On social networks, and particularly TikTok, a new trend is attracting attention: Internet users are promoting small sachets of honey to which they attribute aphrodisiac virtues. Presented as capable of strengthening erections and prolonging sexual intercourse, these products are sometimes the subject of filmed challenges, where participants swallow them before watching their effects.
This craze can also be explained by the apparent safety of these products. Natural ingredients rather than tablets, a colored sachet rather than a prescription. Marketed under names like “Royal Honey,” “Vital Honey,” or “Honey Pack,” they are touted as natural sexual stimulants. They are often sold online or directly via social networks, without the need to consult a health professional.
“It works… really well”
Those looking for testimonials on the Internet don’t have to go far to find them, especially on Reddit. A 31-year-old man shares his experience with aphrodisiac honey: “Let’s just say it works… really well.” He even claims to have regained his morning erections. “It’s much easier to get and keep an erection,” he wrote on the forum.
Dr Marco Randazzo, FMH specialist in urology at Urologie Mittelland, also knows these famous aphrodisiac honeys. “We are seeing a certain trend, but not yet a wave comparable to that of other countries,” he explains. Young men who discover honey sachets online often ask questions such as: “Can I take it with alcohol?”, “Is it really natural?” or even “Can I combine them with my treatment for hypertension?”.
Behind the use of these sachets is not necessarily an erectile dysfunction requiring treatment. “The pressure linked to sexual performance, the expectations conveyed by pornography, the stress of exams or relationships, as well as the fear of failure often play a role in young men,” explains Marco Randazzo. What is sold as a quick and discreet solution can, however, turn out to be a real box of surprises, potentially dangerous.
The hidden composition of aphrodisiac honey sachets
Swissmedic also warns against aphrodisiac honey. The Swiss Institute for Therapeutic Products notably detected tadalafil and sildenafil in the product “Black Horse Vital Honey”. These two active ingredients are included in the composition of medicines subject to medical prescription and intended to treat erectile dysfunction.
The most worrying: despite their similar appearance, the sachets can contain, according to Swissmedic, varying amounts of sildenafil and/or tadalafil, sometimes “in relatively high doses”. When consuming a “Honey Pack”, it is therefore impossible to know with certainty which active substances you are ingesting and in what quantity.
What are sildenafil and tadalafil?
Sildenafil and tadalafil are active ingredients subject to medical prescription, used to treat erectile dysfunction. They dilate blood vessels and thus make it easier to obtain an erection in the event of sexual stimulation.
THE sildenafil is notably the active ingredient in Viagra. Its effect generally appears after 30 to 60 minutes and lasts several hours.
THE tadalafil is notably the active ingredient in Cialis. Its effect is much more prolonged and can last up to 36 hours.
Used as prescribed by a doctor, both medications can be taken safely. However, they present significant risks of interactions with certain treatments, in particular nitrates prescribed for cardiovascular diseases. Possible side effects include a drop in blood pressure, headache, dizziness, vision problems or even a painful and prolonged erection.
“A powerful effect should prompt caution”
Honey, ginseng, royal jelly and other natural ingredients are among the sales arguments put forward by manufacturers. “The effects of touted natural ingredients are based on little scientific evidence,” emphasizes Marco Randazzo. If consumers still experience a noticeable effect, “it is very likely that they have actually ingested a hidden quantity of sildenafil or tadalafil”. Expectation, excitement and the placebo effect can also play a role. “But a powerful and reliable effect should encourage caution rather than complacency.”
According to Swissmedic, online stores and social networks constitute the “preferred channels of criminal suppliers”. Sellers are often established abroad and products are seized when imported by customers in Switzerland. The sale of these products, but also their importation, is illegal and subject to criminal prosecution.
A “fatal drop in blood pressure”
Those who think that a second or third sachet will enhance the effects are taking an even greater risk. “High doses do not result in a more powerful effect,” recalls Swissmedic. However, they considerably increase the risk of side effects, including a drop in blood pressure or hypersensitivity reactions.
The combination with nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, a drug that dilates blood vessels, is particularly dangerous. It can cause a “life-threatening drop in blood pressure.” Interactions are also possible with medications for high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as other substances.
In the event of chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe dizziness, palpitations or visual or hearing problems, the urologist recommends “immediately contacting emergency services or going to the emergency room”. Swissmedic also warns against prolonged erections, which can have serious consequences. Marco Randazzo emphasizes that a painful erection lasting more than four hours also requires immediate emergency care: “This is a urological emergency.” It is recommended to take the product or a photo of its packaging with you and above all not to take an extra dose.
