Dealing with erectile dysfunction (ED) can be frustrating, but Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers time-tested herbal remedies that may provide effective support. Today, we’re diving into five carefully selected Chinese herbal formulas that address ED from different root causes—and many of these have been documented in classic TCM texts. Whether your ED stems from stress, poor circulation, or overall energy deficiency, there may be a formula for your unique situation.

herbal remedy for erectile dysfunction treatment

1. Naturally Calm Tension: Xuan Zhi Decoction for Qi Stagnation

Best for: Emotional stress and liver Qi stagnation

If your ED is linked to high stress levels, mood swings, or feeling "pent up," the Xuan Zhi Decoction (宣志汤) focuses on releasing liver Qi and improving circulation to support erectile function.

Ingredients: Poria (15g), Acorus (3g), Licorice (3g), Atractylodes (9g), Fresh jujube (15g), Polygala (3g), Bupleurum (3g), Angelica (9g), Ginseng (3g), Chinese yam (15g), Morinda root (9g)

Usage: Boil into one decoction daily, split into two doses.

Source: Volume 9, "Bian Zheng Lu"

Safety Note: Ensure you’re using the recommended dosage and consult with a practitioner if you are also on mood-related medications.

2. Powerfully Detoxifying: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang for Damp-Heat

Best for: Overheating symptoms like bitter mouth, dark urine, irritability

When liver and gallbladder damp-heat descends and blocks sexual function, Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤) helps clear inflammation and lower-body stagnation.

Ingredients: Gentian root (stir-fried, 4.5g), Scutellaria (8g), Gardenia (stir-fried, 9g), Angelica (washed with wine, 9g), Rehmannia (washed with wine, 9g), Alisma (6g), Akebia stem (6g), Plantago seed (6g), Bupleurum (3g), Licorice (3g)

Usage: Crushed into coarse powder, decoct with water and drink on an empty stomach.

Source: "Yi Fang Ji Jie" (Collection of Classical Prescriptions)

3. Warm Up Confidence: Jiu Xiang Tang for Heart-Kidney Yang Weakness

Best for: Frequent fatigue, cold limbs, erectile weakness

Jiu Xiang Tang (救相汤) boosts both heart and kidney yang, warming up the internal system and restoring erectile function in those who feel weak, fearful, or frigid.

Ingredients: Ginseng (30g), Morinda root (30g), Cinnamon bark (9g), Fried Ziziphus seed (15g), Polygala (6g), Spirit Poria (3g), Galangal (3g), Aconite (3g), Biota seed (6g), Astragalus (15g), Angelica (9g), Dodder seed (6g)

Usage: Prepare one decoction daily, taken twice.

Source: Volume 9, "Bian Zheng Lu"

Safety Reminder: Avoid long-term aconite intake without professional guidance due to potential toxicity.

4. Deeply Hydrate: Tian Yi Tang to Nourish Yin and Clear Heat

Best for: Night sweats, dry mouth, low semen volume

If ED comes with heat signs or Yin deficiency, consider Tian Yi Tang (天一汤), which moistens dryness and replenishes essence and body fluids.

Ingredients: Lycium bark (15g), Scrophularia (15g), Euryale seeds (15g), Chinese yam (9g), Achyranthes root (9g), Moutan bark (9g), Cooked Rehmannia (30g), Cinnamon bark (3g)

Usage: Decoction daily, in two doses.

Source: “5000 Golden Formulas for Men and Women”

5. Rebuild Daily Drive: Qi Yin Tang for Dual Kidney-Heart Deficiency

Best for: Low libido, forgetfulness, emotional fatigue

Qi Yin Tang (起阴汤) strengthens both kidney and heart, which can be depleted after long periods of overwork or emotional strain, helping to rebuild sexual energy and emotional vitality.

Ingredients: Ginseng (15g), Atractylodes (30g), Morinda root (30g), Astragalus (15g), Schisandra (3g), Cooked Rehmannia (30g), Cinnamon bark (3g), Polygala (3g), Biota seed (3g), Cornus fruit (9g)

Usage: Water decoction, once daily, two divided doses.

Source: Volume 9, "Bian Zheng Lu"

Just a Note on Safety and Preparation:

Many formulas include herbs like white atractylodes, astragalus, or ginkgo (Remove embryo/tip of ginkgo nut to reduce toxicity). Also, do not take ginkgo in high doses or for long periods—it can affect blood clotting or interact with other medications. Always consult with a licensed TCM practitioner before use.

References

Quick Test & Rescue Formula: No Waiting, Just Doing

If you feel mentally tense + erections weaker in the evening → Immediately try Jiu Xiang Tang with breakfast + mild morning jog to simmer Yang Qi.

If erections are weak + you sweat at night → Immediately try Tian Yi Tang + avoid spicy foods for 3 days to preserve Yin.

If you overthink + feel anxious + wake up tired → Immediately try Qi Yin Tang + deep breathing 3 times a day.

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