For many centuries and throughout many cultures herbs have been used for gently balancing hormones, naturally regulating the menstrual cycle, treating common premenstrual symptoms, and enhancing (or reducing) fertility and boosting libido. Natural herbal remedies work slowly and gradually to support and rebuild the system and restore the delicate hormonal balance required not only for optimum fertility, but for general gynecological wellness.

Used in conjunction with a whole food diet, regular exercise, and ample time for restorative relaxation, herbs are particularly helpful for combating oxidative stress with their antioxidant properties. When serious reproductive health problems are absent, natural herbal remedies can offer a much needed boost to fertility by combating one’s exposure to the bombardment of toxins, pollutants and stress associated with reproductive health issues.

Herbs thought to enhance and support fertility and reproductive health include:

Vitex – Improves ovarian function (stimulates ovulation), increases progesterone by stimulating the release of the luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland and thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels to promote fertility. Vitex is also used as a treatment to reduce PMS symptoms, heavy menstruation, and for symptoms associated with menopause.

Chasteberry – An antioxidant used to ease the symptoms of PMS, minimize the pain and discomfort of fibrocystic breasts, regulate menstruation, support ovulation to optimize fertility, and manages hot flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness and depression due to hormonal imbalances associated with menopause

Siberian Ginseng – Considered to combat stress related fatigue by increasing the body’s vital energy, regulates hormone levels, tones uterine muscles, supports healthy uterine function, and diminishes free-radical damage to enhance fertility.

For male reproductive support, herbs are said to be useful for promoting general reproductive vitality and for enhancing fertility by supporting sperm production, concentration, motility, speed and morphology – all important factors for male reproductive health. Herbs commonly used to increase male fertility include:

Asian Ginseng – Known to increase sexual desire and testosterone levels, increase sperm count and motility, and to stimulate the immune system.

Maca Root – Contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates and necessary vitamins and minerals (vitamin B1, B2, C, E and calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium and iron) which increase male libido, increase energy by balancing the endocrine system, and promote a healthy sperm count.

Green Tea – Linked to increasing vitality, energy and overall health due to antioxidant properties. 

Choosing the right herbs and dosage might seem challenging, however, there are clinically tested proprietary formulas on the market which combine fertility enhancing herbs, vitamins and minerals, such as FertilityBlend for Women and FertilityBlend for Men, for which medical studies demonstrate impressive effectiveness.

While ingesting fertility and reproductive enhancing herbs does not guarantee one will achieve optimal fertility, herbal remedies taken in conjunction with healthy lifestyle have shown signs of promise for many couples trying to conceive.