Latest update April 19th, 2024 12:59 AM
Feb 03, 2009 News
There was a time when the undertaker was supposed to be your best friend, because he was the last man to let you down. Now times have changed, and undertakers are not the only persons who sell “coffins”. In fact, there are people in Barbados and elsewhere who not only sell coffins but help you up, instead of letting you go down.
However, that is not necessarily good news. The “coffin” is the Barbadian name for a Chinese herb or drug named Huoli Shen. According to journalist Adonijah in the Barbados Nation (November 1, 2008), “In a few shops known to the initiated, men are clamouring for the product, also known as “the gold box,” because of its packaging. That packaging has also led to the “coffin” name. When these men meet, they exchange stories of wildly vigorous sexual performance, which they all attribute to Huoli Shen.”
Adonijah interviewed Michael Springer, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese traditional medicine, who told him, “Chinese herbal medicine is never about a quick fix… If there is a circulation problem in the genital area, the organs must be strengthened first.” However, Springer warned about some Chinese herbal medicines which contained sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra. He warned that these drugs should not be used by persons with heart problems or hypertension, and could also produce other dangerous side effects, like loss of hearing and the inability to distinguish colours.
Now the Barbados Ministry of Health has issued a warning against the “coffin,” as well as an aphrodisiac known as “Stone,” which can cause death when ingested. It contains chemicals which disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart.
According to the ministry, the product, which is also called ‘Jamaican Stone’, ‘Love Stone’, ‘Black Stone’ or ‘Chinese Rock’, is made from toad venom and plant extracts. Stone is also known to be extremely harmful when used on the skin.” Obviously, “stone” is singular; and even it is not, only those without sin can first cast it, even though the ministry is bent on out-casting it.
It has given a new meaning to “getting stoned”.
The “toad venom” bit is a bit un-nerving. I always thought that when a snake stiffened after being bitten by a toad it was dying. Now I find out that it might actually be aroused. The ministry did not state what punishment it would mete out to culprits, but I bet it would be stiff.
The Barbados Health Ministry is also advising the public not to use the product known as the “Coffin”, since this also has direct effects on the heart. Meanwhile, there has been no word from the normally outspoken Trinidad Health Minister Jerry Narace. He could at least say whether death by stone is covered by insurance.
Also, it would be easy for him to know if these products are sold here. If there is a sudden increase in male mortality and all the men die with smiles on their faces, that would be proof positive. However, if the purchase of tickets to or from Barbados rises sharply in the next few days, then there is no ‘Stone’ or ‘Coffin’ here as yet.
Whatever the situation, the Ministry of Health should immediately investigate the matter. They should leave no stone unturned, so to speak.
Where is the BETTER MANAGEMENT/RENEGOTIATION OF THE OIL CONTRACTS you promised Jagdeo?
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