Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant despite one year of regular sexual intercourse without contraception or six months in women 35 years or older. Persistent miscarriage is also linked to infertility. Infertility impacts men and women almost equally. Some studies show that herbs are generally a safe way for overcoming infertility, notes the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
Asian Ginseng
Asian or oriental ginseng is the most famous herb in East Asian medicine. Asian ginseng is widely believed to be capable of enhancing sperm count and strengthening sperm cells motility in men, reports the University of Michigan Health System. Patients treated with Asian ginseng are typically recommended a dose of four grams daily for up to three months.
Maca
Maca is a cruciferous vegetable. It is cultivated for food and medicine. Maca has long been valued for its property to improve male fertility, notes the NYU Langone Medical Center. The dried maca roots are medicinally important part. The strong-smelling compound of maca root, called glucosinolate, is thought to be responsible for its medicinal properties, but there is no convincing evidence to support this claim.
American Ginseng
American ginseng is a perennial aromatic herb native to North American. It grows in shady deciduous forest of the eastern United States. American ginseng is a cultivated crop, whose root is used medicinally. Supportive studies indicate that American ginseng may improve male fertility by increasing sperm count and mobility, but this is far from the definitive, according to the University of Maryland. Further studies are also needed to determine what dose may be safe and effective.
References
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine: Acupuncture and Herbs Can Help with Infertility
- University of Michigan Health System: Male Infertility
- University of Michigan Health System: Asian Ginseng
- University of Michigan Health System: Alternative Medicine - Cam
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Male Infertility
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Maca
