Infertility can be a heartbreaking problem, leading those who suffer from it to try anything that they hear will improve their chances of conceiving. When it comes to herbs, there are several that are said to offer help but very few with scientific research behind the claims. If you wish to try an herbal fertility remedy, first speak with your physician, and then choose herbs that have been backed up with research to reduce the risk of negative effects.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry, known scientifically as Vitex agnus castus, has been used for centuries to treat many women's issues, such as menstrual problems and menopausal symptoms. Chasteberry is often used in conjunction with other compounds such as green tea or antioxidants. Scientists have studied fertility treatments that are based on chasteberry, and have found them to be effective in increasing pregnancy rates. A report in the 2006 issue of "Clinical and Experimental Obstetrics and Gynecology" shows that use of fertility preparations that include chasteberry improve chances of conception, cause no known side effects and should be considered as an alternative fertility treatment.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, has been shown to increase the pregnancy rate in infertile couples. A study published in the April, 2008 issue of "Reproductive Biomedicine Online" reports that two groups of infertile patients were given fertility drugs to improve their ovulation cycle, but one group also had 120mg black cohosh added to their daily routine. The black cohosh group had better outcomes with the regulation of their fertility cycles and increased rates of pregnancy. Black cohosh is available in tablet or liquid extract form.
Ciwujia
Infertility is not just a woman's problem. Occasionally, the problem with fertility lies with the man. One issue that can cause infertility is the failure of the sperm to move strong and fast enough to implant the egg. An herb that has been scientifically proven to improve the motility of the male sperm is Ciwujia. Ciwujia is a Chinese herb, also known as acanthopanacis senticosus. In 2007, researchers at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China treated sperm in a test tube with an extract of ciwujia, and found that there was a significant increase in the rate of their mobility, leading them to recommend it as a therapy for this type of infertility. The study's abstract is published by the National Institutes of Health.
