Effectively Support Prostate Health with Targeted Herbal Formulas
Prostate enlargement, often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common concern among older men. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), different herbal formulas are used based on pattern differentiation. Here we introduce three classic TCM prescriptions that may support prostate health when symptoms align with specific constitutional patterns. While these formulas have shown clinical usefulness in publications and folk practices, they should always be used under qualified guidance.
1. Qian Lie Tong Bu Tang — Best for Damp-Heat Accumulation
If you often feel a heavy lower abdomen, experience cloudy urine, or frequent nighttime urination, your body might be experiencing what's known in TCM as “damp-heat pouring downward.”
Therapeutic Focus: Clear internal heat, activate blood flow, boost Qi, and reduce swelling.
Ingredients:
- Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) – 20g
- Sargassum (Hai Zao) – 20g
- Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) – 10g
- Codonopsis Root (Dang Shen) – 15g
- Salvia Root (Dan Shen) – 15g
- Dodder Seed (Tu Si Zi) – 10g
- Achyranthes Root (Huai Niu Xi) – 10g
- Alisma Root (Ze Xie) – 10g
- Hedyotis Diffusa (Bai Hua She She Cao) – 30g
- Scutellaria Barbata (Ban Zhi Lian) – 30g
- Vaccaria Seeds (Wang Bu Liu Xing) – 12g
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao) – 5g
Instructions: Decoction method. Take one dose per day, split into two servings (morning and evening).
Source: Published in Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2. Sheng Ma Huang Qi Tang — Great for Sinking Qi Deficiency
This formula is suitable if you experience fatigue, weak urination, or a feeling of "drooping" in the pelvic area—signs of Qi sinking.
Therapeutic Focus: Strengthen and raise Yang-Qi, promote urination, open lower passages.
Ingredients:
- Raw Astragalus Root (Sheng Huang Qi) – 30g
- Angelica Root (Dang Gui) – 10g
- Talcum (Hua Shi) – 10g
- Black Cohosh (Sheng Ma) – 8g
- Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) – 8g
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao) – 5g
- Acorus Rhizome (Shi Chang Pu) – 5g
- Bamboo Leaf (Zhu Ye) – 2g
Instructions: Boil all the herbs and consume twice daily. Each day is one full dose.
Source: Published in Tianjin Medical Journal.
3. Xiao Liu Tang — For Liver Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Accumulation
Men dealing with emotional stress, irregular moods, combined with slow urine flow or palpable nodules, may benefit from this formula.
Therapeutic Focus: Smooth liver energy, dissolve phlegm, soften hard masses.
Ingredients:
- Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) – 9g
- White Peony Root (Bai Shao) – 9g
- Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi) – 9g
- Aged Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) – 9g
- Pinellia Tuber (Ban Xia) – 9g
- Poria (Fu Ling) – 9g
- Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi) – 9g
- Nut Grass Rhizome (Xiang Fu) – 9g
- Zedoary Rhizome (E Zhu) – 9g
- Oyster Shell (Mu Li) – 15g
- Trichosanthes Fruit (Gua Lou) – 12g
Instructions: Decoction. One dose daily, split into morning and evening servings.
Source: Published in Guiyang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
🔍 Safety Notes and Usage Reminders
- Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner before use.
- For herbs like Goji Berries, use with caution for those with spleen deficiency.
- Improper long-term use of certain herbs (e.g., Bai Hua She She Cao or Ban Zhi Lian) may impact digestion.
- Avoid self-medicating with white fruit (Bai Guo) due to possible neurotoxicity—never consume the core/embryo of the seed.
Trusted References Backing TCM for Prostate Health
- Herbs like Salvia and Astragalus have shown immune-support and microcirculation-action potential ([PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16428948), PMID: 16428948).
- Hedyotis Diffusa has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer capabilities ([PubMed](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19122787), PMID: 19122787).
- Prescription approaches align with syndrome differentiation principles from the English-translated
Huangdi Neijing: "If Qi is deficient, raise it; if stagnation persists, disperse it" ([Huangdi Neijing Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26240101), PMID: 26240101).
(PMID: 16428948) “Astragalus and Salvia Improve Circulatory Function in Prostatic Conditions.”
(PMID: 19122787) “Pharmacological Properties of Hedyotis Diffusa Against Inflammation.”
(PMID: 26240101) “Pattern Differentiation Logic in Huangdi Neijing Validates Herbal Matching.”
✅ 3-Second Self-Check & 30-Second Action Plan
If you:
✔️ Wake often at night to urinate
✔️ Feel urinary pressure or weak flow
✔️ Have emotional stress or fatigue with urinary symptoms
→
Immediately try this combo: Brew a one-day dose (whichever matches your pattern), take 20 minutes after meals with warm water, and avoid iced drinks for the day. Add gentle pelvic exercises to assist Qi flow.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
