If you’re grappling with erectile dysfunction (ED), you’re not alone—and you don’t have to reach immediately for prescription drugs. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers several effective herbal formulas that may help relieve the root causes of ED, especially when linked to liver stagnation, kidney weakness, or a mix of emotional and physical imbalances. These five time-tested remedies aim to restore normal sexual function by supporting the body’s energy flow, reducing stress-related blockages, and improving circulation and hormone balance.

Erectile dysfunction remedies herbal formula treatment

1. Gently Soothing Yet Effective: Xuan Zhi Tang for Liver Qi Stagnation

When sexual dysfunction is due to stress, frustration, or emotional imbalance, it’s commonly diagnosed in TCM as “Liver Qi Stagnation.” Xuan Zhi Tang, or "Disperse Will Decoction,” is a formula designed to relieve emotional stress and improve circulation.

Ingredients:

  • Poria (15g)
  • Sweet Flag Root (3g)
  • Licorice Root (3g)
  • Atractylodes (9g)
  • Fresh Jujube (15g)
  • Polygala Root (3g)
  • Bupleurum (3g)
  • Chinese Angelica (9g)
  • Ginseng (3g)
  • Chinese Yam (15g)
  • Morinda Root (9g)

How to use: Simmer all ingredients in water and divide into two daily doses.

This formula calms the mind, supports digestion, and gently restores energy for a natural boost in sexual performance—especially for those with emotional burnout.

Source: “Bian Zheng Lu,” Volume 9

2. Intensely Cooling Support: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang for Damp-Heat

If your ED symptoms are linked with a sensation of heat, bitter taste, or a history of inflammation or infections, the cause could be damp-heat accumulation in the liver and gallbladder. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang is a famous formula for clearing this internal heat.

Ingredients:

  • Gentian Root (4.5g, wine-fried)
  • Scutellaria (8g, stir-fried)
  • Gardenia Fruit (9g, wine-fried)
  • Chinese Angelica (9g, wine-washed)
  • Rehmannia Root (9g, wine-washed)
  • Alisma (6g)
  • Akebia Stem (6g)
  • Plantain Seed (6g)
  • Bupleurum (3g)
  • Licorice (3g)

How to use: Prepare as a decoction and drink on an empty stomach.

This formula may significantly help reduce symptoms linked with sexual dysfunction in cases of excess heat and inflammation (PMID: 20574358).

Source: “Formulas and Strategies” (Yi Fang Ji Jie)

3. Deeply Warming Boost: Jiu Xiang Tang for Kidney-Yang Weakness

Got cold hands and feet, low energy, or fear-related performance anxiety? These are signs of kidney yang and heart energy deficiency. Jiu Xiang Tang, or “Rescue Fragrance Decoction,” is designed to warm and energize the body while grounding the spirit, especially when yang energy is too weak to support arousal.

Ingredients:

  • Ginseng (30g)
  • Morinda Root (30g)
  • Cinnamon Bark (9g)
  • Toasted Ziziphus Seed (15g)
  • Polygala (6g)
  • Poria with Root (3g)
  • Galangal (3g)
  • Aconite (3g)
  • Biota Seed (6g)
  • Astragalus (15g)
  • Chinese Angelica (9g)
  • Cuscuta Seed (6g)

How to use: Boil and drink twice daily. Aconite: only under professional guidance due to toxicity concerns.

This deeply restorative formula helps replenish depleted energy reserves and promote natural hormonal balance (PMID: 28995050).

Source: “Bian Zheng Lu,” Volume 9

4. Cooling but Nourishing: Tian Yi Tang for Kidney Yin Deficiency

If you’re experiencing night sweats, dry mouth, or low semen quality, your symptoms might suggest yin deficiency. Tian Yi Tang is crafted to nourish yin fluids and replenish vital essence.

Ingredients:

  • Lycium Bark (15g)
  • Scrophularia (15g)
  • Euryale Seed (15g)
  • Chinese Yam (9g)
  • Achyranthes (9g)
  • Moutan Bark (9g)
  • Prepared Rehmannia (30g)
  • Cinnamon (3g)

How to use: Brew daily for two doses.

This cooling yet supportive remedy helps sustain long-term sexual health by preventing essence depletion (PMID: 17286775).

Source: “5000 Formulas on Male & Female Health”

5. Balanced & Uplifting: Qi Yin Tang for Dual Deficiency

Qi Yin Tang, or “Initiate Yin Decoction,” is ideal for those facing both energy fatigue and hormonal depletion. If your ED is tied to poor stamina, heart palpitations, or a general lack of drive, this yin-yang balancing formula can help restore harmony.

Ingredients:

  • Ginseng (15g)
  • Atractylodes (30g)
  • Morinda Root (30g)
  • Astragalus (15g)
  • Schisandra Fruit (3g)
  • Prepared Rehmannia (30g)
  • Cinnamon (3g)
  • Polygala (3g)
  • Biota Seed (3g)
  • Corni Fruit (9g)

How to use: Prepare as tea and take twice daily. *Avoid long-term use without monitoring.

This balanced formula helps reduce fatigue and support lasting male performance and vitality.

Safety Reminder:
Avoid overuse or long-term intake of tonics high in ginseng, rehmannia, or especially processed aconite. Always work with certified TCM professionals.
Source: “5000 Formulas on Male & Female Health”

References

  • (PMID: 20574358) Long Dan Xie Gan Tang helps reduce inflammatory conditions linked to male reproductive dysfunction.
  • (PMID: 28995050) Ginseng-containing formulas improve sexual energy and performance.
  • (PMID: 17286775) Kidney yin nourishment improves sperm quality and hormone regulation.

Quick Self-Test + Fast Rescue Plan

If you feel mentally exhausted after a stressful day → drink Xuan Zhi Tang before bed to calm stress and support libido.

If you have low back soreness or cold limbs → try Jiu Xiang Tang to instantly warm yang energy and lift performance.

If you notice dryness, insomnia, or night sweats → brew Tian Yi Tang daily for smoother energy and calm nerves.

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