Herbs To Counter Infertility
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. You may not have considered an herbal alternative to help conceive, so let me introduce you to some of the most popular herbal supplements used 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. However, licorice should not be used if 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. But take care – you should not take Vitex when taking a fertility drug such as Clomid. Vitex helps improve fertility chances where there are 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 plenty of water and taking EPO can help in the production of fertile cervical fluid. Also, this type of fluid helps the sperm to stay alive for up to five days inside the fallopian tube, thus enabling conception to happen even if you don’t have intercourse again by the time 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. Be warned that some of these remedies may have certain side-effects such as stomach upset and diarrhea.
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 believed to increase energy levels, and will 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.The prostate gland will also benefit from using this herb.Side effects can include stomach upset, or diarrhoeia.
Damiana – This herb supports glandular health and acts as an aphrodisiac.It is often used to support sexual health and treat impotence. Side effects may include stomach upset.
Yohimbe – Yohimbe treats impotence by dilating blood vessels allowing more blood to reach the penis.This herb increases blood circulation and sensitivity to pelvic nerves. It also increases the central nervous system functions. Side effects may include dizziness, nausea, insomnia and anxiety.Only use the recommended dosage, and consult with an herbalist for proper advice on using. Yohimbe should not be used with foods that contain a high amount of tyramine. People with kidney disease or peptic ulcers should use caution while using this herb.
Cayenne – Cayenne is known to improve circulation and increase the metabolic rate. Side effects may include stomach upset, runny nose and/or throat pain~Side effects could include stomach upset, runny nose and/or throat pain}.Caution should be taken 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 might include breathing problems, chest pains, 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. Caution should be used by people with diabetes, alcohol dependence and/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 talk about some of the more commonly used herbs.
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 the blood supply, and aids recovery from weakness after illness or health problems 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 helps to decrease erectile dysfunction and increase overall fertility. Use caution, as side effects may include blood pressure changes, diarrhea, heart rate changes, and insomnia. It can be obtained 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. Natural maca herbs nourish hormonal glands and helps men and women with natural hormone production to increase fertility. Maca used sensibly will increase fertility, and there are few 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 also considered 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 widely regarded as probably the best herb to use 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 improves your overall reproductive health. It can be considered as an aphrodisiac.It increases sperm production and stimulates increased sexual desire. It helps to produce androgen hormones. Some herbs can cause serious side effects 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. The ingredients within flaxseed oil help to keep the sperm healthy and may also help with regard to male impotence. Flaxseed oil is a wonderful herbal supplement to consider taking when trying to promote fertility and achieve conception.
The estrogen in flaxseed helps stabilize the transformation of the estrogen-progesterone ratio, which is important for fertility, and the relief of symptoms of various woman’s issues. Flaxseed oil can improve the uterine function and thus treat fertility problems. 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. You can find out more information on infertiity in my latest ebook – “How To Overcome Infertility – Naturally“.
Best Wishes
Marge Holder
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