Tongkat Ali: All You Need To Know
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a herbal plant that’s found in Southeast Asian countries, such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and the Philippines. Also known as longjack, it contains phytoandrogens, which produce similar effects to those of testosterone. Increasingly popular for use in male enhancement products, it also has many other health benefits. These include relieving stress and migraines, helping with weight loss, easing indigestion as well as combatting fever and infections, among others. Here, we’ll detail all you need to know about Tongkat Ali.
What is Tongkat Ali?
The roots of this shrub contain numerous bioactive compounds that are beneficial to your health. Some of these are only found in Tongkat Ali. The roots are harvested and used in traditional medicine throughout Southeast Asia. Extensive research is being carried out on its medicinal properties while Tongkat Ali supplements are now widely supplied across the world.
The history and traditional uses of Tongkat Ali
Considered a national treasure of Malaysia, Tongkat Ali has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Its unique ingredients have been effective at treating diseases, such as malaria, as well as erectile dysfunction and male infertility. It’s also used as a natural aphrodisiac. The root of this versatile herbal plant has also traditionally been used to combat high blood pressure, stop diarrhea, suppress hunger, and act as an antibiotic. The leaves relieve itching and the bark is made into a vermifuge.
The health benefits of Tongkat Ali
Due to the incredible properties of Tongkat Ali, it’s now widely used worldwide and is more readily available in supplement form as capsules and powders. It has a vast number of uses, predominantly sought after as a supplement for testosterone and to assist with male fertility as well as to enhance libido. It also benefits those training in sports and strength exercises, can relieve stress and enhance moods, and strengthens the immune system. Below, we’ve detailed some of the main health benefits provided by Tongkat Ali.
Increases levels of testosterone and improves male fertility and libido
Numerous issues contribute to infertility in men. These include aging, stress, pollution, medication, and disease. A common issue, however, is having low levels of testosterone. As well as the reasons just mentioned, this can also be caused by an infection or injury to the testicles, sleep apnoea, and alcoholism. Low testosterone levels not only lead to infertility but to erectile dysfunction and low libido. Tongkat Ali has been found to restore testosterone to a healthy level in men, enhance libido and improve erectile dysfunction. It also increases sperm count, quality, and motility.
Boosts sports and strength performance
Tongkat Ali is used by athletes to boost their performance. It increases lean muscle mass and strength, boosts energy levels, increases endurance levels, reduces fatigue, and also increases anaerobic performance. Therefore, by using Tongkat Ali, athletes enhance their body composition and are able to train more effectively while benefitting from a faster recovery time.
Relieves stress
Another advantage of using Tongkat Ali is that it regulates the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, within the body. This results in reduced levels of stress, anxiety, tension, and anger. It increases the overall feeling of well-being and has been shown to produce similar results as diazepam, which is an anti-anxiety medication. It has also been found to counteract sleep deprivation and confusion.
Aids weight loss
Compounds found within Tongkat Ali inhibit appetite, increase lean muscle mass and promote more effective energy use within the body. It has also been found to enhance the metabolism of fat. These combined factors help to promote weight loss.
Acts as an anti-inflammatory
Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali has anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains antioxidants and is anti-microbial. It actively combats harmful bacteria, such as Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli.
Enhances bone health
Tongkat Ali has been found to increase bone health. One reason for this is that increased levels of testosterone support bone health. Another reason is that it enhances the growth of bone cells, which are known as osteoblasts. It also increases the alkaline phosphatase activity, which aids bone mineralization, further enhancing bone growth.
The side effects of Tongkat Ali
When taken in the correct dosage, Tongkat Ali is safe to use. Taking higher doses, however, can be toxic. This is especially the case as it contains high levels of mercury. Although it has been used for centuries, adequate studies haven’t been conducted on some groups of people and, therefore, they should avoid using Tongkat Ali. These groups include pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children, people with a compromised immune system, those with a history of kidney or heart disease, those suffering from hormonal cancers, and those taking medication for blood pressure or hypoglycemia.
Taking Tongkat Ali as a supplement
Clinical tests have shown that Tongkat Ali is safe to take as a daily supplement. The recommended dosage is between 200 and 400 mg. The amount you take depends on your reason for using this supplement as well as your age.
Ideally, you should take it while eating your breakfast in the morning, or just afterward. Try not to take it at night as it can interfere with your sleep patterns. If using the supplement to enhance your training, take it an hour before you train to maximize its benefits.
Conclusion
We’ve detailed the many benefits of Tongkat Ali and studies have shown the supplement to be safe when taken in the recommended dosage. If you’re suffering from low levels of testosterone, low libido, and male infertility, Tongkat Ali can combat these issues. It’s also worth taking this herbal remedy to reduce your levels of stress and anxiety, enhance your body composition, promote good bone health and increase your performance when training. At Elan Healthcare, we believe in natural health products to answer your body’s call for help and Tongkat Ali offers natural solutions to numerous health issues.