Warning of deadly risks of ‘erection honey’ sold as a natural aphrodisiac that’s laced with Viagra

PACKETS of honey laced with erectile dysfunction (ED) drugs and sold as an all-natural aphrodisiac are being seized in record quantities in France.

Authorities have warned customers are taking serious risks by consuming the honey due to potentially deadly effects.

French customs officials said on Monday 20 January a record 31,000 tonnes of the illegally imported honey touted as an all-natural sexual enhancement – but often tainted with drugs like Viagra – was seized in the country last year.

The packets of honey and gels, sold as “shots” or “sticks” with names like Black Horse or Bio Max, are often sold surreptitiously in clubs and other nightlife spots.

Use of the “aphrodisiac honey” has increased in recent years, with officials warning of potentially serious health risks from ingredients not listed on the labels.

They often contain chemical products like sildenafil or tadalafil, the main substances in the erectile dysfunction drugs Viagra and Cialis, which in France are only available on prescription.

In 2021, health authorities warned of several cases where the honey had caused convulsions, cerebral oedemas or acute kidney injuries.

France‘s customs office said the honey that was seized was mainly entering by ship from countries including Malaysia, Turkey, Tunisia and Thailand.

The biggest find was made in the Mediterranean port city of Marseille in November – 13 tonnes’ worth in around 860,000 sticks in a shipment from Malaysia.

“There is a risk of very serious or even fatal accidents if taken simultaneously with other medication,” Dr Alain Ducardonnet, a cardiologist, told French broadcaster BFMTV.

He added overdosing is also a risk.

“If you take too much, you risk epileptic seizures, haemorrhages or kidney problems,” he said.

In France, men can easily be treated for ED with a variety of options, similar to the UK, including oral medications like Viagra and penile prosthesis.

All they need to do is attend a medical consultation to get a prescription from registered professionals, rather than self-medicate.

“Following a trend, a younger public are going for this in a big way, thinking they can match the performances to be found on porn sites,” a police officer told Le Figaro newspaper.

“As the amount of adulteration is unknown, and the doses consumed are neither recommended nor quantified, consumers are taking considerable risks by taking this type of adulterated honey, especially as there is no mention of dosage, contra-indications or adverse effects on the sachets,” France’s customs agency also said in a statement.

How to safely treat erectile dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), also known as impotence, is the inability to get or maintain an erection that’s firm enough for sexual intercourse. 

It’s a very common problem, particularly in men under 40, but in the UK it’s recommended you see a GP if it keeps happening.

The main treatments are medicines that increase the blood flow to your penis, called PDE-5 inhibitors.

These include:

• sildenafil (Viagra)
• tadalafil (Cialis)
• vardenafil (Levitra)
• avanafil (Spedra)

You need a prescription for most of these medicines.

But sildenafil is also available to buy it from a pharmacy.

Vacuum pumps are recommended in some cases of ED.

These encourage blood to flow to the penis, causing an erection.

They work for most men and can be used if medicine isn’t suitable or doesn’t work.

The NHS also recommends some simple, healthy lifestyle changes that could help with erectile dysfunction…