Tongkat Ali Vs Ashwagandha: Which One to Choose?
Both tongkat ali and ashwagandha are renowned dietary supplements with many potential health benefits - many of which are similar. This is the reason why most people often confuse which one to pick from - tongkat ali vs ashwagandha? Each has its own history of traditional uses and they differ significantly in their mechanisms of action. Wanna learn more about these two herbs? Stay with us till the end.
In this article, we’ll be comparing tongkat ali vs ashwagandha mainly in terms of their potential health benefits. But before we get into the difference between tongkat ali and ashwagandha, it’s worth knowing the fundamentals of these two herbs a little bit more. So, let’s get started.
What is tongkat ali?
Tongkat ali or otherwise known as longjack is an ancient medicinal plant endemic to Southeast Asia, especially Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. It is also known as the Malaysian ginseng. The plant is scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia.
Longjack has a long history of medicinal uses for thousands of years to prevent and manage diverse health conditions. In fact, in Southeast Asia, it’s famous as one of the most well-known traditional folk medicines.
What is ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a perennial medicinal plant that belongs to the Solanaceae family. It is botanically known as Withania somnifera. Similar to tongkat ali, ashwagandha has also been used in traditional medicines for thousands of years.
Throughout the world, ashwagandha is one of the most well-known herbal adaptogens. Adaptogens are substances that help the body adapt and cope with stress more effectively.
Tongkat ali vs ashwagandha: benefits and uses
Testosterone production
When it comes to testosterone production, multiple studies suggest that tongkat ali is more efficient compared to ashwagandha. Reports showed that tongkat ali can boost testosterone levels between 20% to 580%. Whereas ashwagandha can increase testosterone production moderately, making it less efficient than tongkat ali’s higher increase.
Mood and stress
While both herbs tongkat ali and ashwagandha are effective in reducing stress hormone levels such as cortisol, ashwagandha performs better than tongkat ali to lower stress and anxiety.
Weight loss
Tongkat ali can burn fat molecules faster than ashwagandha. Studies suggest that tongkat ali can help in fat loss and reduce BMI after 100 days. Tongkat ali is considered a better weight loss supplement in comparison to ashwagandha.
Immune system
Researchers linked sufficient evidence with tongkat ali to directly improve the immune system. Several randomized controlled studies recorded that tongkat ali can increase T-cells and CD4+. But so far, no clinical study has been done to suggest that ashwagandha can directly improve the immune system.
Libido
Tongkat ali is more effective in promoting male sexual performance, with better sperm motility and longer erection time. Particularly, aging men and men with androgen deficiencies can get more benefit from tongkat ali than ashwagandha.
Sports performance
Both herbs tongkat ali and ashwagandha recorded enough evidence to suggest improvements in energy, stamina, and other sports parameters. Both herbs work equally well based on traditional real-life user feedback.
Tongkat ali benefits
- Tongkat ali helps in increasing testosterone production
- It boosts metabolism and supports natural weight loss
- It helps improve male sexual performance, especially in aging people
- It helps boost the immune response
- It helps enhance energy and stamina, especially helpful in increasing athletic performance
- It acts as a potent antioxidant and helps protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress
- It has adaptogenic properties which help lower the body’s stress levels
Ashwagandha benefits
- Ashwagandha is one of the most sought-after herbal adaptogens across the world, noticeably helpful in reducing stress and improving mood
- It helps improve brain and cognitive function
- It helps enhance sports performance by increasing stamina and energy levels
- It has significant anti-inflammatory properties which indirectly support the immune system and help manage chronic inflammatory symptoms
Can tongkat ali and ashwagandha be taken together?
Both tongkat ali and ashwagandha - are two super herbs. Many people wonder whether they can take them together for even better results. The good news is a big yes. There’s no recorded evidence so far to suggest any harmful effects from combining these two super herbs. However, like with all dietary supplements, it’s best to consult with a certified natural medicine practitioner and stick to the recommended doses only.
Final words
So, tongkat ali vs ashwagandha - which one to choose? As we discussed earlier, both tongkat ali and ashwagandha are two super herbs with many potential health benefits.
Tongkat ali works far better than ashwagandha in areas such as increasing testosterone production, boosting male sexual performance, strengthening the immune system, and restoring overall hormonal balance which in turn provides many other health benefits.
On the other hand, ashwagandha performs far better than tongkat ali in areas such as reducing stress, improving mood and anxiety, and improving overall brain and cognitive function. Consider working with a certified natural medicine practitioner to determine your best dosage and method of use.