Tongkat Ali: A Miracle Worker
Longjack, or more commonly known as Tongkat Ali, is a medicinal plant with a wide variety of uses. Used as an aphrodisiac since early times, today, it is a powerful testosterone booster.
This article is aimed to increase your knowledge about the plant, its uses, and its effects. Read on to find out more.
Nomenclature
The scientific name of the tongkat ali is eurycoma longifolia jack. It belongs to the family Simaroubaceae and is a flowering plant. The short-form of the scientific name is its popular name: longjack.
Origins and Cultivation
Longjack is native to South-East Asia. The plant thrives in tropical climates where there is adequate rainfall and humid air. Nowadays, it is widely cultivated in countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia. The plant goes by various local names depending on the country.
Uses and Benefits
Tongkat ali has a wide array of uses. Initially, it was considered an aphrodisiac and boosted sex-drive in males. Today, tongkat ali is a common ingredient in high-end testosterone boosters. Some of its applications are listed below.
Stress-Reliever
A study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition concluded that stress was significantly reduced in the test subjects. The subjects reported a reduction of 11% tension, 12% anger, and 15% confusion. The result conclusively proved that tongkat ali reduces stress hormones, such as cortisol, and elevates mood.
If you are feeling stressed, then a supplement of tongkat ali might be exactly what you need.
Testosterone Booster
The most popular use of tongkat ali is to boost testosterone levels in your body. This is scientifically backed as there have been numerous studies on the subject matter. A few studies even had female participants, which leads credence to the fact that tongkat ali is beneficial for everyone regardless of gender.
The hypothalamus gland is responsible for secreting hormones in your body. Consuming tongkat ali extract releases Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) into your system. This activates the production of new testosterone. The dosage can be controlled until the target goal is met. Tongkat ali has shown to be effective against Erectile Dysfunction.
Muscle Growth
A study had its participants take part in a handgrip dynamometer test to measure muscular force. Men who took tongkat ali supplements beforehand reported an increase in strength of 16%, with women not far behind (13.7%). This type of research is still in its infancy but is showing great promise. Thus, proper training in combination with tongkat Aali supplements promote better muscle growth.
Side-Effects
As a non-synthetic supplement, tongkat ali usually has mild side effects. Although not a lot of research has not been conducted on side effects of tongkat ali, possible side effects include anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness. You may notice an increase in aggression as well. It should not be used by people with heart and liver diseases or sleep apnea, as an increase in testosterone levels can cause serious harm.
Pregnant, nursing women, and children are also advised against taking tongkat ali supplements. People with weak immune systems should avoid it, too. If you are taking other types of medication as well, it is a good idea to avoid tongkat ali for a while. Spots may appear on the body during hot weather in some rare cases.
Dosage
Tongkat Ali usually comes in a ratio of 100:1. Daily dosage ranges from 200 to 300 milligrams daily. Depending on what you want to achieve, the length of supplement usage can range from a couple of weeks to a year. Consult a physician or nutritionist for information before deciding to take the supplement.
If you are simply looking to de-stress or increase testosterone levels, a milder dosage of tongkat ali is recommended. Body-building, on the other hand, requires heavier dosages to complement effective muscle growth.
Tongkat Ali Products
There is a wide range of tongkat ali supplements available on the market. Since it is easily cultivable, low-grade products are common, and you should be wary of that. Something as simple as packaging can instantly tell you how good a product is and whether you should invest in it or not.
Higher-quality products will naturally have sturdier packaging and will most likely be sealed. They will also be ISO approved so you know you are buying the right product. Contrastingly, low-grade products will appear in flimsy boxes and will have no certification. These are immediate red flags and you should stay away from them.
A Common Myth
You may have heard that tongkat ali extract is a dark brown color. This is actually a myth as a good quality extract is light brown. The extract is synthesized using ethanol, which is a clear liquid, so there is no reason for the natural color of the extract to change.
Many manufacturers will bake the extract until it achieves a dark color, indicating a more concentrated synthesis. This is generally an indicator of a bad product. Concentrated extract does not equal faster results.
Is Tongkat Ali for You?
If you are suffering from stress and anxiety, tongkat ali can be a good supplement for you. Since it aids in muscle growth, it is a top pick for body-builders who don’t want to take steroids. Tongkat ali is a safe and natural supplement.
If you are struggling in your sex life, have erectile dysfunction, or are suffering from premature ejaculation, then tongkat ali can greatly improve on those problems. Let’s face it: a man’s confidence is tied to a healthy sex life in many ways.
A natural supplement like tongkat ali is almost always better for your overall health. Just make sure to buy a good quality product, and you should be on your way to a happier and healthier life.