A honey pack is a small packet of honey. Some contain additional ingredients that manufacturers claim will benefit male sexual health. However, some also contain unlisted drugs.

Honey packs have become a trend on social media, where proponents claim these products can enhance libido, erections, or stamina during sex.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source has raised serious concerns about honey packs and has found that some contain unlisted drugs for erectile dysfunction.

Keep reading to learn more about honey packs, what they contain, and the risks.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

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Honey packs are small sachets or packets of honey. Some companies add extra ingredients, such as royal jelly, bee pollen, or ginseng.

Manufacturers claim these ingredients benefit male sexual health or performance, but these claims are largely unproven.

Honey packs became a trend on social media and are available to purchase online and at gas stations. Other names for these products include royal honey and X-rated honey.

Proponents of honey packs claim that these products enhance male sexual performance in a variety of ways. They may claim they improve:

  • libido (sex drive)
  • the ability to get or maintain an erection
  • the ability to have sex for longer before ejaculating
  • energy or stamina

However, there is little scientific evidence that the listed ingredients in these products have any of these effects.

Honey itself has no proven effect on sexual performance in humans, and neither do other bee products, such as royal jelly or bee pollen.

Ginseng is a stimulant that may make people feel more alert or energetic, which could affect sex. However, a 2021 review of past research found it had only a “trivial effect” on erectile function or satisfaction in comparison to a placebo.

In honey packs that do seem to work, it may be the placebo effect helping people feel calmer or more confident, or due to unlisted ingredients.

The FDA found the erectile dysfunction drug tadalafil (Cialis) in honey packs in 2017Trusted Source and again in 2022Trusted Source. Unlisted medications can pose serious health risks.

Honey packs are dietary supplements. Therefore, the FDA does not regulate them in the same way as medications. Companies do not have to test them to prove their purity or effectiveness before selling them.

This means honey packs can contain illegal ingredients and contaminants. So far, the FDATrusted Source has found several contain unlisted erectile dysfunction drugs and has warned people not to buy them.

Honey packs may have a risk for:

Adverse effects

Tadalafil and other drugs for erectile dysfunction can causeTrusted Source adverse effects, such as:

  • headaches
  • back or muscle pain
  • indigestion or heartburn
  • a drop in blood pressure
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • rashes
  • allergic reactions
  • vision changes
  • hearing loss
  • priapism, which is a long, painful erection that can cause permanent injury without treatment

Severe side effects are uncommon in people who take prescription tadalafil. However, because honey packs may contain undetermined amounts of the drug, it is not possible for people to know whether they are taking a safe dose.

Interactions

Erectile dysfunction drugs can be unsafe for people with some underlying conditions, such as those with:

  • impaired kidney or liver function
  • severe cardiovascular disease, such as heart failure
  • an elevated risk for priapism
  • conditions that affect the shape or anatomy of the penis, such as Peyronie’s disease
  • postural hypotension
  • retinitis pigmentosa

Tadalafil can also cause interactions with other substances, including:

  • alcohol
  • blood pressure medications
  • CYP3A4 inhibitors
  • other drugs for erectile dysfunction

Delayed diagnosis

Another potential risk of using honey packs or tadalafil without supervision from a doctor is that problems with sexual performance can sometimes be symptoms of conditions that require medical treatment.

For example, some of the most common causesTrusted Source of erectile dysfunction are:

Stress, anxiety, and depression can also be significant factors.

Using products that compensate for these symptoms may delay a person from getting the help they need.

Anyone with concerns about their sexual health should talk with a doctor. A doctor can help to investigate the cause of any difficulties and may be able to suggest ways of creating long-term improvements in sexual function.

Anxiety about sexual performance is very common, with one 2020 review suggesting it may affect up to 25% of men. This alone can sometimes cause:

Talking about these issues with an understanding healthcare professional can give people reassurance and confidence that they are getting safe, effective advice.

If a person has used honey packs and experiences any of the following, seek emergency medical attention:

  • severe dizziness or feeling faint
  • vision changes, such as blurry vision or vision loss
  • hearing loss
  • vomiting
  • an erection that is painful, will not go away, or lasts longer than 4 hoursTrusted Source

Sexual health resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on sexual health.

Honey packs are individual, travel-sized packets of honey. Some manufacturers sell them as products for male sexual performance. However, there is little evidence their listed ingredients have any benefit, and some contain unlisted drugs that could be dangerous.

People should not use honey packs that claim to enhance sex. Instead, it is safer to speak with a doctor about any concerns about sexual health.