How to Use Fertility Herbs To Enhance Your Fertility Naturally
You can increase your fertility by adding nourishing fertility herbs and tonics to your daily routine.
Using herbs that aid in fertility is an effective way to balance and nurture your body. The great thing about fertility herbs is they are abundantly available. In fact you can get most of these fertility herbs at the Natural Fertility Shop.
I have made this guide so that you would have a better understanding of herbs and there uses, but I highly recommend using one of the Fertility Programs as your fertility herbal program if you are experiencing fertility issues, because they contain the exact protocol you should follow for the greatest results.
| Detoxification Herbs Yellow Dock Burdock Dandelion |
Fertility Tonic Herbs Nettles Red Clover Red Raspberry Oat Straw Lemon Balm Skullcap Rose Hips |
Hormonal Balancing Herbs Vitex Dong Quai Maca False Unicorn Wild Yam Squaw Vine |
Men’s Fertility Herbs Ginseng Tribbulus Maca |
Herbal Solutions for Fertility Issues
Lack of menstruation (Amenorrhea)Dong Quai Preparing for ConceptionPCOSVitex EndometriosisVitex |
Low ProgesteroneIncrease Cervical MucousEvening Primrose Miscarriage Prevention*If you think a miscarriage may be happening, call your health care provider right away and rest, put your feet up. Low Sperm Count |
Detox Herbs
Detoxification herbs are mentioned in the fertility herbs section because of there ability to cleanse the blood and prepare the body for healthy conception. They also help to aid the liver in cleansing of excess hormones. If you are expriencing PMS, acne, or fertility issues staring by cleansing and nourishing the liver is a great step.
Yellow Dock
This root is known traditionally as an obnoxious weed, as is most of my favorite and most effective herbs. The roots hold the medicinal values and can be harvested with a shovel in the fall. During the fall the roots pull all of there energy back into themselves to get ready for winter, so all of the nutrients are contained in the roots. Cut them up into small pieces before drying or you will have long hard sticks when they are done drying.
Action
Yellow Dock is famous as a blood cleanser and rich in minerals, such as iron, since it likes to grow in fields and other “wild” places.
The Fertility Cleanse Kit uses herbs to help cleanse your liver of excess hormones and the uterus of excess tissues and old blood. Great to use in preparation for conception! |
Usage
My favorite way to use yellow dock root is in a tea or decoction. Boil 1 tsp. of root in water.
Burdock
Burdock loves to grow everywhere, in fields, by fences, in the woods. Burdock roots are very deep and strong. When I harvested burdock for the first time, I got my but kicked because the roots are so strong and deep, but that is what makes burdock full of minerals and bitters.
When you are preparing burdock for the drying rack cut up into small pieces so you can add them to blends easily. Burdock is most effective if taken over a long period of time.
Action
Burdock root is best known for:
-Cleansing the blood
-Moving the lymph
-Clearing out the lungs
-Cleansing the uterus
-Flushing the kidneys
-Aids in digestion
-Neutralizes toxins
Usage
Fresh Burdock Root Tincture – 2 dropper full (30ml) 3x a day.
Dried Infusion (root) – Use 1 tsp root to 1 cup water, bring to a boil.
Dandelion
You can find dandelion just about anywhere, but it doesn’t mean you can use it. Make sure if you are wild crafting dandelion that it is from an unsprayed yard
and in the spring time, before it flowers if you are harvesting leaves or in the fall for the roots.
Action
The leaves and the roots are full of minerals that help to:
-Cleanse the liver
-Cleanse the kidneys
-Aid the stomach
-Rich in calcium, iron and vitamin A, and C.
-Moves the lymph
Usage
I think the best way, which is also the burliest, is to juice the leaves. Use 1- 6 T. as part of a juice blend with other vegetables and fruit.
You can also eat the young leaves in a salad or blanch like you would swiss chard.
The third way, and easiest, is to drink both the dried leaf and root in a tea or part of a Detox Tea Blend.
Nourishing, Tonic Herbs
Tonic herbs are herbs that nourish the body due to there high mineral and vitamin content. These tonics specifically help the reproductive system by nourishing the endocrine system, uterus, and nervous system.
Nettles
Nettles are an enigma type of herb, many healing uses, yet the sting will never let you forget her. Nettles may be harvested in the spring time, make sure to
use gloves.
This mineral dense herb is gentle enough that it can be used daily, that is why it is a tonic/nourishing herb.
Action
-Nutritive – which means it is high in nutrition, nettles contains many mineral, vitamins and chlorophyll
-Gently cleanses the kidneys, lungs, and intestines
-Replenishes fried adrenals
-High in chlorophyll which helps to restore and balance the hormones
Usage
The best way to use nettles would be to eat it like a dark green with dinner, Use only the young spring time leaves when eating it and make sure to blanch it so the sting leaves.
The second best would be to juice the young fresh leaves, 3tsp. a day.
More realistically us fresh nettle leaf tincture – 2 dropper (30ml) a day
Dried nettle leaf infusion, drink 1 -2 cups a day.
Safe to drink daily, even once pregnant
Red Clover
Ahhh red clover, Susun Weed calls this the best herb for increasing fertility. I love red clover because of the mellow flavor and nourishing taste it has. This is a woman’s herb all the way! Red clover can be found in fields in the spring time with bees buzzing around them. You want to use the blossom.
Actions
-It is high in vitamins that are especially useful for the uterus
-Alkalizes the body, which in turn creates a healthy environment in the vagina and uterus in favor of conception
-Helps to balance hormones
Uses
Tea – Red clover makes a great sun tea, I like to use it best in my fertility tea blend.
Raspberry lf.
Raspberry leaves are commonly found growing in the wild where I live. The leaves are one of the best herbs (I know I say that about every one of them listed;) for preparing the body and uterus for conception. Raspberry leaves taste mild and can be consumed daily, especially once you are pregnant.
Actions
-Raspberry leaf is a uterine tonic
-Contains a large amount of absorb-able calcium
-High in minerals and vitamins
Uses
I love raspberry leaf in the daily Fertility Tea Blend, drank warm or as iced tea.
Safe to take daily for months, even once pregnant
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian root that is dried, powdered than eaten, or taken in capsules. Maca is one of the most popular fertility herbs of the time for both men and women. There are many studies available to prove the exciting uses of this herb/food. To learn more about maca click here.
Actions
-Balances hormones without containing hormones
-Increases progesterone
-Increases sex drive
Uses
I love, love, love to use maca in my fertility smoothie – 1Tbl. per day
Capsules
Oat straw
Oat straw is a very soothing and nourishing herb. It always reminds me of a big soft mama cooking at the wood fire stove, taking care of you, very nourishing. oats and oat straw is the same herb, just different parts. oat straw makes a great addition to any tea blend and has a mild, almost invisible taste.
Actions
-Strength giving food (oatmeal)
-Aids the nervous system, short term and long term
-Helps the endocrine system
-Mild aphrodisiac
Uses
Infusion – I like to add this to the Fertility Tea Blend. Drink warm or as iced tea
Tincture is good for more acute(right now) stressful situations; 3 dropper (30ml) a day in water or juice
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is from the mint family and is sweet in its actions and gently calming while creating happiness. Lemon balm has a slight lemon taste to it and still kind of minty. It is really easy to grow. Use the dried or fresh leaf.
Actions
Calms the nervous system
Replenishes the nerves
Uses
Great as an addition to a tea blend such as the Fertility Tea Blend.
Skullcap
Skullcap is another herb that focuses on calming the nervous system without sedating. I focus so much on tonics for the nervous system because stress can affect our fertility and at the least affect our experience while we are on our conception journey. Taking a “nervine” (tonic for the nervous system) can actually help to build up the nervous system for long term (stress to come) and also act on stress in the present.
Actions
-Calms the nervous system
-Aids with insomnia
Uses
Infusion – Add to the fertility tonic blend or drink by its self; 1tsp dry herb to one cup of boiling water.
Rose Hips
Rose hips are the fruit from roses. They are dainty little things that are packed with vitamin C. Rose hips are best, and can only be harvested at the start
of winter. After the first frost is best because the vitamins are locked in the fruit.
Actions
-Nutritive – full of vitamin c and other vitamins
-Boosts the immune system
Uses
Use the dried hips in tea blends, I buy them slightly crushed
Add to the tea after stove turned off so the heat doesn’t kill all of the vitamin C, which is sensitive to high heat
Hormone Balancing Herbs
Vitex
Vitex also is sometimes known as Chaste Berry. Vitex has been used for centuries to aid in fertility and has many studies proving its actions. This herb has an amazing intelligence by balancing which hormones need to be balanced without affecting the other hormones. Vitex takes some time to work, expect to take it for 3-6 months to experience its effects. Learn more about Vitex here.
Actions
-Helps to balance out the menstrual cycle
-Lengthens the second half of the cycle if a woman’s cycle is too short (luteal phase defect).
-Promotes ovulation
-Increases progesterone without containing hormones
-Helps amenorrhea
-Regulates the pituitary gland
Uses
Vitex Capsules – 900 – 1,000mg a day. Take all month long except during menstruation.
You can take vitex daily for up to 18 months, unless you get pregnant
Take vitex in the morning as a single daily dose.
Donq Quai
Dong Quai works by promoting blood flow to the pelvis where it will stimulate an absant or scanty period. It also nourishes the blood (it is in nearly all chinese herbal blood-building formulas). Treats iron deficiency and anemia. One of the best uses is it helps women who are not menstruating to invite there menstruation back. The increased circulation also helps to stregthen and balance the uterus. In rat studies it has been show to help build the uterus lining.
Dong Quai also has a relaxing effect on both the uterus and the nervous system. This can be helpful in situations such as PMS and cramping during your period. It’s relaxing effects are just as powerful as well known hrbs lavnder, chamomile, or valerian root.
Actions
-Menstrual irregularities
-Delayed or absent menstruation
-Short periods with cramping
-If you experience cramping and PMS during your period.
-Women who have stoped taking birth control pills and need to encourage a regular cycle
Uses
2 capsules daily. Do not take during menstruation. For long term use take for two weeks begining one day after your menses is over and ending one week before menstruation. Dong quai can safely be used over a long period of time.
Caution
While Dong Quai is considered safe for most people, there are some instances this herb should not be used.
Not for use during menstruation or pregnancy. Dong quai should not be used by those with diarrhea, hemorrhagic diseases, or excessive menstrual flow. If you are using any anti-coagulant or blood thinning medication such as warfarin or aspirin, consult your health care professional prior to using this product. Discontinue use prior to undergoing surgical procedures.
False Unicorn
A beautiful plant that is an ancient woman’s ally. Powerful and gentle. I have never wild harvested this plant before beacuse it is on the endangered species list.
Action
-Uterine tonic
-Alkalinizing effect on the ovaries, kidneys and bladder (good)
-Normalizes hormones (contains precursors to estrogen)
-Helps to prevent miscarriage
-Increases muscle tone of the uterus
Uses
Tincture – 15 drops per day
Infusion – up to 1/2 cup per day, best to use in combination with other herbs
Can be used daily for long periods of time in small doses that have been provided.
Wild Yam
Wild Yam has to be one of the most popular herbs in the worlds. Over 2,000,000 prescriptions a year are sold that contain its derivatives!
Actions
-Regulates hormone production by balancing the progesterone to estrogen ratio
-Contains steroidal saponins which are the building blocks needed to make progesterone and cortisone.
-Liver tonic
-Helps to synthesize sex hormones
Uses
-Used to create progesterone products. My favorite form is Fertility Progesterone Cream or Progest.
-Cream – Read the directions
-Capsule – 1275 mg to 1500 mg twice a day, every day
-Can be used over an extended period of time
Men’s Fertility Herbs
These traditional herbal tonics have been shown through studies and hundreds of years of use to help men have healthier sperm and increased fertility. Most of these herbs are adaptogen which help to nourish the endocrine system so all of the hormones are working properly.
Maca
Men who use Maca have been shown to have an increase in libido and healthy sperm.
Actions
-Helps to balance hormones
-Increases libido and stamina
-Increases sperm count
Uses
Powder- Take 1T – 3T daily. Add to juice or smoothies.
Capsules – Take 2-3 tablets a day.
Tincture – Take 40 drops daily added to water or juice
Tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris has been used traditionally as a fertility and reproductive health herb for hundreds of years. In more modern time Tribulus has proven true to its reputation. This south Asian herb can be used by both men and women while most studies have been on its effects on sperm health.
Tribulus has been shown in studies to help:
-Improve sex drive
-Increase sperm count
-Improve sperm motility
-Promote sperm viability
-Possibly stimulate ovulation
-Decreased the effects of sperm antibodies
Uses
Take 500mg 3 times a day for at least 60 days.
Panax Ginseng
- Studies have shown that ginseng helps to increase sperm counts, motility and quality of sperm.
Actions
-Increases sperm health
-Improves sperm movement and motility
-Improves low sperm count
Uses
Capsules – Take daily, follow instructions on the bottle.
