Herbs and Infertility In Men and Women

Not so long ago plants and herbs provided natural remedies for all kinds of ailments and diseases. The use of herbs has always continued in the East, and in so called ‘less developed’ civilisations, but is now becoming popular once again in the West.

Infertility causes can be treated successfully with various herbal remedies. If you have never considered an herbal alternative to help you conceive, let me introduce you to some of the most popular herbal supplements and more effective use in the treatment of infertility. You can find out more about Infertility in my new ebook – How To Cure Infertility – Naturally

Herbs For Female Infertility

Licorice – yes this is actually a herb, and it is very useful for women who have high testosterone levels, as it helps in bringing them back to a more normal level. But licorice should not be used where you have high blood pressure.

Vitex – is a slow acting herb and may take several months to build up in your system. It can take up to 18 months using Vitex before pregnancy might occur. Another note of caution – you cannot take vitex while taking the fertility drug Clomid – or any drug like Clomid. Vitex helps minimize the symptoms of PMS, It helps to improve fertility in cases where fertility is the result of hormonal imbalances.

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) – lowers cholesterol, helps to alleviate PMS and most importantly here, aids in the production of fertile quality cervical fluid, also known as “egg white cervical mucus.” This is because fertile cervical fluid is thin, watery, clear and “stretchy” and easily aids the sperm to swim through the uterus and into the fallopian tube, and to the egg. If there is a lack in this type of cervical fluid, it can impede and/or prevent fertilization. Drinking lots of water and taking the EPO can certainly help in the production of fertile cervical fluid. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to 5 days inside the fallopian tube, and thus enables conception to happen, even if you don’t have intercourse again by the time the ovulation occurs.

Herbs For Male Infertility

According to various studies on reproduction, up to 60% of infertile couples have difficulty conceiving due to abnormalities in the male’s sperm, so it is extremely important to consider herbal solutions for men as well as women. There may be certain side effects when you use some of these herbs, generally no more serious than temporary stomach upset.

Fo -Ti – This herb is known to increase sperm count, as it cleanses the body by cleaning the kidneys and liver, which in turn cleanses the blood.It is understood to increase energy, and to restore an impaired sexual function.Side effects can include stomach upset, or diarrhoeia and/or skin rashes~{Side effects can include stomach upset or skin rashes}~Side effects can include stomach upset or skin rashes}. High doses of Fo-Ti can also cause numbness of the extremities.

Saw Palmetto – Saw Palmetto is known to contain aphrodisiac properties that help to prevent loss of the libido and to strengthen the male reproductive system.It is also great for the prostate gland.Side effects can include stomach upset, or diarrhoeia.

Damiana – This herb supports glandular health and acts as an aphrodisiac.It can be used to support sexual health and treat impotency.Side effects can include stomach upset, or diarrhoeia.

Yohimbe – Yohimbe treats impotence by dilating blood vessels allowing more blood to reach the penis. It increases blood flow and sensitivity to nerves in the pelvic region. It also increases the central nervous system functions. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, insomnia and anxiety. Only use the recommended dose, and consult an herbalist for advice on dosage. Yohimbe should not be used with foods that contain a high amount of tyramine.People with kidney disease, or peptic ulcers, should take care when using this herb.

Cayenne – Cayenne is known to improve circulation and increase the metabolic rate.Side effects can include stomach upset, or diarrhoeia, runny nose and/or throat pain~Side effects could include stomach upset, runny nose and/or throat pain}. Caution should be used by people with stomach problems, diabetes, alcohol dependence and/or liver disease.

Pumpkin Seed – Pumpkin Seed strengthens the prostate gland, improves male hormone function and helps with muscular contractions. Side effects may include breathing problems, chest pain, hives and/or diarrhea.

Cranberry – Cranberry can help to keep the kidneys functioning properly.It can prevent the loss of zinc though urine discharges.It is very useful in problems passing water.You will need to exercise caution if you suffer from diabetes, alcohol dependence or liver disease.

Pycnogenol – is a natural (antioxidant) plant extract which may increase normally functioning sperm naturally, and couples may be able to avoid in-vitro fertilization, and either enjoy improved natural fertility or undergo less invasive and less expensive fertility-promoting procedures.

Herbs For Infertility – Male and Female

There are certain herbs that have been proven to assist in increasing the chances of overcoming infertilityfor both men and women. In this article we outline some herbs that are suitable to treat infertility.

Ginseng – a common herb that is popular in the East (where it is consumed widely in teas and health products), ginseng is known to be very helpful in balancing the menstrual cycle, but also improves fertility in both men and women. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine Ginseng stimulates the body, improves circulation, increases blood supply, and aids recovery from weakness after illness, and. It can help to increase testosterone levels, semen count, and to increase sexual desire, as well as increase the mobility of sperm. This herb will decrease erectile dysfunction and will help to increase overall fertility. Be careful as there may be side effects, such as high blood pressure and insomnia. It can be found in supplement form.

Maca – is a herb that given to women with a lower than average libido, and also enhances the workings of the female sexual organs. Maca herbs will naturally nourish the hormonal glands and thereby increase fertility. Maca is a great fertility enhancer with little known side effects. It is used to treat impotence, increase fertility and increase testosterone levels. {It is also known as an aphrodisiac and to decrease erectile dysfunction~It is known as an aphrodisiac~{Also considered to be an aphrodisiac, it will decrease the incidence of erectile dysfunction}~Also considered as an aphrodisiac, this will decrease the incidence of erectile dysfunction~Widely considered to be an aphrodisiac, this will decrease the incidence of erectile dysfunction~Also considered as an aphrodisiac, this can decrease the occurance of erectile dysfunction~{Also considered an aphrodisiac, this can reduce the occurance of erectile dysfunction}~Also considered to be an aphrodisiac, it can reduce the occurance of erectile dysfunction}.It can help to increase sperm mobility and improve sperm count. It is well regarded as one of the best herb for fertility treatment.

Epimedium – a herb commonly known as ‘ horny goatweed’, this herb has been extensively used in Chinese medicine to treat all types of sexual problems, including difficulty in conceiving. This herb will improve overall reproductive health. It is well known as an aphrodisiac.It increases sperm production and will stimulate sexual desire. It is said to help with producing androgen hormones. Some herbs can cause serious side effects, especially if combined with other herbs, over-the-counter drugs, or prescription medication. Consult with an herbalist or naturopath for help determining which remedies might be right for you.

Flax seed Oil - For men it is important because flax seed oil ingredients help maintain a healthy sperm and prevent impotence. Flaxseed oil can help to counter male impotency. Flaxseed oil is a wonderful herbal supplement to consider taking when trying to promote fertility and achieve conception.

For women – the estrogen in flax seed helps to stabilize the ratio of transformation of the estrogen-progesterone, and this is important for fertility and for the relief of symptoms of various woman’s issues. Flaxseed oil can help to improve the uterine function and improve fertility. Also, the essential fatty acids in flaxseed oil have been shown to block production of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that, when released in excess amounts during menstruation, can cause the heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis.

In conclusion – this list is not exhaustive, but if you are trying to improve your ability to conceive then you should definitely consider these natural products, as herbal remedies are now being used by men and women all around the world. For more information on infertility please see my new ebook – How To Overcome Infertility – Naturally.

Best Wishes

Marge Holder

Hormone Infertility