Honey Benefits for Sexual Health

The use of honey in history and today:

• Since 2100 BC, honey has been used by many cultures as a traditional cure for general health problems including sexual health. In ancient Ayurvedic writings, it was mentioned as a remedy for impotence, premature ejaculation, and infertility. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks also trusted in its power to increase sexual desire and performance. Similarly, medieval Europe shared this belief when they created a “love potion” by mixing honey with other organic ingredients like ginger and cinnamon.
• It also had a part in adding passion to weddings, actually, it is believed that the name “honeymoon” originated from the tradition of newlyweds drinking mead, a beverage made from fermented honey, until the first new moon of their marriage. 
• It is not surprising that people continue, until this day, to turn to the herbal world for solutions to sexual problems because, while there have been advances in the field of medications used to treat male sexual dysfunctions, there is no medically approved treatment for the majority of female sexual dysfunctions. Furthermore, consumers frequently seek natural products since they are seen as “organic,” “wholesome,” and maybe safer options.
• Honey is considered as an Aphrodisiac drug which is defined by The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “any product that bears labeling claims that it will arouse or increase sexual desire, or that it will improve sexual performance.”

What are the benefits of honey for sexual health?

There is limited scientific research on the specific effects of honey on sexual health. However, honey is known to offer various health benefits, and some studies indicated that it may have a positive impact on sexual function, including:

• Elevates serum testosterone level: According to research, honey’s phytochemical or bioactive compound content helped restore hormone balances resulting in enhanced gonadotropins and sex steroid hormones. Also, it contains B vitamins needed for testosterone as well as other nutrients, enzymes and phytochemicals.
• Boosts energy and stamina: Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates (Glucose and Fructose) that often provides a quick energy boost, gives people more stamina during sexual activity and makes it possible to stay in bed for longer. Additionally, its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can help to reduce fatigue and improve endurance.
• Increases libido: Another of its important components is boron, which is a mineral that aids the body to use and metabolize estrogen (the female sex hormone). Studies have suggested that this mineral may also enhance testosterone levels in the blood, the hormone responsible for promoting sex drive and orgasm in both women and men.
• Improves erectile dysfunction (ED): Another potential benefit of honey on sexual health presented in recent scientific research is its ability to improve ED in men. This is attributed to honey’s antioxidant properties which facilitate the relaxation of blood vessels, resulting in an increased flow of blood to the penis and therefore a more efficient erectile function. (It is necessary to keep in mind that honey only helps with ED symptoms, it does not treat the condition, thus it should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment, but instead as adjuvant therapy)
• Helps with clitoral erection: In addition to its potential benefits for men, Honey may also improve sexual health in women. Its ability to boost the production of nitric oxide in the body improves blood flow to the clitoris and promotes sexual arousal.
• Improves fertility: It has been proved that honey’s local vaginal application before sexual intercourse helped couples who were having difficulty conceiving naturally. This is due to its high antioxidant concentration, which minimizes oxidative stress and enhances sperm quality. It also aids in hormone balance, as mentioned above, which can boost fertility in both men and women.
• Soothes irritation and inflammation: Honey has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can prevent or treat certain vaginal infections as well as alleviate irritation and inflammation in the genital area. In turn, this can improve sexual comfort and pleasure.
• Good Moisturizer: This property can help hydrate dry skin in the genital area as it can cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse.

Finally, Honey’s potential role in improving sexual health is an area of growing scientific interest. It was proven to have a good impact on people’s sexual lives, however, it is essential to use it as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, conventional medical treatments.

It is recommended that individuals who have concerns about their sexual health consult with their healthcare provider before using honey specifically for purposes related to sexual health.

Some popular types of honey and their link to sexual health:

Mad honey

“Mad honey” is a variety of honey made from the nectar of a plant known as Rhododendron ponticum, which grows mostly in Turkey’s Black Sea region but also in Nepal, Japan, Brazil and other areas. It was marketed as a sexual stimulant for both men and women in several countries.

While regular honey is safe for consumption, “Mad honey” is different as it contains a significant amount of toxins called grayanotoxins. The latter activates the vagus nerve resulting in improved sexual function.

However, using this well-known natural sexual booster may lead to intoxication/poisoning. Some studies reported that low doses of grayanotoxin cause hypotension and bradycardia, while high doses cause syncope, atrioventricular block, and asystole. In other words, it affects the cardiovascular system and may cause serious health problems or, in some cases, even death.

Overall, “Mad honey” has been demonstrated to help with sexual performance nonetheless it is a potentially lethal toxin and should be avoided.

Manuka honey

Manuka honey is a monofloral honey obtained from the manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). It has piqued the interest of researchers, particularly Professor Peter Molan of New Zealand’s Waikato University, who first identified its unique and powerful antimicrobial activity in the 1980s. Later, in 2008, it was discovered that this action is due to a component present in manuka honey called methyl glyoxal (MGO).

This antibacterial property, along with the antioxidant properties of honey, aids in sexual function, as previously stated.