So you’ve decided to try herbal supplements to boost your libido. You’ve come across products touted to be the next big thing in male performance, a product that’s going to allow you to have sex with any woman you desire. Sound good?
While there are certainly a few standout products that can help bolster your sex drives, a large number of companies have jumped on the “herbal supplement” bandwagon, creating a sea of poorly-made products that are either prone to failure or potentially dangerous. (1)
Before you waste your money on dubious products, you should consider talking to your doctor about the different types of herbal supplements available and how they could potentially affect your health.
What Is Herbal Supplements?
“Herbal supplements” are supplements that contain natural plant products, such as berries, mushrooms, or herbs.
The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) defines herbal supplements as “products that contain one or more of the following ingredients: herbs, grasses, flowers, seeds, bark, roots, or berries,” with no stipulation as to whether those ingredients are in a standardized or potent form. In other words, anything that is dried, cut, or crushed is considered an herbal supplement.
The advantage of herbal supplements is that there is no need to worry about negative side effects. However, herbal products are very much subject to the same principles of chemistry and pharmacology that govern conventional drugs. When you take an herbal supplement, you generally need to consider what the active ingredients are and whether or not they’re safe for intake. Also, while herbal products may help boost your sex drive, they’re not going to give you super-human abilities or make you bigger or stronger than you already are. (2)
Are Herbal Supplements Safe?
The safety of herbal products is a legitimate concern, given that almost anything can be considered an herbal supplement. According to the AHPA, “over-the-counter” herbal products are generally considered safe when used as directed. However, this is not always the case.
The AHPA states that while herbal supplements are generally considered safe, people with certain medical conditions (e.g., heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, diabetes) should consult their doctor before taking them. In any case, even if you meet the general safety criteria for taking an herbal supplement, you should still refrain from taking them if you are or may become pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. (3)
Which Is Better for You?
So you’ve decided to try herbal supplements to boost your libido. You’ve come across products touted to be the next big thing in male performance, a product that’s going to allow you to have sex with any woman you desire. Sound good?
While there are certainly a few standout products that can help bolster your sex drives, a large number of companies have jumped on the “herbal supplement” bandwagon, creating a sea of poorly-made products that are either prone to failure or potentially dangerous. (1)
Before you waste your money on dubious products, you should consider talking to your doctor about the different types of herbal supplements available and how they could potentially affect your health.