Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia): Everything You Need to Know
Get a comprehensive guide to Tongkat Ali, including its uses, recommended dosage, and safety considerations. Learn how it can support men's sexual health and performance.
Fact Checked
You may have heard about tongkat ali if you have ever taken a male enhancement supplement or asked your doctor about ways to improve your sexual health.
While tongkat ali is mostly known for its beneficial effects on libido, it offers a variety of important health benefits.
However, tongkat ali is often misunderstood. So in the following post, we will be dispelling some of the myths that have accumulated around this herb and explaining its many health benefits.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat ali goes by a couple of other names. Its scientific name is Eurycoma Longifolia. It is also known as longjack in some countries.
But basically, tongkat ali is a herb that is harvested from a flowering plant. It grows in various regions of Asia which is why it is predominantly used in the medicinal practices of those areas.
For instance, many Southeast Asian countries use tongkat ali to address low libido, sexual dysfunction, low testosterone levels, poor fertility in men, poor blood flow, cognitive issues, and more.
It’s important to understand the risks and benefits of tongkat ali if you are considering using it in any capacity. That’s because, while there are many tongkat ali benefits, it may also cause side effects and interactions for some users.
Health Benefits of Tongkat Ali
First, let’s explore the many varied health benefits of tongkat ali which include:
- Male Fertility and Sexual Performance - Some studies have found that tongkat ali improves sperm motility in men. In addition, this herb may also increase overall sperm volume, benefitting general male fertility. It may also enhance stamina which would benefit sexual performance.
- Stress Reduction - Tongkat ali has also been proven to have adaptogenic effects. The Pubmed staff reports that, “These results indicate that daily supplementation with tongkat ali root extract improves stress hormone profile and certain mood state parameters, suggesting that this “ancient” remedy may be an effective approach to shielding the body from the detrimental effects of "modern" chronic stress, which may include general day-to-day stress, as well as the stress of dieting, sleep deprivation, and exercise training.”
- Athletic Performance and Body Composition - By improving blood flow, tongkat ali may also benefit athletic performance and help the user lose weight and gain more muscle.
- Miscellaneous Benefits - This herb has also been known to increase energy levels, reduce overall fatigue, help with weight loss, and it may increase testosterone levels.
Benefits of Tongkat Ali
Safety and Side Effects
It’s just as important to know about the potential tongkat ali side effects as it is to read about its benefits. Here are some of the most common side effects:
- Restlessness - For people with ADHD, tongkat ali may result in exacerbated restlessness due to its effects on energy levels.
- Insomnia - Tongkat ali contains alkaloids that could make it difficult to sleep for people who aren’t used to the effects of alkaloids.
- Dizziness and Nausea - In some instances, tongkat ali has also been observed to cause dizziness and nausea. These effects were mostly observed in people who were not used to the effects of this herb.
Recommended Dosage
Too much of a good thing can always be dangerous whether you are talking about a herbal supplement or a beneficial medication. Tongkat ali is no different. You should always stay within the recommended dosage for tongkat ali and other supplements.
Most health experts suggest that you not exceed 200 milligrams per day of tongkat ali. This dosage is enough to experience most of the health benefits of the herb without causing its known side effects.
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How to Use Tongkat Ali?
As an herbal supplement, tongkat ali can take various forms. The most common forms are capsules (as in dietary supplements), teas, and powders. While some of these delivery methods may take effect quicker than others, they may not be absorbed as completely into the body.
The best way to find out which method is best for you is to speak with your healthcare practitioner. Many people find that tongkat ali supplements are the best option because it can be hard to implement the actual herb in teas or foods. It may even be difficult for some consumers to find whole tongkat ali on sale at their local market.
It’s best to use tongkat ali supplements that are made by reputable companies who don’t add a lot of artificial ingredients to the mix.
The best way to take tongkat ali may also depend on your current health status and any medications you may be on which is why it’s so important to speak with a trusted healthcare practitioner before beginning any tongkat ali regimen.
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Conclusion
Tongkat ali is a beneficial herb for sexual performance, fertility, physical energy, stress reduction, and athletic performance. Taking too much may cause mild cases of insomnia, restlessness, or dizziness.
Still, it offers a lot of upside for people with certain health conditions or anyone lacking the nutrients that this herb provides. A tongkat ali supplement may be the best way to dial in the precise dosage you need and maintain consistent use.
Be sure to speak with your trusted healthcare provider before you start using tongkat ali to help you figure out which dosage will work best for your specific health needs.
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References
- Eurycoma longifolia Jack in managing idiopathic male infertility: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3739276/
- Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23705671/
- Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3669033/
- Investigation of Obesity-Alleviation Effect of Eurycoma longifolia on Mice Fed with a High-Fat Diet through Metabolomics Revealed Enhanced Decomposition and Inhibition of Accumulation of Lipids: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jproteome.1c00015