Tongkat ali, an evergreen tree originating in Malaysia and Thailand, has been used for centuries as a traditional treatment for sexual problems in men. A series of animal studies at the Science University of Malaysia have supported tongkat ali's traditional use as an aphrodisiac. Both neutered and un-neutered rats display more sexual interest and higher testosterone levels after ingesting tongkat ali. While these results have not yet been documented in humans, they support the herb's reputation for enhancing sexual virility. Tongkat ali's purported effect on testosterone levels also makes it a popular supplement among body-buliders and middle-aged men. If you are interested in using tongkat ali for any purpose, follow expert guidelines to maximize the benefits of these increasingly popular supplements.
Step 1
Consult your health care provider before using tongkat ali. Because tongkat ali has not been extensively studied in humans, scientists have not yet evaluated its possible risks and drug interactions. Your health care provider may recommend that you avoid tongkat ali if you have liver disease or take prescription drugs.
Step 2
Purchase a tongkat ali product from a reputable company. Naturopath Dr. Ray Sahelian posits that many overseas companies sell tongkat ali products of dubious quality or composition. Ecologically conscientious consumers may also want to avoid tongkat ali supplements manufactured in Singapore or Indonesia, where the tree is critically endangered due to overzealous harvesting for the supplement industry.
Step 3
Take tongkat ali capsules daily with food. A typical dose may range from 100 mg to 1,000 mg, depending on your medical needs and the potency of the product. Some manufacturers offer extremely concentrated extracts of tongkat ali; these should be used according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
Step 4
Stop taking tongkat ali supplements after two weeks of continued use. Dr. Ray Sahelian notes that long-term use of tongkat ali may cause unanticipated side effects such as addiction, heart disease or liver damage. Most health care providers advise against its daily use until further studies have evaluated its safety.
Member Comments