Shilajit Vs Tongkat Ali: Can You Combine Them Together?

Can You Combine Tongkat Ali and Shilajit Together?

Due to the different beneficial properties of Tongkat Ali and Shilajit, combining them can potentially offer even more health benefits than taking either one alone. Taking both supplements together may provide an additional boost of energy, libido, mental clarity, and focus, all while improving overall well-being.

When taken together, Tongkat Ali and Shilajit can help to reduce stress hormones and increase testosterone levels more quickly than either one alone. Not only that, but they can also help to keep cholesterol levels in check and improve overall digestive health.

Combining Tongkat Ali and Shilajit is generally considered safe for most people when taken as directed. However, it's important to discuss any potential medication interactions with your healthcare provider before taking both supplements together.

Whichever supplement you decide to take, remember to be consistent and follow the dosage instructions on the label. Staying hydrated throughout the day will also help your body absorb and process the nutrients from your supplements more effectively.

What is Tongkat Ali?

Tongkat Ali, scientifically known as Eurycoma longifolia Jack (ELJ), is a medicinal shrub native to Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Traditionally used for centuries in folk medicine, it has gained global attention as a natural remedy for supporting male vitality, enhancing libido, boosting energy, and relieving fatigue.

Modern research highlights Tongkat Ali’s adaptogenic and testosterone-supporting properties. It works primarily by reducing sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), thereby increasing free testosterone levels.

Additionally, it helps regulate cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, contributing to improved mood, energy, and resilience. A 2013 study reported a 37% increase in testosterone and a 16% reduction in cortisol exposure among users [6].

Benefits of Tongkat Ali

Tongkat Ali offers many benefits, some well-known and others that might surprise you. Let's explore these advantages:

• Boosts Testosterone and Male Fertility [6] [7]: Helps increase free testosterone levels, potentially enhancing libido, sperm quality, and reproductive health.
• Relieves Stress and Builds Resilience [6] [8] [9] [10] [11]: Functions as an adaptogen by lowering cortisol, reducing anxiety, and supporting mood stability.
• Improves Body Composition and Muscle Mass [8] [13] [14]: Supports lean muscle gain and reduces body fat, making it popular among athletes and bodybuilders.
• Increases Muscle Strength and Endurance [8] [13] [14]: Enhances physical performance and may improve post-workout recovery.
• Supports Erectile Function [8] [15]: Traditionally used to improve sexual performance and libido in men.
• Ergogenic Aid for Athletes and Dieters: Promotes physical stamina and helps mitigate overtraining fatigue.
• Supports Bone Health: Preliminary studies suggest it may help prevent bone loss and improve bone mineral density.
• Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties: Exhibits bioactive compounds that contribute to immune support and cellular protection.
• Traditional Applications: Used in managing fevers, malaria, diabetes, low energy, chronic pain, and infections in traditional medicine.

Given its numerous benefits, many people have chosen to take Tongkat Ali in supplement form. Ari Givony, an Amazon user, shared that it helped "increase and enhance my overall sense of well-being and energy levels.*

Explore more:Tongkat Ali Vs Fenugreek - Comparison And Combination

Side Effects of Tongkat Ali

While Tongkat Ali is generally considered safe, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. These typically occur when consuming higher doses, including insomnia, restlessness, and irritability. Other serious side effects that may occur in case of taking excessive dosage of Tongkat:

• Caution Advised for Prostate Cancer Patients
• High Doses Can Cause DNA Damage to Stomach and Duodenum Tissues
• Potential Absorption of Heavy Metals and Radioactive Isotopes from Soil
• Toxicity Concerns Linked to Certain Quassinoids
• Caution for Hormonal Cancer Patients Due to Increased Testosterone
• Consultation Required for Those on Blood Glucose Medications
• Caution for Individuals with Conditions such as Cancer, Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, or Weakened Immune Systems
• There are rumors that it remains Tongkat ali side effects on the liver, gynecomastia, and baldness in men; However, this remains highly controversial.

How Much Tongkat Ali Should You Use?

The typical recommended daily dosage of Tongkat Ali ranges from 200–500 mg, depending on extract potency and intended use. Some users may require up to 600 mg for athletic or hormonal support, but such use should be supervised.

Usage guidance:

• Start low and assess tolerance, especially if using for the first time.
• Split the dose into morning and early afternoon to avoid sleep disturbances.
• Forms available: capsule, powder, or liquid extract. Capsules are most common for precise dosing.
• Stacking considerations: Tongkat Ali is often combined with other adaptogens (e.g., Ashwagandha or Shilajit) for synergistic effects.

For maximum benefits:

• Use Tongkat Ali consistently over several weeks; effects are more noticeable with sustained intake.
• Ensure product quality by selecting standardized extracts containing ≥1% eurycomanone, the key active quassinoid.
• Avoid combining with substances or medications that may affect hormone metabolism unless medically approved.

Read more:Tongkat Ali vs Turkesterone: Which's Better & Can They Combine

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like resin that seeps from rock formations in high mountain ranges such as the Himalayas, Altai, Caucasus, and Tibet.

It forms over centuries from the gradual decomposition of plant and microbial matter, resulting in a nutrient-rich substance that contains over 84 ionic minerals, fulvic acid, humic acid, trace elements, and amino acids [1].

In Ayurvedic medicine, Shilajit is classified as a Rasayana, or rejuvenator, traditionally used to enhance longevity, vitality, cognitive function, testosterone production, and immune strength.

Its primary active compound, fulvic acid, is known for its detoxifying, antioxidant, and nutrient-transporting properties, supporting cellular energy and mitochondrial function.

What are the Benefits of Shilajit?

Shilajit offers a variety of benefits for both men and women. Let's explore these advantages:

• Boosts energy levels by supporting mitochondrial ATP production [3] [4] [5]
• Improves cognitive function, including memory, mental clarity, and focus [2] [5]
• Relieves stress, anxiety, and depression, acting as a natural adaptogen [3] [5]
• Supports hormonal balance, especially testosterone and fertility in men [3] [4] [5]
• Promotes better digestion and metabolism, aiding nutrient assimilation [2]
• Helps manage high-altitude sickness (HACE) and supports brain health [1]
• Provides anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer effects [2] [3] [5]
• Acts as a strong antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals [2], [3] [4] [5]
• Supports healthy blood sugar levels and antidiabetic effects [2] [5]
• Demonstrates potential antiviral and anti-HIV activity [2]
• Exhibits antimicrobial activity and boosts immune function [5]
• Shows cardioprotective properties, especially in managing oxidative stress [5]
• May help detoxify heavy metals and environmental toxins through fulvic acid

In today’s fast-paced world, many people turn to supplements for their convenience and efficiency. One user on Amazon, Flavio, who recently started using the supplement, shared that he had been looking for something to improve his daily energy and focus, as he often worked long hours and struggled with mental fatigue that affected his productivity. After taking it consistently for a few days, he noticed a significant boost in his energy levels—without the typical “peak and crash” sensation that some stimulants tend to cause.*

You may also like:Viagra Vs. Shilajit: A Detail Comparison to Choose the Best Option

Shilajit Safety & Side Effects

While Shilajit is generally regarded as safe when purified and taken in appropriate doses, there are important safety considerations:

• Contaminated or unpurified Shilajit may contain:
  • Mycotoxins (toxic compounds from fungi)
  • Heavy metals like lead or mercury
  • Polymeric quinones and free radicals, which may cause oxidative stress and DNA damage [3]
• Potential side effects (especially with impure or high doses) include:
  • Digestive discomfort (nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach)
  • Allergic reactions (rare), such as skin rash, itching, or palpitations
  • Lowered blood pressure, which may cause dizziness or fatigue in susceptible individuals
  • Iron overload, particularly in those with hemochromatosis or elevated ferritin levels
• Who should avoid Shilajit:
  • Individuals with low blood pressure
  • People taking medications for hypertension or iron-related conditions
  • Anyone unsure of product purity—always verify source and testing

Shilajit Dosage and Usage Tips

The standard recommended daily dosage of purified Shilajit is 300–500 mg [1] [2], ideally taken in two divided doses (morning and afternoon). For enhanced absorption and traditional practice, it's often mixed with warm milk or water.

Dosing strategies:

• Short-term (1–2 weeks): Energy boost, reduced fatigue, improved focus
• Medium-term (2–4 weeks): Testosterone support, stamina, cognitive function
• Long-term (4–8+ weeks): Enhanced immunity, anti-aging, and systemic benefits

However, it's important to note that Shilajit should not be used with some foods like horse gram, meat of pigeon, or Solanum nigrum [1]. Additionally, raw and unprocessed Shilajit should be avoided as it contains many free radicals [1].

Quality matters:

Look for purified Shilajit that is lab-tested for heavy metals, standardized for fulvic acid content, and ideally sourced from Himalayan regions. Products should meet purity standards (e.g., GMP-certified, organic, or FDA-registered facilities).

Read more: Cistanche Vs. Shilajit: The Comprehensive Comparison

Other Boost Testosterone Supplements

In addition to Tongkat Ali and Shilajit, there are other natural supplements that can help boost testosterone levels.

These include vitamin D3, zinc, magnesium, and D-aspartic acid. Vitamin D3 helps the body produce more testosterone by activating certain hormones in the brain.

Zinc is essential for the production of testosterone, while magnesium helps regulate the body's testosterone levels. D-aspartic acid helps increase testosterone production and is found in various foods, such as eggs and beans.

In addition to natural supplements for boosting testosterone, there are also over-the-counter products that can be taken to improve hormonal balance and libido. These include herbal extracts like Tribulus Terrestris, Horny Goat Weed, and Maca Root.

To boost testosterone levels, research different supplements and consult a healthcare provider before use. Ensure safety and effectiveness in increasing this vital hormone. Buy from reputable sources that guarantee quality and potency.

Read more: How Much Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone? In Females And Males

Conclusion

Both Tongkat Ali and Shilajit offer numerous health benefits for men looking to improve their overall well-being. They can both help increase testosterone levels, boost energy and libido, improve mental clarity, and enhance mood.

However, there are some key differences between the two supplements that should be taken into consideration before deciding which one is right for you.