Herbs
When having difficulty getting pregnant, many women consider natural fertility options such as herbs. Because they are totally natural, herbs are becoming increasingly popular natural fertility options when trying to conceive.
Herbs that Improve Fertility
The following herbs have beneficial properties when it comes to getting pregnant:
- Chaste Tree Berry: chaste tree berry can improve women’s chances of conceiving because it helps reduce hormonal imbalances; it also stimulates the action of pituitary gland, increasing progesterone and luitenizing hormone production, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb also reduces stress levels, which in turn has a beneficial impact on reproduction health and daily use promotes fertility
- Dong Quai: this herb improves your chances of getting pregnant by balancing estrogen and by regulating menstrual cycles. It can also improve implantation of the egg for women with autoimmune problems. However, dong quai is also a blood thinner and should therefore not be used during menstruation.
- False Unicorn Root: this herb improves reproductive health and has a normalizing effect on the ovaries. Taking too much false unicorn root can result in blurred vision, kidney or stomach irritation and vomiting
- Wild Yam: wild yam increases the production of progesterone and therefore increases your chances of getting pregnant. Wild yam should always be taken after ovulation occurs, as taking this herb before ovulation can actually prevent ovulation from taking place, thereby reducing fertility
Herbs to Avoid When Trying to Get Pregnant
It is always important to consult with your doctor or fertility specialist about taking any herbs, as even some popular herbs are not properly regulated. Also, some herbs that are popular in promoting pregnancy can actually be unsafe; for example, a recent study found that ginseng is a particularly dangerous herb to take while pregnant.
In addition, while black and blue cohosh are both commonly prescribed herbs for improving fertility, they can alos carry some serious health risks. Neither of these herbs should be taken when trying to get pregnant, or when there is a chance that an egg has been fertilized. That is because black and blue cohosh are emmengogues, meaning they are uterine tonics which can cause contractions and have adverse effects on implantation.
Here are some more tips on taking herbs while trying to get pregnant:
- only take herbs when you know you have a fertility problem that herbs can help with
- never self-medicate. Always consult a qualified medical herbalist before taking any herb
- tell your herbalist about any other medication you are taking and that you are trying to get pregnant
- be honest with your doctor/fertility specialist and tell him about any herbal fertility supplements you are currently taking or that you have taken in the past
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