Certain herbs may be helpful in treating male infertility and improving sexual potency. According to FamilyDoctor.org, infertility is the inability to become pregnant after trying for one year without using any form of birth control. Approximately 33 percent of infertility cases are due to male infertility. Before taking herbs to help treat your infertility, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Asian Ginseng
Asian ginseng, also known as Panax ginseng, is an herb that may be helpful in treating your infertility. Asian ginseng, a member of the araliaceae family, is a slow-growing perennial plant with fleshy roots that grows throughout the northern hemisphere in the eastern parts of Asia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, Asian ginseng has demonstrated an ability to increase sperm count and sperm motility in men. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that Asian ginseng is an adaptogen and anti-inflammatory that supports your endocrine and hormonal system and has been used to help treat low sexual stamina and impotence, or the inability of a man to impregnate a women. Asian ginseng has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and possesses warming tendencies.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo, a tree with short branches, fan-shaped leaves and inedible fruits, is one of the oldest living tree species and can reach a maximum height of about 120 feet. Practitioners of botanical medicine use the leaves of the tree to help treat numerous health problems, including decreased blood flow to your peripheral tissues. According to the University of Maryland Medical center, laboratory studies have shown that ginkgo boosts blood circulation by dilating vessels and reducing the stickiness of your blood platelets. Tilgner notes that ginkgo enhances circulation to all peripheral areas, including your prostate, penis and gonads and has been used to help treat peripheral vascular insufficiency and erectile dysfunction. Tilgner cautions that taking ginkgo to help treat your infertility may cause gastrointestinal upset, headaches and increased bleeding time.
Damiana
Dr. William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that damiana, also known as Turnera aphrodisiaca, is tonic to your genitourinary system and an aphrodisiac that has been used to treat impotence and sexual neurasthenia, or severe nerve weakness or exhaustion. Damiana is a member of the turneraceae family and possesses a slightly bitter, resinous and flowery taste. The aerial parts of the plant are used medicinally to help treat many health problems, including male infertility. According to Tilgner, damiana is a stimulating nervine that may be effective in treating impotence and disinterest in sexual activity. The active constituents in damiana, notes Mitchell, include arbutin, sesquiterpenes and a variety of monoterpenes. Damiana is a soothing tonic to your sexual and urinary organs that may also help treat nervous debility and anxiety.
