4 Key Herbs to Boost & Balance Men’s Health
Thanks to awareness and fundraising campaigns, men’s health is getting more of the attention it deserves. As we age, specific health conditions become more common place, especially in our 40s, 50s and 60s. All of the organs play a unique and important role in boosting and balancing a man’s health. The Spleen & Stomach take in nutrition from food and the Lungs gather clean air, which come together to form Qi & Blood. The Heart is also energetically involved in making Blood, and along with the Liver, plays a crucial role in circulation and help to maintain emotional balance. The Kidneys are often considered the most crucial organs when it comes to men’s health. This is because they are responsible for storing Essence, a substance which is crucial to men’s health and vitality, as well as building Qi & Blood, and maintaining harmony between Yin & Yang.
In TCM, the Kidney system includes the adrenal glands and the reproductive organs. For this reason, they play a key role in energy, motivation, and sexual function. If your Kidneys are not functioning properly, you could suffer from any of the following: stress, depression/anxiety, lack of energy, high blood pressure pressure, low back pain, infertility/low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, low libido, premature ejaculation, gout, kidney stones, prostate problems, and frequent urination.
4 Key Herbs to Boost & Balance Men’s Health
There are a number of different things Men can do to strengthen and protect their energy as they age. You can read more about it in my recent blog post The Man’s Guide to Aging with Vitality: 6 Ways to Optimize Kidney Health. In this post, however, I would like to focus on four key herbs that help to boost and balance men’s overall health.
1. Tongkat Ali
Also known as Eurycoma longifolia, Tongkat Ali is revered by the traditional healers who discovered it in the rainforests of Southeast Asia for its impact on male health. A growing body of empirical support shows that Tongkat can help increase testosterone levels, particularly in men with low levels or those experiencing stress-induced low testosterone-enhanced Physical Performance. Research suggests it can improve muscle strength, endurance, and exercise performance by increasing free testosterone, benefiting athletes and those involved in physical training.
Tongkat Ali has also been found to reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone), which can promote a better mood, reduce anxiety, and improve overall psychological well-being. Additionally, fertility studies indicate that it may enhance male fertility by improving sperm quality, concentration, and motility. Finally, evidence suggests Tongkat may have neuro-protective effects, improving cognitive function and memory, especially in older adults.
2. Pine Pollen
In Traditional Chinese Herbalism, pine pollen, or Sōng huāfěn (松花粉), has been cherished for thousands of years as a potent natural health supplement. It is renowned for supporting the lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, and spleen meridians, and is believed to significantly boost vitality, energy, stamina, and overall well-being.
Modern research adds to this ancient wisdom, highlighting some remarkable benefits of pine pollen for men’s health. According to the research, pine pollen contains plant-based androgens such as testosterone, which may help boost testosterone levels in men. Pine pollen is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help combat oxidative stress. This may have anti-aging effects by reducing cellular damage and supporting overall longevity. Additionally, its immune-boosting properties enhance the activity of natural killer (NK) cells, offering stronger defences against illness while supporting sexual health and energy. With its anti-inflammatory effects, pine pollen can also play a role in managing inflammation, which is critical for reproductive and cardiovascular health.
3. He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu, or Polygonum multiflorum, is considered the King of Yin Tonics in TCM for it’s use as a healing and anti-aging herb. In Chinese medicine terms, it tonifies (strengthens) the Kidneys & Liver, calms the Shen or spirit, unblocks energetic blocks in the channels, tonifies Essence, builds Blood, and tonifies Yin.
These amazing energetic qualities translate to a number of empirically backed benefits. Research shows that He Shou Wu may help prevent hair loss and restore hair colour, particularly in cases of premature graying. This is due to it’s ability to strengthen the Liver and Kidneys, which are both closely linked to hair health in TCM. In fact, scientific studies have further explored this tonifying effect and have observed it helps protect the Liver from damage due to toxins while supporting its regenerative abilities.
He Shou Wu is rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress. Some studies indicate that it may have anti-aging properties, promoting longevity by protecting cells from damage and reducing signs of aging. Some research also shows that He Shou Wu can enhance immune system function by boosting the activity of immune cells, potentially improving the body’s defense against infections. There is also emerging evidence that He Shou Wu may support cognitive health, particularly through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, which could help protect the brain from age-related degeneration.
4. Wild Chongbai Mountain Ants
There is a saying in China that “Ginseng is the king of herbs, but Ant is the herb of kings.” These mountain ants are consumed in Asia to promote strength and sexual vigour. Wild Chongbai Mountain Ants are classified as adaptogens, helping the body adapt to stress by regulating the immune and endocrine systems. Studies show that they can enhance endurance, energy, and overall vitality by supporting the body’s ability to manage physical and mental stress.
Research also indicates that the extracts from Polyrhachis vicina can improve immune function by enhancing the activity of macrophages and other immune cells, potentially increasing the body's defense against infections. Rich in antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), Wild Chongbai Mountain Ants help fight oxidative stress, which may contribute to slowing down the aging process. This supports cellular health and longevity. Traditional use and some studies suggest that extracts from Polyrhachis vicina may help enhance libido and sexual performance, possibly through its effects on testosterone regulation. Several studies demonstrate that ant extracts have anti-fatigue effects, helping reduce physical exhaustion and improve stamina, making them a popular choice for athletes or those with physically demanding lifestyles.
Where Can I Find These Herbs?
As always source your foods and herbs from organic sources. The Light Cellar in Calgary is my go-to spot for all of my men’s health needs. They source only the best, highest quality ingredients which have been wild-crafted or grown at or above organic standards.
One of my favourite products to boost and balance men’s overall health and one I recommend to many of my patients is Super Tongkat Tincture from the Light Cellar in Bowness. It contains all four of the medicine discussed in this blog. You can also get Tongkat Ali Extract Powder, Tongkat Tincture, Pine Pollen Tincture, or He Shou Wu Root Powder if you prefer to explore their benefits individually.
Before consuming new herbs and medicine, always consult with a qualified practitioner to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Everyone is unique, and treatment often looks different for different people!
If you’re looking for guidance and support for your health, please book an appointment with me!
References
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Chen, X., Chen, C., Li, C., Wang, Q., & Xie, B. (2017). Effects of *Pinus massoniana* pollen on the immune system and antioxidant status in mice. *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, 206, 287-293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.06.005
Dong, H., Liu, Y., Liu, Z., & Li, C. (2016). *Polygonum multiflorum* and its major constituent emodin exert potent antioxidant and anti-aging effects. *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*, 191, 214-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.06.029
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