Fertility Herbs Part 5

Progesterone Balance

These are herbs that support production of progesterone. They do not contain progesterone, they support areas of the body that produce progesterone or regulate hormonal balance by supporting the endocrine system. Herbs that help to reduce estrogen dominance may also support the body in balancing progesterone levels. Reducing excess estrogen is important to getting progesterone levels back up. Avoiding xenohormones and protecting the body from xenoestrogens with phytoestrogen herbs may also play an important to proper progesterone levels. See Estrogen Balance section to learn more about herbs for supporting removal of excess estrogens from the body.

• Alfalfa aerial parts (Medicago sativa): Nutritive. Contains some phytoestrogens. Aids in protection against xenohormones. Aids in vaginal atrophy and dryness. Very nutritious; high in vitamins and minerals.


• Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): Supports overall endocrine system function for proper hormonal balance.
• Burdock root (Arctium lappa): Nourishing and cleansing for the liver, aiding in hormonal balance. Cleansing of the liver helps reduce excess estrogen.
• Eleuthero root and stem bark (Eleutherococcus senticosus): Supports proper endocrine function through its adaptogenic properties. Supports overall hormonal balance.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Maca may help to increase progesterone levels in both men and women. Maca works to balance the estrogen and progesterone in the body, for a healthy menstrual cycle.
• Schisandra fruit and seed (Schisandra chinensis): Adaptogen, supports healthy hormonal balance through endocrine system support. Promotes proper immune and stress response. 
• Vitex, Chaste tree berry, dried berry (Vitex agnus-castus): Vitex increases luteinizing hormone (LH) production while mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). This indirectly boosts progesterone production and chances of achieving and maintaining a successful pregnancy. 

  Sperm Count and Health

  Low sperm count and health is more prevalent that you would think. The following herbs have been shown to increase not only sperm count, but the overall health, motility and morphology. Half of the genetic makeup of your future child comes from the male partner, so optimal fertility for men is just as important as it is women!
  
• American Ginseng root (Panax quinquefolius): may support healthy sex drive, erectile dysfunction and enhance sexual performance in men. Strengthens the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) axis, aiding hormonal balance, stress management, immune function.
• Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): Traditionally used to improve sex drive and low sperm count. Supports overall endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance.
• Epimedium, also known as horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum): Aphrodisiac, increase in sexual desire and performance. The active ingredient Icariin has been shown to increase nitric oxide; increasing circulation to the extremities. Has been shown useful in aiding sustained erection.
• Fo-ti, also known as Ho Shou Wu or He Shou Wu, root (Polygonum multiflorum): Traditionally used for men who have low libido, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and poor sperm motility. Supports fertility longevity.
• Ginkgo leaves (Ginkgo biloba): #1 remedy for erectile dysfunction, increases circulation and is high in antioxidants.
• Goji berry, dried fruit (Lycium barbarum,L.chinense): protects sperm from hyperthermia (overheating), increasing hormone levels, sperm quantity and quality through its high antioxidant content. Supports hormonal balance through improved liver function support. Extremely nutritious as well.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Men who use maca have been seen to have an increased libido and healthy sperm. Increase seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculate, and sperm motility. 
• Saw Palmetto berries (Serenoa repens): Traditionally use for improving prostate health, impotence, testicular atrophy and improved sex drive in men.
• Schisandra fruit and seed (Schisandra chinensis): Supportive and protective of liver health. Shown to support immunity, endocrine and nervous system function. Studies have shown may increase in sperm count. Aids stress related infertility.
• Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris): Shown to be effective in aiding sex hormone production, increase in LH and testosterone in men. May help to increase in sperm count, motility, and health.

 Stress Related Infertility

Chronic stress may cause hormonal imbalance, lowered egg and sperm health, as well as create a lack of libido. Herbs that support healthy stress response, nourish the nervous system and support endocrine function are important.

• Ashwagandha root (Withania somnifera): Both a nervine and adaptogen. Works to re-regulate thyroid and adrenal gland function. Supports overall endocrine system function for improved stress response and hormonal balance.
• Bee Pollen/Propolis: Bee pollen has been reported to have great results in boosting immunity and fertility. Bee propolis has been found to support healthy immune, inflammation and stress response in the body.
• Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita): This herb is a nervine and mild sedative it may help to reduce stress, relax the nervous system and induce a restful state in the body.
• Eluthero root and stem bark (Elueutherococcus senticosus): Strengthens the immune system. Great for people under severe stress. This herb helps people to feel better, perform better and recover from immune suppression more quickly.


• Fo-ti, also known as Ho Shou Wu or He Shou Wu, root (Polygonum multiflorum): According to TCM helps to restore jing (life essence). Supports both thyroid and adrenal function, both are extremely important and sensitive to stress. The vine and leaf are sometimes used to aid stress, nervous tension and insomnia.
• Lemon Balm leaf (Melissa officinalis): Excellent nervous system support. Supports healthy stress response, lessens depression and anxiety. Good emotional health, and stress response is important prior to conception. Not for use for people with hypothyroidism.
• Linden flower and bract (Tilia platyphyllos, T.cordata): Mildly lowers blood pressure, reduction in depression, supports nervous system function. Great for anxiety, depression and insomnia, very gentle and safe.
• 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.
• Motherwort aerial parts (Leonurus cardiaca): Famous herbalist Nicholas Culpepper 1616-1654 said, “There is no better herb to drive away melancholy vapours from the heart, to strengthen it and make the mind cheerful.” Supports heart health, reduces anxiety.
• Schisandra, fruit and seed (Schisandra chinensis): Adaptogen, supports healthy hormonal balance through endocrine system support. Promotes proper immune and stress response.
• 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.

Uterine Fibroids

It is imperative that hormone balancing herbs are utilized, as well as ones for pain management, proper detoxification, astringent and anti-inflammatory herbs to shrink tissue, promote healthy circulation and support overall health of the uterus. Uterine fibroids are considered an estrogen dominant condition, so herbs that support proper estrogen/progesterone balance should be taken into consideration.

• Bee Propolis: Bee propolis has been shown to be extremely anti-inflammatory, promotes proper hormonal balance.
• Black Haw root bark (Viburnum prunifolium): Extremely effective at reducing uterine contractions, and uterine muscle spasm. Interchangeable with Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus). Cramp bark and Black haw have been shown to have a specific action on the uterus, the relaxing action increases circulation to the uterus, allowing for toxin removal which may aid the uterus in healing and overall improvement in uterine health.


• Black Cohosh root (Actaea racemosa): Promotes regulation of the entire menstrual cycle. For women with a uterus that feels inflamed or irritated throughout the month, Black cohosh may be an effective option in relaxing the uterus, reducing inflammation of the uterus.
• Blue Cohosh rhizome and root (Caulophyllum thalictroides): Wonderful for uterine weakness, where the uterus has lost strenght and tone.
• Blue Vervain aerial parts (Verbena hastata): Antispasmodic, supports proper function of the uterus.
• Castor Oil, oil pressed from bean (Ricinus communis): When Castor Oil is applied as a pack to the abdomen it can be used to enhance circulation and promote healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. Castor oil works to dissolve foreign tissue growth, including uterine fibroids.
• Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus): This is one of the most effective herbs for reducing uterine spasm and cramping. Cramp Bark brings relief of pain and muscle spasm for smooth muscle, especially the uterus. Interchangeable with Black Haw (Viburnum prunifolium). 
• Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Dong Quai increases circulation, which helps to bring in fresh healthy blood to remove excess tissue growth, heal tissue damage, limit scar tissue and adhesion formation. Healthy circulation ensures healthy natural cleansing of the body as well. Proper circulation is required to remove toxins, dead tissue, diseased tissue, metabolic waste from our bodies. This is very important for women with uterine fibroids.
• Ginger root (Zingiber officinale): Anti-inflammatory. Increases circulation, which also helps to reduce inflammation. Supports proper digestion, very important for inflammatory and estrogen dominant conditions . Reduction in inflammation reduces pain.
• Maca root (Lepidium meyenii): Supports endocrine system function for overall hormonal balance support.
• Motherwort aerial parts (Leonurus cardiaca): A powerful herb that brings quick relief to women who have painful periods. This herb is very effective at reducing uterine muscle spasm, cramping and improving uterine tone. Motherwort has been found to mildly stimulate the uterus, while also aiding the uterus to work efficientl
• Red Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus): Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. May help prevent hemorrhage excessive bleeding. One of the best herbs for uterine health.
• Shepherd’s purse, aerial parts (Capsella bursa-pastoris): Astringent used to reduce acute heavy or abnormal menstrual bleeding. Supports normal tissue growth.
• 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.
• Yarrow, aerial parts (Achillea millefolium): It promotes circulation, yet is extremely astringent, stopping excessive blood flow. Works well for a boggy, weak uterus. Yarrow aids in toning the muscles of the uterus.

Uterine Health

There are many herbs that have a direct action on the uterine muscles, they work to gently tone the uterus. This aid in overall uterine function. Blood nourishing herbs are also important for a healthy uterine lining.

• Borage seed Oil (Borago officinalis): Mildly stimulating to the uterine muscles through its high omega 6 essential fatty acid content. Shown to contract and relax smooth muscle tissue of the uterus.
• Blue Cohosh rhizome and root (Caulophyllum thalictroides): Wonderful for uterine weakness, where the uterus has lost strenght and tone.
• Castor Oil, oil pressed from bean (Ricinus communis): When Castor Oil is applied as a pack to the abdomen it can be used to enhance circulation and promote healing, detoxification of the tissues and organs underneath the skin, including the uterus. Promotes proper formation and function of the uterine tissue.
• Dong Quai root (Angelica sinensis): Increases circulation to the uterus, iron rich for proper blood formation, tones and strengthens the uterus by regulating hormonal control, and improving the timing of the menstrual cycle.


• Evening Primrose Oil (Oenothera biennis): High levels of LA and GLA’s in Evening Primrose Oil have a direct effect on uterine cells. These contract and relax smooth muscle tissue. This action on the uterus is toning for the uterine muscles in preparation for pregnancy. 
• Hibiscus dried flower petals (Hibiscus sabdariffa): High in vitamin C, which aids iron absorption, best combined with herbs high in iron like Nettles. Normalizing for blood pressure and proper blood formation. This is essential for a nourishing uterine lining.
• Nettles aerial parts, seed (Urtica dioica): Both astringent and high in iron and vit. C for proper tissue and blood formation. Very nutritious as well, promoting overall health.
• Red Clover aerial parts, blossom (Trifolium pratense): Nourishing food herb, high in vitamins and minerals. It is one of the best blood purifying herbs. High in both calcium and magnesium, essential for proper smooth muscle function, reducing and aiding in prevention of uterine cramping. Supports proper uterine tissue formation.
• Red Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus): Raspberry leaf works to tone the uterine muscles and normalize blood flow during menses. This is one of the best normalizing herbs for the female reproductive organs. Raspberry leaf is astringent, contracting and shrinking internal and external body tissues. May help prevent hemorrhage excessive bleeding. One of the best herbs for uterine health.