Chinese herbs for fertility harmonize and regulate the endrocrine system, which regulates the menstrual cycle. This enhances your reproductive potential, making you more likely to conceive. Chinese herbs affect ovulation, stimulate the uterus, and assist in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Chinese herbalists create custom formulas based on your individual health needs, giving you a gentle but effective boost to your fertility. Chinese fertility herbalists prescribe herbs based on the phases of your menstrual cycle.
Follicular Phase
Phase I of your cycle is the follicular phase. It is the time from when your period starts--considered day 1--to ovulation, which occurs around day 14. During your period, your herbalist prescribes herbs to reduce menstrual cramps and bleeding, if it is too heavy. Once your period stops, your Chinese herbalist will prescribe herbs to help rebuild your uterine lining and promote healthy egg growth. During this time, your body secretes estrogen for your uterine lining and follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, to help stimulate the growth of multiple follicles. If your FSH and estrogen are too high or too low, your herbalist will prescribe herbs to keep them within normal range.
Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase, or phase II, is the time when ovulation takes place--when an egg is released from the ovary--usually around day 14. It lasts from 16 to 32 hours. During this phase, your body secretes luteinizing hormone, or LH, which signals your ovary to release an egg. At this time, your Chinese herbalist will prescribe herbs to help balance your hormones, strengthen your reproductive system and promote the release of an egg. If you have pain during ovulation, the herbalist will also prescribe herbs to help reduce your pain.
Luteal Phase
Phase III is the luteal phase, which is the time just after ovulation until your period starts. During this phase, your body secretes progesterone, which prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy. This phase lasts about 14 days long. Your Chinese herbalist will prescribe herbs to warm and nourish your uterus and support a possible pregnancy. If your progesterone is too low, the herbalist will also prescribe herbs to help increase progesterone levels.
Types
Chinese herbalists commonly use the following herbs to enhance female fertility:
Shu di huang (cooked rehmannia): Regulates menstruation, strengthens the reproductive system, reduces excessive menstrual bleeding and enhances fertility.
Fu pen Zi (Chinese raspberry): Stabilizes the reproductive system, warms the uterus and reduces excessive urination and vaginal discharge.
Man jing Zi (chaste tree berry): Acts on the hypothalamus to stabilize hormones, increases progesterone secretion and reduces PMS symptoms.
Shan yao (Chinese yam): Stabilizes the reproductive system, reduces excessive vaginal discharge and improves energy.
Dang gui (angelica): Regulates menstruation, reduces menopausal symptoms and reduces menstrual pain.
Yi mu cao (Chinese motherwort): Regulates menstruation, reduces endometriosis and uterine fibroids and enhances fertility.
Find a Chinese Herbalist
Look for a qualified herbalist in your area. Laws regarding certification or licensure for Chinese herbalists differ from state to state. Check with your local health department to find out about your state's requirements. You can also contact national organizations like the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) for referrals to qualified practitioners in your area (see Resources).
References
- "The Infertility Cure"; Randine Lewis, Ph.D.; 2004
- Merck: Menstrual Cycle
- "Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology"; John K. Chen, Ph.D. and Tina T. Chen, MS, L.Ac.; 2001
