How to Spot Fake Shilajit
Namaste dai bahini... Growing up in Namche Bazaar, I saw elders handle shilajit with great care. In Nepal, we know it as something sacred from the Himalaya. But here in Australia, I see many people get tricked with fake or diluted products. I feel sad, because one wrong resin can break trust and even harm health. So today, I explain simply how you can spot fake shilajit, and protect yourself.
Why Fake Shilajit is Common
Shilajit is rare and valuable. Collecting pure resin from high Himalayan rocks takes time and hard work. Because of this, many sellers mix resin with cheap fillers or even chemicals. Some don’t even sell real shilajit at all. Instead, they sell black paste, tar, or processed powder that has nothing to do with the Himalaya.
How to Spot Fake Shilajit - Simple Tests
You don’t need to be a scientist to check if your shilajit is pure. Here are some easy tests you can do at home:
- Water test: Real shilajit dissolves fully in warm water or milk, leaving no grit or sand. Fake one may clump, float, or sink without dissolving.
- Flame test: Put a small piece near a flame. Pure shilajit will bubble and produce ash-like smell, but it will not burn like plastic or tar.
- Texture: Real resin is sticky in warm weather, and hard/brittle in cold weather. Fake ones stay the same no matter the temperature.
- Taste: Pure shilajit has strong, bitter, slightly earthy taste. If it tastes sweet or has no taste at all, be careful.
Signs of Fake Shilajit When Buying Online
In Australia, many people buy shilajit online. But not every website is honest. Watch out for these red flags:
- No lab report or certificate of authenticity.
- Bright shiny paste that looks like tar or shoe polish.
- Too cheap price compared to genuine resin.
- Powder sold as shilajit resin – in Nepal, elders never used powder, only resin.
- Brands hiding their source, not mentioning Himalaya or altitude.
Why Trust Matters
In my village, trust is everything. We pass knowledge from grandfather to grandson, not for profit but for respect of nature. When I import shilajit to Australia, I keep the same value. I bring only resin collected above 3000m altitude, tested in certified lab, and packed fresh in Nepal. This way, you can feel safe and know you are getting what our ancestors used.
FAQ - How to Spot Fake Shilajit
What is the easiest way to spot fake shilajit?
The water test is easiest – real shilajit dissolves fully, while fake clumps or leaves residue.
Does fake shilajit have side effects?
Yes, many fake products are mixed with tar, chemicals, or fillers, which can upset digestion or even be harmful.
Can shilajit powder be real?
In traditional Nepal, we only use resin, not powder. Powder is usually processed or diluted, so be very cautious.
How can I trust shilajit in Australia?
Look for genuine Nepali importers, lab-tested certificates, and honest brands that show the origin clearly.