These days, everyone is leading a lifestyle that is fast and hectic, the end result being stress. Then that stress leads to an increase in cortisol levels in the body, which can keep the body in a heightened state of alertness, commonly known as the fight-or-flight response.
Shilajit is believed to have plenty of benefits and calming properties for the human body and mind. So can shilajit help in reducing cortisol levels in the body? Possibly, but it isn't proven that it can reduce it. It is not as simple as it looks, there are layers you need to understand, which are explained further.
Formation of Shilajit
The formation of shilajit happens high in the mountains of the Everest region. The local plants present on the mountains get trapped between the rocks along with the surrounding organisms. The matter is trapped for years and starts to decompose and turn into raw shilajit. This trapped and decomposed matter seeps out of the rocks through the cracks present in them during the summer months. The mountains and rocks are heated, due to that heat, the raw shilajit softens and seeps out.
This seeped-out resin later hardens and is harvested. This harvested resin is then filtered and process, this is the most important part, as shilajit contains 85+ minerals and several nutrients along with fulvic acid, humic substance, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and more. Along with all of these nutrients, shilajit also contains toxic contaminants, which are filtered out. So filtration is important, as it removes the impurities.
What is Cortisol
Cortisol is also known as the stress hormone. It is a steroid hormone produced by the zona fasciculata, the middle layer of the adrenal glands. Its release is controlled by a chain of signals called the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. First, the hypothalamus in the brain releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol.
Cortisol helps the body to use glucose, the sugar, in the form of energy. Along with that, it also helps influence immune system activity.
How Shilajit May Help with Cortisol
Shilajit does lower cortisol levels in the body, but it does not work directly, there are several layers to the process.
Reducing Stress
When you are stressed, the body starts to send signals to the brain to release more cortisol. Cortisol gives you a burst of energy and alertness so you can deal with whatever is stressing you. So if you reduce it, then your cortisol level will automatically get reduced. Shilajit has anti-stress properties, meaning shilajit can help you reduce your stress and reduce your cortisol.
Reducing Oxidative Stress
When too much stress increases the level of cortisol in the body, it starts to produce more free radicals, more than your body’s antioxidant capacity can handle. This is where shilajit comes in because it has antioxidative properties that help reduce oxidative stress in the body. Fulvic acid, which is one of the main components in shilajit, has strong antioxidant properties.
Reducing Anxiety
Anxiety is also a form of stress, so if you are too anxious, then there are great chances that your body will produce more cortisol. Shilajit also has anti-anxiety properties, which will help your body and mind to calm, and this will lead your body to release less cortisol.
Safe Consumption
Shilajit is a natural Ayurvedic supplement, but you need to have shilajit in limited quantities to get the full beneficial effect of it. The daily recommended dose for an adult is 500 mg of pure Shilajit extract. If you are a first-time user, then you can have 250 mg of pure shilajit extract, as when a new supplement is introduced, our body might need some time to adjust to it.
Even though it is a natural supplement, more studies are needed to know the extract's effect on the supplement on growing bodies. Children, pregnant, and nursing mothers are advised not to take shilajit. Also, if you are taking any form of medication, then it is better to consult a doctor before adding it to your routine.
Conclusion
Shilajit is a natural supplement that has properties in it by which stress can be managed, and that factor can lead to supporting the control of cortisol levels in your body. However, more research is needed to confirm its direct effects on cortisol. But remember to have pure, authentic, and third-party lab-tested shilajit, as good-quality shilajit will give you much more benefit than poor-quality, as poor-quality ones can cause some irreversible damage to your body, so it is better to stay away from them.
FAQs
Does shilajit lower cortisol levels?
There is insufficient direct human evidence to confirm that shilajit reliably lowers cortisol levels. Its potential effects on stress have been investigated, but more clinical studies are needed to establish its specific effects on cortisol.
How does shilajit help with stress?
Shilajit contains compounds such as fulvic acid that have been investigated for antioxidant and stress-related effects, primarily in laboratory and animal research. These findings do not establish that taking shilajit reduces everyday stress in humans.
Does shilajit reduce anxiety and stress?
Preliminary research suggests possible effects relevant to stress and anxiety, but human evidence remains limited. Shilajit should not replace clinically recommended treatment for anxiety disorders.
Can shilajit reduce cortisol caused by stress?
There is not enough direct evidence to confirm that shilajit reduces stress-induced cortisol in humans. Research into antioxidant activity or stress-related mechanisms does not establish a measurable reduction in cortisol.
Does fulvic acid in shilajit help reduce cortisol?
Fulvic acid is a component of shilajit that has been investigated for antioxidant activity. However, antioxidant activity does not necessarily mean it lowers cortisol. Its effect on cortisol levels in humans has not been established.
Reference
Li, X., Huang, J., & Zhu, F. (2025). The optimal exercise modality and dose for cortisol reduction in psychological distress: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Sports, 13(12), Article 415. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports13120415
Zafar, T. (2020). Potential biomarkers of emotional stress induced neurodegeneration. eNeurologicalSci, 21, Article 100292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ensci.2020.100292
Meena, H., Pandey, H. K., Arya, M. C., & Ahmed, Z. (2010). Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. International Journal of Ayurveda Research, 1(1), 37–40. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7788.59942
Spiers, J. G., Chen, H.-J. C., Sernia, C., & Lavidis, N. A. (2015). Activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis induces cellular oxidative stress. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 8, Article 456. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2014.00456
ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Cortisol. In ScienceDirect Topics. Elsevier. Retrieved September 29, 2026, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cortisol
Carrasco-Gallardo C, et al. (2012). "Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity." International Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.
Written By:
Meera Kami is a writer at Everest Shilajit, where she covers natural wellness, herbal traditions, and the science behind them, with a particular interest in how shilajit is studied and used today. Her approach is research-driven, turning evidence, field stories, and brand ideas into clear, source-focused content while still appreciating the cultural history behind these remedies.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
