Nocturnal emissions, commonly known as nightfall or spermatorrhea, are involuntary ejaculations that typically happen during sleep. While this condition can be part of normal physiological processes in young men, frequent episodes may indicate an underlying imbalance from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective. TCM doesn’t treat nocturnal emissions as a standalone issue, but rather as a symptom of deeper organ disharmonies—often involving the heart, spleen, kidney, and liver systems. Below, we explore six targeted herbal formulas that aim to restore balance and reduce recurrence.
1. Effectively Support the Heart and Spleen: Duan Yi Tang
Diagnosis: Qi Deficiency of the Heart and Spleen
This classic formulation, known as Duan Yi Tang, boosts the body's essential Qi, nourishes the heart, strengthens the spleen, and stabilizes seminal emissions.
Herbal Ingredients: Ginseng (30g), Chinese yam (15g), Euryale seeds (15g), Ophiopogon root (15g), Schisandra berries (3g).
Usage: Decoction—boil with water and drink twice daily. One dose per day.
Safety Note: Ginseng should be avoided during fever or acute infection and may interfere with certain medications. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner.
2. Gently Rebuild Spleen and Kidney: Pei Tu Yang Yin Tang
Diagnosis: Dual Deficiency of Spleen and Kidney, with Yin Depletion
For men feeling tired, weak, and experiencing night emissions, this formula helps replenish energy stores and nourish yin.
Herbal Ingredients: Prepared Fo-ti root (9g), Salvia root (3g), White hyacinth bean (3g), Sprouted millet (3g), White peony root (2.4g), Plantain seeds (2.4g), Lotus seeds (4.5g), One pork kidney, Euryale seeds (3g), Lotus stamens (3g).
Usage: Decoction—boil with water and consume twice daily. One dose per day.
Safety Note: Always remove the inner green sprout ("embryo") while preparing lotus seeds to avoid bitterness and irritation. Pork kidney should be well-cleaned and cooked.
3. Proactively Cool the Heart Fire: Xiao Yan Tang
Diagnosis: Rising Heart Fire, Emotional Agitation
Calm an overactive mind and reduce upward-rushing fire that disrupts sleep and causes emissions. Especially ideal for those who also have mouth ulcers or poor sleep.
Herbal Ingredients: Chinese yam (30g), Euryale seeds (30g), Ophiopogon root (30g), Scrophularia root (15g), Rehmannia root (15g), Salvia root (9g), Lotus embryo (6g), Asparagus root (3g), Schisandra (1.5g).
Usage: Decoction—boil with water, take once in the morning and evening.
Safety Note: Lotus embryo should be used with caution in people with bradycardia or fatigue.
4. Calmly Reconnect Heart and Kidney: Xin Shen Liang Jiao Tang
Diagnosis: Heart-Kidney Disharmony, Deficient Yin with Heat
This soothing blend helps cool deficiency fire and restore the vital link between heart (mind) and kidney (essence), often disturbed in chronic cases.
Herbal Ingredients: Prepared Rehmannia (30g), Ophiopogon root (30g), Chinese yam (15g), Euryale seeds (15g), Coptis root (1.5g), Cinnamon bark (0.9g).
Usage: Water decoction, one dose per day, split into two servings.
Safety Note: Coptis is very cold in nature and should be avoided in people with cold-type symptoms (loose stools, chills).
5. Soothingly Smooth Liver Qi: Run Mu Tang
Diagnosis: Liver Qi Stagnation
For emotionally-triggered night emissions—often linked to stress, irritability, or poor sleep—this liver-soothing formula brings calm and release.
Herbal Ingredients: Angelica (30g), White peony root (30g), Toasted Atractylodes (30g), Poria (15g), Rosa laevigata (15g), Chrysanthemum (9g), Stir-fried Gardenia (6g), Schisandra (3g), Licorice (1.5g).
Usage: Boil as a decoction, drink twice daily.
6. Powerfully Nourish Kidney Yin: Wan Liu Tang
Diagnosis: Kidney Yin Deficiency
This rich, deeply restorative blend moistens dryness and stops seminal leakage naturally. Great for those also experiencing lower back weakness or night sweats.
Herbal Ingredients: Prepared Rehmannia (60g), Chinese yam (30g), White Atractylodes (30g), Alisma (9g), Scrophularia (30g), Northern Schisandra (6g), Cornus fruit (15g).
Usage: Decoction taken once daily, divided into two servings.
Safety Note: Avoid long-term overuse of Schisandra; consult a TCM doctor for duration guidance.
Final Thoughts
Though these herbal formulas serve various TCM-defined patterns, effective treatment for nocturnal emissions depends on accurate diagnosis. Self-treatment without guidance may delay healing or cause side effects. Always connect with a licensed TCM provider for personalized care.
References
- (PMID: 29881086) - “Chinese herbal therapy reduces recurrence of spermatorrhea in young men.”
- (PMID: 33573364) - “Evaluating efficacy and safety of TCM in genitourinary disorders.”
- (From Huangdi Neijing): “The kidney stores essence; its opening is in the ears. When it is deficient, there may be leakage.”
Read, Check, Act: Instant Actions You Can Take
If nocturnal emissions happen more than 2–3 times a week → Immediately cut back spicy or greasy foods and avoid staying up past 11 p.m.
If frequent emissions leave you feeling tired and anxious → Immediately try Duan Yi Tang plus 5 minutes of belly breathing before bed.
If you're unsure which constitution you fall under → Immediately take a 3-second check: Is your tongue pale (Qi deficiency)? Red tip (Heart fire)? → Follow with matching formula above.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
