Herbs for Fertility
By Cynthia Johnston - Herbalist & Owner of
MoonMaid Botanicals

There are many reasons why “infertility” can become an issue for couples trying to conceive.  It can be physical, emotional as well as environmental.  And, thankfully, there are many herb choices we can make to assist both the female and male body to become ripe for fertility.

The many “estrogenic” toxins in our environment in foods, the air, and our water often make fertility a struggle for couples today.   As these toxins are estrogenic, they inhibit the healthy hormone combination of progesterone and estrogen making it impossible for sperm to impregnate a fertile egg or for a woman to maintain a pregnancy.  One simple dietary solution is to remove “estrogenic” substances from the diet by avoiding all commercial dairy and meat foods that are fed “growth hormones” that are estrogen when entering the human body.  Pesticides on fruits and vegetables are also “estrogenic” so organic produce is also extremely helpful.  Another suggestion, avoid too many soy foods which are also very estrogenic.

Since this article is about herbs….let’s discuss some herbs that will promote healthy reproductive health that when combined with the dietary suggestions above will promote the welcoming of a healthy pregnancy. 

I work with women who struggle with their cycles due to hormone imbalance.  If ovulation is not regular, it is difficult to know when one is “ripe” for pregnancy.   Topical creams of wild yam are extremely helpful in regulating the cycle.  When one ovulates regularly it is easy to choose the optimal time for intercourse that will lead to a birth.  I have found wild yam in a cream form to be instrumental in assisting women in optimal fertility. Wild Yam Creams are an herbal alternative to the popular progesterone products.

Vitex, Lemon Balm, and Raspberry Leaf and Nettles are critical for infertility issues.  Vitex and Red Clover are known to be hormone regulators.  Nettles and Raspberry Leaf nourish the body.  Nettles, also supply a bio-available protein to nourish the adrenals which are critical to a healthy reproductive system.  Raspberry Leaf, Dong Quai, Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng), Sarsasparilla Root, Damiana and Black Cohosh are also herbs that nourish the reproductive system.  

Alkalinity is something else to consider for both men and women.  In women it will cause their vaginal secretions to “kill the sperm” and in men it makes the sperm “slow swimmers.”  Kombuchu or mushroom tea is a wonderful tonic that helps to maintain a healthy alkalinity in the body.  Miso and B complex are two things to consider if you are acidic.

There are a number of wonderful books that include excellent chapters on fertility and that I have used for reference here.  One of my teachers Amanda McQuade Crawford has written 'Herbal Remedies for Women'.  An invaluable resource for information on herbs.  Another is 'Herbal Healing for Women' by Rosemary Gladstar. 

I trust this article and these books will remind that for every drug available….there are a number of herbs that will address the same issue.

Big Blend Radio - Cynthia Johnston was a featured guest on Ultimate Living Radio show on February 26, 2010. To meet the rest of the guests and listen to the entire show, please click here. To listen to Cynthia's interview, please double click on the Play Button below.