HERBS
Herbs have been used for fertility problems for thousands of years. A classic case is found in the Bible, with the story of Rachel and Leah. Rachel tried for years to conceive; then she finally eats mandrakes and conceives (Genesis 30).
Dong quai
Used for thousands of years by Chinese women for menstrual regularity and to nourish and balance the reproductive system. Modern science has verified that Dong Quai is rich in vitamin E, cobalt and iron, though it takes months of regular use to benefit.
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| Infertility Diet Plan |
Red raspberry leaves
Contain significant amounts of vitamins C, A, B-complex, D and E as well as iron, phosphorous, manganese and calcium. They have been used for centuries by Chinese women to nourish the reproductive system.
Black cohosh
A hormone-balancing herb used extensively by Native Americans. Research in Europe has shown that it contains triterpenes and flavonoids that suppress the secretion of lutenizing hormone and has a mild but significant estrogenic effects. The herb should be taken in small amounts per dosage recommended on excess consumption may cause headaches.
Alfalfa
Contains high amounts of betacarotene and trace minerals for glandular nutrition and its chlorophyll content helps purify the blood.
Kelp
Rich in trace minerals, used as a blood purifier, and contains significant amounts of iodine, calcium and potassium. The iodine content is helpful for those first-generation hypothyroid (underactive thyroid, a common cause of miscarriage) and elevated prolactin levels.
Ho shou wu
Studies demonstrate its beneficial effects on fertility and ovulation.
False unicorn
Also known as helonias root, a uterine tonic and diuretic, for menstrual or ovarian pain and dysfunction. Of all the herbs, false unicorn has one of the strongest reputations for promoting fertility.
Damiana
Traditionally recommended by herbalists for increasing fertility and sexual desire in both males and females. Although no scientific studies have been conducted, there is a great deal of anecdotal evidence in its favour.
Wild yam
A professor at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria conducted studies on the native Yoruba tribe who have one of the highest rate of twin births in the world. The professor found that their diet contained large amounts of yams. Science is beginning to support the long-held belief that yams enhance fertility due to containing steroid-like compounds which are easily converted into sex hormones in the body, triggering the release of FSH which stimulates the ovaries to release an egg. High yam consumption appears to stimulate release of more than one egg each month.
Wild yam is widely available in a cream form, often marketed as a "Progesterone cream." It is rubbed on the abdomen, thighs, and upper arm areas where it is readily absorbed, and is also available in capsule form, sometimes combined with other herbs to regulate hormone function.
Blessed thistle
A hormone balancer used for general female problems.
Liquid chlorophyll
The green pigment found in plants is an excellent cleanser for the liver, regulates menstruation and builds blood.
Evening primrose oil
Contains essential fatty acids (EFAs) which are crucial to proper functioning of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, which induce ovulation. Some types of infertility may be linked to EFA deficiency and subsequent prostaglandin imbalance which could prevent ovulation.
Astragalas
A Chinese herb known for stimulating the immune function, it also significantly increases sperm motility by 150 percent.
Chaste tree berry
Documented ability to raise progesterone levels and lower estrogen levels. Lowered progesterone levels in the second half of a woman's cycle is a common cause of miscarriage and infertility. Researchers in Germany have discovered that chaste tree influences these hormones by acting on the pituitary gland.
Siberian ginseng
A general tonic that some believe has aphrodisiac properties that enhance and increase male sexual function, through production of LH which stimulates testosterone production.
Sarsaparilla
Widely used commercially as a flavoring and foaming agent in food, it is also considered both a male and female tonic and, in New Guinea and Central America, as an aphrodisiac. It is believed to contain hormones testosterone, progesterone and cortin, and it has been used to produce a synthetic of testosterone.
Saw palmetto
The berries were traditionally used by Native Americans as a male tonic, aphrodisiac and general gland nourisher. In clinical trials, the fruit was to reduce symptoms of BPH, enlarged prostate in men, and is shown to have estrogenic compounds.
Pumpkin seed
Rich in zinc, a nutrient vital to healthy functioning of the male reproductive system. More zinc is found in male reproductive fluid than anywhere else in male body. Pumpkin seed supplements can be purchased in powdered capsule form at most health food stores.
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Bee Pollen
Considered a complete food, is produced by the male part of flowering plants. The Hunzas of the Himalayan Mountains and the Caucasus people of Russia both renowned for their longevity, eat above-average quantities of bee pollen and raw honey. Athletes and health conscious individuals consume bee pollen as an energy-promoting food supplement.
It contains all the necessary vitamins and 10 essential amino acids necessary for a complete protein as well as enzymes and coenzymes. It has been shown to improve sperm production in men and menstrual problems in women. But if you have plant or pollen allergies, you might be allergies to bee pollen, while it has helped some people overcome allergies. Ask a health professional for advice. To find out more, you can check out Infertility Diet Plan.
