After trying for a baby for a year, a person is considered to be infertile. Some cases of infertility will subside without treatment and others will require medication or surgical procedures to restore fertility. In the case of hormone imbalances or ovulation problems causing the infertility, these may be treated by the use of herbs.
Chasteberry
A chasteberry comes from a shrub like plant, native to Central Asia and the Mediterranean. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, chasteberries are used to ease menstrual discomforts, stimulate breast milk production, increase fertility and prevent acne. To treat these issues the entire chasteberry is not used, instead an extract is taken from a dried ripened berry and then made into a liquid extract or a capsule. According to Ovulation Calculator, chasteberry stimulates the pituitary gland and its progesterone function. Women who have trouble ovulating often take chasteberry around the time of ovulation, since it is said to extend the luteal phase, although it is recommended by the Ovulation Calculator website to take it daily to promote fertility.
Wild Yam
Wild yam is not actually a yam, but a plant that contains a special chemical called diosgenin. Diosgenin is used to make steroids, which include estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. Although there are over 600 different versions of this plant only specific ones are grown for steroid use and only 12 are edible. According to MedlinePlus, wild yam is used to combat menstrual cramps, vaginal dryness in menopausal women, prevent osteoporosis and to increase energy and libido in men. However, it is mainly used as a "natural" estrogen replacement. This extract can also promote progesterone production, in women with short luteal phases, but should be taken after ovulation and not before, since it can prevent ovulation.
Dong Quai
Dong quai is a plant is used for its medicinal purposes. The part of the plant that is used is the root; this root is often referred to as angelica root. Dong quai can be used to balance estrogen in the body and to thin the blood. Women who have auto immune disorders that cause implantation problems may find this benefit helpful. MedlinePlus lists several other benefits of Dong Quai, including treating anemia, constipation, joint pain, ulcers, infertility and hypertension.
