Drinks for men’s power

Driving along the M1 Road especially between Blantyre and Lilongwe, a stopover at Lizulu Market in Ntcheu is a must for many. This is a hive for different types of vegetables and other perishables that sell at low prizes.

But for some, the bustling market is also a haven for aphrodisiacs. Just along the road there is a senior citizen selling ‘white ginger roots’ a herbal aphrodisiac locally known as Gondolosi or Mondia Whitei in scientific terms.

Since time immemorial, Gondolosi has been Malawi’s version of Viagra equally believed to have the power to enhance the sexual act; promote arousal, increase sensitivity, and cure erectile dysfunction in men. While Gondolosi has all along been a popular black market product, of late, there has been an influx of other aphrodisiacs packaged as juices.

Some of the names captured on the market include Revin, Natural Power, Nguvu and Tangawizi, all of which grace a Kombucha-like opaque bottle. Random interviews with users indicate a general belief that the aphrodisiacs are effective and have less side effects compared to other products such as Viagra.

In some circles, there is also a belief that the processed aphrodisiacs are better than Gondolosi as they boast of extending an erection, improvement in sperm production and increased libido.

What are the reasons for using sexual boosters?

“The need to impress either at home or outside” is the instant response that came out of the interviews.

Without batting an eye, one man who identified himself as Mphatso said: “these liquids do work and are effective. I use Revin Natural Power and the performance is beyond what I normally do.

Talk of delayed ejaculation which is what almost everyone; man or woman is looking for.”

The aphrodisiacs are given different tags such as Power Bank and Charger. Such slang is only common with those that use them. Interestingly, some men use it as cover up after sleeping with other women amid the expectation of marital obligation in the home.

“So as a means of running away from suspicion at home, they take it before getting home,” explained another interviewee with a cheeky smile followed by a mischievous chuckle.

Surprisingly, he is not moved by the problems believed to emanate from the constant use of sexual boosters.

“We thrive on the fact that there have been no reports of side effects. The only unfortunate thing is that the aphrodisiacs are not controlled. One takes as much as he wants. But this is no cause for worry,” he said.

The name Revin Natural Power has no direct meaning in the local setting apart from the ‘power’ part of the name as well as the packaging which bears a graphical picture of a heavy-muscular male, all of which give an indication that the drink boosts one’s  sexual power.

Similarly, Nguvu, another drink commonly found in the border district of Karonga and some shops in Salima, denotes power in Swahili.

The belief in these drinks is widespread and trendy because you can easily spot them in most retail shops and even some chain stores, meaning there is a flourishing market.

“It’s powerful and results in prolonged erection. It gives you that unstoppable lust. I have used it once and that was my experience. Some friends who are addictive have confessed to me that they can enjoy as many times and non-stop,” claimed one of the sources, who did not want to be named.

He also believes there are no side effects, saying: “It’s purely ginger plus some few additives.”

Due to a number of reasons, including pressure at work that breed stress or simply feeling unattractive, people suffer from flagging sexual drives and couples often avoid getting it. That’s when most sexual boosters come in, according to curator-cum film-maker Elson Kambalu, who has been working on a documentary on aphrodisiacs and manhood enlargers in Malawi.

“So far, I have established that people are indeed using sexual boosters. However, manhood enlargement is fake, resulting in frustrations among users. Sometimes it comes handy for some who are just not in the mood,” he explained based on

the findings of his research.

Through the project, Kambalu has also discovered that there are minor side effects in some users.

“I interviewed someone who said after taking the sexual boosters, the following day he develops a headache. However, he can’t stop because he wants to satisfy his woman.

“But the fact that these sexual boosters are on the counter makes it smart. Even Gondolosi is being found on the counter which is making it much trendier. At the same time, I feel it’s about lifestyle as most youngmen are not exercising. Revin is filling the gap by energising the men which of course, we don’t know the effects in the long run,” he explained.

Random spot checks found that the price for Revin and Kombucha varies between K380 and K700 in hawkers, shops and supermarkets like Chipiku. But in other places such as bottlestores the drinks fetch as high as high K1 000 depending on the bar and probably location.

Some institutions such as Sunbird Tourism Hotel recently introduced several roots believed to be aphrodisiacs such as Gondolosi on their traditional menu. This tells you how strong the belief in these is. But are they safe? Until medically proven, otherwise, for now ignorance is bliss. n