Quick Info
- Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed can both help boost libido.
- Horny Goat Weed may also treat menopause symptoms and atherosclerosis.
- Tongkat Ali has anti-stress and energizing properties.
- Both herbs are available in powder, capsule, and extract forms.
Understanding Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed
There’s an overlap between the benefits of Tongkat Ali vs Horny Goat Weed, two naturally-occurring supplements that have a long history of use within traditional medicine.
Both Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed have been shown to have a positive impact on male virility and libido. And while they’re effective when taken individually, research suggests that they may be even more effective when taken together.
It’s important to note that while Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed may share a primary benefit, they also both bring their own unique advantages to the table too. Tongkat Ali also boosts energy levels and has anti-stress properties. Horny Goat Weed is used by females as part of menopausal symptom treatment and is believed to promote good artery health.
Deciding which one is right for you will depend on your needs and requirements. However, though this article will compare Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed, keep in mind that prospective users don’t necessarily have to choose between one or the other. Many people take them together to maximize the libido benefits and to receive the individual benefits of each supplement.
What is Horny Goat Weed?
Horny Goat Weed didn’t get its name by accident. According to legend, the herb’s aphrodisiac properties were discovered after a goat herder discovered that his flock were extra-aroused following the consumption of the plant. The scientific name of the plant is epimedium.
The plant is native to East Asia and is typically grown in China, Korea, and Japan. The popularity and effect of Horny Goat Weed led to its cultivation in other parts of the world, including the United States.
Horney Goat Weed has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional medicine. In recent years, interest in the herb has grown in popularity thanks to its own potential as a treatment for erectile dysfunction and low libido.
Horny Goat Weed: The Health Benefits
Only a handful of peer-reviewed studies have been carried out on the effects of Horny Goat Weed, the majority of which were conducted on animals or in vitro. However, those studies have suggested that Horny Goat Weed does provide benefits in line with the historical understanding of the herb. In addition, there have also been significant self-reported benefits from users.
Some of the key health benefits of Horny Goat Weed include:
Improved Sexual Function
The potential impact Horny Goat Weed has on erectile dysfunction is the primary reason that people take the supplement. Studies have shown that Horny Goat Weed contains icariin, which helps to block one of the proteins — PDE5 — responsible for erectile dysfunction. Many of the leading erectile dysfunction treatments work by blocking PDE5.
Horny Goat Weed is also believed to assist libido by enhancing blood flow to the penis. However, these observations were only made on studies involving animals or in vitro, and more human studies are required before a definitive link can be established.
Menopausal Symptom Treatment
Horny Goat Weed has long been used in Asia as part of menopause treatment. Again, it comes down to the presence of icariin, a compound that is believed to mimic estrogen. In one study, women who consumed Horny Goat Weed for six months had higher estrogen levels than a placebo group.
It’s believed that Honry Goat Weed may help to reduce the risk of bone fractures and osteoporosis that, due to decreased estrogen levels, women going through post-menopause are particularly susceptible to.
Enhanced Artery Health
Research also indicates that Horny Goat Weed may be beneficial as a treatment against atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fats within the arteries. Again, it’s due to icariin, the herb’s star compound, which is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Recommended Horny Goat Weed Dosage
There’s little standardization across Horny Goat Weed products and, as such, there’s no standard dosage recommendation. If you buy a Horny Goat Weed product, it’s best to follow the instructions included on the label, as each producer tends to have their own guidelines.
However, most dosages fall within the 500 – 1000 mg per day parameters.
Horny Goat Weed: The Side Effects
Most people who take Horny Goat Weed experience no side effects. Indeed, in one trial that evaluated the effects of the supplement on 58 women, zero participants reported side effects. However, a subsequent study found that Horny Goat Weed may produce the following side effects:
- Anxiety
- Mood changes.
If you experience any side effects, it’s best to cease intake and consult with your doctor.
What is Tongkat Ali?
Tongkat Ali, like Horny Goat Weed, has been used for hundreds of years. It’s a common traditional medicine in the plant’s native Southeast Asia, where it has been used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, as well as for treatment of a number of male sexual performance issues.
In recent years, interest in Tongkat Ali in the West has spiked due to its believed positive impact on testosterone production, energy levels, and athletic power and performance. It is also believed to contain anti-stress properties that elevate mood and overall well-being.
Tongkat Ali: The Benefits
Clinical research into the benefits of Tongkat Ali is relatively limited, though the studies that have been carried out support the claims that are typically made about the supplement. While Western-led research is ongoing, it’s important to note that Tongkat Ali has formed a significant role in Eastern medicine for hundreds of years, if not thousands.
Boosting Testosterone Levels
Tongkat Ali is commonly used as a treatment against low libido and reduced sexual desire that has been caused by low testosterone levels. Research conducted on the effects of Tongkat Ali has shown that the supplement may raise testosterone levels, resulting in enhanced libido and sexual performance.
Improving Energy
Tongkat Ali users typically increased energy levels. This is believed to be due to the increase in testosterone as well as improved athletic performance, which by itself would result in more energy.
Fighting Stress
Most people who take Tongkat Ali do so because of its impact on libido and athletic performance. But one of the supplement’s lesser-known qualities is its anti-stress properties, which help users keep their stress levels under control and improve mood.
Enhancing Athletic Power and Performance
Tongkat Ali has become a popular supplement among individuals looking to enhance their athletic performance. An increase in testosterone and workouts go hand in hand, resulting in greater muscle mass and endurance. One study conducted in this area found that men who exercised while taking Tongkat Ali for a six-month period reported increased strength, better mood, and increased sexual desire.
Recommended Tongkat Ali Dosage
Tongkat Ali is highly concentrated, so only a small amount is needed. Most users take between 300 – 400 mg per day, though it’s best to start with a low dosage until you figure out your ideal dose.
Tongkat Ali: The Side Effects
Tongkat Ali is generally considered to be a highly safe supplement for healthy adults. However, it’s not recommended for use by pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of research in this area. While side effects are rare, the following side effects have been reported in some instances:
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Nervousness.
Tongkat Ali vs Horny Goat Weed: Which Is Right For You?
As we’ll outline below, it’s possible to use Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed together. But if you’re looking to take just one or the other, then you’ll need to consider what you’re looking to achieve. Both products will help enhance male sexual performance, but beyond that, it’s all differences.
Tongkat Ali
Tongkat Ali may be right for you if you want:
- To naturally raise testosterone levels.
- To increase your athletic power and performance.
- A supplement that has anti-stress properties.
Horny Goat Weed
Horny Goat Weed may be right for you if you want:
- To treat erectile dysfunction.
- A natural remedy for menopause-related issues.
- To protect your arteries against cholesterol and fat buildup.
Stacking Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed
Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed offer similar benefits, but they work in different ways, and that makes it possible to stack the two supplements (use together). In doing so, you may help to maximize the beneficial aspects of both. It’s particularly recommended to stack Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed if you’re taking the supplements for sexual health purposes, though you’ll also benefit if you’re taking them for their individual advantages too.
Summary: Tongkat Ali vs Horny Goat Weed
- Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed have both historically been used as treatments against erectile dysfunction caused by low testosterone levels.
- Horny Goat Weed can also help in the treatment of menopause-related issues and atherosclerosis.
- It’s possible to stack Tongkat Ali and Horny Goat Weed to maximize results.
