I came across an article on shilajit and its health claims.  This article quotes a western pharmacist who says that there is no known benefit of shilajit or other rock extracts.  The same article also quotes an Ayurvedic specialist who mentions the health benefits of shilajit when taken in small amounts.  My thinking is that shilajit might be new to the developed world but it’s been used for centuries in Indian traditional medicine. In the US, shilajit is sold as powder and capsules, and can cost anything from 10 USD to 100 USD.  I’m not sure if shilajit is similarly available in India.

Shilajit is a rock extract from the Himalayas containing a variety of minerals, and is an ingredient in many ayurvedic preparations including chavanprash.  According to ayurveda, it is a good antioxidant and helps in anti aging,  treating anemia, arthritis, etc.  But, it can be harmful to health when taken in large doses.  It’s best to check with a qualified ayurvedic physician before taking shilajit.