Many gentlemen believe that consuming medicinal alcohol enhances sexual performance. Is this true? Below, experts will clarify.
What Are the Benefits of Moderate Alcohol Consumption?
Dr. Huỳnh Tấn Vũ, a specialist at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Campus 3, explains that in traditional medicine, alcohol is considered warm with a bitter and spicy taste, potentially toxic, affecting the heart, liver, lungs, and stomach. Alcohol is known to promote circulation, stimulate appetite, aid digestion, and dispel wind and cold…
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alcohol acts as a medicinal carrier. In the phrase “jun-chen-zu-shi”, alcohol is classified as shi. It helps deliver medicinal ingredients to affected areas, concentrating the therapeutic effects and harmonizing the components of a formula. Alcohol serves as a “messenger” in treating ailments. When consumed in moderation and correctly, medicinal alcohol can improve organ function, essence, energy, and spirit.
According to Dr. Vũ, the belief that “medicinal alcohol is harmless and even beneficial for kidney and sexual health” is misleading. Traditional medicine states: “Alcohol can invigorate blood circulation and can also be harmful,” meaning that while alcohol can have beneficial effects, its use depends on the method and purpose.
Medicinal Alcohol. (Illustrative image).
Risks of Improper Use of Medicinal Alcohol
When brewing and using medicinal alcohol, individuals should seek advice from a TCM practitioner to ensure correct usage and dosages. This is essential for safety and effectiveness in healthcare and treatment.
Dr. Vũ warns: “Medicinal alcohol, if not prepared correctly or if using low-quality alcohol, or alcohol mixed with other substances, can easily cause toxicity, even death.”
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, approximately 42% of alcohol poisoning cases are due to unclear origins of white alcohol, while 36% are from plant-based medicinal alcohol, and around 10% are from animal parts like earth bees, geckos, and animal bile.
Dr. Vũ also notes that excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect those around, pose risks during traffic participation, and harm the liver and kidneys…
How Does Alcohol Abuse Harm Sexual Health?
Dr. Nguyễn Trọng Hoàng Hiệp from the Sexual Medicine Center at Hanoi Male Health and Infertility Hospital states that many men report increased sexual desire and virility after consuming alcohol. This is because small amounts of alcohol can stimulate the nervous system and increase dopamine secretion—a neurotransmitter that enhances sexual desire and interest.
However, excessive alcohol consumption tends to harm male sexual health more than it helps. Consuming alcohol beyond recommended levels can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, resulting in reduced libido and interest in sexual activities.
“Prolonged alcohol use can cause fibrosis and vascular damage to the penis, reducing blood flow and leading to erectile dysfunction,” Dr. Hiệp explains.
Experts warn that alcohol abuse can also result in various psychiatric disorders, impair memory, and judgment.
Additionally, under the influence of alcohol, men may not be fully aware of their actions, leading to unsafe sexual behaviors.
