Afternoons in the office usually looked something like this. Picture me slumped in my chair, trying desperately to get through tasks that require concentration, plying myself with a sugar fix of Diet Coke and sweets, chocolate, cake – anything to keep me awake. Suddenly unnecessary, not only was I no longer fighting to stay awake at my desk, but I also found it easier to work on tasks that I would save for the morning when I was most alert.

With fatigue taking a backseat, I was not only more productive during the day, but at night too. Instead of leaving me wired for hours like coffee, unable to sleep when I wanted to, shilajit delayed my tiredness to a more respectable hour – getting tired just before bedtime. Instead of waking multiple times a night – I am Team Sleep Divorce to help with this – I would wake up only once or not at all and in the morning would feel well-rested, almost hopping out of bed (as somebody who is not a morning person, this is miraculous).

Almost seeming too good to be true, I asked VJ to explain the science behind shilajit’s success.

What does shilajit do for the body?

“In both my clinical work and personal use, I’ve seen shilajit help improve energy, focus and stamina, particularly when paired with good sleep, blood sugar balance and foundational nutrient support,” she explains. “I’ve seen clients benefit from deeper sleep, improved exercise recovery, and fewer ‘energy crashes’ when using shilajit alongside a nutrient-dense diet. That said, the benefits unfold slowly and are best sustained through consistency.”

Finding myself among the few who notice immediate improvements, VJ suggests sticking with it for a bit longer if you don’t. “For many people, especially those with mitochondrial dysfunction or long-standing inflammation, subtle shifts can be felt in as little as 2–3 weeks,” she says. “More consistent changes like better cognitive function or increased physical stamina, tend to show up between 6–8 weeks.”

Are there any side effects when taking shilajit?

Before taking shilajit, my biggest concern was that it would upset the delicate balance of my gut health. In the past, other supplements have caused cramps or worse, but so far shilajit seems to be respecting the balance. While it can cause some mild digestive issues, starting with a microdose and slowly increasing over time is the expert-advised best way to navigate this, though it’s important to always consult your GP before beginning with a new supplement.

What’s most important to note is where you source your shilajit from. “In general, purified and third-party tested shilajit is well tolerated, and I’ve had very few clients experience side effects,” VJ explains. “However, unprocessed shilajit can be contaminated with heavy metals, free radicals, or microbial residues which is why I never recommend buying it from unverified sources.”

Who shouldn’t use shilajit?

Both Kiki Health and VJ suggest that shilajit shouldn’t be taken by anyone pregnant or breastfeeding as well as people with gout or those taking blood thinners or insulin.

“I typically hold off on introducing shilajit until we’ve done some foundational work on liver, gut, and mineral balance, especially in those with autoimmune conditions, so that the body is better equipped to utilise it,” she says. If you have any doubts, it’s best to speak with a healthcare provider before taking shilajit to be safe.

Would I recommend shilajit to my fellow fatigued friends out there? Absolutely. If you’re looking for a way to banish tiredness forever, then unfortunately your search continues. If you’re trying to find your way back to your natural rhythm, this might be the roadmap you’ve been looking for.

The trouble is, with your sleep schedule (relatively) back to normal, it does mean less time for TikTok doomscrolling in bed… Swings and roundabouts.

If you’re considering trying out a new supplement, it’s best to consult your GP before doing so.