Learn Everything About Tongkat Ali

As with many of the alternative therapies and treatments, the United States and Europe lag behind in recognizing the age-old advantages of many of these herbal remedies. The herbal medicine derived from the Tongkat Ali tree has been used successfully throughout Asia for centuries. Western cultures are coming late to the Tongkat Ali party but appear to be using the products enthusiastically.

 

About Tongkat Ali

The mature Eurycoma Longifolia or Tongkat Ali tree reaches a height of approximately 10 feet. The tree has a distinctive appearance featuring large clusters of small flowers and pinnate evergreen leaves. Both the male and female species have equal medicinal values. Harvesting of the tree roots has been limited due to the deforestation throughout most of Southeast Asia. Once the primary provider of the tree, the Malaysian government has protected the tree, thus leaving Indonesia as the main source of the product, which now has global appeal.

A Labor Intensive Effort

In addition to being difficult to locate, it is hard work to dig up the roots, which typically grow to a mature length of about two meters. Only the roots of the Tongkat Ali tree have medicinal qualities. The most beneficial roots are from trees that are 20 to 30 years old. With the increasing demand for the herb, many younger trees roots are being utilized. For centuries, the Malaysians have rejected the medicinal value of these younger trees.

Malaysian Experience

Although a protected tree in Malaysia, the Malaysian culture has long experimented and used the herb to treat a wide variety of health issues. For many years testing of the herb was confined to animals. Since the ZRT Laboratory release of the results of human testing, there is no doubt that Tongkat Ali increases the human testosterone level. However, the Malaysians have used the herb to treat other health deficiencies, such as poor circulation and high blood pressure, fever, fatigue, impotence and to enhance muscle growth. Tongkat Ali has also been specifically used to treat malaria and certain cancers.

Safe to Use

Like many alternative medicines, this all-natural product has few side effects. In cases where the user employs doses that are too strong, light-headedness, insomnia and a general restlessness have been reported. The use of Tongkat Ali extract or powder is non-habit forming. Users who take other medications may want to consult with a physician to clarify the interaction of the herb with their current medications. Simply simply decreasing the dosage usually alleviates any side effects.

Tongkat Ali Products

Tongkat Ali supplements are manufactured as a powder in capsules, in tablet form or as a liquid extract. The product has a distinct bitter taste and is often diluted with tea or coffee. The Tongkat Ali extract is the strongest form of the herb. Only the roots are used for medicinal purposes. Some manufacturers use light doses of alcohol to preserve the herb and free up the medicinal qualities. Tongkat Ali has a long track record of success in the east and is rapidly establishing a positive reputation in the west.