Infertility is a condition characterized by the inability to conceive a child after a year or more of regular sexual activity, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." This condition affects about 20 percent of the adult population in the United States. Infertility may be caused by genetic factors, infection, chronic drug or alcohol use or exposure to radiation or toxins. Although herbs may not cure infertility, certain herbs may increase your chances of successfully conceiving a child. Talk to your doctor before taking any herb to address fertility problems.
Ginseng
Siberian and Chinese ginseng may be useful for improving fertility in males, according to the Herbs 2000 website. These herbs, which have similar chemical structures, may improve blood circulation, enhancing the health of male reproductive organs. Ginseng may also increase sperm count in males, and may stimulate testosterone production. However, scientific evidence linking ginseng to male fertility is not conclusive. Consult your physician if you plan to take ginseng to address fertility problems. Ginseng may cause insomnia and blood clotting problems.
Sarsaparilla
Sarsaparilla was originally used by ancient Greek and Roman physicians as an antidote for poisons. In the late 1400s, European herbalists began using sarsaparilla as a treatment for syphilis, according to Michael Castleman, author of "The New Healing Herbs." Sarsaparilla contains chemical compounds, called saponins, that may increase sexual function and fertility in women, although current evidence is inconclusive. Talk to your doctor before treating infertility with sarsaparilla -- this herb is a diuretic, and may contribute to dehydration.
Chaste Berry
The chaste berry tree is a tall shrub characterized by small, blue-violet flowers. This herb may inhibit the production of a hormone called prolactin, which may interfere with the ovulation cycle, according to the Herbs 2000 website. It may also stimulate the production of progesterone, a hormone that is necessary for normal ovulation. The regulation of ovulation may increase your chances of conceiving a child. Check with your physician before taking chaste berry for infertility -- it may cause skin rashes and gastrointestinal distress.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola has a long history of use in herbal medicine -- it was used by ancient Ayurvedic healers as a remedy for leprosy, and by Filipino healers as a treat for gonorrhea. Gotu kola may increase fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, according to Balch. It may also help prevent infections that can contribute to infertility. However, there is no current scientific evidence to support gotu kola's use as a fertility treatment. Talk to your doctor before taking gotu kola -- in rare cases, it may cause headaches or skin rashes.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- Herbs 2000: Infertility, Male
- "The New Healing Herbs"; Michael Castleman; 2010
- Herbs 2000: Infertility, Female
