Tongkat Ali is one of the fastest-growing herbal ingredients in the world, but most people have never heard of it. Here's a plain-language guide to what it is, where it comes from, and what to know before you try it.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma longifolia) is a flowering shrub native to the rainforests of Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The part that's used is the root, which is dried and ground or made into an extract. It's also known as Longjack or Malaysian ginseng, although it isn't related to true ginseng.
How has it traditionally been used?
In Southeast Asia, Tongkat Ali root has been used for generations in traditional wellness, usually boiled into a tea or added to coffee, to support energy, vitality and general wellbeing.
What does the research say?
Research on Tongkat Ali is still growing, and most studies are small. One example: a 2013 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition gave moderately stressed adults a Tongkat Ali extract daily for four weeks and reported improvements in stress hormone levels and mood compared with placebo (read the study). Results like these are promising, but more and larger studies are needed, and individual results vary.
Tongkat Ali vs ginseng: what's the difference?
They're two different plants. Tongkat Ali is a Southeast Asian rainforest root; Panax Ginseng is a root traditionally used in Korea and China. Both have long histories in traditional wellness, which is why some products, including Zehst Honey and Zehst Coffee, combine them.
How do you take Tongkat Ali?
It's commonly sold as capsules, powders, or added to coffee and honey. Whatever the format, stick to the dose on the label and don't exceed it.
- Zehst Capsules: 450 mg Tongkat Ali per capsule, no caffeine, no sugar.
- Zehst Honey: 94% pure honey with Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng, no caffeine.
- Zehst Coffee: instant coffee with Tongkat Ali and Panax Ginseng.
Who should avoid Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali products are for adults. Avoid them if you're under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding, or have diabetes, high blood pressure or a heart condition. If you take any medication, especially blood thinners or diabetes or blood-pressure medication, speak to your doctor first.
Where can I buy Tongkat Ali in South Africa?
Zehst is available online at zehstenergy.com with 2–3 day delivery across South Africa, and at Dis-Chem and Takealot. Your first box is covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Zehst is a health supplement, not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.