Shilajit and Kratom are two natural substances known to be packed with tons of health benefits when taken responsibly. If you are thinking of combining these two substances but are unsure of the effects to expect from their combination, then this article is for you.
Is there any synergism or potentiation by combining Shilajit and Kratom? Does adding Shilajit to your Kratom regimen boost or enhance the Kratom experience? Are there any implications of taking this combo? These are some of the questions to be answered in this detailed write-up. Let’s begin by looking at what Kratom and Shilajit are first and foremost.
What is Kratom?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. It originates from Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Papua New Guinea. The leaves of this tree have been used in herbal medicine for centuries.
Kratom comes in different strains and vein colors, and this is largely due to the type of soil it is cultivated in, the region where it is grown, and when it is harvested. There are three major color types of Kratom (red, white, and green). Although each has its own slightly unique properties, they all offer similar effects of improving feelings of well-being.
The two major alkaloids of Kratom are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, and they are responsible for the effects of Kratom. The effects of Kratom include:
- Enhancing mood
- Boosting energy level
- Providing relaxation
- Providing mental clarity
- Reducing mental and physical tension
- Enhancing focus and concentration
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a thick, sticky, dark substance that exudes from cracks in the high mountain ranges of Asia. It is mostly found in the Himalayan Mountains, Caucasus Mountains, Altai Mountains, and the mountains of northern Pakistan.
For thousands of years, Shilajit has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for vitality, sexual benefits, cognitive function, and as a provision for essential minerals. It contains high amounts of organic minerals, antioxidants, fulvic acid, polyphenols, etc.
People first learned about the health benefits of Shilajit when they noticed monkeys in the Himalayas climbing to the top of the mountain just to consume this substance. The villagers in the area noticed that these monkeys looked calmer, more robust, and more energetic than other species of monkeys living down the mountain. That was when humans started the quest to find out what Shilajit was made of.
Dibenzo alpha pyrones are a key component in Shilajit. These metabolites are responsible for its anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and immune-enhancing properties. They also help provide immediate energy by conquering fatigue.
The benefits of Shilajit include:
- It helps to regulate the secretion of hydrochloric acid into the stomach.
- Regulates blood sugar
- Boosts libido
- Enhances mental health by increasing the production of dopamine. This leads to mood enhancement and calming.
- Helps regulate emotions
- Works as an antiageing substance
- Detoxifies the body
Combining Shilajit and Kratom: What to Expect
Shilajit and Kratom go well together, as many users have confirmed how Shilajit potentiates Kratom’s effects. Shilajit may make it easier for your body to absorb the alkaloids of Kratom, which enhances the effects of Kratom and prolongs the duration of the effect.
This potential effect of making alkaloids more absorbable could be the result of the fulvic acid in Shilajit, which is known to improve the absorption of substances by making cell membranes more permeable. However, it is important to note that no specific studies on kratom and fulvic acid have been conducted to date, so this mechanism in regard to kratom alkaloid absorption is speculative.
How to Use Shilajit and Kratom Together?
Kratom and Shilajit come mainly in resin forms (most common), powder, and capsule forms. While these two substances can be combined and consumed, knowing the right dosage is important to avoid any potential side effects. That takes us to the next heading.
Recommended Dosage of Kratom and Shilajit
The number one thing to consider when looking for the right dosage of these substances is your tolerance to them. What works perfectly for one may not be the perfect dose for another. Nonetheless, the following dosage below should guide you on how to combine Kratom and Shilajit:
- The recommended daily dosage of Kratom can range from 1 to 6 grams. You should always start with a low dose and increase it depending on the kind of effect you want.
- To enjoy Shilajit’s effects, you need 2 to 4 pinches of resin daily (200 to 500 mg daily).
Combining these two at these dosages may give you a synergistic effect. You can always tweak your dosage gradually to find the right balance.
What are the Differences and Similarities Between Shilajit and Kratom?
Shilajit and Kratom have similar properties, and when combined, they might produce a synergistic effect. However, there are still some differences between the two. See them below:
- Kratom is obtained from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, while Shilajit is obtained from the cracks of high mountains. It is formed from the decomposition of plant matter.
- Although formed by the decomposition of plant matter, shilajit technically comes from minerals, while kratom is strictly from plants.
- Shilajit was formed thousands of years ago, and it takes Kratom plants about two years to reach maturity.
As for their similarities, both don’t have pleasant tastes, but both have energizing qualities that help you focus and reduce mental tension.
Some Points to Consider When Combining Shilajit and Kratom
Adding Shilajit to Kratom is one of the great ways to enjoy Kratom to its fullest. However, there are some factors to consider when combining these two substances.
- Ensure you are getting high-quality Shilajit and Kratom
- Always hydrate properly when combining Kratom and Shilajit
- Avoid taking the combo with anything that is chlorinated.