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How to Read a Certificate of Analysis for Shilajit: Batch H250802 Explained

Understand fulvic percentage, metals and microbiology—so you can choose shilajit with calm, grounded confidence.

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A gentle, step-by-step guide to reading a shilajit COA—using our Batch H250802—to understand purity, testing, and what the numbers truly mean.

Introduction

In every tradition of plant wisdom there is a simple truth: know your source. In modern practice, that wisdom speaks through a Certificate of Analysis (COA)—the document that shows how an extract was identified, measured, and tested for quality. In this guide we walk you through a real example, Shilajit Batch H250802, so you can read a COA with ease. We’ll unpack fulvic acid percentage, the meaning of a 10:1 extract, why a carrier may be present, and how elemental metals and microbiology tests are reported. No promises—just clear knowledge to help you choose with confidence and keep your ritual grounded.

Quick Buyer’s Checklist

  • Identity confirmed (shilajit extract) and standardisation stated (fulvic acid).
  • Extract ratio explained (10:1). Plain English: 10 kg raw becomes 1 kg extract.
  • Carrier named and % disclosed (brown dextrin 40–50%).
  • Metals within limits (Pb, Cd, As, Hg all <0.2 µg/g).
  • Microbiology within limits; specified pathogens negative.
  • Sanitising method transparent (non-irradiated, not treated with ETO).
  • Origin, storage and shelf life listed (India; keep dry; 5 years from manufacture).
  • Batch number and sign-off visible; downloadable COA available.

Download the COA (Consolidated, Shilajit Extract) – PDF

COA Decoder (Plain English)
  • Fulvic acid: the marker used to standardise this extract.
  • 10:1 extract: 10 parts raw material condensed into 1 part extract (not “10× stronger”).
  • Carrier (dextrin): helps a spray-dried extract flow and measure evenly.
  • Hygroscopic: pulls moisture from the air—keep sealed and dry.
  • USP <2232>, <2021>, <2022>: the rulebooks many labs use for metals and micro testing.

What Is a COA & Why It Matters

A COA confirms three essentials:

  • Identity & composition (e.g., “shilajit extract”, marker such as fulvic acid).
  • Purity (controlled levels of elemental contaminants and residuals).
  • Microbiological quality (counts within limits; specified pathogens absent).

For herbal extracts, reputable suppliers align testing to recognised frameworks such as USP <2232> for elemental contaminants and USP <2021>/<2022> for microbial quality, with methods like FDA BAM referenced for certain organisms. Plain English: these are widely used standards that help keep ingredients within safe acceptance limits.

Ancient Origins & Esoteric Insights

Shilajit has long been regarded as a mineral-rich exudate formed over centuries within mountain strata. In a contemporary ritual, we honour that lineage by pairing the science of testing with the intention of use—measured, mindful, and respectful of the body. Reading a COA is modern stewardship: it ensures what you invite into your practise is genuine, clean, and suitable for your routine.

The Numbers in Batch H250802 (Plain English Walkthrough)

Identity & Preparation

  • Source: shilajit stones; Preparation: extraction with DM water (no other solvents listed).
  • Extract ratio: 10:1 (about 10 kg raw yields 1 kg extract).
  • Standardisation marker: Fulvic acid (CAS 479-66-3) measured by gravimetry.
  • Result: 28.53% w/w fulvic acid (specification: 20–30%).

Carrier / Excipient

You’ll see brown dextrin (40–50%) listed—this is a functional carrier that keeps a spray-dried extract free-flowing and easy to measure, supporting consistent dosing for home use or capsule making.

Physical & Composition

  • Appearance: dark brown, hygroscopic powder (keep sealed and dry).
  • Water solubility (1% w/v): 94.47% (spec ≥70%).
  • Alcohol solubility (1% w/v): 24.14% (spec ≥10%).
  • Loss on drying: 1.76% (spec ≤6%).
  • Ash: 16.84% (spec ≤40%).
  • Particle size: passes 20/40/80 mesh within spec.
  • Bulk density: loose 0.50 g/ml; tapped 0.82 g/ml.

Elemental Contaminants (Heavy Metals)

  • Lead (Pb): <0.2 µg/g (ppm); limit ≤0.5 µg/g.
  • Cadmium (Cd): <0.2 µg/g; limit ≤0.5 µg/g.
  • Arsenic (As): <0.2 µg/g; limit ≤1.5 µg/g.
  • Mercury (Hg): <0.2 µg/g; limit ≤0.2 µg/g.

In short: metals are below commonly used safety limits for supplements based on USP <2232> style acceptance criteria.

Simple Metals Maths (so the numbers feel real)

  • Per 400 mg serving (0.4 g): each metal at <0.2 µg/g ≈ <0.08 µg per serving.
  • Two servings: <0.16 µg/day for each metal—still very small amounts.

Microbiological Profile

  • Total aerobic count: 700 cfu/g (limit ≤5,000).
  • Yeast & mould: <10 cfu/g (limit ≤100).
  • Specified pathogens: E. coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosaNegative/Complies.
  • Coliforms: <10 cfu/g (within acceptance). Methods referenced include USP <2021>/<2022> and FDA BAM.

Residuals, Certifications & Origin

  • Residual solvents / pesticides: Not applicable per report.
  • Sanitising treatment: Non-irradiated; not treated with ETO (ethylene oxide).
  • Certification status: Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-free.
  • Country of origin: India.
  • Shelf life: 5 years; Date of Manufacture: Jun-2025; Expiry: May-2030.
  • Storage: room temperature; keep dry. SA tip: in hot, humid weather, store in a sealed jar with a desiccant.

How to Practise: A COA-Aware Ritual

  1. Measure your chosen amount with a clean, dry spoon.
  2. Stir into warm (not boiling) water or tea; pause for three steady breaths.
  3. Set one clear intention—clarity, steadiness, presence—then sip mindfully.
  4. Journal what you used and how it felt; adjust your routine gradually.

Helpful tools: a capsule maker (size 1 is common), a small scale for consistency, and an airtight jar for storage.

Common Missteps & Gentle Guidance

  • Misreading 10:1. It describes concentration of the starting material, not guaranteed strength. True quality rests on the standardised marker and clean testing.
  • Ignoring the carrier. Dextrin 40–50% supports flow and dosing—transparency builds trust; include it on the label.
  • Confusing format and purity. Resin, powder and capsules each have pros and cons; a clean COA matters more than format myths.
  • Skipping storage care. This extract is hygroscopic; keep sealed, cool and dry, especially in SA summers.

Integration & Energetic Alignment

To integrate this learning, create a tiny practice: before each preparation, glance at the COA highlights—fulvic %, metals below limits, pathogens absent—and give thanks for the care in the process. Knowledge becomes calm; calm becomes presence.

Helpful Resources & Internal Links

Conclusion

Reading a COA is a gentle rite of clarity. With Batch H250802, we see a water-extracted 10:1 shilajit, standardised to 28.53% fulvic acid, supported by dextrin for flow, with metals and micro well within recognised limits. Let this knowledge steady your hand as you prepare your ritual. When you’re ready, explore bulk and wholesale formats that fit your flow, or learn capsule-making to keep your practise consistent.

Explore our Shilajit Premium Extract Powder and Premium Shilajit 400mg Capsules, read Purity & Testing in Herbal Extracts, and save our Shilajit 101 and DIY Capsules Guide for your next session.

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Purity & Testing in Herbal Extracts: Metals, Microbiology &; COAs (South Africa Guide)