Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia): A Natural Way to Boost Testosterone and Libido
A Glimpse into Tradition
If you were to walk through the forests of Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia, you might come across a tall, slender plant known by the locals as “Tongkat Ali,” translating to “Ali’s walking stick.” This isn’t just any ordinary plant. For centuries, its root has been cherished in traditional medicine, a cure-all for ailments ranging from malaria and fevers to fatigue and, quite interestingly, boosting sexual desire.
The Science Behind the Magic
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of its benefits, let's make one thing clear: the magic of Tongkat Ali is backed by science. Numerous studies have poked, prodded, and analysed this remarkable root, and the findings are nothing short of impressive. We’re going to tell you about a few of them so read on!
Boosting Testosterone & Libido
The elixir of youth, testosterone, tends to decline as men age leading to a host of problems including decreased libido, fatigue, increased fat mass and erectile dysfunction. Conventionally testosterone deficiency is treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Enter Tongkat Ali. This is the herbal equivalent of TRT and has been shown to successfully restore serum testosterone levels and improve physical condition and sexual health of patients. In fact, one study on 105 aging men with lower testosterone levels had significantly improved testosterone levels and felt less fatigued after taking Tongkat Ali for 12 weeks with the benefits showing as early as the 2 week mark. And it's not just for the gents; women too can find relief from hormonal imbalances and menopausal symptoms, including low libido, thanks to this fantastic herb.
Fertility
Male fertility has significantly reduced in the last 50 years. This is a significant problem and male infertility is thought to account for 40-50% of infertile couples. A study researching the use of Tongkat Ali for fertility and libido was conducted on 109 men aged 30-55. They either took a 300 mg extract of the plant or a placebo for 12 weeks. The study measured quality of life, sexual health, and other factors. Results showed the men who took Eurycoma longifolia experienced improved physical functioning, better erectile function, increased sexual desire, and improved sperm health. Those with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) also lost more fat. No safety issues were observed compared to the placebo group. This is really promising research for the use of Tongkat Ali in improving male fertility factors.
Improved body composition
Tongkat Ali is often touted for enhancing athletic prowess and promoting muscle growth. If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, improve your workout recovery, or simply amp up your gym performance, this herb might be the extra push you need. One study conducted on 105 men found that after 12 weeks of supplementing with Tongkat Ali the men had significantly increased muscle strength. It's rich in compounds such as:
• Quassinoids
• Eurycomaoside
• Eurycomanone
• Eurycolactone.
These compounds aid the body in utilizing energy better, boosting stamina, and combating fatigue. In essence, this supplement acts as a performance enhancer that optimizes energy use and physical capability. A specific study indicated that individuals taking around 100mg of Tongkat Ali every day had a notable increase in lean body mass compared to their counterparts. Additionally, these individuals shed more fat compared to other participants.
Stress & Mood Enhancement
One of the chief culprits of our modern-day health issues is stress, which skyrockets cortisol levels. Tongkat Ali plays the role of the knight in shining armour, regulating these stress hormones and uplifting our mood and overall well-being. A few scientific studies have shown that Tongkat Ali can reduce cortisol levels by an impressive 16%, leading to reductions in feelings of stress, tension, and irritability.
Women’s health
While it’s primarily known for it’s effects in men Tongkat Ali also has a range of benefits for women too. Just as in men, Tongkat Ali can enhance libido in women. A healthy testosterone level is essential for women's sexual health particularly as it declines naturally over time. With age, especially post-menopause, women are at a higher risk of osteoporosis. Testosterone plays a role in maintaining bone health, and supplements like Tongkat Ali might help in this regard. Traditional use and some research shows that Tongkat Ali can boost energy levels, which can be beneficial for women, especially those experiencing fatigue.
For young women considering Tongkat Ali for testosterone boosting, it's important to note that women naturally have much lower levels of testosterone than men. A slight increase can lead to beneficial effects, like improved libido and energy, without resulting in traditionally "male" characteristics like increased body hair or voice deepening.
Holistic Health Benefits
The list goes on, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potential to lower blood sugar, and even combat male osteoporosis. Ladies, it might even help regulate hormones like DHEA and estradiol, addressing issues like low sex drive, mental fog, fatigue, and sluggish metabolism.
Interested in trying out TongKat Ali for yourself?
In a world swamped by synthetic medications and treatments, it's both refreshing and reassuring to know that nature still holds answers to many of our health concerns. Tongkat Ali stands testament to the fact that sometimes, the best solutions have been around for centuries, just waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you're seeking to reignite passion, boost health, or merely elevate your mood, this Southeast Asian wonder might just be the answer.
For those who would like to peer a little deeper into the science of things a myriad of studies of Tongkat Ali awaits. Here are a few to get you started:
Happy Reading!
Tongkat Ali
