, these tests cannot be carried out at home. The right lab and equipment are needed to perform this test.
b. Chromatography technique
Compounds in shilajit are separated and identified using thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography. These techniques help guarantee that products are impurities-free and contain the anticipated bioactive compounds.
c. Heavy metal testing
These tests determine whether mercury, arsenic, or metals are present in shilajit. Not all these compounds are present in the original shilajit because they are not beneficial to health.
d. Microbiological testing
Using methods like microbial culture or PCR, tests are carried out for bacteria, fungi, and pathogens to make sure that these natural herbs are safe to consume
e. Standardization
This test ensures that the product meets all safety standards and is safe to consume by all age groups.
Conclusion
Shilajit contains a wealth of minerals, vitamins, and fulvic acid. This semi-liquid resin compound offers several advantages, including improving physical endurance, immunity, energy, sexual function, heart health, muscle gain, etc. As previously mentioned, several methods exist to determine if this compound is original. Please take note that consuming shilajit raw can have adverse effects on your health. Additionally, it is crucial to see a doctor before taking any brand of shilajit in any quantity.