The Truth About Fertility Herbs
You've heard about fertility herbs, and it's true there are some excellent ones. I'll guide you through the best – and which to avoid – in this article.
Remember that no pill (herbal or otherwise) should be a “magic pill” to make you conceive. If you're having trouble conceiving something needs to be addressed – something physical, mental, emotional, or a combination of those. Herbs are just one part of conscious conception.
Different Benefits
Herbal expert Susan Weed classifies herbs in four different categories: nourishing herbs, tonic herbs, cleansing herbs, and potentially toxic herbs.
The fertility herbs you'll find most beneficial are nourishing and tonic herbs; these herbs act almost as food. They're used over a period of time to gradually help increase your nutrient reserves and deliver positive effects.
(NOTE: Want the Top Easy Steps to Boosting Your Fertility? Use these 5 simple, evidence-based steps to get pregnant and carry your healthy baby to term. Get them here.)
Herbs for Fertility
General Tonic and Nutritious Herbs
Red clover blossoms – an all-around best herb. They're highly nutritious with lots of trace minerals. They're an overall body builder that help balance out your glands, pH, and other systems for conception.
Nettle leaves – this prickly little plant is an excellent tonic. It gently strengthens your kidneys and hormonal system. It's excellent throughout your childbearing years.
Red Raspberry leaves – a revered herb for women's health. You'll drink red raspberry tea from before conception throughout your pregnancy. It tones the uterus and strengthens all female systems.
Herbs with Specific Applications
Dong Quai – this traditional Chinese medicinal herb is helpful in creating a sperm-friendly environment. It's only used part of your cycle and exercise caution. Always take it in a blend with other herbs.
False Unicorn – an excellent fertility herb, False Unicorn has been shown to help stimulate HCG and increase blood flow to the uterus. It may help stop miscarriage.
Chaste Tree Fruit (Chasteberry, Vitex Agnus-Castus) – this is the overall “cycle herb” – it helps to balance and normalize female cycles. It can also help address lack of sexual desire. Give it a trial run if you have PCOS – it may help or it may exacerbate the condition.
Meadowsweet – This herb has specific applications for women who have thrombophilla disorders.
Saw Palmetto – usually used to treat male fertility issues, however, it's a good herb to use for treatment of PCOS. Use it in combination with other herbs to achieve the best results.
Wild Yam – useful in preventing miscarriage. A “natural” progesterone can be converted from this herb in a laboratory however your body cannot make this conversion on its own just from you taking the herb.
Male Fertility herbs – there are also several herbs useful for male fertility.
Herbs to AVOID
Laxative Herbs: Flax seed, Senna, Aloes (internally), Castor oil, Turkey Rhubarb, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada
Diuretic Herbs: Buchu, Horsetail, Juniper Berries
Herbs with steriod-like factors: Agave, Ginseng, Licorice, Hops, Sage
Golden Seal root
Avoid these cooking herbs while actively TTC and in the first trimester: Basil, Caraway seeds, Celery seed, fresh Horseradish, Savory, Marjoran, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress.
These herbs may cause miscarriage – avoid them: Angelica root, Lemon Balm, Bethroot, Birthwort, Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, Cotton root bark, European Vervain plant, Ergot fungus, Feverfew, Hyssop leaves, Liferoot plant, Lovage root, Marijuana (from the female plant), Mistletoe, Mugwort, Osha root, Fresh parsely , Pennyroyal, Peruvian Bark, Rosemary, Rue, Safron, Sumac berries, Sweet Flag root, Tansy, Fresh wood sorrel plant. Please note that extremely high doses of Vitamin C can cause miscarriage (6000mg + daily).
Be very guarded about the use of any cleansing or potentially toxic herb in the preconception time. If your conception date is over a year away you may want to look into some cleansing herbs while you undergo a preconception cleanse. If you're within a year of trying to conceive stay clear – you need to be building up your nutrient reserves.
(NOTE: Want the Top Easy Steps to Boosting Your Fertility? Use these 5 simple, evidence-based steps to get pregnant and carry your healthy baby to term. Get them here.)