And Other “Natural Supplements” for Loss of Erection Issues
In July of 2006, the myth of herbal Viagra was exploded when the U.S. government investigated dietary supplements for ED (erection issues) and judged them as “illegal drugs.”
The FDA’s report said that many of these supplements actually contain harmful ingredients that were not declared on the label. Online consumers were buying them under false pretenses and risking their safety. In other words, they were not in fact a natural, herbal alternative to real Viagra but were fraudulent and dangerous.
Here’s what the FDA news release said at the time:
“These products are promoted and sold on web sites as “dietary supplements” for treating erection problems (ED) and enhancing sexual performance, but they are in fact illegal drugs that contain potentially harmful undeclared ingredients. These products have not been approved by FDA, and there is no guarantee of their safety and effectiveness, or of the purity of their ingredients.”
The Appeal of “Herbal Viagra”
Herbal Viagra doesn’t exist. Even so, many men continue to look for it. The phrase “herbal viagra” is still one of the most highly searched terms related to Viagra on the web. Why is there such a big hunt for a non-existent herbal alternative to the real, brand-name Viagra manufactured by Pfizer?
Why are searchers looking for a phantom product instead of buying the real deal? Their reasons vary:
- Some consumers believe natural products are better for them than prescription drugs.
- Some find the cost of Viagra too high.
- Some want to avoid any possible side effects from Viagra.
- Some have been advised not to take Viagra due to a health condition or drug interaction.
The Truth About “Herbal Viagra”
To learn more about the myth of herbal Viagra, we turned to one of the most trusted medical centers in America – the Mayo Clinic. A specialist on their staff, Dr. Todd Nippoldt, wrote that plants such as ginseng and yohimbe are often sold as sexual stimulants. But he says they are not a true herbal alternative to Viagra for one simple reason:
Herbal products haven’t been tested and held to the same high standards as prescription drugs have. Neither their effectiveness nor their safety has been monitored. All prescription medications have to be FDA approved before legally going on sale in the US but not so with herbal products.
Dr. Nippoldt says so-called herbal Viagra not only doesn’t perform like real Viagra, it can be dangerous:
“No herbal products are as specific for blood vessels to the penis as Viagra and other similar prescription drugs are. As a result, these herbal remedies may cause generalized low blood pressure and restrict blood flow to vital organs. One popular herbal medicine called yohimbe — which is marketed as a sexual stimulant — can be dangerous if used in excessive amounts. Adverse side effects include high blood pressure and heart failure.”
The Mayo Clinic’s advice: if you’re currently taking a natural ED supplement – so called herbal Viagra – stop immediately. It may contain ingredients that could harm you.
Safe Alternatives to Treat ED
If taking genuine Viagra isn’t an option for you, discuss other choices with your doctor. Possibly other ED medications like Cialis or Levitra might be better suited. They are both available here at our online pharmacy eDrugstore.com.
Or, if you want to go the drug-free route, ask your doctor about a herbal alternative to Viagra. Your healthcare professional may be able to recommend a natural product that’s more sensible and safer than chasing the “herbal Viagra” myth.
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