Tongkat Ali For Women

Tongkat Ali For Women

Eurycoma longifolia, otherwise known as tongkat ali, is a member of the Simaroubaceae family. It’s a tall, slender, flowering tree, native to the countries of Southeast Asia, where its powerful extracts have been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine. Scientists have thoroughly researched the biological properties of E. longifolia and have discovered that its health-giving powers are due to its membership of a select group of rare plants which have rejuvenating effects and are known as ‘adaptogens’.

About the Tree

Because of its ability to boost energy, heighten libido, balance hormones, improve cognitive function, and alleviate the problem of erectile dysfunction, tongkat ali bears the nickname of ‘Malaysian ginseng’ and because of its well-known benefits, the roots of this amazing tree were in danger of being over-harvested in its native lands.

To protect the species for future ecological and health benefits, the Malaysian government have invested heavily in licensing, and preserving the forestry and re-planting of E. longifolia with the support of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.

One more relevant fact about this tree which may raise a smile. Its Malaysian name, tongkat ali, when translated into English means ‘Ali’s Walking Stick’.

Can Women Take Tongkat Ali?

Yes! Despite its association with men’s health where it has long been one of the go-to herbal root extracts for increasing fertility and sexual performance, research has now verified that tongkat ali also provides serious health-giving benefits for women.

Almost thirty years of scientific research have been carried out on the properties of E. longifolia, and the traditionally heralded benefits have been found to be due to specific hormone-inducing effects on the endocrine system. From the results of studies and clinical trials, it has been linked to supporting key hormones in women as well as boosting overall vitality and health.

The endocrine system is the body’s mission control, comprising over thirty hormones which programme various bodily functions. When supplementing with E. longifolia, its properties are used by the pituitary glands and hypothalamus which are both located in the brain. The pituitary glands signal to the adrenals, resulting in the adrenal glands producing the required hormones for the body to work as it should. This function is known as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis.

Tongkat ali is known for its antipyretic, antimalarial, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. These extremely beneficial and diverse effects are down to the presence of several bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, quassinoids, peptides, and eurycomalactone, found in the tree’s roots. The main active ingredient in the root of tongkat ali is called eurycomanone and it is the purest form of this compound we use in our supplement.

Many parts of the tree are used for health-giving reasons, but the extract from the tap roots is mainly used for supplement purposes. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the traditional method of extracting the potent active properties from the roots of the tongkat ali shrub was to boil them in water and the resulting liquor was then consumed by men wishing to treat impotence or to increase virility. This herbal concoction was also consumed by women as a tonic to ease postpartum depression and fatigue.

Health Benefits of Tongkat Ali For Women

Most parts of the plant have proved to be useful for various areas of health. A liquor brewed from the leaves of E. longifolia is used as an antipruritic to alleviate irritation and itchy skin. The fruits of the tree are used for curing dysentery. Extracts from the tap roots are used to ease various conditions such as high blood pressure, malaria, jaundice, sexual dysfunction, and as a powerful tonic following childbirth. However, its widespread fame as an aphrodisiac is possibly one of its most popular uses.

Here are the most well-researched areas of women’s health where extracts from the Eurycoma longifolia tree are known to have a beneficial impact:

Boosting Libido

One of tongkat ali’s primary functions in health benefit terms is as a booster of sexual performance. This works for both sexes and its libido boosting powers have been well known for centuries amongst the populations of the countries of Southeast Asia.

It has been found that adding tongkat ali as a dietary supplement causes women to experience heightened sensitivity of their erogenous zones. This is helpful during the phases of perimenopause and menopause when sexual desire is often reduced and is one of the reasons why tongkat ali is known as an aphrodisiac. However, there are scientific reasons for this phenomenon.

Testosterone is known to be a male sex hormone and oestrogen a female one, but both hormones are produced by both men and women. The male body produces testosterone in the testicles and adrenal glands whereas in the female body it is produced by the ovaries, adrenal glands, fat cells, and skin cells. A woman’s body makes about half as much testosterone as a man’s body produces, but the hormone is an essential part of a woman’s sexual health. This is due to testosterone being a major contributor to her sex drive or libido, her energy levels, and fertility, as well as supporting other health benefits.

Due to the ageing process a woman will gradually lose testosterone, and although her need for healthy amounts are not as great as those required by men, the female body will certainly benefit from optimising testosterone levels to maximise libido and help with sexual health generally.

Boosting Energy Levels

If you frequently feel tired during the day, tongkat ali may give you an energy boost. It is linked with improved athletic performance and increased muscle mass and this is due to compounds known as quassinoids. These compounds support more efficient energy use, resulting in increased endurance. They also help to reduce fatigue.

Lowering Stress Levels

E. longifolia is known for properties that increase the body’s ability to adapt to stress and anxiety. This is due to its effect on the hormone cortisol which is responsible for regulating stress. When there is a prolonged rise of cortisol levels in the body the physical effects are mentally and physically debilitating. Research has established that supplementing with tongkat ali can promote better mood and overall wellbeing by helping to reduce excess cortisol.

Studies have found that the anti-anxiety effect is consistent with the anxiolytic effect of the benzodiazepine drug diazepam (Valium), but without the side effects.

Supporting Physical Fitness

At times when you need to increase your fitness, tongkat ali might be your ally. Supplementation trials have found that it can help enhance muscle strength and endurance. This is a great help if you are a sports enthusiast or if you simply wish to be more fit and active in your everyday life.

Promoting Hormonal Balance

Hormones can be out of kilter for various reasons and this is one of the herbal supplements that may be able to help. As an adaptogen, tongkat ali has been found to have a positive effect on regulating hormone levels which can be invaluable at any stage of life.

The most usual causes of hormonal imbalance, apart from pregnancy, are menopause or certain forms of contraception. Other causes may be stress, exposure to toxins, sudden rapid weight loss, too much physical exertion, being very overweight or underweight, and certain pharmaceutical medications.

There are a few other hormonal imbalances which may occur due to medical conditions such as diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypogonadism, hyperthyroidism, and suffering with eating disorders. These are all conditions which will need to be medically diagnosed and managed.

Supporting Bone Health

Women are more susceptible to osteoporosis than men and during the ageing process, maintaining bone health becomes more and more important. Tongkat ali is rich in compounds that have been found to support bone density and strength.

The findings that E. longifolia could stimulate the production of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) as well as activating the demise of cells which cause bone break-down (osteoclasts) were due to its prime role in increasing testosterone levels in both men and women.

The plant is also known to have properties which improve the strength and healing of muscles. As women age, they experience slower tissue healing so this is an important benefit.

Fat Loss

Research has established that certain bioactive herbal supplements can stimulate thermogenesis by triggering the activity of brown adipose tissue. This is a type of fat which, when activated, generates heat.

E. longifolia, due to its ability to reduce cortisol, cholesterol, triglycerides, and hyperglycaemia, has been found to be one of these natural supplements, meaning that it has properties which can help reduce stored body fat and thereby reduce BMI.

Additionally, hormones may have an impact on metabolism and hormonal imbalance such as decreased testosterone, particularly following menopause, often results in unwanted weight gain. Tongkat ali can help boost depleted testosterone levels.

Prolonged stress is another cause of weight gain and due to its ability to minimise cortisol levels, tongkat ali may prevent stress-related weight gain.

Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Research studies are currently taking place to discover tongkat ali’s contribution to healthy blood glucose levels in the fight against type 2 diabetes. Along with a diet low in refined carbohydrates, frequent exercise and good quality sleep, this herbal supplement may help but research is ongoing.

Easing menopausal symptoms

Due to its anti-ageing properties, many of the symptoms of menopause may be eased by the properties of tongkat ali. Some of the issues which cause the most discomfort and distress such as decreased energy, low mood, lack of libido and hormonal imbalances leading to hot flushes, have been found to be improved by supplementing with this herbal extract.

Are There any Risks?

While tongkat ali is a natural extract, that doesn’t mean it’s free from possible side effects. There are certain circumstances when you might wish to speak with your doctor or healthcare team before deciding to supplement with it:

• Possible Hormonal Changes – As it can influence hormone levels, it’s important to use it carefully if you have hormone-sensitive conditions or are on hormone treatments and medications.
• Interaction With Medications – It’s a good idea to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement if you are already taking medications.
• Blood glucose - If you are taking medication to lower blood sugar, you may wish to check with your doctor before taking E. longifolia as it may increase the effects of your medication.
• Ongoing Medical Treatments - It is wise to check with your doctor before taking E. longifolia if you are being treated for heart disease, cancer, and kidney disease. Also, if you have a weakened immune system.
• Mild Side Effects – Some people may experience mild side effects such as insomnia, nausea or raised body temperature. Listen to your body and adjust usage as needed.

Relevant Supplements

Tongkat Ali 200:1

Pure Indonesian 200:1 root extract available in 400mg or 600mg. Our most popular Tongkat Ali supplement and a very high quality extract. Read more about Tongkat Ali 200:1.

Tongkat Ali 3% Eurycomanone

Again, Indonesian and sourced from the root of the plant but a standardised extract guaranteed to contain at least 3% Eurycomanone, the active ingredient in Tongkat Ali. A stronger extract suited to those who are looking for a more intense effect. Read more about Tongkat Ali 3%.

To learn more about what the different extracts are read our blog on the subject.

Conclusion

Tongkat ali is a powerful natural supplement which can help to fulfil many of the issues brought about by declining testosterone levels in women. This is especially relevant if you are approaching menopause, during menopause and in the years that follow. Having a strong and healthy libido as well as the energy to pursue an active lifestyle should be something that every woman can look forward to and enjoy.

Our Promise

When it comes to keeping you informed on health and nutrition, we’re here for you and aim to help where we can. If you would like to discuss any aspect of using natural supplements, or would find advice helpful, please feel free to contact us on 01297 553932.