Fertility herbs for women have been used for many generations, as they are quite affordable and easy to use. These fertility herbs for women are especially useful in treating issues relating to hormonal imbalances, weak uterine muscles, irregular cycles, ovulation and high stress. Fertility treatments are insanely expensive and should be regarded as the last option.
There are many reasons for infertility in women, especially in these modern times that we are exposed to so many toxins. Birth control pills are probably one of the top causes of infertility problems since they contain estrogen and stop ovulation. I do not recommend using them, since ovulation only lasts between 5 to 6 days per month. Those who take birth control pills and want to get pregnant should stop using them and proceed to detox and regulate the body.
Those that want to do a fertility cleanse can use a combination of ginger, milk thistle, stinging nettle, red clover and asparagus. There are fertility detox supplements available which also include minerals and vitamins.
These fertility herbs for women can be consumed in tincture, capsule or tea form depending on the potency and preference. It is best to consult a naturist or homeopath if you are not sure on the correct dosage of herbs. Some herbs can cause problems with medications or pre-existing conditions. There are many fertility teas and fertility tinctures that combine different herbs stating the recommended use on their label.
Some herbs should be avoided for those who want to conceive including ginkgo biloba, echinacea, and St. John’s wort. Avoid ALL emmenagogue herbs if trying to conceive since they are abortive, as well as stevia which is used by indigenous people as a contraceptive.
Best Fertility Herbs for Women
Red Clover
Women who have abnormal cells in their reproductive organs or scarring of the Fallopian tubes can use this herb. Red clover has estrogenic properties which make it a great fertility aid. Some of these fertility herbs for women can be used after pregnancy to regulate hormones. It is also useful to regulate menstruation which is important for conceiving.
It is possible to grow red clover in your garden to have a fresh supply or you can purchase red clover tea, capsules or tincture. There are also so many health benefits of red clover which is a rich source of vitamins and minerals.
Red Raspberry Leaf
This is one of the most known fertility herbs for women since it is rich in nutrients including B vitamins, iron and calcium. It can help regulate menstrual cycles which makes it easier to predict ovulation, thus increasing the chances of conception. Red raspberry leaves have astringent properties that can help contract internal and external body tissues, potentially preventing excessive bleeding in the body. An alkaloid found in this herb can help strengthen the uterine wall which helps the pregnancy stay.
You can also drink red raspberry leaf as a herb for labor starting at week 32 if you are not planning on having a cesarean or have had one in the last two years.
Stinging Nettle
Just like red raspberry leaf, nettle is also one of the fertility herbs for women that serves as a uterine tonic which helps tone and strengthen the uterus to make it a good place for the baby to grow. This herb is high in magnesium and calcium. It can also help reduce stress, which can cause major problems on fertility. Stinging nettle helps cleanse and detoxify the body of harmful toxins which may affect fertility. You can grow stinging nettle in your garden, but you may already have it!
Vitex Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree Berry)
Of all the fertility herbs for women, vitex may be the most popular since it is so beneficial. This herb regulates female hormones and stimulates ovulation. It increases progesterone during the second half of the cycle. Women who have problems ovulating regularly or have PCOS can benefit greatly from this fertility herb. You can take vitex for long periods since it is safe. It needs at least a month to start working and up to six months for the full effect. Do not take vitex if you think you may be pregnant because it can affect your hormones.
Dong Quai
Traditional Chinese medicine has several fertility herbs for women including dong quai. This plant comes from Japan and China. Asian cultures have used it for millennia to help with fertility. It has overall benefits since it improves the health of the uterus and increases blood flow throughout the body. Supplementing with dong quai also regulates female hormones and regular menstruation if it is short, light or delayed.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha or Indian Ginseng is a powerful adaptogen which can help to increase fertility. It can cure many sexual problems since it reduces stress, increases the libido level and strengthens the immune system. This herb can be taken in Ashwagandha tincture or Ashwagandha capsules. You can grow ashwagandha in your garden.
Shatavari
In the Ayurvedic list of fertility herbs for women we can find shatavari. This beneficial tonic is great at increasing fertility. Its regular use helps regulate periods and alleviate uterine irritability. Shatavari also strengthens the immune system and combats depression or stress.
False Unicorn Root
Some fertility herbs for women are very effective for women with ovarian problems such as false unicorn root. You can combine it with vitex agnus castus for greater effectiveness. Make sure not to use too much of it since it can have negative effects such as hot flashes and nausea. Taking false unicorn root helps balance hormones, reduce vaginal dryness and ease ovary pain.
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is made from the seeds of the plant which is rich in essential fatty acids which are needed for healthy hormonal function. Fertility herbs for women like evening primrose oil can help improve the quality of cervical fluid which helps the sperm stay alive longer so it can swim and reach the egg.
Alfalfa
Alfalfa is a super food because it is high in vitamins C, E and K giving the body a boost of minerals that are needed to maintain a healthy and strong reproductive system. Make sure to get organic and non GMO (bioengineered) alfalfa since it is a crop that can withstand heavy pesticide and herbicide use. Some fertility herbs for women like alfalfa can help regulate fluctuating levels of estrogen because it is a phytoestrogen which means it can block estrogen from its receptors.
Black Cohosh
Make sure not to take black cohosh for more than six months since it is a very powerful herb. Black cohosh tincture can be taken for three months to help tone the pelvic floor muscles. It also stimulates the ovaries and reverses organ prolapse. Black cohosh is an analgesic herb which can prevent endometriosis, eliminate uterine fibroids, cure ovarian cysts and soothe menstrual cramps. It is also a powerful diuretic.
Maca Root
Maca root is also a great fertility herb for men since it increases testosterone levels. Like other fertility herbs for women, maca root is an adaptogen it can help the body deal with stress and support adrenal glands. Regular consumption can increase the libido and support normal sexual function. It also improves hormonal balance and helps to have a healthy thyroid function. You can purchase maca tincture or maca roots, although it is more common to find maca powder which is consumed by the Peruvian people where it originates.
Milk Thistle
It is best to consume milk thistle in tincture or capsule form. This herb can help increase fertility since it is famous for cleansing the liver. It is one of the most natural fertility boosters, which also maintains a healthy hormonal balance and improves the quality of your eggs. Milk thistle can also be used postpartum since it helps with depression and the production of breast milk. You can grow milk thistle in your garden.
Licorice
Licorice root can be purchased in tincture form or you can use licorice root to make a decoction. Always stick to the recommended dosage. Just like milk thistle, this root helps repair the liver and detoxify the body, while supporting the endocrine system and strengthening immune health. All of this helps improve hormonal health. This root is phytoestrogen which binds to estrogen receptor sites, releasing them from foreign molecules called xenohormones that bind to hormone receptors. Licorice root helps cervical mucus production, as well as digestion, balance blood sugar levels and is anti-inflammatory.
Damiana
This shrub with yellow flowers is quite common in Mexico, South and Central America (check out my farm in Panama), as well as the West Indies. Its leaves are dried to make a tea which is an aphrodisiac. One cup per day will work wonders! It is also possible to buy damiana tincture or damiana capsules. Like other fertility herbs for women, damiana is also useful for men because it can help them with impotence and control spermatorrhea, a condition that causes accidental ejaculations. Damiana stimulates the nerves and increases blood flow to sexual organs.
Cinnamon
Just like other fertility herbs for women, cinnamon has multiple benefits for boosting fertility. 1 in 10 women suffer from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) which is a major cause of infertility. It is believed that this is caused by insulin resistance which can be combated by consuming cinnamon. It also helps control heavy menstrual bleeding. It is possible to take cinnamon tincture from the root, cinnamon capsules or cinnamon powder. It is easy to incorporate it into your diet. I add cinnamon or cardamom to my morning coffee for additional flavor.