Vitamins & Herbs That Support Female Fertility

According to the National Institute of Child Health and Development, female fertility requires a variety of conditions to be successful. The female body requires 13 essential vitamins to support development, growth and function, and there are several vitamins and herbs that can have an effect on the organs and the reproductive hormones important for fertility. Consult your doctor before taking any herbs for fertility.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 promotes female fertility by regulating reproductive hormones. According to the Merck Manuals, vitamins B6 can treat a luteal phase defect. The luteal phase is the period of time from ovulation to menstruation and usually lasts for around 14 days. During this phase the body produces an increased level of progesterone and estrogen, which stimulate the lining of the uterus and thicken it for it to receive a fertilized egg and promote implantation. A luteal phase defect results in a much shorter luteal phase, which is unable to support a pregnancy and results in miscarriage, and taking vitamin B6 can prolong this stage and support fertility.

Folic Acid

Folic acid helps the body to produce new cells and can prevent spina bifida during pregnancy. According to Dr. Marilyn Glenville, folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B9 or folate, also helps to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA, but folic acid is better taken with a range of other vitamins to promote its fertility properties. Folic acid is found in green leafy vegetables including peas, fruit and spinach, and women should eat as many of these folic-acid rich foods as possible during pregnancy.

Red Clover

According to Susun S. Weed, author of the "Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Years," red clover is the best herb a woman can use for fertility. The herb boosts circulation, helps to move blood through a woman's reproductive system and provides nutrients which support the female system. The herb also contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which support the reproductive system and strengthen the bones, and red clover supports and regulates the menstrual cycle when combined with other herbs such as nettles or red raspberry. It also promotes healthy sperm in men. Consult your doctor before taking red clover for fertility.

Raspberry Leaf

Raspberry leaf is another herbs used for fertility. According to Weed, raspberry leaf contains an alkaloid called fragrine, which helps to tone up the muscles in the pelvic region. Drinking raspberry leaf tea can help to prevent miscarriage and helps to relieve morning sickness during pregnancy, and it can also help the body to create breast milk. Raspberry leaf also contains high levels of vitamin C, calcium and iron, and when combined with red clover it can increase fertility in men and women. Consult your doctor before taking this or other herbs.

Other Vitamins and Herbs

The Health Food Guide states that broccoli contains a high level of folic acid, which helps with normal tissue growth in women and is beneficial during pregnancy. According to Nettle Remedies Info, nettle leaf contains a high level of chlorophyll and minerals, which are good for the hormonal system, and using dong quai in conjunction with other herbs during the ovulation and menstrual cycle can help to promote fertility.