Viagra — how quickly this one-word brand entered our mind and changed our perception on sexual health (and performance?). When it was introduced in the market in 1998, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer reached worldwide sales of $ 788 million. No wonder this little blue pill has triggered competitions in sexual enhancement supplements.

And of all the spawning imitations, Chinese herbal medicines products came on spotlight. The difference between the two is very much obvious: the latter is based on natural and organic contents.

Since this product phenomenon, different herbal viagra products are being advertised on local tri-media and on the Internet being positioned in the market by their ingredients (e.g. Ginseng), but the most popular of all are those based in Chinese herbals.

Let’s face it: Viagra is popular because they are the first prescribed oral pills being marketed and advertised around the world as a prescription drug which treats sexual dysfunction like frigidity and erectile dysfunction, and increases sexual virility and vigor.

But what some Westerners don’t know that Chinese herbal products has long been known and taken up in the orient regions.

The Viagra Alternative

In the beginning, Viagra promotes their unique selling proposition by ‘treating erectile dysfunction.’ Now, as product rivalry gets stiff, herbal viagras are not just promoting its "safe usage" as a sexual enhancer but it promotes other health benefits like strengthening immunity enhancing digestion, mind booster, and helps strengthen muscles in the male physique.

I have seen a lot of sexual enhancement supplements on specialty print literatures, TV, and on the Internet and many promises that they will boost performance in bed and "help" increase the size of the male’s member, but I have only my eyes on the viagra alternative: herbals.

During the peak of Viagra’s sales in the market, detractors from other pharmaceutical parties are presenting substantial evidences that the product’s side effects are alarming to individuals taking the blue pill.

The Side Effects

All medicines have side effects. People taking sexual enhancement pills like Viagra or herbal viagras will experience side effects. But these are usually mild and don’t last longer than a few hours. Usual side effects that may occur are headaches, facial flushing, stomach upsets, temporary blurred vision, and rashes.

Some men who take the pills as they more concerned with this type of need says that it is addictive. It is somehow true, but that is because it has become a psychological factor to men that ‘if they take a dosage of the pill’ will give them a full standing ovation of the member.

There have been reports in the past that someone has died because of Viagra intake. Viagra is still a prescribed medical product that should be taken inside your body with caution. Viagra is not a multivitamin tablet that you have to take every day. Ask your doctor to know when is the best time for you to take it.

Same goes with herbal viagras; just because they are "herbal" means they are safe. That is not always the case. Though they have lesser side effects on the body, taking herbal viagras should be taken with the knowledge of a physician.

Be Cautious On Buying

Just like Viagra and its direct competitors stiff rivalry in the market, herbal viagras has rivals at arms length. The competition is much more complex: there are herbal viagras made from Chinese Herbs, Brazilian herbs, etc. promoting different promises on health and sexual stamina.

There have also been reports that there are quack products circulating the market pretending to be a herbal viagra but these are ineffective. You don’t get the results you deserve and will endanger your health.