Clinical trials or monitored studies that test the efficacy of herbal preparations to treat infertility are lacking. Much of the "evidence" for herbal preparations and fertility is anecdotal, flawed or unproven, despite the prevalence of use of herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM. Certain herbs may have some benefit if you're trying to get pregnant, but always discuss any herbal preparation with a medical professional before taking it.
Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus, also called chaste tree or monk's pepper, is a fruit native to Asian and Mediterranean countries. Vitex, a small tree or large bush, now grows in many places throughout the western and southern United States as well, the University of Florida reports. Vitex may indirectly improve progesterone output in the second half of the menstrual cycle, which treats luteal phase defect, according to the University of Michigan. Luteal phase defect shortens the time between ovulation and the next menstrual period, which may not allow a developing embryo enough time to implant. In one double-blinded clinical trial, women taking Vitex had a significantly higher pregnancy rate than women taking a placebo, the same source reports. Vitex may also lower high prolactin levels, which can interfere with normal menstrual cycles and ovulation, but this action may take 12 to 18 months, the University of Maryland Medical Center warns. Some women with amenorrhea, or no periods, began having menstrual cycles after taking Vitex, UMMC adds.
Evening Primrose
Evening primrose, an herb that contains essential fatty acids, may help regulate menstrual cycles and treat amenorrhea, the UMMC reports. Evening primrose oil may also help reduce symptoms of endometriosis, according to the UMMC. Endometriosis can interfere with menstrual cycles and fertility in some cases. If you take antipsychotic medications or medications that thin the blood, you should not take evening primrose, the UMMC warns. Although a number of nonmedically monitored websites such as BabyHopes.com mention that primrose oil thins cervical mucus, making it easy for sperm to enter the uterus, no scientific proof exists.
Ginseng
Asian ginseng is promoted as an aid to increasing male sperm counts by naturopaths, Healthcommunities reports. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that in at least one study, ginseng increased sperm counts and motility. Another study reported by UMMC found that Asian ginseng decreased erection difficulties and increased sex drive.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Female Infertility
- BabyHopes: Evening Primrose Oil-Its Role in trying to Conceive
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Endometriosis
- University of Florida: Vitex Agnus-Casta
- Healthcommunities: Naturopathic Treatment for Male Infertility
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Asian Ginseng
