Honey is a popular choice for sexual enhancement. However, some companies have been caught with unscrupulous practices. In a recent investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found undeclared traces of erectile dysfunction drugs in some honey supplements.
This is a violation of federal law because it is illegal to market products marketed as food containing active drug ingredients. These undeclared ingredients may interact with prescription drugs that contain nitrates, which can lower blood pressure.
Efficacy
Honey is considered an aphrodisiac. It is a natural sweetener and can be added to just about anything. It is also completely non-toxic and does not leave a nasty aftertaste. According to the Food and Drug Administration, it can increase a person’s sexual desire and performance. It can also boost a person’s stamina.
Honey also contains vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B and boron. These nutrients work together to boost testosterone and improve muscle coordination. One study, published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, found that boron could improve a man’s sexual drive and prowess. Honey also contains antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of cancer.
Honey has been used in various cultures for centuries to improve fertility and erections. This ancient practice is relevant to complementary and alternative medicine practitioners today. Studies have shown that honey can improve sperm count and testosterone levels. In Malaysia, traditional practitioners use honey extensively for the reproductive system. Honey is used to make nutraceuticals called maajun and jamu, which have been shown to improve the quality of eggs and sperm.
Side effects
The FDA has issued a warning about honey-based sexual enhancement products. The agency discovered that honey-based supplements contain sildenafil, an active ingredient in Viagra and Cialis. These products should be used only under the direction of a medical professional. They can interact with other drugs and pose health risks. The FDA also found that some honey-based products contain hidden ingredients.
Mad honey, a type of honey made from the nectar of rhododendrons, is particularly dangerous. A recent study documented 21 cases of mad-honey poisoning, all of which involved middle-aged or older men. The honey’s grayanotoxins can cause low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, dizziness, and vomiting. It’s best to talk with a beekeeper about possible side effects before consuming it.
In Brazil, “love honey” has become a popular sexual stimulant. Although the Brazilian health agency banned the product’s production and sale, it is still available online. It can cost as much as 80 reais.
Legality
If you’ve ever wondered whether honey-based sexual enhancement products are legal, you’ve come to the right place. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) regulates a variety of products as food, supplements, and drugs. The rules for each category vary. In the case of honey-based products, four different companies categorized their products as food, even though they contained sildenafil or tadalafil.
Despite this fact, it’s important to be careful when purchasing honey-based sexual enhancement products. The FDA has issued several warnings about products that contain undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients. These ingredients can interact with prescription medications and cause side effects. In addition, honey-based products may interact with certain types of medicines, such as nitrates, which can lower blood pressure.
Reported adverse reactions
While there are many positive side effects of honey, there are also reported adverse effects. A recent study from Turkey documented 21 cases of mad honey poisoning among middle-aged and older men. The honey contains substances known as grayanotoxins, which can lead to low blood pressure, slowed heart rate, dizziness, and vomiting. While these symptoms are rare, they do happen. Those who buy mad honey usually talk to the beekeeper before buying it, so that they can be warned of possible side effects.
The FDA has issued a warning letter to four companies selling honey-based sexual enhancement supplements. The warning letters indicate that these products may contain hidden pharmaceuticals. Honey products have been tested and found to contain tadalafil and sildenafil, the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis. Because of these risks, it is vital that consumers stop using these products immediately. If they experience any adverse reactions, they should report them to their health care provider.
Various companies have been selling honey-based products on the Internet. Their advertisements claimed the products could help reduce vaginal discharge, fight bacterial infections, relieve arthritis, improve cholesterol levels, and speed up fracture healing. The products were sold through companies such as Etsy and company websites.