Tongkat Ali vs. Ashwagandha: Finding Your Ideal Supplement

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In short

Tongkat Ali increased my overall testosterone by over 20%, free testosterone by over 30%, resulting in benefits like greater strength, energy, and improved body composition.

Ashwagandha mainly enhanced my stress management and sleep quality (supporting testosterone indirectly).

I've no side effects from either supplement.

I personally prefer Tongkat Ali for the significant testosterone boost, but I use both and they've made a huge impact on my quality of life.

My supplements come from Nootropics Depot:

• I use Tongkat Ali 100mg 10% eurycomanone and 200mg 2% eurycomanone in the morning 5 days a week.
• I use Ashwagandha KSM-66 2x300mg every night.

Introduction

As someone who's always on the lookout for ways to improve my well-being and performance, I found myself facing the choice between Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha.

I decided to dive deep into both supplements, using a mix of my personal experience and scientific research to determine which one would be the perfect fit for me.

In this article, I'll share my journey, findings, and how I reached my conclusion on Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha.

You can find out more about me in my story article here (and have a peak at my physique of course, so you know I have some credibility).

Get comfortable, pop some (air-popped) popcorn, and let the Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha battle begin.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Origins and background

Tongkat Ali, also known as Eurycoma Longifolia, Longjack, Pasak Bumi, and Tung Saw, has been a staple in traditional Asian medicine for ages.

Hailing from Southeast Asia, this supplement is extracted from the roots of the green shrub Eurycoma Longifolia tree.

Benefits and uses

The secret behind Tongkat Ali's effectiveness lies in its ability to increase testosterone levels, particularly free testosterone.

By separating testosterone from its binding hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), it enables your body to make better use of this essential hormone.

This should lead to a range of benefits:

• Boosted energy levels
• Enhanced sexual health, addressing issues like infertility, erectile dysfunction, and low libido
• Improved stress management
• Faster strength gains
• Positive changes in body composition

Safety and precautions

For most healthy adults, daily supplementation of up to 400mg of Tongkat Ali extract is considered safe (based on current research).

However, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hormonal cancers, weak immune systems, heart or kidney diseases, or those taking glucose-lowering medications, should consult a doctor before using this supplement.

What is Ashwagandha?

Origins and background

Ashwagandha, a herbal supplement with roots in Asia and Africa, has been used for centuries to help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and support healthy testosterone production.

The active ingredients in Ashwagandha are withanolides, which can be found in various forms, such as KSM-66, Sensoril, and Shoden.

Quick overview of these three different kinds of Ashwagandha:

• ‍KSM-66 Ashwagandha has been deemed the king of full-spectrum Ashwagandha supplements (around 5% withanolides). Review.
• Sensoril Ashwagandha is especially great for balancing stress levels and supporting a healthy sleep pattern because it’s higher in Glycowithanolides (around 10% withanolides). Review.
• ‍Shoden Ashwagandha is a relatively new and highly purified full-spectrum Ashwagandha supplement (around 35% withanolides). Review.

Benefits and uses

As a classified adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps the body handle stress more effectively.

When taken at night, it calms the body and reduces anxiety, leading to better sleep quality.

Additionally, Ashwagandha can boost testosterone production by increasing the levels of the luteinizing hormone, which is responsible for triggering testosterone production and supporting our reproductive system.

The expected benefits of Ashwagandha include:

• Improved stress management
• Better sleep quality
• Reduced anxiety
• Enhanced testosterone levels, leading to improvements in muscle growth, strength, sexual desire, mood, and body composition

Safety and precautions

Ashwagandha is safe for most healthy adults, but those with specific medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, low or high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, or stomach ulcers, should avoid it.

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also steer clear of this supplement.

My experience with Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali has had an unbelievable impact on my life, so much so that if I had to choose only one supplement to keep, it would be this one without a doubt.

My journey to find natural testosterone boosters began when I felt my energy, sex drive, and mental health were not at their best.

I've monitored my testosterone levels through regular blood tests for years, which allowed me to track the changes I experienced after taking Tongkat Ali.

After using it consistently for 4 months, my blood tests showed an impressive increase of over 20% in overall testosterone and over 30% in free testosterone.

You can read more in-depth about this 4 month experience here.

The benefits I've gained from Tongkat Ali have been incredible:

• Significant increase in libido
• Overall energy levels boosted
• Impressive improvements in the gym, both in terms of strength and body composition
• Enhanced quality of life
• Reduced stress, enabling me to tackle challenging situations with confidence

I know these positive changes are linked to Tongkat Ali, because I’ve tried to remain other aspects (training, supplements, diet, etc.) constant.

My experience with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, specifically the KSM-66 variant, has been a staple in my daily supplement routine for years.

This adaptogen is one of my all-time favorites because it offers a wide range of benefits.

In addition to helping me manage stress and anxiety more effectively, Ashwagandha has significantly improved my sleep quality. I fall asleep faster and experience deeper, more restful sleep.

Some of the key benefits I enjoy from Ashwagandha include:

• Reduced stress and anxiety, boosting my confidence in handling life's challenges
• Improved sleep quality with faster onset and deeper rest
• Increased energy levels
• Enhanced sexual health
• Better gym results

While Ashwagandha did improve my testosterone levels, the increase was not as substantial as what I experienced with Tongkat Ali.

Most likely the indirect effects on testosterone, such as better sleep quality, are most noticeable (for me).

Comparing Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha (experience and science)

Boosting Testosterone

When it comes to boosting testosterone, Tongkat Ali has the clear advantage.

My personal experience and blood tests confirmed an increase in my testosterone levels, something I didn't experience with Ashwagandha.

Scientific research supports this, with studies showing Tongkat Ali's effectiveness in raising testosterone levels in men (and decreasing SHBG, exactly what happened to me).

Improving Sexual Health

Both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha have been praised for their positive effects on sexual health.

In my experience, Tongkat Ali was the winner here as well, with noticeable improvements in my libido and sexual performance.

Ashwagandha's stress-relieving properties may indirectly support sexual health, but the direct effects of Tongkat Ali were more profound for me.

Coping with Stress and Anxiety

Ashwagandha truly shines in this category. My experience has been really great, as it helped me manage stress and anxiety more effectively than ever before.

Tongkat Ali did have some stress-relieving properties, but Ashwagandha was the clear winner when it came to easing my mind and promoting relaxation.

Especially before bed to fall asleep quicker without constant worrying.

Physical Strength and Body Composition

Tongkat Ali gives me the edge I need when it comes to strength and body composition.

With increased testosterone levels, I experienced more motivation, energy, and better workouts.

While Ashwagandha has some benefits for muscle strength and recovery, Tongkat Ali was more effective in helping me achieve my fitness goals.

Better Cognitive Function

Both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha have cognitive benefits, but in different ways.

Tongkat Ali helped me feel more focused and mentally sharp, while Ashwagandha's stress-relief properties indirectly contributed to better cognitive performance.

In my experience, both supplements had their unique advantages, and it's difficult to declare a clear winner here.

Immune System Support

Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha both have immune-boosting properties, which can be beneficial for overall health.

While I didn't experience any significant differences in my immune function, research suggests that both supplements can support a healthy immune system.

This category may come down to individual needs and preferences.

Potential Side Effects and My Experience

As with any supplement, it's important to consider the potential side effects before adding it to your daily routine.

In this section, I'll provide an overview of the possible side effects of both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha, as well as share my personal experience with these supplements.

Tongkat Ali: potential side effects

Here's a list of some potential side effects associated with Tongkat Ali:

• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• Irritability
• Restlessness
• Nausea

My experience with Tongkat Ali side effects

Despite the potential side effects, I am fortunate to have experienced minimal negative effects while taking Tongkat Ali.

Initially, I experienced some restlessness, which manifested as waking up more frequently during the night.

However, this issue resolved itself rather quickly.

Surprisingly, even when I was waking up more often, I still felt more refreshed in the morning than I had before starting the supplement.

Ashwagandha: potential side effects

Ashwagandha, too, may come with some potential side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Headache

My experience with Ashwagandha side effects

As for Ashwagandha, my experience has been entirely positive.

I didn't encounter any negative side effects, aside from the fact that it helped me relax and feel sleepy.

This actually turned out to be an advantage, as it made falling asleep much easier and contributed to a better sleep quality.

Tongkat Ali Supplements I Take, Dosage, and Best Time

After trying out various supplements and researching their effects, I've found the perfect Tongkat Ali supplement that works for me.

The supplement I use is from Nootropics Depot, and I can confidently say it has changed my life for the better.

The specific supplements I take are:

• 100mg 10% eurycomanone pill
• 200mg 2% eurycomanone pill

I take both of these supplements once in the morning, five days a week, with two days off.

From my research, this 5-on-2-off schedule seems to be the optimal approach to maximizing the benefits of Tongkat Ali without building up a tolerance or overdoing it.

If you're interested in giving it a try, you can check out the Tongkat Ali supplements I use through this link.

Ashwagandha Supplements I Take, Dosage, and Best Time

Ashwagandha has been a staple in my daily routine for years now.

The supplement I've come to rely on is Ashwagandha KSM-66, also from Nootropics Depot.

It has consistently delivered the benefits I was looking for, from stress relief to improved sleep quality.

My daily dosage is 600mg of Ashwagandha KSM-66. I take it within two hours before sleep, as it helps me relax and fall asleep with ease.

The quality of my sleep has noticeably improved since I started taking Ashwagandha, and I wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day.

If you're curious about trying Ashwagandha KSM-66 for yourself, you can find the supplement I use here.

Winner of Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha (for me)

It's been a close call between Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha, as both supplements have made a significant impact on my life.

However, if I had to choose just one, I'd give the edge to Tongkat Ali.

As someone who's passionate about fitness and constantly striving to improve, the boost in testosterone that Tongkat Ali provided has had an insane impact on my life.

It has not only ramped up my energy levels and motivation but also significantly improved my mood, muscle growth, and overall vitality.

While Ashwagandha has been great for stress management and sleep quality, the benefits I've experienced from Tongkat Ali are simply too powerful to ignore.

Which One Should You Take (or Both)?

Deciding which supplement to take ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals.

Consider the following:

• If you're looking to boost your testosterone levels, increase energy, and improve your overall vitality, Tongkat Ali might be the better choice for you.
• If you're more focused on managing stress, improving sleep quality, and promoting relaxation, Ashwagandha could be the way to go.

For me, the best approach has been to incorporate both supplements into my daily routine.

They have significantly improved various aspects of my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving them both a try if you're unsure which one is right for you.

Conclusion

In the end, both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha have their unique advantages, but for me, Tongkat Ali takes the crown.

Its testosterone-boosting effects have brought about incredible changes in my fitness journey, energy levels, and overall well-being.

If you're a fitness enthusiast like myself, I highly recommend giving Tongkat Ali a try.

Of course, Ashwagandha shouldn't be overlooked either, as it offers fantastic stress management and sleep quality benefits.

Ultimately, it's up to you to determine which supplement aligns best with your personal goals and needs.

You might even decide to incorporate both into your routine, as I have, to experience their complementary benefits.

If you'd like to try one, or both of the supplements that I use, you can find them here below:

• I use Tongkat Ali 100mg 10% eurycomanone and 200mg 2% eurycomanone in the morning 5 days a week.
• I use Ashwagandha KSM-66 2x300mg every night.

May you conquer your fitness goals like a true Viking Beast – becoming stronger, more energetic, and unstoppable!

How do I combine Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha with other supplements?

I've achieved great results by mixing Nootropics Depot's Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha KSM-66 with other top-notch supplements from their selection.

Here's a brief rundown of the supplements I've paired with Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha to amplify their benefits:

Cistanche Tubulosa

Outstanding for elevating testosterone, augmenting strength, refining body composition, increasing energy levels, uplifting mood, and sharpening cognitive skills (like memory).

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Epicatechin

Terrific for enhancing athletic performance, reducing muscle soreness, speeding up muscle and strength development, refining body composition, preserving muscle during downtime, improving cognitive abilities, and potentially increasing testosterone.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Longvida Curcumin

Efficient for alleviating inflammation and pain, sharpening cognitive abilities (memory and focus), and potentially improving mood and muscle gains.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Green Tea Extract 45% EGCG

Excellent for boosting metabolic function, promoting fat loss, supporting healthier skin, reducing inflammation, and improving overall health.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Horny Goat Weed (optional)

Useful for enhancing sexual health (primarily increased blood flow to the penile tissue), reducing anxiety, elevating mood, and potentially raising testosterone levels, decreasing inflammation and pain, and boosting energy.

For an in-depth review click here. To check it on the site click here.

Tongkat Ali vs Ashwagandha FAQs

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha together?

Absolutely! Many people, including myself, take both supplements simultaneously and experience great benefits.

Combining these two powerful herbs can enhance your overall well-being, fitness performance, and stress management.

Are there any side effects of taking Tongkat Ali?

Some potential side effects of Tongkat Ali include restlessness, irritability, and increased heart rate.

However, these side effects are generally mild and go away as your body adjusts to the supplement.

I did not experience any side effects whatsoever.

How long does it take to see results from Tongkat Ali?

It varies from person to person, but I started experiencing noticeable benefits within just a few weeks.

Patience is key, and remember that consistency in taking the supplement is crucial for optimal results.

What is the optimal dosage for Tongkat Ali?

Most people find that a dosage of 200-400mg per day works best.

However, it's essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and listen to your body's response to find the right dosage for you.

How long does it take to see results from Ashwagandha?

Much like Tongkat Ali, the time it takes to see results from Ashwagandha varies.

However, many people notice improvements in stress levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being within just a few weeks of consistent use.

What is the optimal dosage for Ashwagandha?

The recommended dosage for Ashwagandha varies depending on the extract you're using.

Generally, 300-600mg per day is a good starting point, but always follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust according to your body's response.

Do these supplements interfere with other medications?

Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha can interact with certain medications, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you're taking prescription medications.

Can women take Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha?

Yes, both supplements can be beneficial for women.

While Tongkat Ali is often associated with male health, it can also support hormonal balance and energy levels in women.

Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is well-known for its stress-reducing effects and can improve overall well-being for both genders.

Do I need to cycle Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha?

Cycling supplements can be a good practice to prevent your body from adapting to their effects.

I personally take Tongkat Ali for five days and then take a two-day break.

For Ashwagandha, continuous use is generally considered safe, but you can cycle it if you prefer.

Which is better for muscle growth, Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha?

Both supplements can support muscle growth, but Tongkat Ali's testosterone-boosting effects may make it more effective for those looking to build muscle and improve strength.

Can I take Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha before bed?

Tongkat Ali is best taken in the morning or early afternoon due to its energizing effects.

Ashwagandha, on the other hand, is excellent for promoting relaxation and can be taken before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Which is better for libido, Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha?

Both supplements can improve libido, but Tongkat Ali is more renowned for its testosterone-boosting properties, which can directly impact sexual desire and performance.

Which is better for stress relief, Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha?

While both supplements can help with stress relief, Ashwagandha is better known for its adaptogenic properties, making it more effective for reducing stress and anxiety levels.

How do I choose a high-quality Tongkat Ali or Ashwagandha supplement?

To ensure you're getting a high-quality supplement, look for reputable brands with transparent manufacturing processes and third-party testing.

Read product reviews and do your research before purchasing.

Personally, I use and recommend Nootropics Depot for both Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha supplements.

Are Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Most Tongkat Ali and Ashwagandha supplements are plant-based and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

However, always check the label and consult the manufacturer if you have any concerns about specific ingredients or the production process.