Having a child after 40 can prove to be challenging for both men and women. A number of infertility causes could be at play in people over 40 including low sperm count and motility, fibroids, endometriosis, short or irregular menstrual cycles and other health issues. Herbs are considered by some as an alternative method to increasing fertility. Traditional Chinese medicine, or TCM, uses herbs to increase sperm motility and treat uterine problems. Even though fertility enhancing herbs are widely available, it is important to use them with extreme caution. Until there is more research on the benefits and risks of taking herbs for fertility, it is best to stick to conventional treatments, says Mary Gallenberg, M.D., gynecologist and obstetrician with MayoClinic.com. Always consult with a health professional before taking any herb or herbal supplement.
Dong Quai
Dong quai, known as the female ginseng or by its official name Angelica polymorpha, has traditional uses in Asia and China for blood building, menstruation regulation and as a fertility enhancer, notes Dr. Maoshing Ni, author of "Secrets of Self-Healing: Harness Nature's Power to Heal Common Ailments." Also referred to as the queen of women's herbs because of its nourishing effect on the female reproductive system, dong quai has an extensive nutritional profile. It is very rich in vitamin E, iron, cobalt, and a score of other vitamins and minerals. Dong quai may cause an enlargement of the breast in men and may interfere with anticoagulants such as Coumadin, according to MedlinePlus.
Chaste Berry or Vitex
Chaste berry, identified by its bright lavender flowers, is native to Asia and Southern Europe. European immigrants brought chaste berry to the United States in the early 1800's. The unique composition of chaste berry incorporates flavonoids and terpenoids, which helps promote the herb's medicinal effects. Chaste berry produces luteinizing hormone, or LH, which regulates the estrogen and progesterone levels. According to the Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, chaste berry gets its name because the herb was thought to promote chastity. The Encyclopedia also states that uses of the herb include treating acne, fibroids, menstrual problems and infertility. After getting pregnant, discontinue the use of chaste berry during pregnancy. Dizziness and rashes are also possible side effects of taking chaste berry.
Saw Palmetto Berries
Fatty acids, such as lauric, oleic acid, palmitic and caprylic, make up the unique nutritional profile of saw palmetto berries. The complex mixture of fatty acids and phytosterols makes saw palmetto berries an incredible herb for the male reproductive system. According to the Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements, saw palmetto berries can treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and other urological disorders. Uses of saw palmetto berries also include improving impotence, thyroid disorder and infertility in both men and women. Some possible side effects include headaches, diarrhea and nausea.
Maca Root
Maca, or Lepidium meyenii, is sometimes called the Peruvian ginseng and grows high up in the Andes Mountain. Maca uses include increasing the libido in both men and women, increasing the quality of semen, and as a staple food because of its rich vitamin and mineral content. Maca can be eaten cooked, as flour, gelatinized and powdered. Maca's use is mainly for food so it presents little known side effects.
Ginseng
According to the MayoClinc.com, early evidence suggests that ginseng helps male fertility by increasing sperm motility. Ginseng can make a very potent tea and is also available in powdered capsule form. Traditionally, ginseng has been used in aphrodisiac tonics, to treat male sexual dysfunction, as well as a host of other health conditions. Possible side effects ginseng include insomnia, breast pain, decrease in appetite, dizziness and skin conditions such as eczema. Ginseng is a very powerful herb and requires proper supervision. Always talk with a qualified medical professional before starting any herbal regimen.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Infertility
- "The Fertility Sourcebook"; M. Sara Rosenthal; 2002
- "Secrets of Self-Healing: Harness Nature's Power to Heal Common Ailments"; Maoshing Ni; 2007
- "Encyclopedia of dietary supplements"; Paul M. Coates; 2005
- Mayo Clinic: Ginseng (American Ginseng, Asian Ginseng, Chinese Ginseng, Korean Red Ginseng, Panax Ginseng: Panax spp., Including P. Ginseng C.C. Meyer and P. quinquefolius L., Excluding Eleutherococcus Senticosus)
