Can Shilajit Ever Expire?

Shilajit is a natural component that is extracted from the mountainous regions. It is a thick and resinous substance like tar enriched with various minerals and nutrients like fulvic acid. Its by-products, like shilajit capsules, chyawanprash, resin, etc., provide a lot of health benefits like boosting stamina and vitality, helping to enhance cognitive functions, aiding in curing several high-altitude illnesses, increasing the sperm count in males, thus establishing a higher libido, etc. However, the one question that users majorly ask is does shilajit expire? And if so, what is its shelf life? Here, we will learn about the expiry date of Shilajit and the factors influencing this longevity. 

What is the expiration date of Shilajit, and what are the influencing factors?

Shilajit does not expire in the true sense of the term. But with time, the efficiency and effectiveness of the product will diminish. As a result, it will remain unable to provide proper results. For instance, Shilajit has a resounding impact on iron deficiency Anemia if taken for a long term. 

However, if the relevant product exceeds the provided shelf time, the anaemia will require longer to be cured. Hence, regarding efficiency, each Shilajit product comes with a period. Consuming it within will give the best results. 

Few factors determine the longevity of the product. The more favourable conditions they are treated with, the more there will be an increase in the shelf life. These factors are, 

Let's take a glance before describing it, 

1. Storage

A lot of Shilajit's longevity depends on the way it is stored. The ideal condition in which it must be stored is in a cool, dry place. Air contact or moisture contact should be avoided in all circumstances. Hence, it should be packed in closed containers with air-tight lids. The best place to store Shilajit is refrigerators at an optimum temperature of 4°-7°C. If the storage conditions can be maintained appreciably, these products can last 4-5 years. 

• Shilajit reacts negatively to both moisture and excessive dryness. If kept in humid conditions, it will spread and thus lose its beneficial properties in the process, resulting in a shorter product lifetime. 
• Humid storage can also allow moulds and other microorganisms to develop on the product. Moisture-proof bags help retain their structure and thus the properties. 
• A common mistake we must correct is comprehending the meaning of dry place. The dry place does not refer to excessive dryness (for instance, desert-like dry conditions). It simply means devoid of moisture. It has been seen that Shilajit stored in extremely dry conditions has caused it to dry out because the therapeutic resins readily absorb moisture. This will also lessen its shelf life. 
• High temperatures are another common storage condition to remember for Shilajit in general and Altai Shilajit (extracted from the Altai mountains). They should not be kept near heat or associated things and should also avoid direct sun exposure. 
• Direct heat or sun can soften the capsules to lose their medicinal properties. Storing it at room temperature (preferably below 25°C ) is also fine if you cannot access a fridge. But keep it away from heat in a cool and dark place. 

2. Quality

The basic composition of Shilajit humus is 60-80% organic matter, 20-40% mineral, and 5% trace elements. However, the extract has various qualities naturally available with varying percentages of organic matter and minerals. The popular ones are the Himalayan (from the Himalayan range), Andean (from the Andes mountains), and Altai (from the Altai mountains). The fundamental formula is that the more pure the extract is, the longer its shelf life will be. 

However, quality is more important when the raw material is made into market products. Different brands treat the raw material in different industrial procedures. Some brands enrich the Shilajit products with other medical herbs like Ashwagandha, Lavang, etc. Few others might treat it with added preservatives or other chemical components. And some try to retain the maximum originality of the products. 

For instance, Zandu Shilajit resin claims to have passed the least number of industrial hands before being made into a consumer product. 

Another quality aspect is the contamination. In some areas, the raw material of Shilajit is itself contaminated as a result of some natural calamity. The product's longevity is compromised if the extracts hail from such a source. Hence affecting the lifetime. 

To retain the longevity of Shilajit and its medicinal properties, the product must be originally manufactured pure and authentic. Though other healthy extracts are appreciated, special attention must be given to the processing and other industrial techniques. 

What is the best time span for Shilajit products?

As mentioned earlier, Shilajit does not have a critical lifespan. Rather, based on various factors, the efficiency of the products is measured. Since, as a consumer product, Shilajit is blended with other ingredients, the product period differs with different products. 

Listed below are the best periods for the different products. 

• Shilajit powder - Powders are good for those with digestive issues who might be unable to endure a strong ayurvedic extract like Shilajit. The powder can be blended with any eatables or drinkables for smooth consumption. Its period ranges from 1-2 years. Its properties will last 2 years if stored properly, sometimes even more than 2 years. 
• Shilajit liquid drops - They are the most convenient way of consuming. These drops are normally taken with tea, coffee, or other beverages. But the drops can be taken directly as well. For the best way to use it, consulting your doctor is advisable. The shelf time is once gained within 2 years from the manufactured date. 
• Shilajit pills and capsules - Another easy way of consuming Shilajit is the pills and capsules. This has a bit of a lower best span within a year. 
• Shilajit resin - It is one of the most natural and pure forms of extract and is considered very strong. This should be best used two years before the manufacturing date. 

A quick overview 

Potential risks 

Indeed, Shilajit does not expire, and you can exceed the period. However, the effect of the expired product is not direct. Rather, the harm will be comprehended if used for a long time. A well-known fact is prolonged use of an expired product will harm your health in one way or the other. 

The two disadvantages of using the product beyond the expected time limit are as follows;

1. Lack of efficiency

Shilajit is consumed for fulfilling a certain objective. Since it is enriched with minerals, it gives its users certain health benefits like boosting vitality, stamina, immunity, and sexual drive in males. Also, consuming it for a longer period can help with dealing with Alzheimer's, high-altitude diseases, and others like insomnia, stress, lethargy, iron deficiency anaemia, etc. 

However, if you continue to consume the product beyond the best period, it will be unable to perform its duties efficiently. As a result, the objective will not be met, and the illness will have a high chance of escalating or, in better cases, remain uncured. Hence, consuming it within the mentioned time limit is better to achieve the health goals effectively. 

2. Contamination

Contamination of the product can also be aligned with expiration. If a product, due to unwanted storage and environmental conditions, changes its physical properties (softens or spreads) or internal property, it can be divided under expiration. The favourable storage and environmental conditions for Shilajit must be maintained quite crucially. 

Suppose the product comes in contact with air, humidity, moisture, etc.. In that case, the chemical components present in the product will react with it to change the basic properties of the product, allowing bacteria, moulds, and other harmful microorganisms to develop on it. Unknowingly, if it is consumed, it will cause serious health hazards. Hence, make sure to store the products carefully.

Wrapping Up

Replying to the question, does Shilajit expire? No, it does not expire but loses its efficiency in the long run. The expiration can mostly be determined by taking a few factors into consideration. Also, as mentioned above, if the storage of the product is done satisfactorily, its longevity increases to a certain extent. Hence, storing it as instructed and ensuring its quality to retain its medicinal properties for a longer span is highly recommended.