🌿 Folk Prescriptions

TCM is integrated into every aspect of our lives. Many people are eager to self-treat with herbal medicines when ill, especially for embarrassing conditions. For instance, many men resort to purchasing "tonifying the kidneys and strengthening yang" products from pharmacies when experiencing erectile dysfunction. How can men regain their vigor and overcome impotence? Professor Jia Jinming, Director of the Urology Department at Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, has long been engaged in clinical research on integrative TCM and Western medicine treatments for ED. I interviewed him on this topic. Professor Jia believes that it's inappropriate for some men to self-medicate with sexual health supplements or TCM preparations to treat ED, as this not only wastes money but also delays proper treatment. There are numerous factors causing sexual dysfunction, such as prostatitis, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Sexual dysfunction is often the first manifestation of these underlying diseases. Failing to seek medical diagnosis may prevent recovery from sexual dysfunction and delay treatment of the primary illness, leading to serious consequences. In TCM, "kidney deficiency" is merely one factor contributing to sexual dysfunction. Even if kidney deficiency exists, it can be further classified into "kidney yin deficiency" and "kidney yang deficiency," requiring different treatments. Doctors must adjust medications according to changes in the patient's condition. Professor Jia emphasizes that whether choosing TCM or Western medicine, patients should seek treatment at reputable medical institutions under qualified physicians' guidance.
Professor Jia also explained that a complete sexual experience consists of libido, erection, ejaculation, and sexual pleasure. Any issue in these aspects will result in an unsatisfactory sexual life. Currently, no single drug can treat all these conditions simultaneously. In China, medical development has its unique characteristics—integrating TCM and Western medicine is inevitable. TCM excels in treating libido, ejaculation, and sexual pleasure, and through holistic therapy, it enhances overall constitution. For erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra is the most important tool in urology, significantly improving erection duration (up to 33 minutes), hardness, frequency, and overall quality. Viagra and TCM work like "coffee and its companion"—TCM effectively regulates systemic symptoms in ED patients, serving as a complementary partner to Viagra. When using TCM, patients can generally take Viagra 1–2 times per week based on sexual needs. Currently, Viagra is the only ED medication approved by China’s State Food and Drug Administration and Ministry of Health for retail sale. Since its launch globally six years ago, over 23 million people have used it, proving its safety and efficacy. First launched in the U.S. in 1998 under the name Viagra, Chinese speakers adapted the pronunciation into "Wei Ge" based on cultural preferences, making it synonymous with Viagra in Chinese-speaking communities. After its introduction in China, the product was named Wan Aike. Patients can purchase it with a doctor’s prescription, but note: although widely known as "Wei Ge," the packaging contains no mention of "Wei Ge." Consumers must beware of various "Ge"-named drugs or supplements.