Tongkat Ali - can it help with vitality? - Gwella

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Tongkat Ali - can it help with vitality?

Tongkat Ali is a popular herb that is highly regarded for its numerous health benefits, including boosting energy levels, improving libido, and reducing stress. The root of this plant is particularly rich in compounds that can enhance physical and mental performance. Here's everything you need to know.

Gwella Mushrooms | Feb 21, 2023

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What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat is a flowering plant in the family Simaroubaceae. Tongkat is a common name - Eurycoma longifolia is the scientific name.

It is native to Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) and Indonesia (the islands of Borneo and Sumatra).

Eurycoma longifolia is also known by the common names penawar pahit, penawar bias, bedara merah, bedara putih, lempedu pahit, payong ali, tongkat baginda, muntah bumi, petala bumi, bidara laut (all Malay-Indonesian); babi kurus (Javanese); cây bá bệnh (Vietnamese); tho nan (Laotian); lan-don, hae phan chan, phiak, plaa lai phuenk, tung saw (all Thai); "long jack" (US); langir siam (Bahrain).

Many of the common names refer to the plant's medicinal use and extreme bitterness.

What are the benefits of taking Tongkat Ali?

The herb has been traditionally used for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions, including fatigue, stress, and male sexual health issues.

It may treat low testosterone, poor libido, and male infertility.

Tongkat Ali has been gaining popularity in the Western world over the past few decades, as a natural supplement that can help improve athletic performance, boost testosterone levels, and enhance libido.

While there is some evidence to support these claims, much of the research is limited, and the safety and effectiveness of the supplement have not been fully established.

The potential benefits of Tongkat Ali are believed to be due to its ability to increase the body's production of testosterone, a hormone that is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive.

Studies have shown that Tongkat Ali can help improve sperm quality and motility in men with low testosterone levels, and it may also improve sexual desire and performance in both men and women.

Some studies suggest that tongkat ali may reduce anxiety and improve body composition, but research is limited.

Additionally, Tongkat Ali has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation.

It may also help lower cortisol levels, a hormone that is released in response to stress, which can have negative effects on the body over time. Tongkat Ali is reported to deliver a profound benefit to our endocrine system in recent times. Tongkat Ali’s effect on hormones through adrenal and pituitary glands translates to a wide range of health benefits.

What are the risks or side effects of Tongkat?

Despite the potential benefits, Tongkat Ali supplements can also have a number of side effects, particularly when taken in high doses. These may include insomnia, anxiety, irritability, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.

Additionally, because Tongkat Ali may increase testosterone levels, it is not recommended for people with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as prostate cancer, or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

While tongkat ali does not appear to have adverse effects in doses up to 400 mg per day, research is limited, and available studies focus on short-term use.

It’s unclear whether taking the supplements over longer periods is beneficial and safe.

What should you look out for when buying Tongkat?

When purchasing Tongkat Ali supplements, it is important to be cautious, as the supplement market is largely unregulated, and many products may not contain the amount or quality of the herb advertised on the label. Additionally, some supplements may contain other ingredients or contaminants that could be harmful to health.

When looking for the best Tongkat Ali root, there are several factors to consider. One of the most important is the source of the herb. Ideally, you should look for Tongkat Ali that is grown in its native environment, such as in the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia, or Thailand.

Additionally, it's important to choose Tongkat Ali that has been harvested and processed in a way that preserves its potency and purity. Look for products that have been made using traditional methods, such as sun-drying the root and grinding it into a fine powder. This ensures that the herb retains its beneficial nutrients over a longer period.

Finally, make sure to buy Tongkat Ali from a reputable supplier that uses high-quality ingredients and follows strict manufacturing standards. This will help to ensure that you're getting a safe and effective product that delivers the desired results.

Find a reputable brand that has undergone third-party testing and certification. Even with reputable brands, there may still be variability in the quality and effectiveness of the supplement.

Avoid supplements that have been marketed as "miracle cures" or that make exaggerated claims about their effectiveness.

Check this fantastic commentary on what to look out for over at Reddit.

Can you grow your own Tongkat?

Yep, though it's by no means a quick process. Here are some general guidelines on how to grow Tongkat Ali:

Climate: Tongkat Ali requires a warm and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 25-35 degrees Celsius (77-95 degrees Fahrenheit). The plant prefers well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH level.
Seeds: Tongkat Ali seeds have a low germination rate and can take up to a month to sprout. To improve the germination rate, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting.
Planting: Sow the seeds in a pot or container with well-draining soil. The seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil, and the pot should be placed in a warm and humid location with partial shade.
Watering: Tongkat Ali requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization: Tongkat Ali requires regular fertilization to grow and produce a high yield. Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher potassium content during the flowering stage to promote fruiting.
Harvesting: Tongkat Ali plants typically take 3-5 years to reach maturity and produce viable roots for harvesting. To harvest the roots, carefully dig around the base of the plant and remove the roots. Clean the roots and dry them in the sun before using them for medicinal purposes.

It's important to note that growing Tongkat Ali can be challenging, so if you don't have a green thumb it might be easier to go the supplement route!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, while Tongkat Ali may have some potential health benefits, including improved sexual health, athletic performance, and stress reduction, the evidence supporting these claims is (so far) limited, and the safety and effectiveness of the supplement have not been fully established.

It is important to be cautious when purchasing Tongkat Ali supplements, and to choose a reputable brand that has undergone third-party testing and certification.

It is also important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking other medications.