Alex Ram

By: Antonio LeMaire

The Myth of Herbal Viagra And Other "Natural Supplements" for ED



In July of 2006, the myth of herbal Viagra was exploded when the US government investigated dietary supplements for ED (erectile dysfunction) 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 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 erectile dysfunction (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 the hunt for a non-existent herbal alternative to Viagra?
Why are searchers looking for a phantom product instead of buying brand name Viagra ? 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 â?? 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 â?? which is marketed as a sexual stimulant â?? 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 â?? so called herbal Viagra â?? stop immediately. It may contain ingredients that could harm you.
Safe Alternatives to Treat ED
If taking brand name 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.
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. To read more articles on Viagra, visit here.


Antonio LeMaire  - Search Engine Optimization expert, boasting over 7 years of algorithmic search and paid search advertising. Helping a number of Online Pharmacies like: edrugstore.md. To learn how to select a reliable online pharmacy, visit the onlinepharmacy knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.


Antonio LeMaire