Also known as longjack, Tongkat Ali is a herbal supplement extracted from the root of a shrub native to Southeast Asia. People have used it for various medical purposes, such as malaria, infections, and fevers, and even for treating male infertility. It is rich in flavonoids and alkaloids, making it full of antioxidants and beneficial for health.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of Tongkat Ali for females.
Tongkat Ali Benefits For Women
While Tongkat Ali is normally used to treat male infertility and erectile dysfunction, it also has certain benefits for females.
1. Stabilizes Hormones
With age, hormonal imbalance is quite natural among women. Doctors suggest using supplements to ensure that testosterone, cortisol, and estrogen levels remain stable within the body. Tongkat Ali affects the production of these hormones in the body, making it highly beneficial for a healthy endocrine system in females. Rather than opting for clinical treatments, women can choose to use Tongkat Ali for free hormonal treatment.
2. Aids In Fat Loss
Tongkat Ali helps reduce body fat. It doesn’t affect fat in the body directly but improves overall athletic performance and increases muscle mass. Tongkat Ali is an ergogenic aid that improves physical performance and helps with body composition. Various studies suggest that the herb can cause changes depending on the length and dosage of treatment. [1]
3. Improves Sexual Well-being
Tongkat Ali, while stabilizing hormones, also improves sexual performance in females, making them more sexually active than before. This increased libido is an indirect effect of hormone production in the body. The herb acts as a natural energy booster that boosts testosterone levels, improving libido in women and increasing their sex drive.
4. Relieves Stress
Tongkat Ali lowers stress levels hormones in the body, decreasing anxiety and improving overall mood in women. A study showed that the effects of using Tongkat Ali were similar to that of using medication for anxiety. A one-month study in adults with moderate stress levels showed that using 200mg of Tongkat Ali daily reduced cortisol in the saliva by 16%. Participants also reported less stress, anger, and tension. [2]
Tongkat Ali Benefits For Female Fertility
People usually take Tongkat Ali to treat male infertility and erectile dysfunction. However, many women also use it to boost hormone levels. Since testosterone has a direct link to sexual health and well-being, it is also beneficial for boosting female fertility.
There is little to no research based on the benefits Tongkat Ali can have on female fertility. On the other hand, plenty of research has been conducted to show that men with lower libido, semen production, and low sperm motility highly benefitted from consuming the herb. [3]
Tongkat Ali Side Effects For Females
Even though Tongkat Ali is a natural herb, consuming too much of anything or completely relying on one supplement is not healthy. Some studies show no side effects of using Tongkat Ali, while others show certain symptoms.
Some sources of Tongkat Ali have 26% higher mercury levels than the recommended dosage. Consuming too many of these supplements can lead to mercury poisoning, which causes memory issues, mood swings, and trouble with motor skills. Some studies suggest that 300mg of Tongkat Ali is safe for consumption. In contrast, others suggest that consuming 1.2 grams of the herb is also safe for adults. [4]
There is no research on the effects of Tongkat Ali on pregnant and nursing women; hence it is advised not to use it during these stages. Moreover, it is better to ask for your doctor’s advice about adding this herb to your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Tongkat Ali Side Effects On Liver
Some researchers claim that Tongkat Ali is completely safe for daily consumption if the intake is between 200mg- 400mg. Higher herb levels may prove toxic for the kidneys and liver, even though no such incident has yet been reported. However, you should be careful when consuming Tongkat Ali supplements since high mercury levels can be poisonous and may prove to be fatal if symptoms are ignored.
Best Tongkat Ali Supplements For Women
Tongkat Ali is a natural hormone-balancing herb that can boost physical performance and relieve stress in the body. While many people brew tea or grind the roots into powder form, they are most commonly available as supplements in the market. The best supplements for women contain the extract in its most natural form with the lowest levels of mercury.
Moreover, try looking for supplements that also contain other natural ingredients, such as Gokshur, that control blood sugar and cholesterol levels at the same time. However, read up about the supplement’s side effects, such as causing insomnia, headaches, and fatigue. The recommended dosage of these supplements lies between 1000mg and 2000mg daily.
Ask your doctor before adding any supplement to your diet.
How Does Tongkat Ali Benefit Women?
Tongkat Ali is a great natural herb with multiple health benefits for women. Not only does it boost energy levels in the body, but it also stabilizes hormones that are necessary for the proper functioning of the body and helps control stress levels in women too. Even though the herb is usually prescribed to men, it also positively affects women. [5]
The Bottomline: Tongkat Ali Benefits for Women
Tongkat Ali is a great natural source to uplift women’s health, but certain precautions are needed when consuming it daily. Moreover, further research is required to see the benefits it can have on female health compared to male health. Talk to your doctor before choosing to start using Tongkat Ali supplements.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Henkel, R. R., Wang, R., Bassett, S. H., Chen, T., Liu, N., Zhu, Y., & Tambi, M. I. (2014). Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors–a pilot study. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 28(4), 544–550. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5017
- Talbott, S. M., Talbott, J. A., George, A., & Pugh, M. (2013). Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 10(1), 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-10-28
- Ang, H. H., Cheang, H. S., & Yusof, A. P. (2000). Effects of Eurycoma longifolia Jack (Tongkat Ali) on the initiation of sexual performance of inexperienced castrated male rats. Experimental animals, 49(1), 35–38. https://doi.org/10.1538/expanim.49.35
- Ang, H. H., & Lee, K. L. (2006). Contamination of mercury in tongkat Ali hitam herbal preparations. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 44(8), 1245–1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2006.01.014
- Henkel, R. R., Wang, R., Bassett, S. H., Chen, T., Liu, N., Zhu, Y., & Tambi, M. I. (2014). Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors–a pilot study. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 28(4), 544–550. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5017
