Shilajit, sea moss and lion's mane have each been used for centuries across different cultures — from the Himalayas to the Atlantic coast to traditional Chinese and Japanese wellness practices. Individually, they are among the most searched natural supplements in the UK. Together, they form what many in the supplement industry consider a comprehensive adaptogen and mineral stack.
But what does each ingredient actually contain, why are people combining all three, and is there any science behind the combination? This guide breaks everything down — no hype, just what the research says and how to use them effectively.
📋 In This Guide
What Is Shilajit? What Is Sea Moss? What Is Lion's Mane? Why Combine All Three? Benefits: What the Research Says Can You Take Shilajit, Ashwagandha & Lion's Mane Together? How to Take Them What to Look For When Buying Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a dark, resin-like substance found primarily in the rocks of the Himalayan mountains. It forms over centuries from the slow decomposition of plant matter and is harvested from high-altitude rock crevices, typically between 1,000 and 5,000 metres above sea level.
The key compound in shilajit is fulvic acid, a naturally occurring organic acid that has been the focus of extensive research. High-quality shilajit supplements typically standardise their fulvic acid content, with premium products containing 50% or higher concentrations.
Beyond fulvic acid, shilajit contains over 80 trace minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium. This mineral density is one of the main reasons it has been a staple in Ayurvedic practice for thousands of years.
Forms available: Shilajit comes as raw resin, capsules, gummies and powder. Capsules and gummies are the most popular in the UK because they offer standardised dosing and avoid the strong, tar-like taste of raw shilajit.
What Is Sea Moss?
Sea moss (Chondrus crispus), also known as Irish moss, is a species of red algae found along the Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America. It has been harvested in Ireland and the Caribbean for generations, traditionally used in soups, drinks and topical applications.
Sea moss contains 92 of the 102 minerals that the human body uses, making it one of the most mineral-dense natural foods available. These include iodine, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron and zinc. The iodine content is particularly notable — iodine is an essential mineral that many people in the UK do not get enough of through diet alone.
EFSA-approved claim: The European Food Safety Authority recognises iodine as contributing to normal thyroid function — this is one of the few EU-authorised health claims that directly relates to a mineral abundant in sea moss.
What Is Lion's Mane?
Lion's mane (Hericium erinaceus) is a large, white, shaggy mushroom that grows on hardwood trees across North America, Europe and Asia. Unlike many functional mushrooms, lion's mane has a long history as both a culinary ingredient and a traditional wellness mushroom, particularly in Chinese and Japanese practice.
The active compounds in lion's mane are hericenones and erinacines — two groups of molecules that have been the subject of significant scientific interest. These compounds are unique to lion's mane and are not found in other functional mushrooms like reishi, chaga or cordyceps.
📄 Lion's Mane Clinical Research
Lion's mane has the strongest clinical trial base of the three ingredients. A 2009 study published in Phytotherapy Research investigated supplementation in older adults over a 16-week period. More recent studies published between 2020 and 2024 have continued to explore lion's mane in human populations.
Hericenones and erinacines have been shown in laboratory studies to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF), a protein involved in the maintenance of neurons. This is the area of lion's mane research that has attracted the most scientific attention.
Why Combine Shilajit, Sea Moss and Lion's Mane?
Each of these three ingredients brings something fundamentally different to the table. That's the key to understanding why the combination works — there is minimal overlap and maximum breadth.
Shilajit
Provides fulvic acid (a mineral chelator that may improve bioavailability) plus over 80 trace minerals from Himalayan rock. Ayurvedic staple for thousands of years.
Sea Moss
Adds 92 minerals from a completely different source (Atlantic algae). Different mineral profile to shilajit — particularly rich in iodine, which contributes to normal thyroid function (EFSA).
Lion's Mane
Contributes unique bioactive compounds that no mineral source can provide. Hericenones and erinacines are exclusive to lion's mane — not found in any other mushroom or food.
Rather than taking three separate products, a single capsule or gummy delivers the key compounds from all three ingredients — mineral density from two complementary sources plus unique bioactives from lion's mane.
Some formulas go further by adding ashwagandha (a well-researched adaptogenic herb) and cordyceps (a functional mushroom traditionally associated with physical endurance). These five-ingredient stacks — shilajit, sea moss, lion's mane, ashwagandha and cordyceps — represent the most comprehensive adaptogen combinations currently available.
Benefits: What the Research Says
Here is what the current research says about each ingredient. It is important to note that much of the research is preclinical (cell and animal studies), and human clinical trials, while growing in number, are still limited.
| Ingredient | Key Compound | Research Base |
|---|---|---|
| Shilajit | Fulvic acid + 80+ minerals | 2019 review in Journal of Diabetes Research; mineral density well-documented in lab analyses |
| Sea Moss | 92 minerals, especially iodine | Nutritional composition extensively analysed; iodine → normal thyroid function (EFSA-approved) |
| Lion's Mane | Hericenones & erinacines | Strongest clinical trial base; 2009 Phytotherapy Research study + multiple trials 2020-2024; NGF stimulation in lab studies |
| Ashwagandha | Withanolides | One of the most well-researched herbal adaptogens; numerous clinical trials published |
| Cordyceps | Cordycepin + adenosine | Traditional Chinese Medicine staple; growing body of modern research |
Can You Take Shilajit, Ashwagandha and Lion's Mane Together?
This is one of the most commonly searched questions about this supplement stack, and the answer is yes — there are no known contraindications between these ingredients at standard supplemental doses.
In fact, many supplement formulas specifically combine all three (plus sea moss and cordyceps) because they are considered complementary rather than overlapping. Ashwagandha is classified as an adaptogen and has been the subject of numerous clinical trials. It is one of the most well-researched herbal ingredients in the supplement industry.
Taking them together in a single capsule or gummy is the most convenient approach. If you prefer to take them separately, there is no specific timing requirement — they can be taken at the same time without issue.
How to Take Shilajit, Sea Moss and Lion's Mane
Capsules
Most popular format. Higher concentrations per serving. 1-2 capsules daily with food. Look for individual ingredient amounts, not just a proprietary blend total.
Shop Shilajit Capsules →Gummies
Convenient and enjoyable. Lower concentrations than capsules but perfect for daily maintenance. Available in flavours like blood orange with manuka honey.
Shop Shilajit Gummies →Also available: Organic Mushroom Gummies (8-in-1) featuring lion's mane alongside reishi, chaga, cordyceps, turkey tail, maitake, shiitake and king trumpet — for those focused specifically on the mushroom component.
Dosage tip: Take with food for best absorption and to reduce any chance of stomach discomfort, particularly with shilajit. Most people who report noticeable changes do so after 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use. Consistency matters more than timing.
What to Look For When Buying
Quality Buying Checklist
- Individual ingredient amounts listed — avoid "Proprietary Blend: 1000mg" labels that hide how much of each ingredient you're actually getting
- Fulvic acid percentage stated — higher fulvic acid content indicates more concentrated, higher-quality shilajit
- Mushroom extract, not powder — lion's mane extract contains concentrated hericenones and erinacines; powder is just ground mushroom with lower potency
- Third-party tested — independent testing (e.g. Eurofins) is particularly important for shilajit, which requires rigorous purity testing due to its natural rock-sourced origin
- Vegan capsules — check the shell material; some use gelatin rather than plant-based alternatives
- Full 5-ingredient stack — formulas including ashwagandha and cordyceps alongside shilajit, sea moss and lion's mane offer the broadest compound coverage
Shilajit Capsules — Sea Moss, Lion's Mane, Ashwagandha & Cordyceps
- Himalayan Shilajit with fulvic acid
- Sea Moss (Chondrus crispus) — 92 minerals
- Lion's Mane Extract — hericenones & erinacines
- KSM-66® Ashwagandha — most researched form
- Cordyceps Militaris extract
- 120 vegan capsules
- Independently tested by Eurofins
Frequently Asked Questions