"Shilajit originating from iron is the best of all." — Astanga Hrdayam
Most people think shilajit is simply a black resin from the mountains. But Ayurvedic medicine recognizes 6 different types, each with unique mineral composition, color, taste, and therapeutic effect.
4 Basic Types (Charaka Samhita)
1. Suvarna Shilajit – Golden Type 🥇
Suvarna (Sanskrit: gold) is associated with gold-rich deposits. Reddish color with warm, golden tones.
- Color: Reddish, like hibiscus flower
- Taste: Sweet with bitter background
- Effect: General regeneration, vitality, anti-aging
- In our range: Suvarna Shilajit – purified with Triphala method
2. Rajata Shilajit – Silver Type 🥈
Rajata (Sanskrit: silver) is associated with silver-rich deposits. White coloring, cooling character.
- Color: White to silvery
- Effect: Mental clarity, nervous system, cognition
- Availability: Very rare, not currently in our range
3. Tamra Shilajit – Copper Type 🔵
Tamra (Sanskrit: copper) has a unique bluish color. Known for its effect on metabolism.
- Color: Bluish, "like a peacock's neck"
- Effect: Liver, metabolism, detoxification
- Availability: Rare, not currently in our range
4. Lauha Shilajit – Iron Type ⚫
Lauha (Sanskrit: iron) is the most common yet most valued type. According to Astanga Hrdayam, "the best of all types."
- Color: Black-brown to black-red, metallic tones
- Taste: Bitter and salty
- Dosha: Acts on ALL THREE doshas – the only type that does!
- Smell: Most intense – sign of purity
- In our range: Lauha Shilajit 100g – minimally processed
Complete Comparison of All 6 Types
| Type | Metal | Color | Taste | Dosha | Effect | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suvarna | Gold | Reddish | Sweet-bitter | Vata-Pitta | Regeneration, vitality | ✅ Our range |
| Rajata | Silver | White | Pungent | Kapha-Pitta | Cognition, nerves | ❌ Rare |
| Tamra | Copper | Bluish | Bitter | Kapha | Metabolism, liver | ❌ Rare |
| Lauha | Iron | Black-brown | Bitter-salty | All three! | Energy, strength, blood | ✅ Our range |
| Naga | Lead | Dark | Specific | Specific | Only under supervision | ❌ Not for sale |
| Vanga | Tin | Specific | Specific | Specific | Only under supervision | ❌ Rarest |
Why Is Lauha "The Best"?
- Astanga Hrdayam: "Shilajit from iron is the best of all"
- Only type acting on all three doshas – broadest therapeutic spectrum
- Richest in iron – key mineral for blood, energy, and immunity
- Most intense smell and taste – sign of highest concentration of bioactive compounds
FAQ
Is there shilajit containing multiple metals?
Is Naga (lead) shilajit dangerous?
Can I combine Suvarna and Lauha?
Sources
- Singh SB, Yadav SC, Sharma A, Singh SK, Rawat M, Gupta M, Upadhya R, Singh AK, Singh RK (2024). Pre-clinical Evaluation of Shilajit in Cancer: A Systematic Review. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. PMID: 38240411
- Ghasemi F, Hosseini B, Nikzad S, Rostamian A, Kasaian J (2023). A Comprehensive Review on Shilajit: What We Know about Its Chemical Composition. Crit Rev Anal Chem. PMID: 38133965
- Harsimrat, Singh D, Devi S, Sharma G, Singh M, Kaur S (2011). Review on shilajit used in traditional Indian medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. PMID: 21677736
- Agarwal SP, Khanna R, Karmarkar R, Anwer MK, Khar RK (2007). Shilajit: a review. Phytother Res. PMID: 17295385
Note: This article is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and does not replace consultation with a doctor. Consult a doctor before taking any food supplement — especially with chronic conditions, pregnancy or breastfeeding.
