Using herbs to boost fertility
Conventional fertility drugs and assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF aren’t your only alternative if you’re having problems getting pregnant. Many women swear by herbs – unlike fertility drugs, which focus on the mechanics of conception, herbal remedies focus on priming your body so it’s at the peak of health, the theory being that this will help you conceive.
Just because they’re natural doesn’t mean herbal remedies are harmless, though. It’s always best to see a qualified herbalist, who can best assess what combinations of herbs are likely to help you conceive and also take into consideration pre-existing problems that may be affecting your fertility.
It’s very important too that you tell your doctor if you’re taking herbal remedies, as they can interact with other medications. Likewise, tell your complementary practitioner if you’re taking conventional medications for a chronic (or temporary) health problem. Take the remedies as directed and don’t up your dose in an attempt to boost the effects, as they can be powerful.
The complementary approach comes from the angle that there are many things – environmental, emotional, physical – that can affect your body systems and prevent them from working as they should. One area where this can impact is in reproduction. Some herbs are thought to help strengthen the organs responsible for conception and pregnancy in both women and men.
Herbs that boost fertility
These herbs are thought to have beneficial properties when it comes to getting pregnant:
- Agnus castus This is thought to stimulate production of progesterone, which is vital in ovulation, and can regulate your period.
- Chaste tree berry This herb is thought to help regulate your menstrual cycle and correct any hormone imbalances that may prevent you from conceiving. It’s also used to relieve stress, which may impact on fertility.
- Dong quai This herb is used to help balancing estrogen and regulate your menstrual cycle. It’s also thought to help the fertilized egg implant in the uterus. If your herbalist gives you this remedy she may advise you not to take it when you are having your period, as it is a blood thinner. If there is any chance
- False unicorn root This herb is said to benefit the ovaries.
- Wild yam This increases production of the hormone progesterone.
- Fertility blend This nutritional supplement contains agnus castus along with antioxidants, which are thought to protect our bodies from cell damage.
- Ginseng This may boost male fertility by increasing sperm motility.
Herbs that can harm fertility
If you already use herbal remedies, keep in mind that some can have a negative effect on fertility, including popular remedies such as St John’s wort, gingko and echinacea. Even more importantly, some may be harmful to your unborn baby and many also can stimulate your uterus to contract, potentially resulting in miscarriage. With this in mind, always check with a registered herbalist before using any herbal remedies to help boost your chances of pregnancy.
As a guide, you should also only take fertility herbs to treat a problem that you know you have, not simply to boost your chances of conception.
The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.
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Last Modified: 01/03/2009
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