Aphrodisiac honey could, according to its sellers, boost sexual performance and pleasure. Not at all, replies our sex therapist.
A so-called “aphrodisiac” honey is trendy on the Internet but be careful not to give in to temptation. “A lot of harmful substances are included in the composition of this so-called “natural” and “aphrodisiac” honey, alert us sex therapist Pascal Anger. “In recent months, several poison control centers have recorded numerous reports of serious adverse effects following the consumption of these products. reports the Medicines Agency. Clandestine trafficking in aphrodisiac honey is the target of French customs officers, reports Le Figaro in January 2025. Proof that the circulation of this product dangerous to health is intensifying in France.
Definition: what is aphrodisiac honey?
Aphrodisiac honey is a type of honey enriched with ingredients that are said to be able toincrease libido, THE sexual performance and pleasure during lovemaking. It may be spices and of plants such as the ginseng, maca, cinnamon or ginger but also other less known and potentially dangerous substances. “Aphrodisiac honey is absolutely not a natural product. Its composition and origin are generally unknown“ remarks the sex therapist. And added: “He is often consumed by young people who are in a sort of sexual competition. They take risks to boost their libido.”
How effective is it on libido?
“He doesn’t have never been scientifically proven that aphrodisiac honey is effective in combating disorders linked to sexuality nor that it is aphrodisiac“says the sex therapist.”Alone a placebo effect can occur during the consumption of certain truly natural foods supposed to have aphrodisiac properties (ginger, chocolate, anise, etc.).”
Composition: what does aphrodisiac honey contain?
These products are presented as containing ingredients of natural origin (plants) but “analyzes carried out by the joint service of the DGCCRF and DGDDI laboratories demonstrate that they contain active medicinal substances not mentioned on the labeling such as sildenafil or tadalafil (active ingredients of drugs used against erectile dysfunction Viagra® and Cialis®, editor’s note)” alerted the National Medicines Safety Agency in 2021. Several batches of “aphrodisiac honeys” were then recalled.
“So-called “aphrodisiac” products should not be taken lightly”
“These substances, which are included in the composition of pharmaceutical specialties subject to medical prescription, are of powerful vasodilators. They are in particular contraindicated in people suffering from cardiac pathologies, due to the serious adverse effects they can cause.
What are the dangers of taking it?
“So-called “aphrodisiac” products should not be taken lightly“warns the sex therapist straight away.”We see many young people who consume these so-called “magic” formulas without realizing the health dangers. These products can disrupt the nervous system and the heart“warns our interlocutor. The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) has issued an alert on the risks linked to the use of aphrodisiac honey. “In recent months, several poison control centers have recorded numerous reports of serious adverse effects following the consumption of these products, having caused repeated convulsions, hemorrhages of pulmonary origin, cerebral edema, or major acute renal failure having, for some, led to hospitalizations. Moreover, “en cases of sexual disorders, you must consult a doctor or a specialist but avoid resorting to self-medication which does not treat the real causes of these disorders” underlines Pascal Anger.
Where to buy aphrodisiac honey?
These products are illegal in France, which is why they are circulating on the Internet, social networks and even in certain night grocery stores.
Thanks to Pascal Anger, sex therapist.
