Erectile dysfunction (ED), commonly known as impotence, affects millions of men worldwide. While Western medicine often resorts to drugs like Viagra, many men are turning to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for more natural, holistic solutions. In TCM, ED is typically linked to imbalances in liver, kidney, or heart functions. This article explores five time-tested Chinese herbal remedies tailored to specific diagnoses according to TCM principles. These formulas aim to restore balance, boost circulation, and support overall reproductive health in safe, sustainable ways.

Herbal formula for erectile dysfunction relief in TCM

1. Effectively Ease Emotional Tension with Xuan Zhi Tang

Diagnosis: Liver Qi Stagnation

This formula is ideal for individuals whose ED is linked to emotional stress, mood swings, or suppressed anger. These symptoms may block the flow of Qi (life energy), leading to poor sexual performance. Xuan Zhi Tang helps relieve emotional constraint and regulate the flow of Qi, helping restore normal erectile function.

Ingredients:
  • 15g Poria (Fu Ling)
  • 3g Acorus (Shi Chang Pu)
  • 3g Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
  • 9g Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)
  • 15g Fresh Chinese Dates (Sheng Zao)
  • 3g Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi)
  • 3g Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu)
  • 9g Angelica Root (Dang Gui)
  • 3g Ginseng (Ren Shen)
  • 15g Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)
  • 9g Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian)

Instructions: Boil in water. Take twice daily.

2. Quickly Clear Damp-Heat Toxins with Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Diagnosis: Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder Channel

If your ED is accompanied by symptoms like burning urination, genital inflammation, or a bitter taste in the mouth, you might be dealing with damp-heat accumulation. This remedy gently detoxifies the liver and gallbladder to clear internal heat and reduce inflammatory symptoms that impair sexual function.

Ingredients:
  • 4.5g Gentian Root, wine-fried (Long Dan Cao)
  • 8g Scutellaria Root, stir-fried (Huang Qin)
  • 9g Gardenia Fruit, wine-fried (Zhi Zi)
  • 9g Angelica Sinensis, wine-washed
  • 9g Rehmannia Root, wine-washed
  • 6g Alisma (Ze Xie)
  • 6g Akebia Stem (Mu Tong)
  • 6g Plantago Seed (Che Qian Zi)
  • 3g Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu)
  • 3g Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

Instructions: Grind into coarse powder and simmer with water. Take on an empty stomach.

Warning: Avoid long-term use. Consult a practitioner if symptoms persist.

3. Warm Up Cold Imbalances with Jiu Xiang Tang

Diagnosis: Kidney and Heart Yang Deficiency with Fearfulness

This formula suits those who feel fatigued, fearful, or cold in their lower limbs. It boosts yang energy, particularly in the heart and kidneys, which are responsible for vitality and sexual desire in TCM. Jiu Xiang Tang provides deep nourishment and emotional grounding.

Ingredients:
  • 30g Ginseng (Ren Shen)
  • 30g Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian)
  • 9g Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
  • 15g Stir-fried Ziziphus Seed (Suan Zao Ren)
  • 6g Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi)
  • 3g Fu Shen (Poria with root)
  • 3g Galangal (Gao Liang Jiang)
  • 3g Prepared Aconite (Fu Zi) – Warning: Use only under supervision!
  • 6g Arborvitae Seed (Bai Zi Ren)
  • 15g Astragalus (Huang Qi)
  • 9g Angelica Root (Dang Gui)
  • 6g Dodder Seed (Tu Si Zi)

Instructions: Boil in water. Take twice daily.

4. Gently Build Yin Reserves with Tian Yi Tang

Diagnosis: Kidney Yin Deficiency

Men with night sweats, irritability, or dry mouth may benefit from this deeply hydrating formula. Tian Yi Tang nourishes the yin aspect of the kidneys, balances internal heat, and replenishes fluids vital for sexual health.

Ingredients:
  • 15g Lycium Root Bark (Di Gu Pi)
  • 15g Scrophularia Root (Xuan Shen)
  • 15g Fox Nut (Qian Shi)
  • 9g Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)
  • 9g Achyranthes Root (Niu Xi)
  • 9g Moutan Bark (Dan Pi)
  • 30g Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
  • 3g Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)

Instructions: Boil in water. Take twice daily.

Tip: Best combined with a yin-rich diet (e.g., black sesame, pears).

5. Powerfully Rebuild Sexual Energy with Qi Yin Tang

Diagnosis: Deficient Yin and Yang, Weak Heart Qi

Qi Yin Tang is a comprehensive formula designed for men with both yin and yang deficiencies—characterized by low libido, fatigue, pale complexion, or even depression. It tonifies both heart and kidney systems, refueling energy and boosting performance.

Ingredients:
  • 15g Ginseng (Ren Shen)
  • 30g Atractylodes Macrocephala (Bai Zhu)
  • 30g Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian)
  • 15g Astragalus (Huang Qi)
  • 3g Schisandra (Wu Wei Zi)
  • 30g Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang)
  • 3g Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui)
  • 3g Polygala Root (Yuan Zhi)
  • 3g Arborvitae Seed (Bai Zi Ren)
  • 9g Cornelian Cherry (Shan Yu Rou)

Instructions: Boil in water. Take twice daily.

References

One-Click Self-Test + Quick Fix Formula

If your ED often follows emotional stress → immediately try Xuan Zhi Tang before bedtime.
If your symptoms include burning urination or fever → quickly detox with Long Dan Xie Gan Tang.
If you feel weak, cold, and unmotivated → right away warm yang with Jiu Xiang Tang.

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