Chinese Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction

Is your sex life feeling a little…deflated? You’re not alone. Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects as many as 30 million men in the U.S. and can impact your confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life.

While Western medicine often turns to quick fixes like pills, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different approach—one that goes beyond the symptoms to treat the root causes of ED. By focusing on the balance of energy (Qi) and the health of vital organs like the Kidneys and Liver, Chinese herbal medicine addresses the underlying imbalances that contribute to ED.

From enhancing blood flow to improving stamina and addressing stress, Chinese medicine provides natural solutions to help you feel like yourself again. Let’s explore how it works and the remedies that can support you in restoring a vibrant sex life. 

What is Erectile Dysfunction?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve and/or maintain an erection firm enough for sex. While this can occur on occasion for various reasons (such as stress or intoxication), it is only considered ED when it happens regularly or progressively worsens.

Erectile dysfunction is typically caused by limited blood flow to the reproductive organs, damaged nerves, or stress or emotional imbalance.

Sometimes, it can be an early warning sign for more serious illness. It is always a good idea to speak with your doctor if you’ve noticed a change in your sexual function to ensure there isn’t another health issue at play.

Who’s at risk of developing ED?

ED is typically seen in men with cardiovascular issues, high blood sugar, excessive drinking, smoking, and those who are obese and sedentary. The older you are, the more likely you are to experience difficulty maintaining an erection; by age 40, about 40% of men are affected by erectile dysfunction. That number rises to 70% by age 70.

How can you treat ED?

Western medicine doctors typically treat ED by recommending lifestyle changes (like weight loss) or medications. In some cases, testosterone therapy, penile injections, or surgery can help.

Thankfully, Chinese medicine offers a new approach to treating erectile dysfunction. Through acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle habits, you can enhance your sexual function naturally.

How Does Chinese Medicine Treat Erectile Dysfunction?

While Western medicine uses hormones or drugs to stimulate an erection, Chinese medicine helps men regain their virility naturally.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ED is seen as a dysfunction in the Qi, or energy, of the Kidney and/or Liver organ systems. The Liver ensures Qi moves smoothly throughout the entire body, especially the reproductive organs of both men and women.

The Kidney is the root of vitality and essence, which plays a large role in reproductive wellness. A weakness in the Kidney system can quickly lead to sexual issues like erectile dysfunction.

Along with difficulty getting an erection, other signs of Kidney and Liver weakness include knee pain, muscle stiffness, lack of mobility, urinary issues, prostate swelling, low libido, and fatigue.

Common TCM Patterns of Imbalance that Cause Erectile Dysfunction

Kidney Yin Deficiency/Kidney Yang Deficiency

Kidney yin and yang form the perfect balance to maintain and store the kidney jing, or essence, which in this case is sperm. Yin is cool, moisturizing, and nourishing (think sperm quality and stamina). Yang is warm, drying, and activating (think libido and performance). If the yin or yang becomes deficient, the balance is shifted and the reproductive system suffers.

When erectile dysfunction is due to Kidney yin deficiency, you may also experience other symptoms like premature ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth and throat, tinnitus, night sweats, or low back weakness that is exacerbated by sex.

If erectile dysfunction is due to Kidney Yang deficiency, you will notice a lack of sexual desire, infertility, lack of energy, urinary difficulties, watery ejaculate, and an aversion to cold.

Liver Qi Stagnation

Liver Qi stagnation is often the start of sexual dysfunction for many men. When left untreated, this stagnant energy can progress and affect other organ systems, causing more symptoms.

The liver is easily impacted by stress. Many high-performers or those with stressful jobs are prone to stagnation in the Liver organ system and channel, which can manifest in the bedroom as trouble getting an erection. Other symptoms you may notice if you have this pattern are loss of libido, depression, irritability, inappropriate anger, and rib side pain.

Qi and Blood Deficiency

Stress, diet, overexertion, and emotional imbalances can all damage the Spleen in Chinese medicine. When the Spleen is weak, we make less Qi (or energy) and we lack the power we need for activities like exercise– including sex!

Qi is also responsible for producing the fluids and blood in the body, so without enough Qi to build blood, you see a deficiency in both. With limited blood flow and low energy, the body cannot sustain an erection. Other symptoms may include performance anxiety, palpitations, fatigue, low sperm count, poor memory, fatigue, and the ability to still get erections during sleep or masturbation.

Damp-Heat

Damp-heat is the accumulation of excess fluids and adipose tissue that cause inflammation. Often, this damp heat sinks to the lower portion of the abdomen and affects the reproductive organs. Along with erectile dysfunction, this pattern may also cause irritability, turbid or dark urine, depression, dream-disturbed sleep, nausea, dry mouth, edema, and anger.

What are the Best Chinese Herbs for Erectile Dysfunction?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is effective because it treats the individual – even when it comes to erectile dysfunction. Depending on your unique pattern of imbalance, there is a Chinese herbal formula that can help you restore your sexual power. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbs that greatly benefit men with erectile dysfunction to enhance their sex life.

Chinese Herbal Pills for Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (or other obstacles to your sexual well-being) can be a frustrating and sensitive issue. But, it’s also an opportunity to address deeper imbalances in your body. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ED isn’t just about the inability to achieve or maintain an erection—it’s a signal that your body’s energy systems may need support. By targeting the root causes of ED, such as Kidney yang deficiency, stress, or poor circulation, Chinese herbs help restore vitality, improve energy flow, and support reproductive health. 

Explore the categories below to find the right herbs, teas, and topicals to help you regain confidence and rediscover balance in your sexual health.

Chinese Herb Performance Enhancers

These herbal formulas are great options for men looking to improve sexual function, stamina, and pleasure.

• Horny Goat Weed Liquid Extract (Yin Yang Huo Tang)
  Reignite your passion with Horny Goat Weed, a powerful Kidney yang tonic that supports male libido and sexual performance. This extract can help address sexual concerns like impotence, premature ejaculation, and low sperm count. Because it is a warming herb, it also alleviates symptoms of Kidney yang deficiency, such as lower back soreness and knee weakness.
  
• Strong Man Bao (Qiang Li Nan Bao)
  This performance-enhancing formula acts as a herbal boost for men experiencing fatigue, low libido, and stress-induced ED. It invigorates Kidney yang and replenishes vitality, making it an excellent choice for regaining confidence and energy in the bedroom.
  
• Suifan’s Kwang Tze Solution Spray
  Experience centuries-old wisdom with Suifan’s Kwang Tze Solution Spray, a natural blend designed to boost virility and prolong pleasure. Developed over 100 years ago by the Suifan family, this topical solution is applied to the male organ to stimulate enhanced sensations and lasting power.
  
• Indian God Lotion Spray
  Elevate intimacy with Indian God Lotion Spray, a time-honored formula infused with cnidium fruit extract and aromatic oils. This topical lotion promotes blood flow to the genital area, addressing premature ejaculation and enhancing overall pleasure.
  

Chinese Herbs for Kidney & Reproductive Health

These herbs that address underlying Kidney imbalances, enhance vitality, and support long-term sexual health.

• Jin Gui (Kui) Shen Qi Wan (Golden Book Tea Pills)
  This warming formula is ideal for those with Kidney yang deficiency, helping to boost sexual desire and address cold-related symptoms like cold extremities, clear urine, and low libido.
  
• Mantis Cradle Teapills
  These tonifying teapills support Qi and blood deficiency, addressing symptoms like anxiety, frequent urination, and fatigue. Choose this if you are looking for enhanced stamina and vitality, and also have a tendency to general fatigue and dryness.
  
• Five Ancestors – Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
  This formula supports Kidney deficiency that leads to premature ejaculation, night sweats, and poor sperm health. Use this to restore your Kidney Yin/Yang balance and overall vitality.
  
• Saw Palmetto Liquid Tincture
  Support prostate health and enhance your libido with Saw Palmetto Liquid Tincture, a multipurpose tonic for men and women. Known for addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by reducing DHT levels, this extract also promotes libido, fertility, and urinary tract health. Whether balancing irregular cycles or easing bladder discomfort, saw palmetto is a powerful herbal ally for overall reproductive health.
  
• Maca Root (Lepidium Meyenii) – Liquid Extract (Tincture)
  Maca root (Peruvian ginseng) has become a popular tonic for boosting energy, stamina, and sexual desire. It’s a great choice for men who feel fatigued, lethargic, and have noticed a drop in their libido. 

Chinese Teas for Sexual Health

Did you know that swapping your mid-morning coffee with a daily herbal tea could enhance your libido and performance? Try one of these options for steady benefits: 

• Male Vitality Tea from Bravo Teas
  Improve your libido and performance throughout the day with this herbal tea. Male Vitality Tea uses jasmine flowers and sexual health herbs to support potency and stamina while encouraging healthy blood flow and energy.
  
• Manhood Herb Tea
  Fuel your vitality with Manhood Herb Tea, a robust blend of Chinese herbs designed to enhance male potency and stamina. This flavorful tea not only supports virility but also strengthens your overall wellness and immunity with the adaptogen astragalus.
  

Restore Your Sexual Vitality with Chinese Herbal Medicine

Erectile dysfunction isn’t just frustrating – it can be the root of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and other health problems for many men.

The good news is that ED can be treatable with natural solutions like Chinese herbal medicine for ED. Whether you’re looking to boost performance, enhance overall vitality, or address related concerns like prostate health or frequent urination, there’s a natural solution tailored to your unique needs.

Shop these and other Chinese herbal medicines for sexual health or learn more about how you can boost your bedroom performance today!