Fertility Herbs Part 2

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

There are many herbs with an astringent action that can help stop heavy menstrual bleeding acutely; when it is happening. Long-term hormonal balancing herbs may also need to be considered. Heavy blood loss may lead to anemia, so herbs high in iron and vit. C should be considered as well. Vit. C aids in the absorption of iron.

• Cranesbill, dried root (Geranium maculatum): Traditionally used to stop heavy menstrual bleeding or uterine hemorrhage, very astringent.
• Cinnamon inner bark (Cinnamomum verum, C.zeylanicum): Cinnamon has been shown to be a useful tool for women with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with endometriosis, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis and primary menorrhagia. Cinnamon has been used traditionally for hundreds of years to stop excessive menstrual bleeding, hemorrhage during childbirth and miscarriage, and today for any fertility condition where heavy menstruation is present.
• Ginger fresh or dried root (Zingiber officinale): Anti-inflammatory, cleansing, pain relieving and improves circulation to the reproductive organs.


• Hibiscus dried flower petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa): High in vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, best combined with herbs high in iron. Normalizing for blood pressure.
• Liferoot, dried aerial parts (Senecio aureus): Normalizing for the menstrual cycle, astringent.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Supports endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance support.
• Nettles aerial parts, seed (Urtica dioica): Both astringent and high in iron and vit. C. Excellent nutritive herb for menorrhagia.
• Periwinkle aerial parts (Vinca major): Used traditionally to treat menorrhagia, but also to curb mid-cycle spotting/bleeding known as metrorrhagia.
• Seaweed (variety of species): High in fiber for improved hormonal balance. High in a variety of vitamins and minerals including iron, which may help prevent anemia in women with heavy monthly blood loss. Dulse, Kombu and Wakame are highest in iron. Dulse contains 4 times more iron than spinach!
• Shepherd’s purse, aerial parts (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Astringent used to reduce acute heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage.
• Vitex also known as Chaste Tree Berry, berry (Vitex agnus-castus): Vitex supports hormonal balance in the body by having an effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis (hormonal feedback loop). Supportive of hormonal balance and normalizing for the reproductive system as a whole.
• White Peony root (Paeonia lactiflora): Used in TCM to increase iron levels in women with menorrhagia, combines well with Dong Quai. Moves the blood in the pelvic area, good for uterine stagnation including conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, & PCOS, where menorrhagia may be present.
• Yarrow, aerial parts (Achillea millefolium): It promotes circulation, yet is extremely astringent, stopping excessive blood flow. Drying and moistening; promotes sweating and detoxification, but strengthens and tightens tissues. Stimulates uterus to bring on menstruation, yet curbs heavy menstrual flow; effectively aiding in regulation of menstrual flow.
•  Yellow Dock root (Rumex crispus): Stimulates bile production for healthy removal of toxins, supportive of liver health and is high in iron, which may help support adequate iron levels.

Immune Related Fertility Issues

In people with immunological fertility problems their body identifies part of reproductive function as an enemy and sends Natural Killer (NK) cells to attack. Some of the herbs on this list have been found through studies to reduce immunological response or aid the body in proper immune response. Adaptogen herbs are very helpful for people with immune related fertility issues.

• Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): Supports overall endocrine system function. Supports proper immune response, aids in possible autoimmune fertility issues.
• Bee Propolis (contains pine tree sap, similar to pycnogenol): Bee propolis may also contain immunomodulating properties. This may be beneficial for auto-immune related fertility issues such as recurrent miscarriage due to immunological response (mothers body attacks and rejects the fetus), autoimmune related Premature Ovarian Failure and antisperm antibody.
• Cordyceps mushroom (Cordyceps sinensis): Found in human trials to help restore normal macrophage and natural killer cell activity. Normalizing for immune function.
• Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Stimulates healthy immune response. Impaired immune function may greatly benefit from Dong Quai because this herb helps support natural, healthy function of the mind, inflammatory, immune system and stress response, and immune response. Dong Quai has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects which aids the entire immune system in proper function of immune response, reduces scar tissue formation, and reduces inflammation.
• Echinacea flower, root, seed (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia): One of the most important plants for stimulating the immune system. Best used for acute situations where immune function support is needed immediately.
• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): This plant is an immunomodulator, stimulating immune system function in people with autoimmune disease. Supportive of overall endocrine function for hormonal balance support as well.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, aiding both the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Supportive of both immune and stress response on the body.
• Rehmannia root, Di Huang (Rhemannia glutinosa): Supports proper insulin levels, blood pressure, inflammation response. Protective of liver health.
• Reishi mushroom (Ganoderma lucidum): Strengthens the immune system. Down-regulates excessive immune response (common in autoimmune disease), but enhances monocyte, macrophage, and T lymphocyte activity. Anti-inflammatory and stress support as well.
• Shatavari root (Asparagus racemosus): Not only does this herb support healthy fertility, it is an immune system and nutritive tonic. Supports overall immune system function.
• Shiitaki mushroom (Lentinula edodes): Stimulates and supports the immune system.
• Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris): Shown to decrease in the effects of antisperm antibodies. A study in 1998, performed in Bulgaria, using Tribulus on couples with antisperm antibodies, found a 61% increase in conception.

Libido Boosting

It is pretty tough to try and conceive when you do not even desire to make love. If you find that you sex life is lacking spark, you may need to consider herbs that have been found to increase sexual desire. These herbs promote healthy circulation to the reproductive organs.

• Damiana dried leaves and stems (Turnera diffusa): A female aphrodesiac, damiana has been used for centuries to help increase circulation to the reproductive system as well as increase sexual pleasure.
• Epimedium also known as Horny goat weed or Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium grandiflorum): A wonderful all-natural substitute for Viagra, horny goat weed has been known to increase male virility and give men longer and harder erections.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): increase sexual desire in both men and women by increasing blood flow to the pelvic region; increasing vaginal secretions in women and enhancing testosterone levels in men.
• Muira Puama bark and root (Ptychopetalum olacoides): Shown to support healthy erection and male fertility. Increases libido in men. 
• Saffron stigma and styles (Crocus sativus): Used by the ancient Egyptians to increase their sex drive, Saffron is a powerful herb that works to increase blood flow to the pelvic area, which ultimately boosts sexual feelings in both sexes. Very expensive, yet said to be very effective.
• Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris): A great uro-genital tonic, Tribulus works in both men and women. How? It helps to raise sexual energy and supports a larger, harder erection of the penis by enhancing circulation and blow flow to the area. Overall fertility tonic for male and female reproductive system.
• Vitex, Chaste tree berry, (Vitex agnus-castus): Known as an all-around female reproductive enhancer, Vitex has been used to treat many female issues, including lethargic libido. Able to increase circulation to the genitals, Vitex will also increase vaginal mucus to enhance sexual sensation and improve a woman’s energy levels.