Is Shungite Safe? Understanding the Shungite Detox Reaction
Valerie Burke
Shungite is safe for the vast majority of people, but a small number experience a temporary "healing crisis" — also known as a detox or Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction — when they first begin using it. This occurs when toxins are released from tissues faster than the body can eliminate them, and while uncomfortable, it is generally a sign that shungite is actively working. Symptoms are temporary and manageable with a few simple adjustments.
What is a Healing Crisis?
Although very uncommon, shungite can prompt what's known as a "healing crisis."
If you suddenly begin feeling worse instead of better when you start wearing your shungite jewelry, or when you start placing shungite nearby, you could be experiencing a healing crisis. This is also known as a “detox reaction,” “Jarisch-Herxheimer” reaction, or "die-off." (Davis et al, 2013; Lancet 1977)
A healing crisis is a response to toxins being released from your tissues faster than your body can eliminate them. In other words, it suggests a congestion in a body system. Your cells release toxins into circulation, but your organs cannot eliminate them quickly enough (bowels, liver, kidneys, lungs and skin).
Some of the more common symptoms include:
| Fatigue or insomnia | Headaches | Foggy thinking |
| Anxiety | Mood swings | Digestive symptoms |
| Body aches | Malaise | Low-grade fever |
| Increased sweating or bad smelling sweat | Sinus or nasal drainage | Rashes or itching |
Although certainly unpleasant, these symptoms are nothing to be concerned about – they’re actually a good sign that shungite is working.
Besides protecting us from EMFs, shungite is also a powerful detoxifier. Its effects vary from person to person, but those who are especially sensitive may experience some temporary symptoms. These commonly last no more than a few days but can occasionally persist a bit longer.
People who are battling serious illnesses may experience stronger reactions. These can be immediate or delayed - even after beginning to feel better, a person can slip into a healing crisis and experience a brief resurgence of symptoms.
It is important that if you do stumble into a healing crisis, please don’t just “push on through.” Pushing yourself in this compromised state stresses your body, which is counterproductive to your goals. Detoxing too quickly triggers increased cortisol release from the adrenal glands, which can lead to unstable blood sugar levels, electrolyte imbalance, and other health-defeating processes that slow the healing process.
Tips for Managing or Preventing a Healing Crisis
It is not necessary to experience a detox reaction during detoxification - the goal is to help your body detox without triggering one. If a reaction occurs, the remedy is to adjust the “dose” while providing your body with some extra TLC.
The following are some effective ways of preventing, reducing, and resolving detox symptoms.
- Remove your shungite jewelry (or move shungite objects farther away from you) until symptoms disappear. To start, limit your wearing of shungite jewelry to no more than a few hours at a time, until you know how you react.
- Stay hydrated by increasing water consumption; electrolytes may be helpful as well (my favorite source of natural electrolytes is coconut water)
- If consuming shungite water, start small. I recommend 4 ounces per day in the beginning, and then see how you feel
- Eliminate toxic foods - processed food, junk food, sugar, etc. Replace with health-promoting, anti-inflammatory foods (natural whole foods, organic, non-GMO)
- Increase consumption of bitter foods, which are beneficial to the liver and gallbladder - organic parsley, cilantro, ginger, lemon juice, dark leafy greens, and others; my favorite is roasted dandelion tea
- Try my unique topical detox oil infused with 5 powerful herbal detoxifiers that offer support to the liver and other detox organs
- Fasting may be helpful; fasting reduces the required energy expenditure for digestion, permitting the body to focus its resources on healing and detoxification
- Get plenty of rest
- Move your body daily. Mild exercise such as walking, yoga, gardening, and so on, is best - detoxification is not a time for intense, all-out exercise
- Sweating helps eliminate toxins, so saunas can be beneficial – especially infrared saunas
- Breathe more mindfully and deeply
- Acupuncture, meditation, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques, aka tapping)
- Treat yourself to a massage
- View detox symptoms as a sign of progress!
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Is shungite safe to use?
Yes — shungite is a naturally occurring mineral used for centuries. A detox reaction, while temporarily uncomfortable, is not dangerous. It is very uncommon and easily managed by reducing your exposure until symptoms pass.
Can shungite make you sick?
Shungite does not cause illness. Some sensitive individuals may experience a temporary detox reaction — mild symptoms like fatigue or headaches — as the body adjusts. These typically resolve within a few days and can be minimized by starting slowly.
Who is most likely to experience a detox reaction from shungite?
People who are highly sensitive to energy, dealing with chronic illness, or carrying a high toxic load are most likely to notice a reaction. Healthy individuals are less likely to experience symptoms.
How do I know if I'm having a detox reaction vs. an allergic reaction?
Detox reactions are systemic (fatigue, headaches, brain fog) and temporary. An allergic reaction typically involves localized skin irritation where the stone contacts your skin. If you experience skin redness or rash at the contact point, remove the jewelry and consult a healthcare provider.
How long does a shungite detox reaction last?
Most reactions resolve within a few days. Occasionally they can persist a bit longer, especially in those dealing with serious health conditions. Reducing your shungite exposure and following the management tips above will help speed recovery.
Further Reading
8 Tips to Ease Detox Discomfort by Mark Hyman, MD
Are You Experiencing a Healing Crisis by Dr. Jockers
Tips for Dealing with Herxheimer or Die-off Reactions by Jill Carnahan, MD ABIHM, ABoIM, IFMCP
What is a Healing Crisis? Global Healing Center