How to use Tongkat Ali? 5 Different Ways to Best Consume Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali, or Malaysian Ginseng, is a popular Southeast Asian herb used for centuries by the indigenous population of Malaysia as an energy tonic, cure-all for anything from gout to malaria, and for male enhancement.

A substantial body of clinical research has underscored the numerous health benefits of Tongkat Ali. With its growing popularity across the world among athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and generally, you may take Tongkat Ali in six different forms, i.e in the form of pure powder extract, dose-optimized capsules, coffee, and more. 

In this article, we deep-dive into five best ways to consume Tongkat Ali including instructions to gain the most optimal results.

1. How to use Tongkat Ali extract powder

Tongkat Ali powder extract is one of the best ways to consume Tongkat Ali as it offers greater dosing flexibility if you are seeking to enhance absorption by mixing it in a variety of ways that can both enhance its taste as well as benefits.

Some popular combinations of Tongkat Ali powder extract include adding a teaspoon of it to tea, coffee, or a smoothie as a daily energy drink to start your day. It can also be added to baked goods or as an ingredient for cocktails or mocktails.

As a pre-workout drink, Tongkat Ali powder is also an ideal addition to enhance your protein shakes, as standardized hot-water root extract contains a high crude protein content of between 20% to 40% that can benefit muscle-building activities, support muscle recovery, as well as supplement your daily protein intake.

Instructions 

  • Add one-quarter teaspoon (0.5g to 2g) with warm water, or add directly with your favourite beverage, or protein shake.
  • Stir well until it’s mixed into the base
  • Can be consumed hot or cold
  • Add ice as Tongkat Ali protein shake tastes less bitter when cold.
  • Optional: due to high levels of bitterness, sugar, simple syrup, or honey can be added to reduce the bitter aftertaste

2. How to use Tongkat Ali capsules:

Capsules are one of the most convenient ways to consume Tongkat Ali since they’re already optimized for dose and can easily be consumed anywhere or anytime – just pop a capsule and you’re done.

Most dosage-optimized Tongkat Ali capsules contain between 400mg to 600mg depending on the size of the capsule (eg: size 0, 1, or even 2). Most size 0 capsules are easy to swallow with minimal fuss, and you may take it after or before meal. 

If you are taking the capsule form, the best way to take Tongkat Ali for optimal benefit is to check if the capsules are made from pure Tongkat Ali standardized extract, which is touted to be more potent than generic non-standardized extract.

Unlike pure powder extract, there is no need to measure the dose or worry about having a base to mix it with when taking Tongkat Ali capsules. However, Tongkat Ali capsules absorb slightly more slowly than pure extract powder, as it takes more time for the stomach to break it down – which may deter those who seek for fast results when taking Tongkat Ali.

Instructions

  • Take one to two capsules daily, ideally after meals like breakfast and dinner for general energy or stress reduction 
  • If you are using Tongkat Ali to enhance exercise performance, take one to two capsules two hours before your workout 
  • Optional: may add additional capsules as needed, but we do not recommend exceeding 3 – 4 capsules (or 600 – 800mg) per day. Please refer to our detailed dosage guide for more information.

3. How to use Tongkat Ali coffee:

Mixing Tongkat Ali with coffee is one of the optimal ways to experience Tongkat Ali whilst enhancing the benefits of Tongkat Ali and caffeine. This potent energy-enhancing combo is achieved by mixing pure extract powder with your brew of choice or choosing a quality pre-mixed Tongkat Ali coffee like AKA Koffee.

Caffeine or coffee synergizes well with Tongkat Ali’s inherent alkaloid properties that amplify compounded benefits such as overall energy levels, physical performance, mental clarity, immune function, and more. Both ingredients also combine to add a diverse number of antioxidants to your diet although excessive consumption of caffeine may not be good your hormones and health. However, Tongkat Ali’s adaptogenic properties may reduce negative side effects associated with too much caffeine, reducing symptoms like tension and jitteriness when taken in small doses.

The optimal way to use Tongkat Ali is to take 25mg to 50mg per serving of Tongkat Ali extract which is found in some Tongkat Ali coffee brands, that is mostly pre-mixed with instant coffee powder / blends.

Instructions 

  1. Black or Milk Coffee: 
  • Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of Tongkat Ali coffee in a glass of hot water. Add sugar or fresh milk to suit your taste 
  • Alternatively, add one quarter teaspoon (0.5g to 2g) of pure Tongkat Ali extract and mix well with your coffee of choice. 
  • Optional: add sugar or milk to taste

 

  1. Latte: 
  • Add 2 teaspoons of Tongkat Ali coffee, mix well in a glass of hot water, and add frothed milk 
  • If you are using a frother, place the milk in a tall cup, holding it at a 45-degree angle. Insert the frother and turn it on. Froth for 20 to 45 seconds, or until you’ve reached your desired consistency before adding to the Tongkat Ali coffee.
  • Alternatively, add one quarter teaspoon (0.5g to 2g) of pure Tongkat Ali extract and mix well in your pre-prepared latte 
  • Optional: add sugar or simple syrup to taste  

4. How to use raw Tongkat Ali:

If you had bought a raw slice of a Tongkat Ali root, the best way is to use 1 -2 slices and boil it in hot water before drinking the water.

Boiling raw Tongkat Ali root slices for 30 minutes or longer is viewed as the original method used by the indigenous, and for purists, it is the most traditional method of consuming Tongkat Ali. However, it is important to be aware that you are also extracting other impurities or heavy metals from the raw slices of Tongkat root as it does not go through any purification process.

At the same time, raw-boile Tongkat Ali root may be less potent than pure extract powder or capsules, the resulting extract can still provide plenty of health benefits like increased energy and even a libido boost.

This method works best if you can secure mature and freshly harvested Yellow Tongkat Ali roots that have been dried and prepared the right way.

Instructions 

  • Place several slices into 2–3 cups (470–710 mL) of water, and boil the mixture for about 20 minutes
  • Traditionally, the same root slices can be boiled up to 3 times
  • Drink the mixture as soon as it has cooled and discard whatever you don’t drink
  • Optional: sweeten it with honey, sugar, or add a dash of lemon for flavour

5. How to bake a Tongkat Ali chocolate cake

Dark chocolate is a healthy snack that contains antioxidants like flavonoids, which may have potential health benefits that act as a natural libido food for women as well as men. The bitterness of dark chocolate blends perfectly with Tongkat Ali into the creation of an energy libido-boosting chocolate.

By making your own at home and combining this with pure Tongkat Ali extract powder, you could create a delicious homemade snack that offers a blend of diverse antioxidants along with Tongkat Ali’s bioactive compounds for enhanced energy, aphrodisiac qualities, as well as for better cardiovascular health.

Dark chocolate is also a perfect medium to mask the bitter taste of Tongkat Ali extract. So you need strong vanilla extract and the right amount of Tongkat Ali to enhance the overall dark-bitter chocolatey taste that will reinvograte your senses.

Instructions 

  • Gently melt ½ cup of coconut oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir ½ cup of cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons of honey, ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract, and one quarter teaspoon (0.5g to 2g) of pure Tongkat Ali extract into melted oil until well blended
  • Pour the mixture into a mould or pliable tray. Refrigerate until chilled, for about 1 hour
  • Enjoy as a delicious energy-boosting and healthy snack on the go, or melt it and drizzle over ice cream for a garnish with a punch
  • Optional: add a small pinch of salt into the mix to accentuate sweetness and richness of chocolate

Parting words

Tongkat Ali offers plenty of consumption methods that cater to different preferences, ensuring that everyone can incorporate this potent and remarkably versatile herb into their daily routines in a way that suits their tastes, lifestyle or needs.

Whether you’re seeking a quick dose for your health goals, a traditional brew of an energy libido tonic, a fun cocktail evening of social awakening or even a culinary delight, Tongkat Ali offers a range of options to reap its numerous benefits. There are many how-to’s when it comes to Tongkat Ali and the best way to consume Tongkat Ali bogs down to individual preference. 

If you are interested in experiencing the many benefits of standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract, try AKARALI’s dose-optimized capsules, pure powder, or coffee options here.

Learn More or Contact Us

Learn more about the best Tongkat Ali in the world here, or reach out to us at any of our international offices if you have any queries or concerns.

Author

Naressa Khan contributes regularly on AKARALI. As a researcher and investigative journalist, Naressa is all about creating, deconstructing, and reassembling meaningful content through words and facts. With this approach always in mind, she eagerly explores the nuances in life via the aspects of lifestyle, culture, travel, health, and wellness in Malaysia .

Our articles are third party reviewed by our panel of experts and medical advisors to ensure the facts are accurate and credible. These are validated against multiple source references which include but not limited to research studies, peer-reviewed journals, pre-clinical studies, clinical tests and other credible publications.

Our panel of medical advisors and experts are highly experienced in their individual fields. However, they do not provide any medical advice or recommendations arising from content published in this article.

Disclaimer: 

The content published on this website is for educational purposes and should not be viewed, read, or seen as a prescription or constitute any form of medical advice. We recommend you consult your nearest GP or doctors before consuming Tongkat Ali or any products which contain Tongkat Ali. For further information, kindly refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.

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