Issues of Infertility
Fertility problems have slowly been on the rise for the last 25 years, with up to 25 per cent of couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving. As a result, more and more couples are seeking expensive medical assistance in order to conceive. Science is however unable to efficiently treat the "unexplained" cases where there is obviously a deeper problem at hand. This is where natural approaches such as herbal medicine may be useful.
Herbal Medicine for Fertility
Herbal medicine is becoming more and more popular amongst those seeking a natural alternative to conception without the harsh side effects of drugs and assisted conception programs (such as IVF). Herbal medicine has employed the use of herbs and plant extracts for hundreds of years to help heal illness and disease, including conditions that cause infertility.
Certain herbs directly enhance fertility levels, whilst other herbs act a general health tonic to the body as a whole. The remedies act to positively impact male and female reproductive organs, levels of libido and hormonal activity, whilst also acting as a more general supplementation that prepares the body (as a whole) for a potential pregnancy.
Herbs may be taken individually or as a fertility blend that combines the right herbs for infertility in the correct dosages. They are also commonly distributed in a tablet, capsule or tincture form. The important thing is to choose what herbs are is right for you under the supervision of a professional herbalist or TCM practitioner.
Herbs for Infertility
Herbs that may enhance either or both male and female fertility include:
Black Cohosh
- Should be taken in the first half of a woman’s cycle (menstruation – ovulation)
- Relaxes the uterus and relieves cramping
Dong Quai
- Should be taken in the first half of a woman’s cycle (menstruation – ovulation)
- Tones the Uterus
- Regulates female hormones
Ginseng
- Assists male fertility and impotence
- Strengthens the immune system
- Can increase male testosterone levels, sexual desire, sperm count and mobility
Evening Primrose Oil (EPO)
- Stimulates production, quality and effectiveness of the egg-white cervical mucus required for conception
- Restores female hormonal imbalances
- Acts as an anti-inflammatory
False Unicorn
- Should be taken in the first half of a woman’s cycle (menstruation – ovulation)
- Assist with female infertility
- Reduces Ovary pain
Pycnogenol
- Increases male sperm count
- Acts as a powerful antioxidant that improves the quality and functioning of the sperm
Saw Palmetto
- Tones and strengthens the male reproductive system with its tissue building and gland stimulating properties
- Excellent herb for male impotence, low libido and general prostate health
Red Raspberry Leaf
- Should be taken throughout the entire menstrual cycle
- Lengthens the luteal phase by strengthening the uterine lining, thus increasing the time frame in which one can conceive
Vitex (Chaste Berry)
- Well-known herb for female infertility
- Should be taken throughout the entire menstrual cycle or from menstruation – ovulation
- Corrects female hormonal imbalances and regulates menstrual cycles
- Restarts periods that have stopped
- Stimulates pituitary gland efficiency (responsible for hormone control), thus being an effective herb for women experiencing high prolactin levels or for those who have a luteal phase defect
Finding a Professional
Speak to a professional herbalist or Traditional Chinese Medicine practitionershould you be interested in taking herbs for fertility problems, especially if you are already using drug therapy or if you are going through assisted conception (such as IVF).
Find out about other effective natural infertility treatments.
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