A Beginner’s Guide to Improving Fertility with Herbal Medicine
The road to parenthood is a deeply personal one, often littered with twists and turns along the way. On your journey, you may require support in any number of forms, including the help of a naturopath, doctor, supplements, dietary adjustments, medical interventions, and even herbal medicine. Fertility, with it’s vast intricacies, is an enormous and often emotionally loaded topic. So today, I’ll dive into one of the areas I know best: the vital role that herbal medicines can play in supporting fertility and reproductive health at large.
The use of plants for medicinal purposes can be traced back to ancient civilisations, where natural remedies were commonly employed to address a wide range of health concerns, including fertility. As time has passed and science has moved in leaps and bounds, so too has our knowledge of how these plants work. Naturopaths and herbalists practicing in the fertility space today are using these phenomenal herbs in a more targeted way than ever before in human history. To name but a few, herbs can support hormonal balance, promote ovulation, improve sperm health, and regulate menstrual cycles. They can even be used to complement IVF treatment and reduce the effects of stress (a critical factor in fertility).
That said: please be aware that herbs, while natural, are not without contraindications and risks when used incorrectly. This blog post is not intended to replace medical advice or the expertise of a naturopath or herbalist in the context of a one-on-one consultation. Seeking individual advice ensures that the herbs used are safe and appropriate when taking into account your medical history, health conditions, medications and any other treatments you are receiving.
Without further ado, let’s explore some of the most popular herbs for fertility.
Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
Chaste tree has a long history of use in supporting female reproductive health. It is well known as a “hormone balancer,” but more specifically, it promotes an optimal balance of oestrogen and progesterone. This makes it a particularly valuable herb for women with low progesterone.
One of the notable benefits of chaste tree is its potential to relieve symptoms of PMS, such as irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating. Additionally, it may be beneficial for women with missing or irregular menstrual cycles, as it helps to restore a regular and predictable menstrual rhythm.
Chaste tree is useful for infrequent and irregular menstrual cycles because it promotes ovulation (by boosting dopamine and lowering prolactin).
Things to consider: chaste tree should not be used for 3 months after stopping contraception, to give the pituitary and ovaries time to attempt to reestablish communication. The effects of chaste tree can also attenuate with extended use, so it is not recommended to take it long term.
Dong Quai (Angelica polymorpha/Angelica sinensis)
The use of dong quai is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) although many Western herbalists today also lean on it for an array of women’s health concerns. Dong quai is used as a female reproductive tonic, to regulate the menstrual cycle, and relieve menstrual pain.
While there is limited scientific evidence to support its use, anecdotal reports and historical use contribute to its reputation as a fertility-supporting herb.
Paeonia (Paeonia lactiflora)
Paeonia is frequently prescribed by naturopaths and herbalists for women’s disorders, particularly for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Paeonia possesses anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and oestrogen-modulating properties, making it an excellent candidate for menstrual disorders.
Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)
Tribulus is primarily used as a male fertility agent, and although study results are mixed, there is some evidence to suggest that tribulus is effective in improving sperm count, motility and morphology (the shape of the sperm). For example, a 2016 in-vitro study found that the incubation of semen with tribulus extract significantly improved all of the aforementioned parameters of sperm health.
The claim that tribulus increases testosterone levels in males has been found to be unsubstantiated by several studies, including this systematic review.
Beyond herbs
Incorporating herbs into your fertility toolkit can be a wonderful step towards realising your dream of parenthood, especially when guided by a qualified naturopath. However, it's important to remember that herbs are not a silver bullet solution. While herbs like chaste tree may offer benefits, there are usually additional factors to consider.
A comprehensive, holistic approach that encompasses lifestyle adjustments, emotional wellbeing, and medical interventions where needed is worthwhile. It's essential to understand that fertility is a complex interplay of various factors, and addressing them collectively yields the best outcomes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Gemma is a fertility and women’s health naturopath in Auckland, New Zealand. She is a mother to 3-year-old Laura and an avid (perhaps slightly obsessive) cook. In her spare time, you’ll find her rummaging through her cookbook collection, hitting up local restaurants or pottering in the veggie garden.
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