Having a baby is an important and exciting event for most couples. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 7.3 million women in the United States, ages 15 to 44, have difficulty conceiving and resort to some type of fertility treatment. There are a variety of herbs reputed for their ability to boost fertility. Consult with your doctor or gynecologists before using herbs to increase fertility. Herbal treatments are not designed to replace standard medical treatments.
Dong Quai
Used in traditional Chinese medicine, dong quai is believed to increase your chance of conceiving. According to epigee.org, dong quai aids in estrogen level balance and promotes the implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. Epigee.org is an educational site developed by Dr. M. T. Williams, a clinical psychologist who specializes in women's health issues. Dong quai is also used by traditional Chinese medical practitioners to promote menstrual health.
Possible side effects of dong quai include increased sensitivity to sunlight and diarrhea. Possible drug interactions may occur with prescription anticoagulants such as Coumadin. Very few studies have been conducted on the effects of dong quai on human test subjects. Do not begin an herbal fertility treatment regimen, including dong quai, without first consulting with your doctor.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry is another natural herbal option for family planning. According to epigee.org, chasteberry increases your ability to conceive by balancing hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Chasteberry also is recommended by herbalists and alternative medicine practitioners to reduce and alleviate some of the symptoms of endometriosis and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as bloating, breast tenderness and irritability.
Do not use chasteberry as a fertility treatment for more than 12 consecutive months. There are no known side effects of chasteberry, but drug interactions are possible with prescription medications, including Amantadine, Seleqiline, Levodopa and Bromocriptine. Consult with a physician prior to taking chasteberry to avoid interactions with any prescription drugs that you are taking.
Red Clover
A third herb that is reputed for its ability to promote fertility is red clover. According to sharedjourney.com, red clover promotes uterine health and has a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting conception. Sharedjourney.com is an educational site developed by a team of researchers and parents to provide information on fertility, adoption and other family issues. Red clover is available in tea form. Red clover is also recommended by herbalists and other alternative medicine practitioners to ease the symptoms of menopause.
Possible side effects include increased risk for blood clots, stomach upset and diarrhea. Do not take red clover if you have a history of heart disease or stroke. Consult with your physician before taking red clover to avoid possible drug interactions with your prescription medications.
Herbs to Prevent Pregnancy
Another component of family planning is the prevention of pregnancy. Orgone Biophysical Research Lab, a research facility dedicated to the study of family planning herbs, recommends using pennyroyal, mugwort or cotton root bark, mixed in a tea with blue cohosh, black cohosh or parsley, to prevent pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor before taking herbs for the prevention of pregnancy. As with any other form of contraceptive, there is no guarantee that the use of these herbs will prevent pregnancy.
