In Pakistan, there is a wave of enormous popularity of Shilajit, and its popularity can be attributed to the population with a penchant towards natural cures. However, things are not that simple anymore, because the original shilajit is hard to come by. Fake substitutes are everywhere in the market, and they are cheap substitutes that appear to be healthy and do not necessarily pose any health benefits. I, too, used to get misled by nice-looking packages and large promises. It turns out that I managed to learn how to distinguish between real shilajit and fakes only after doing some digging and testing.
It is a guide to know the details of a serious person about their health. We will discuss what being an authentic version of shilajit means, how to check whether you are purchasing fake or low-quality products, and why it is important to trust the source so that you do not waste any money.
What is Shilajit Made Of?
Shilajit is a natural resin that is produced by the gradual breakdown of plant materials that are imprisoned in the mountains that are found in high altitudes like the Himalaya and the Karakoram. The organic material is broken down over centuries by pressure and under the influence of micro-activity to form a sticky, mineral-rich product.
Real organic Shilajit is rich in trace minerals (over 80 minerals), and fulvic acid and humic acid are also highly abundant. These compounds also aid in the absorption of nutrients, detoxification, the reduction in inflammation, as well as the general production of energy in the body. Other elements such as iron, magnesium, and zinc also boost immune health and hormonal health.
Why Fake Shilajit is Everywhere in Pakistan
Pakistan has emerged as a hot trade centre of shilajit because of an increasing demand and easy accessibility to the mountainous areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, Skardu, and Swat. The unfortunate part is that this demand has seen a flood of fake products. A lot of them are nothing more than soil mixed with herbs, industrial tar, or processed resin with chemical admixtures.
In online markets and local herb shops, there is no regulation, and one can simply package something sticky and market it as 100 percent genuine shilajit and get a fat cash. However, they can experience side effects such as toxicity of metals, stomach problems, or even liver damage through the use of false or contaminated shilajit. That is why the option of selecting the highest quality of shilajit in Pakistan is not a matter of discussion.
How to Identify Original Shilajit
Not all people have access to the lab equipment, yet there are still effective ways to test shilajit at home. These are the best ways that, according to my personal experience and professional suggestions, can help you clarify is your shilajit is authentic:
1. Water Dissolving Test
Add a little of the shilajit into a glass of warm (not boiling) water. Original shilajit will be dissolved without deposits and arbitrary floating particles. Depending on the amount of water it uses, the water should change to reddish-brown or golden.
2. Heat or Flame Test
Put a little piece and bring it close to a fire. Plastic is easy to catch fire, real shilajit will not. Rather, it ought to fizz slightly and give off a faint woody aroma. When you can smell like burnt rubber, or it instantly catches fire, then it is fake.
3. Texture and Temperature Test
At lower temperatures, pure shilajit is solid and hard, but when warmed, it is soft and sticky. When the product you sell never changes in texture or is grainy, powdery, or waxy, it is not real.
4. Smell and Taste
Authentic shilajit is stinky, tar-like in nature, with a bitter taste. The taste of something sweet or metallic is normally an indicator that the product has been contaminated with some form of artificial flavours.
5. Ask for Lab Reports
The seller must be reliable, and his products must be tested in the laboratory, with results that indicate high levels the fulvic acid (over 50%) and that there was no contamination of that product by heavy metals. This is among the reasons why Alpine Shilajit is loved-they openly publish their lab reports to the customers.
What Makes the Best Shilajit in Pakistan?
The source of authenticity begins to be authentic. The highest quality of shilajit in Pakistan can be located in Gilgit-Baltistan and Skardu, as all the circumstances there are perfect for producing it naturally. However, the process of sourcing is not sufficient, as purifying and packaging are also significant.
Pure shilajit goes through the process of purification with natural water, not chemicals or any industrial solvents. It is not heat-treated, but sun-dried in a way not to destroy fulvic acid and mineral content. The packaging is important too. Jars of dark glass are the most suitable ones since light and air can not destroy the resin. When you are purchasing shilajit in plastic containers under any sunlight, then there is are high chance that it might be spoiled already.
How to Use Shilajit for Maximum Benefit
After ensuring the availability of pure shilajit, the following step is how to use it properly. Although this can be adjusted to individual needs, most of the users in Pakistan consume approximately 300-500mg of dosage per day.
Take this amount as that of a pea and mix it in water, which should be lukewarm, milk, or green tea. Take it on an empty stomach in the morning. It should not be mixed with sweetened drinks (tablets should be swallowed with water). It also should not be combined with acidic liquids such as cola or orange juice, which can dilute the drug.
Expert Insight: Purity Equals Potency
According to Dr. Farooq Siddiqui, one of the practitioners of naturopathy located in Islamabad, original shilajit will only work when it is not adulterated at all.
The positives of shilajit are based on its natural organic structure and mineral makeup. On its own, the fulvic acid is a strong carrier of nutrients to your cells. However, when it is spoiled or polluted, then all those advantages are lost, and it can even be disastrous.”
That is why medical wellness professionals recommend using only laboratory-tested and organic shilajit from a trustworthy organization. It is not only the issue of gaining all the strength but also of safeguarding your body against injury.
Final Thoughts
Some people may say that it is no longer necessary to notice the difference between genuine and fake shilajit, as there are numerous fakes and forgers in the market today. On the contrary, it is a must nowadays because with the number of fakes, it is even more difficult to determine which is which. And no matter whether you use it to stock up on energy, to support immunity, or to treat yourself in general, buying genuine shilajit gives you all the powerful health-giving properties nature has to offer.Alpine Shilajit is a recommended vendor in Pakistan in case you are seeking a quality but safe vendor. Their sourcing is transparent, they contain a great amount of fulvic acids, and they are lab tested; they make one of the best options to be bought by health-conscious customers.