Two days before Valentine’s Day, while many Filipinos rush to buy chocolates and flowers for their loved ones, some are turning to a different kind of gift: love potions.

According to a report by Jecelle Ricafort, Baclaran vendors report a surge in sales of these potions, priced between P150 and P250. On regular days, powdered love potions mixed into food or drinks cost around P100, while bottled versions that are blessed and wrapped in red cloth sell for P200.

Vendors, who declined to appear on camera, said they increase prices during this special occasion due to higher demand.

Customers vary widely in age and gender, with some even claiming that elderly patrons are purchasing the potions to win the affection of someone they admire.

Aside from those seeking romantic connections, vendors said there are also regular clients who buy love potions simply to make friends or improve social relations. They claim that the effects of the potions take about a week to manifest.

However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of such products. The agency also cautioned that these potions may pose health risks.

According to the FDA, all products should have proper labeling that includes complete ingredient information in compliance with existing regulations.

Vendors and distributors of unregistered products may face appropriate legal action.