Chinese Herbs: Can They Enhance Fertility?

Updated on March 11th, 2020
Chinese Herbs

Did You Know!

  • There are herbal supplements for men, too, to improve sperm parameters.

Female fertility is extremely important to overcome the low birth rate and an aging population. The prevalence of infertility has taken a huge leap in percentage since 1990 all across the globe.

In 2010, the recorded infertile couples all over the world accounted for 48.5 million(1). This sounds quite alarming as the growth and prosperity of any nation, and also the economy of the world rests on the youth.

Hence it becomes extremely important to treat this ever-increasing problem of infertility which is commonly observed in both men and women equally.

Chinese herbs have aided in treating infertility since time immemorial. Records indicate that the treatment of infertility and miscarriage by using Chinese herbs date back to 200A.D(2).

Both functional and organic issues, responsible for causing infertility, are treated by using 150 different kinds of Chinese herbs to compose complex formulas consisting of 15 or more ingredients. Although there are separate formulas for men and women, a considerable overlapping of ingredients is noticed in formulating them.

Herbs should never be consumed during pregnancy.

Most Effective Chinese Herbs for Treating Infertility

Before going into a detailed study of the most effective Chinese herbs for infertility treatment, it is important to know that there is no such ‘one-size-fits-all’ option for treating the problem of infertility.

However, the success rate of these herbs in resulted pregnancies, through treatment for both males and females, ranges between 50% to 90%.

This has instigated more and more usage of these herbs, especially in China, for curing myriad infertility issues involving obstruction of the fallopian tubes, absent ovulation, uterine fibroids, low sperm count, and others.

Here is a list of some of the most commonly used Chinese herbs, which have proven most effective in treating infertility in both sexes.

1. Vitex

Vitex
Image: ShutterStock

 Why does it work?

Vitex or Chaste Tree Berry is an extremely renowned herb, known for balancing out the menstrual cycle and resolving PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

It is believed to directly act upon the pituitary gland present in the human brain, which triggers the strength of the Luteinizing Hormone(LH) surge, responsible for increasing ovulation.

Other benefits of this herb are:

  •     Strengthens ovulation and production of progesterone in the luteal phase.
  •     It decreases abnormally high prolactin.
  •     Improves hormone balance and ovarian function.

How to use and how much to use?

This Chinese herb comes in varied forms including loose, tea, capsules, powder and tincture. However, the most convenient and effective is to consume its tablets or take them in tincture form. In this manner, you can monitor the correct dosage as well.

Vitex should be taken once daily, in the morning on an empty stomach, preferably half an hour before breakfast. It should be taken for the entire month without any gap. The capsule dosage should be 900-1000 mg per day while the tincture dosage should be 60-90 drops per day.

2.    Maca

 Why does it work?

Maca has been marked as libido and fertility-enhancing medicine since ages. It affects androgens (testosterone levels) in both men and women and acts as an adaptogen which helps reduce stress levels and affect fertility positively.

How to use and how much to use?

Consuming Maca tablets regularly for four months increases semen and sperm count in healthy men, which in turn result in improved fertility.

Maca is a vegetable crop that can be consumed in foods such as baked, roasted or as a soup. A fermented drink called maca chicha is also made out of this plant which is widely used as a Chinese herb supplement.

3.    Cinnamon

cinnamon benefits
Image:ShutterStock

 Why does it work?

Cinnamon works wonderfully in improving fertility in both men and women. The cinnamon bark is used in Chinese medicine to warm the interior and nourish yang energy which is excellent for treating infertility.

The sperm production and quality of sperm in men increase with regular consumption of this herb. Also, Cinnamon has been seen to be extremely helpful for women with PCOS.

How to use and how much to use?

Cinnamon can be used for infertility in the grounded form with meals. Cinnamon tea with honey also helps as a healing spice. Alternatively, couples can take it in the form of cinnamon spice supplements.

It is advised to take one capsule of cinnamon herb thrice a day or 3 grams of the herb if taken in powder form. If taken in tincture form, 45-115 drops should be consumed every day.

[Also Read: Essential Oils for Fertility]

4.    Tribulus Terrestris

chinese herbs for infertility
Image:ShutterStock

 Why does it work?

Tribulus helps normalize cycle and create predictable ovulation in women suffering from irregular ovulation, particularly due to PCOS.

In men, it improves sperm parameters like sperm count, volume as well as mobility. It has been proven that when couples, having high levels of anti-sperm antibodies, take it together, this herb increases the conception rate in them.

How to use and how much to use?

Tribulus can be taken in capsule or tincture (liquid extract) form. Men should take it consistently every day for 3 to 6 months to ensure guaranteed results while women should have it every day for at least a month.

The dosage for capsules should be 500 gms in the initial stage, and it can go up to 1500 mg a day as per requirement. The tincture should be taken at a dose of 3-5 ml, two times every day.

Herbs should never be taken along with birth control pills, Antigone/Cetrotide or Lupron.

Chinese herbs are one of the most sophisticated herbal systems existing in today’s world. These oriental herbs are prescribed as targeted, balanced formulas that increase fertility and also promote overall growth.

However, it is important to follow the correct prescription and take the appropriate dosage consistently so as to show effective results at the earliest.

Also, these can be used as a stand-alone treatment or can even be clubbed with Acupuncture and Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for accelerated success.

But it is important to ensure that the products and supplements that you are purchasing are from a reliable source that authenticates its purity and quality.

It should also be noted here that these herbal solutions have been effective in middle-aged women too, which means, there are Chinese herbs for fertility over 40 years as well.

They have proven to be extremely effective as well as successful for couples who have been deprived of a family for years.

Even after already having a child, secondary infertility is possible.

 


FAQs

1. What Is the Success Rate of Chinese Herb Treatments?

Ans: According to the clinical studies conducted in China, 70% of all infertility cases recorded 100% success on being treated by Chinese herbs, leading them to pregnancy or restored infertility. Depending on the kinds of infertility treated, the Chinese herbs for fertility success rate ranges from 50% to above 90%(3).

The infertility types, recorded through these statistics, involved obstruction of the fallopian tubes, amenorrhea, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, non-liquefaction of semen, and other causes.

2. What Is the Duration of the Chinese Herb Treatment to Attain Fertility?

Ans: Daily or periodic use of Chinese herbs have shown restoration of fertility within three to six months in both men and women.

However, as per Chinese doctors, if consistent intake of these herbs for a continuous duration of eight to nine months has not shown any signs of improvement, then it is unlikely that they would turn fruitful even in the future. Alternatively, doctors in Japan give low dosages and extend the treatment for a longer duration.

3. Are Chinese Herbs Safe for Infertility Treatment?

Ans: Chinese claim that their herbs are absolutely safe for infertility, and they result in healthy children being born, without any problems during delivery. However, they should not be consumed once pregnancy has been achieved.

Herbal medicine is not a licensed profession.

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