Stress is a common ailment that affects people of all ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. It can be brought on by a number of factors, including work, relationships, finances, and health issues. While stress is a natural reaction to life's challenges, chronic stress can have a negative impact on both mental and physical health, resulting in a variety of symptoms.
Anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and irritability are all common stress symptoms. Anxiety causes excessive worrying, fear, and tension, whereas depression causes sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Stress-related insomnia can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. Fatigue can result in feelings of exhaustion, weakness, and a lack of energy, making it difficult to concentrate or complete daily tasks. Irritability can cause feelings of frustration, anger, and impatience, making interaction with others difficult.
These symptoms can have a big impact on a person's quality of life, making it difficult to function at work or in social situations. While medication can help with some of these symptoms, it often has side effects and is expensive. As a result, many people are turning to natural remedies such as Tongkat Ali to help alleviate their symptoms and boost their overall mood.
History
Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma longifolia or Malaysian ginseng, is a Southeast Asian plant that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of ailments, including stress and anxiety. Tongkat Ali has gained popularity in recent years as a natural supplement for increasing energy, athletic performance, and libido.
How it works
Tongkat Ali works by increasing testosterone levels in the body, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and overall well-being. Testosterone is a hormone that regulates mood, energy levels, and cognitive function as well as the development of male sexual characteristics.
Tongkat Ali has been shown in studies to increase testosterone production by stimulating the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. The testes are then signaled by LH to produce more testosterone. Increased testosterone levels can help to improve mood by decreasing anxiety and stress, increasing energy, and improving cognitive function. This can lead to an increased sense of well-being and happiness.
Tongkat Ali also contains compounds known as quassinoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These compounds help to protect the body from oxidative stress, which can cause cell damage and inflammation. Tongkat Ali can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by reducing inflammation in the body.
Tongkat Ali has also been shown to improve the body's response to stress by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released, and chronically high levels can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other health issues. Tongkat Ali can help to alleviate stress symptoms and improve overall health and well-being by lowering cortisol levels.
To summarize, Tongkat Ali works by increasing testosterone levels in the body, decreasing inflammation, and improving the body's response to stress. These effects can result in increased mood, energy, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Studies and Results
Several studies on the effects of Tongkat Ali on stress and anxiety have yielded promising results. Researchers investigated the effects of Tongkat Ali on stress hormone levels and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. When compared to the placebo group, participants who took Tongkat Ali for four weeks showed significant improvements in stress hormone levels, mood, and quality of life. The study concluded that Tongkat Ali may be an effective natural remedy for stress reduction and mood enhancement.
Another study published in the same journal looked at Tongkat Ali's effects on cortisol levels and psychological mood state in stressed adults. When compared to the placebo group, participants who took Tongkat Ali for four weeks had significantly lower cortisol levels, lower anxiety, and improved mood. According to the study, Tongkat Ali may help to alleviate stress symptoms by lowering cortisol levels.
The effects of Tongkat Ali on physically active male and female seniors were investigated in a pilot study published in Phytotherapy Research. Tongkat Ali supplementation improved several health parameters, including muscular force, body fat percentage, and bone mineral density, according to the study. Furthermore, participants reported a significant improvement in overall well-being, indicating that Tongkat Ali may benefit both physical and mental health.
While these studies show promising results, more research is required to fully understand the effects of Tongkat Ali on stress and mood. Additionally, before taking any supplements, consult with a healthcare provider because they can interact with medications or have negative effects in some people.
To summarize, studies have shown that supplementing with Tongkat Ali can lower stress hormone levels, improve mood, and overall well-being in stressed adults. More research is needed, however, to fully understand its effects and to determine the optimal dosage for stress reduction and mood enhancement.
Recommended Dosage
The recommended dosage of Tongkat Ali varies depending on the product and its concentration. However, studies have shown that a dosage of 200-300mg per day of a standardized extract containing 2% to 3% of Eurycomanone (a bioactive compound in Tongkat Ali) is safe and effective for reducing stress and improving mood.
Conclusion
Tongkat Ali is a natural supplement that has long been used to boost energy, libido, and mood. It is also effective at reducing stress and anxiety, making it an excellent natural alternative to medication for those looking for a natural remedy. If you want to use Tongkat Ali, talk to your doctor about the proper dosage and whether it's safe for you.
References
Jurgita S, et al. Effects of Tongkat Ali on Stress Hormones and Psychological Mood State in Moderately Stressed Subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013; 10(Suppl 1): P38.
Talbott SM, et al. Effect of Tongkat Ali on stress hormones and psychological mood state in moderately stressed subjects. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2013; 10: 28.
Henkel RR, et al. Tongkat Ali as a potential herbal supplement for physically active male and female seniors - a pilot study. Phytotherapy Research. 2014; 28(4): 544-550.