Herbs have been used since about 200 AD for the treatment of infertility in ancient China. While the scientific evidence on the efficacy of herbal medicine in the treatment of infertility is lacking in many cases, most of the herbs used for fertility are safe and can be tried by any woman who would like to use herbal medicine to aid in fertility.

Using herbs for infertility still mean you have to know the cause of the infertility. If the tubes are blocked, for example, no amount of medication or herbs will unblock them.  On the other hand, if the infertility is due to a hormonal imbalance, herbs have a place in helping the infertility—sometimes to the advantage over medical means of controlling infertility.

There are about 150 herbs available for use in promoting fertility, although most doctors use the top 8 to 20 herbs that can be given as pills, tablets, tinctures, teas or granules.  The most commonly used herbs for infertility include:

•    Chastetree Berry. This causes the release of luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland that promotes ovulation and may normalize the periods in women who do not ovulate.
•    Red Clover Blossoms. This herb is rich in estrogen-like compounds that build up the uterine lining making it better for implantation and promotes egg maturation.
•    Dong quai. This herb tones the uterus by maximizing the metabolism within the uterus, regulating the menstrual hormones and improving menstrual cycles.
•    Licorice. This helps women who have elevated testosterone levels and reduced estrogen levels, common in polycystic ovarian syndrome.
•   Black cohosh. Acts like Chastetree berry and releases luteinizing hormone but it also binds to estrogen receptors in the body, mimicking estrogen which helps in egg maturation and in the uterine lining development.
•   Wild Yam. This increases the production of cortisol in the body and progesterone and may help prevent early miscarriage due to progesterone deficiency.
•   False Unicorn Root. May help prevent miscarriage due to weakness of the uterus and helps women who suffer from pelvic congestion.
•    Tribulus. Helps treat sexual dysfunction as well as infertility.  Balances the hormones in the body.
•    Saw Palmetto. This herb overall strengthens and tones the reproductive system.  It increases libido which can help with conception.

One has to remember that, just because an herb is considered to be natural, it is not always safe and may mix with regular pharmacological medications in dangerous ways.  Herbs, too, can have serious and notable side effects so that it helps to be in contact with your doctor when taking these herbs.

Better yet, see a naturopath or herbalist, who often have extensive knowledge in the use of herbs and their effects, in order to get the type of herb that is best for you.  You need to be completely forthcoming with both your doctor and an herbalist or naturalist as to which medications you are taking so that the two types of treatments do not interfere with one another.

Get your hormone levels checked before trying any of these herbs for infertility so as to know which herbs will work best for you.

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