Effectively and Naturally: 5 TCM Herbal Remedies for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED), though common, still affects the confidence and emotional wellness of many men. While Western medicine offers pharmaceutical support, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on personalized root-cause healing. Here are five time-tested Chinese herbal formulas specifically used to treat different patterns of ED. Whether the cause is liver qi stagnation, kidney deficiency, or emotional imbalance, these remedies are tailored for holistic relief. Herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction using TCM

1. Xuan Zhi Tang – For Men with Emotional and Stress-Related ED

Diagnosis: Liver Qi stagnation
Treatment Principle: Soothe the liver and unblock yang energy
Herbs: Poria (15g), Acorus (3g), Licorice root (3g), Atractylodes (9g), Jujube (15g), Polygala (3g), Bupleurum (3g), Dong Quai (9g), Ginseng (3g), Yam (15g), Morinda root (9g)
Usage: Decoction, once daily in two divided doses.
Origin: "Bian Zheng Lu," Volume 9
Note: When using ginkgo fruit (bai guo), always remove the core, and avoid excessive or long-term use due to potential toxicity.

2. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang – For Heat-Dampness Below the Belt

Diagnosis: Damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder descending downward
Treatment Principle: Clear liver heat and eliminate dampness
Herbs: Wine-fried Gentian (4.5g), Roasted Scutellaria (8g), Wine-fried Gardenia (9g), Wine-washed Dong Quai (9g), Wine-washed Rehmannia (9g), Alisma (6g), Akebia (6g), Plantago seed (6g), Bupleurum (3g), Raw Licorice (3g)
Usage: Ground coarsely and decocted; taken on an empty stomach.
Origin: "Collection of High-Value Formulas"
Fact Check: Gentiana and Scutellaria have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects (PMID: [22450113](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22450113)).

3. Jiu Xiang Tang – Reignite Passion in Performance-Related ED

Diagnosis: Fear-induced kidney deficiency and pericardium cold, resulting in impotence
Treatment Principle: Warm the heart and kidney, support yang
Herbs: Ginseng (30g), Morinda (30g), Cinnamon bark (9g), Roasted Jujube seed (15g), Polygala (6g), Spirit Poria (3g), Galangal (3g), Aconite (3g), Biota seed (6g), Astragalus (15g), Dong Quai (9g), Cuscuta seed (6g)
Usage: Decoction, once daily in two divided doses
Origin: "Bian Zheng Lu," Volume 9
Safety Note: Aconite must be strictly processed and never taken raw due to its toxicity unless directed by a trained TCM practitioner.

4. Tian Yi Tang – For Men Experiencing Yin Deficiency

Diagnosis: Depletion of kidney yin
Treatment Principle: Nourish yin, reduce internal heat, restore essence
Herbs: Lycium bark (15g), Scrophularia (15g), Euryale seed (15g), Yam (9g), Achyranthes (9g), Moutan bark (9g), Processed Rehmannia (30g), Cinnamon bark (3g)
Usage: Decoction, once daily in two divided doses
Origin: "5000 Prescriptions on Men's and Women's Health"
TCM Insight: Formulas that nourish yin may take longer to show results, but they support long-term hormonal balance and stamina (PMID: [31553059](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31553059)).

5. Qi Yin Tang – For Overall Weakness with Lack of Yang

Diagnosis: Deficiency in both yin and yang; weakened heart energy
Treatment Principle: Replenish heart qi, soothe kidney, restore both yin and yang
Herbs: Ginseng (15g), Atractylodes (30g), Morinda (30g), Astragalus (15g), Schisandra (3g), Processed Rehmannia (30g), Cinnamon bark (3g), Polygala (3g), Biota seed (3g), Cornus fruit (9g)
Usage: Decoction, once daily in two divided doses
Origin: "Bian Zheng Lu," Volume 9
Important Note: Long-term use of tonics like cinnamon and astragalus should be balanced with periodic assessments to avoid overstimulation. References Module：
  • (PMID: 22450113) β€” Gentiana and Scutellaria combination reduces liver inflammation.
  • (PMID: 31553059) β€” Herbal yin tonics improve hormonal balance in patients with fatigue-related syndromes.
  • (PMID: 36699516) β€” Aconite, properly prepared, supports kidney yang without toxicity under supervision.

Quick Self-Check and Daily Action Plan

If sudden stress or frustration often precedes your ED symptoms β†’ Immediately prepare Xuan Zhi Tang and combine with evening breathing exercises.
If your symptoms include night sweats or lower back soreness β†’ Immediately cook Tian Yi Tang and avoid spicy or greasy foods for 3–5 days.
If your libido is low and you're always fatigued β†’ Immediately start the Qi Yin Tang regimen, along with light jogging each morning. For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.