While there are numerous dietary remedies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that may help enhance sexual function, it’s impossible to cover them all in one article. Here, we’ve selected a few well-known, practical recipes that may support men facing erectile dysfunction (ED). Since TCM emphasizes personalized diagnosis and treatment, it’s highly recommended to consult a qualified practitioner before starting any dietary therapy.

Erectile dysfunction relief meals using Chinese medicinal foods

Quickly Boost with Flavor: SautΓ©ed Chives and Lamb Liver

Best for men with cold symptoms and low energy levels

This stir-fry dish combines 90 grams of fresh chives and 120 grams of thinly sliced lamb liver. Cook over high heat in a wok until the liver is done. Add a splash of vinegar before serving. This dish is intended to warm the "Mingmen fire," a TCM term associated with kidney yang deficiency. It works particularly well for men feeling physically cold or weak.

Deep Nourishment: Stewed Lamb Kidney with Cistanche

A warming tonic for yang deficiency fatigue

Combine 5–10 grams of Cistanche with a pair of lamb kidneys. Simmer together until well-cooked and season to taste. This dish is traditionally used to support the kidney yangβ€”which TCM believes contributes to sexual vitality. Remember to avoid excessive intake of Cistanche over long periods, especially without medical supervision.

Soothing and Gentle: Female Chicken and Soft-Shelled Turtle Soup

Helps soothe dry mouth and improve yin deficiency in TCM

Take a female chicken (approximately 1000g, that hasn’t laid eggs) and a soft-shelled turtle (around 500g, shell removed). Clean both, then stuff the chicken cavity with 9g of white pepper and about 500g of brown sugar. Place them in a clay pot and add 1000ml of rice wine. This nourishing tonic is meant to replenish kidney yin and is usually taken every 15 days for ongoing support. yin-deficient individuals often complain of dryness, poor sleep, and restlessness.

Highly Potent Combo Meals for Yang Boost

Multiple options to diversify nourishment

Green Onion Shrimp Wraps: Stuff shrimp paste into multiple green onion stalks. Roast until dry, then grind into fine powder. Take 6 grams with warm water each morning. Pair with one steamed sheep testicle daily for a month-long cycle. This traditional method is believed to warm the kidney and strengthen reproductive function in yang-deficient individuals.

Dongpo Lamb Stew: A flavorful stew made with 240g lamb, 45g each of carrots and potatoes, soy sauce, Chinese spices, and aromatics. Stir-fry lamb and vegetables separately until golden brown, then simmer everything together until tender. This dish is known for nourishing vital energy and bloodβ€”ideal for men dealing with exhaustion, cold limbs, or low libido.

Cordyceps Stewed Duck: Use one male duck cleaned and stuffed with 10 grams of Cordyceps sinensis, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt, then simmer over low heat. This is a long-term tonic food for men who frequently experience signs of deep fatigue, lower libido, or chills. Note: Cordyceps should be consumed in regulated amounts due to potential overuse risks.

Traditional Hearty Solutions: Heavy Soups with Heating Spices

Best for severe cold patterns and chronic fatigue

Stewed Dog Meat: Combine 500–1000g dog meat with spices like star anise, cinnamon, fennel, and ginger. Simmer everything until soft. In TCM, this dish tonifies both the spleen and kidney yang, which may help men deal with ED caused by cold-type deficiencies. The warming spices are chosen to stimulate internal warmth.

Placenta and Cordyceps Broth: Combine 10–15g of Cordyceps with one washed, sliced fresh human placenta. Simmer over low heat. TCM regards this formula as highly effective for restoring deep depletion of qi and yang. (Note: Accessing and safely using human placenta varies greatly by region and regulation.)

Shrimp and Lamb Soup: Cook 250g of lamb with 25g of shrimp and several ginger slices. Add minimal seasoning. Designed for older adults experiencing age-related kidney deficiency, this dish aims to gently support sexual energy without being overly spicy or strong.

Stewed Dog Meat with Aconite (Fu Zi): Simmer 1000g of dog meat with 6g of prepared aconite and 150g of ginger. Always cook aconite under low heat for 30 minutes separately to remove toxicity, then combine with meat. Warning: Only use prepared β€œFu Zi” under professional TCM guidance. It powerfully warms kidney yang and is suitable for advanced yang deficiency symptoms like cold limbs and nighttime urination.

Research shows that dietary therapy may play a supportive role in managing ED symptoms when paired with lifestyle changes (PMID: 31022246).

Cordyceps sinensis has been shown to support mitochondrial ATP production, potentially improving fatigue and sexual function (PMID: 27321184).

Modern interpretations of The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon associate kidney yang with reproductive health and endurance (PMID: 34947933).

Just One Click Away β†’ Know and Treat Instantly!

If you feel cold in the lower back + have low libido β†’ Immediately try the sautΓ©ed lamb liver and chives recipe tonight.

If you're always tired and prefer slow-cooked meals β†’ Stew a male duck with Cordyceps this weekend to gently restore your qi.

If you wake at night to urinate + have cold extremities β†’ Simmer dog meat with ginger and herbs for deep, warming support.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.