When it comes to enhancing fertility, the first thing to do is to make sure you’ve got a good “foundation” to work with – and this means having adequate rest, low stress levels, and eating a healthy, varied diet. Once that’s done, you can build on that foundation and increase your chances of getting pregnant by taking a variety of herbs for fertility.
Herbs for fertility in Western medicine
#1: Maca
Maca root is a plant that grows in central Peru, and it’s typically presented to consumers in powder form or in a capsule after being harvested and ground down. This herb is one of the best herbs for fertility for both men and women; in clinical trials conducted by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2010, the herb was found to reduce sexual dysfunction and improve sexual libido in men and women alike.
#2: Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry leaf tea is commonly taken by expectant mothers, as well as women trying to get pregnant. Studies show that red raspberry leaf relaxes the muscles of the uterus during contractions, aiding in a faster and less painful child-birthing process. For women who aren’t currently pregnant, it also regulates irregular menstrual cycles and aids in fertility.
#3: Vitex (Chaste Tree Berry)
Vitex, also known as chaste berry or chaste tree berry, helps to increase your luteinizing hormone production and inhibit the release of your follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). What this does is to boost progesterone production, and increase your chances of getting pregnant.
In several studies in America, women consuming Vitex saw a drastically increased luteal phase from 5.4 days to 11.4 days. As this is the period of time when fertilization and implantation of the egg occurs, having a larger window helps increase your chances of successful conception.
Herbs for fertility in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
TCM medicine is prescribed according to whether the individual in question has a “warm”, “cool”, or “stagnant” disposition, and the suitable herbs for each individual will differ on a case by case basis. As such, whilst the following Chinese herbs are traditionally used to treat infertility, women who wish to incorporate these into their diet should seek out a physician’s professional advice prior to doing so.
#1: Licorice Root
This herb from Inner Mongolia and Northeast China is said to enhance estrogen production, and reduce any heat and toxins present in the body. For consumption, it may be roasted with honey, but is more commonly prepared as a tea.
#2: Wild Yam Root
Wild yam root is traditionally prescribed to bring “heat” to a cold, stagnant uterus. How does it work? The herb contains certain chemical compounds, which are converted to diosgenin in our bodies. This diosgenin acts on estrogen receptor sites to regulate estrogen production, hence boosting fertility. Do note that you should not be consuming this herb should you or your family have a history of estrogen responsive cancers.
–
Understanding the different herbs for fertility and supplementing their diet with these herbs will undoubtedly help women who are trying to conceive; however, for a more holistic and thorough approach, other factors should also be taken into consideration.
Want to speak with an experienced fertility coach who can guide you on your journey to conceiving naturally? Contact us here!
Комментарии