It is observed that diet and medications play a crucial role in determining a person’s fertility. A couple willing to conceive should begin to clean up and go with natural remedies. Herbs are most commonly recommended for boosting an individual’s fertility in many cultures but have got no scientific proof of their effectiveness.
As such, there is no evidence to show the effect of herbs on infertility. But, many cultures and traditions claim it to be a supportive measure to provide good fertile reproductive health. Moreover, Chinese as well as Ayurvedic medicines encourage the usage of herbs and herbal blends to maintain hormonal balance and fertility cycles. Few herbs were even used in combination with in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Herbs supplements help in regulating body functions. Some herbs detoxify while some modulate the immune system and thus prevent pregnancy from happening. Some herbs may even stimulate the endocrine system by regulating hormone production.
# Black CohoshThis belongs to North America and it is well known to be used as a pain relief medication. When it comes to ‘fertility’, it helps in regularizing periods. It has diuretic properties that allow menstruation to come on time rather than being late. It even helps in curing menstrual pain, uterine irritation, ovarian cancer, premenstrual migraine as well as help in healing uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometrial cancer.
# LicoriceLicorice root is used in the making of decoction. When it comes to fertility, it shows twofold usage, detoxication and repair of the liver, supporting the endocrine system as well as modulating the immune system. These 3 functions help in improving hormonal health.
It is a phytoestrogen (not produced within the human body) but acts similarly to estrogen. Phytoestrogen bind to estrogen receptors and block attachment of xenohormones.
Licorice helps in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels, acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, enhances digestion, and helps cervical mucus production. It is advised to stick to the dose.
# AshwagandhaAshwagandha can be consumed as a tincture or capsule form. It boosts the body to deal with stress by supporting the endocrine system and normalizing the immune system. Stress-related infertility in males can be dealt with Ashwagandha.
# Evening Primrose Oil – EPOEvening Primrose Oil is obtained from seeds of the Evening Primrose Plant. It enhances and maintains hormonal balance while dealing with PMS symptoms like headaches, breast tenderness, mood swings, and flatulence. EPO is also known to increase cervical mucus. This cervical mucus is necessary for sperms to reach the female egg and achieve fertilization.
# Castor OilIt is obtained from the Castor plant and applied topically over the lower abdomen and then covered with a plastic sheet and weighed down with a help of a hot water bag. One needs to lay back and relax for around 30-45 minutes. After this, the pack can be removed.
# ShatavariShatavari is a herb consumed in extracted or capsule form. In the olden times, Shatavari was used as herbal medicine to treat infertility in India. It boosts fertility by modulating the immune system, combating stress, increasing cervical mucus as well as regulating the menstrual cycle.
# DamianaDamiana is a shrub along with yellow flowers in the areas of South and Central America, Mexico, and West Indies. The leaves of Damiana are dried and used as a tea that serves as an aphrodisiac. It stimulates nerves and increases the blood flow to the sexual organs. In men, it helps to overcome impotence and encounter spermatorrhea (excessive and accidental ejaculation).
# CinnamonCinnamon bark is powdered to make capsules while cinnamon roots are used to form a tincture. It is similar to other herbs in contributing to boosting fertility along with other beneficial effects like treating insulin resistance which causes PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).