Herbs to Enhance Fertility

How Common Is Infertility?

In Australia we used to have problems with 1 in 15 couples, now it is 1 in 6.

Researchers find that women's reproductive health problems are responsible for about 50% of infertility cases, while men's problems are responsible for 40%. Studies have shown that male fertility as assessed by sperm counts has decreased across the whole world by 50% in the last 50 years, if this current trend continues the last generation to be able to reproduce naturally has already been born!

What can you do?

First identify the reason for difficulty conceiving. This may include: heavy metal testing; blood work and swabs for identifying infections; nutritional assessments; hormonal and cycle charting; assessment of chemical toxicity and radiation exposure; assessment of stress exposure; and assessment of allergies.

From here your health professional can design a program to address the issue/s directly.

How can herbs help?

Herbs are powerful tools for balancing our hormones, improving cervical mucus production, clearing infections, supporting detoxification of chemicals and heavy metals, improving digestion, treating immune system irregularities and reducing the impact of stress on the body.

Herbs and hormones

Chemical constituents of plants have physiological influences on body tissues, organs and glands. For example, herbs that are known to contain saponins which have a similar structure to steroidal hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, androgens and corticosteroids are used for menstrual irregularity, abnormal bleeding, infertility, menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms. Some herbs such as false unicorn root, were not used when women were unmarried, because of an observed increase in fertility (and presumably libido as well).

Oestrogen like effects can be observed from the use of black cohosh, ginseng and licorice (triterpenoid saponins). The do not create a direct oestrogen affect but cause secondary changes in the reproductive tract or the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Steroidal saponins are found in many commonly eaten foods such as root vegetables, nightshades, grains and potatoes. False unicorn, true unicorn and wild yam contain steroidal saponins which need healthy bowel flora before they can be absorbed. Steroidal saponins can bind to receptor sites weakly and act as modulators of oestrogen response.

It is strongly advisable to seek the advise of a professional herbalist to achieve theraputic success. Preconception care is a very effective way of improving your fertility and general health with out drugs and artificial hormones.

Self Help for improving fertility

There are many ways you can help you fertility on a daily basis:

· eat fresh, in season and preferably organic food

· reduce exposure to chemicals in the home and environment by using environmentally friendly products and avoiding polluted areas

· drink filtered water

· reduce mobile phone and microwave use

· take nutritional supplementation, particularly important for fertility are zinc, selenium, manganese, essential fatty acids as well as many others

· exercise regularly and take time out to relax and listen to your body

The information presented on this site is presented as a information guide and reference only, and is not intended as a substitute for competent advice and guidance by a qualified practitioner.

Copyright 2002-2008 -The Radiance Clinic
email: radiance@westnet.com.au
Mobile: 0403 194 226