Tongkat ali is a potent sexual stimulant sourced from the root of the Tongkat tree that hails from the rainforests of Malaysia. Aboriginals in Malaysia traditionally used it to treat malaria and fevers, soothe lower back pain, activate energy, and boost sexual prowess. Also called Erycoma longifolia jack or Malaysian ginseng, Tongkat ali is making its way via capsule form to Japan, Korea, China, and the States and gaining quite the reputation as the herbal Viagra.
Recharge Your Libido
When men age, they go through a condition called andropause that causes the body to decrease its production of testosterone and other hormones. This can result in reduced libido, decreased energy, increased body fat, and mental fatigue. Studies suggest that Tongkat ali can increase libido and reduce the effects of andropause by increasing testosterone levels. The root contains compounds that improve semen quality (thereby improving fertility), promote lean muscle growth, and stimulate sexual desire.
At the beginning of a 2012 study, 35% of 76 male participants had normal testosterone levels. After supplementing with Tongkat ali for one month, 90% of subjects had normal testosterone levels!
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that men who supplemented with a daily dose of Tongkat ali enjoyed significant gains in libido, erectile function, and semen volume.
Even better news…it’s not just men who benefit from the libido boost. Tongkat ali is an effective sexual stimulant for women, as well, both as a libido and pleasure enhancer!
Defeat Chronic Stress
Tongkat ali doesn’t just influence testosterone; it’s been shown to impact cortisol levels as well. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone, and when too much of it floods your system for too long, your health is dangerously at risk for all manner of disease.
A 2013 study demonstrated that Tongkat ali can help regulate chronic stress. Researchers screened 32 men and 31 women for moderate stress. After taking an extract of Tongkat ali daily for four weeks, participants exhibited a 16% reduction in cortisol and a 37% increase in testosterone. Tongkat ali reduced tension by 11%, anger by 12%, and confusion by 15%. The research states:
“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.”
What to Know About Supplementing
In 2006, Malaysia’s Drug Control Authority reported that 26% of Tongkat ali products were tainted with dangerous levels of mercury. Exercise caution and purchase from a long-standing, high quality supplement provider.
Due to the increase in testosterone, do not use Tongkat ali if you have diabetes mellitus, heart disease, breast or prostate cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, or sleep apnea. There is some evidence to suggest that Tongkat ali may compromise the immune system, so do not supplement if you are currently battling with weakened immunity. Reported side effects include restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety.
