In a parcel sent by Lovely-Vibes, among other surprises, was an aphrodisiac capsule Gold Max Maximum Strength.
I have to admit that we were somewhat reluctant to try this product. Capsules of unknown composition sold anywhere other than a pharmacy aren’t really our thing.
But after reading the ingredients, there was nothing particularly dangerous.
Composition of the Gold Max aphrodisiac capsule
It contains only plant extracts, all reputed to have supposed aphrodisiac properties:
- Epimedium, a plant also known as “fairy flower”, “Yin Yang Huo” in Chinese, or “Fairy Wings” in English (“fairy wings”), or, less glamorously, “Horny Goat Weed” (“weed for a goat in heat”).
- Cinnamon, the spice that gives speculoos their flavour.
- Dang shen, scientifically known as Codonopsis pilosula and also known by its more popular nickname, “poor man’s ginseng”.
- Angelica, a plant with white, umbrella-shaped flowers which, according to some legends, have supernatural properties. Medieval sorcerers used it to ward off evil spells and protect themselves from enchantments.
- Ginseng, a plant whose root has medicinal properties.
- Tuckaoe, also known as pachyme or Wolfiporia extensa. It is a fungus that grows on decaying wood and is used in Chinese medicine. It has also been used as a food source during times of famine.
- Ligusticum, also known as “Szechwan lovage rhizome”.
- Liquorice, an aromatic plant with invigorating properties that gives black sweets their flavour.
Format
The product is sold individually (one capsule per box) and presented as a food supplement to be taken daily (one capsule a day).
Effects
As for the effects, they aren’t noticeable, or at least not after a single dose. Then again, well, it’s a bit like all herbal remedies: you either believe in them or you don’t; it’s mostly the placebo effect that matters. But €5 seems a bit steep for a single aromatherapy capsule.
The instructions recommend taking no more than two capsules a day.
Conclusion
One capsule can’t do you any harm. However, I’d be inclined to advise against using it over a long period, as it would be very surprising if this product had been the subject of a long-term pharmaceutical study.
