7 Powerful Foods to Help Treat Erectile Dysfunction in Men

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue that affects millions of men worldwide. While there are various pharmaceutical treatments available, many are now turning to natural and food-based options to support sexual health. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recommended certain foods as dietary strategies to boost kidney function, vital energy, and reproductive strength in men. Below are seven foods believed to enhance male performance and naturally support the body from the inside out.

1. Absolutely Essential – Lamb for Warming and Energizing the Body

Lamb is a classic winter food frequently used in TCM for its warming properties. It’s considered a yang-strengthening meat that supports kidney health. Lamb paired with Eucommia bark (杜仲, Duzhong)—a well-known kidney tonic—can help alleviate symptoms like lower back pain, fatigue, and seminal leakage. When selecting eucommia bark, TCM texts such as the Collected Annotations of the Materia Medica recommend breaking a piece to check for white, cotton-like strands inside, signaling better quality.

2. Surprisingly Simple – Eggs to Rebuild Vital Energy

Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrients and are considered natural “restorers” that help the body recover energy after sexual activity. In many cultures, eggs are believed to enhance sexual stamina. In traditional Arabic customs, soft-fried eggs with scallions were served in the days leading up to a wedding. Indian practices also combine eggs with milk, honey, and rice to boost strength before intimacy. In rural China, it has been a custom for newlyweds to eat pan-fried eggs to help quickly rebuild energy.

3. Quietly Powerful – Loaches for Nourishing the Kidneys

Loaches, small freshwater fish, are rich in high-quality proteins, B vitamins, iron, and calcium. In TCM, they are believed to replenish vital energy and help foster sperm production. There's a unique protein in loaches that may support sperm formation, making it a meaningful food for men experiencing fatigue or low libido (PMID: 19828985).

4. Often Overlooked – Donkey Meat to Tonify Blood and Boost Vitality

There’s an old Chinese saying: “Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground.” Donkey meat is prized for being low in fat but high in protein and iron. TCM describes its qualities as sweet and slightly cooling, making it excellent for boosting blood, yin, and sexual energy. Donkey kidney, in particular, is said to nourish the kidneys and strengthen bones and tendons, supporting cases of ED and general fatigue.

5. Deeply Tonic – Animal Penises ("Whip Dishes") as Functional Foods

Animal reproductive organs, often served in various “whip soups,” are rich in amino acids, trace elements, and growth factors that support hormone health. In classics like Compendium of Materia Medica, these foods are categorized as targeting both liver and kidney systems. They’re celebrated for helping with energy metabolism, reproductive performance, skin health, and muscle strength. While culturally uncommon in Western diets, these dishes are well-regarded in TCM for their functional properties (PMID: 34404510).

6. Nutrient-Dense – Mussels (淡菜) That Strengthen Both Qi and Essence

Mussels, often referred to as “pearl vegetables,” are packed with iodine, zinc, iron, and B vitamins. Mildly warming in nature, they support kidney yang, vital qi, and reduce fatigue. Regular consumption is believed to benefit men facing reduced sexual function, premature ejaculation, and even issues related to diabetes-induced sexual fatigue. It’s a nutrient-packed, sea-sourced ally for reproductive endurance (PMID: 25392157).

7. Ancient and Proven – Soft-Shelled Turtle for Deep Yin Tonic

Known in Chinese as “王八” or “水鱼,” soft-shelled turtles are used in TCM to soothe internal heat and tonify the blood. Also called bie (鳖) in old medical texts, it’s believed to enter the liver meridian and nourish both liver and kidney yin. In cases of yin deficiency contributing to sexual dysfunction and fatigue, this cooling, protein-rich food may help restore balance. Use with moderation.

Use with Caution

Some herbs and animal parts in this list may carry extra safety instructions:

• Ginkgo (White Fruit): Always remove the sprouts or core before cooking; overconsumption may cause toxicity.
• Animal Organs: Should not be consumed in large quantities over prolonged periods. Consult a health professional to avoid heavy metal accumulation or hormonal imbalance.

Quick Self-Check & Action Plan:

If you: feel low energy, experience trouble staying firm, or sweat abnormally during sleep—
Then do this now: Eat 2 boiled eggs with a bowl of mussel soup within 30 minutes after dinner, and add lamb or loach to your next hot dish. Works best when repeated for 3-5 days.

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