In Malaysia, Indonesia, Burma and Thailand there are trees called tongkat ali that are reputed to have many positive medicinal and health benefits. Asian people have used it in traditional remedies for generations but it is only recently the western world has become aware of the extract.
Many different studies have been undertaken on different aspects of the benefits of the plant and its parts. It’s said to be effective in preventing malaria and to have antibacterial properties. It also id said to be helpful in reducing fevers and may have cytotoxic properties that can help to fight different types of cancers. Warnings suggest that it should not be used when immunosuppressant drugs are being taken.
Many body builders use it in preference to steroids to build muscle mass. It can increase the strength and size of muscles but does not have the same strong side effects as steroids. It also does not create a habit or dependency in the user. The antioxidants present in the extract help to reduce cell aging and it can also be used to help weight loss.
The extract is produced from the roots, and tastes horrible. In capsule form you can swallow it without having to taste it but the powder and liquid extracts are very bitter. In Asian natural medicine pieces of the root are eaten however these are not available for purchase in the western world.
Getting the extract is difficult. Two men have to dig a long way down to get the straight root out of the ground. This can take more than four hours to complete. Once a tree is harvested it takes a minimum of ten years for another to grow to replace it. The Malaysian government, recognizing the growing demand, has begun to grow additional trees in plantations with soil suited to their needs.
Root extract in all its forms can be expensive because of the time it takes to grow and harvest the trees. Then turning the root into powdered or liquid form adds to the price. And, the cost of packaging and transport adds even more. Demand for the product is high as many purchasers believe the benefits they obtain are worth the price.
Herbal supplements have grown in popularity over the last decade. Some have not delivered what they promised but tongkat ali continues to stand up to testing for a range of positive benefits. It is likely that the popularity of this particular herb will continue to grow.
Learn what the fuss about tongkat ali extract is all about. Discover everything you must know about tongkat ali extract at IndonesiaTongkatAli.com.