Are Herbs For Fertility Effective For Infertility Treatment?
Herbs have been in used for thousands of years to treat many medical ailments. Many people use herbs as an alternative medicine to treat their medical conditions. Herbal medicine is not regulated by Food and Drug Administration. So what you are taking may not be the same as what is stated on the label. You have to be careful in selecting your herbal medicine.
If you wish to try herbs for fertility, make sure you are under the care of a qualified practitioner such as a naturopathic physician. Some herbs are known to be beneficial for infertility treatment. Some infertility herbs may have certain undesirable reaction if taken with other medicine. Make sure you let all your doctors know the kind of herbs you are taking.
The following is a list of popular herbs used to boost fertility and promote healthy reproductive organ systems. This list is just for your guidance. You should consult your naturopathic physician before taking these herbs.
Black cohosh – Relieves discomfort associated with menopause (e.g. hot flashes). Side effects are dizziness, nausea, low pulse rate and increased perspiration.
Dong quai – regulates menstrual cycle, improve hormonal balance and increases the chance of implantation. This herb is commonly used to treat Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Dong quai thins your blood. It should not be taken during an IVF cycle or by women who have very heavy periods.
Chasteberry (Vitex) – Promotes ovulation, regulates menstrual cycle and improves hormonal balance. Some believe that chasteberry helps to increase progesterone levels and should be used after ovulation and not before.
False unicorn root – Regulates menstrual cycle and alleviates problems associated with menopause and problems with infertility due to irregular follicular formation. False unicorn root has been recommended for those who are suffering with the symptoms of endometriosis as well as ovarian cysts.
Red clover – Boosts estrogen levels in a women’s body and improves hormonal balance.
Red raspberry leaves – Increase the thickness of the uterine lining making it more receptive to the embryo. Red raspberry causes uterine contractions and should not be used in early pregnancy.
Wild yam – Promotes progesterone production and improves hormone balance. Don’t take wild yam until ovulation occurs.
Ginseng – Relieves stress and regulates hormones.
Nettle leaves – Tones your uterus to help to prepare for implantation of the embryo.
Primrose oil – Increases cervical mucus and make it easier for the sperm to reach the egg. The side effect is it may thin the uterus lining making it difficult for implantation.
Saw palmetto – Strengthens male reproductive system and reduces enlarged male prostate.
Milk-thistle seed – Stimulates the uterus, purifies the blood and helps the liver to detoxifies.
Cyperus or Nut-grass rhizome - Treats irregular menstruation and menstrual pain.
Chinese motherwort – Stimulates the uterus and helps infertility. Should not be used during pregnancy. The seed can be used to improve uterine lining and promote ovulation.
Peach kernel – Resolves menstrual disorders and menstrual pain. Should not be used during pregnancy or after ovulation.
Oat berry and straw – Nourishes the endocrine, nervous and immune systems. Helps endocrine deficiencies, infertility, impotence, PMS and insomnia.
Valerian root – Treats cramping and spasms of the uterus and reduces stress.
Red peony – Treats early menstruation, premenstrual headaches and relieves fibroids and endometriosis.
Asian cornelian cherry fruit – Treats excessive menstruation and low sperm motility.
Gleditsia fruit – Treats Polycystic Ovaries Syndrome (PCOS). It dissolves the waxy coating found around polycystic ovaries and induces ovulation. It is slightly toxic. Take only a small amount before ovulation. Do not use during pregnancy.
You can find a combination of some of the above herbs in capsule form to optimize your fertility in FertiAid for Women. It is advisable to stop taking these infertility herbs after you get pregnant as some of these herbs may not be good for pregnancy.
Some herbs for fertility may regulate your hormonal imbalance and help you to ovulate and get pregnant. However, there are some limitations to herbal treatment. For example, if your fallopian tubes are blocked, just taking herbs for fertility will not open them. Sometimes herbs are used in combination with acupuncture for fertility treatment to be effective.
With many conventional treatments and alternative treatments available, you have more options to help you to conceive. Make sure you get proper guidance and all your doctors are aware of any fertility herbs you are taking.
