For us men, the performance in that aspect largely depends on the sufficiency of Kidney Yang and Kidney Essence. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Kidney Yang is like a small stove inside our bodies. When the fire burns strong, one feels the desire in that regard. It’s just like in winter—when the stove burns vigorously, the room gets warm, and one feels energized. As for Kidney Essence, it’s like an ammunition depot. Only when the depot is fully stocked can one stay firm and perform well when it matters most.

If Kidney Yang is deficient, it’s as if the small stove has no firewood, leading to various issues in the body. The most common symptoms are cold hands and feet that never seem to warm up no matter what, frequent urination—feeling the need to go shortly after just using the restroom—and a general lack of energy, making it hard to muster enthusiasm for anything. If Kidney Essence is depleted, the ammunition depot is constantly leaking. Over time, this can lead to premature ejaculation, diminished hardness, and seriously affect marital intimacy.

To address these issues effectively, the key lies in supplementing Yang and replenishing essence. Today, I’d like to introduce you to an exceptionally powerful formula called Zan Yu Dan. This formula originates from the "Jing Yue Quan Shu," written by the Ming Dynasty physician Zhang Jingyue, and it is quite renowned in the field of kidney tonification, earning the reputation as the "strong man" formula of kidney tonification.

This formula includes all the commonly used Yang-supplementing herbs. Eucommia bark strengthens the lower back—in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the waist is considered the home of the kidneys, so a healthy waist helps nourish the kidneys as well. Curculigo and Epimedium enhance sexual desire and stoke the small furnace to burn even brighter. Herbs like Cistanche, aconite, and cinnamon provide ample firepower to replenish kidney Yang thoroughly. However, as we know, focusing solely on supplementing Yang can easily lead to excessive internal heat, much like adding too much firewood to a stove—too strong a fire can damage the stove. Therefore, the formula also includes Rehmannia root (cooked), Goji berries, and Chinese angelica root, which nourish Yin. This is akin to sprinkling a little water on the firewood while feeding the stove, allowing the firepower to last longer while preventing overheating.

Crucially, this formula also takes the spleen and stomach into account. In TCM, the spleen and stomach are considered the foundation of postnatal Qi and blood, the source of Qi and blood generation. Strengthening the spleen and stomach improves digestive and absorptive functions, providing the necessary material foundation for the production of kidney essence. In this formula, Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome is used to fortify the spleen, enhancing its function to better support the replenishment of kidney essence.

Therefore, this formula is particularly suitable for those with kidney Yang deficiency. If symptoms such as impotence, premature ejaculation, cold pain in the lower back and knees, aversion to cold, and dizziness are present, using this formula for regulation aligns with the correct approach. However, it’s important to note that the herbs in this formula are quite potent. Individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat should seek detailed diagnosis from a professional TCM practitioner before use and avoid self-administration, as inappropriate use may produce adverse effects.