Preconception 101

Lesson 4: Identifying and Curing Minor Infertility

Natural Cures Part 1 – Vitamins and Herbs that Boost Fertility

Vitamins and herbs will go a long way in helping to correct minor fertility problems.

Vitamin B6 – This is an excellent fertility booster. It helps to lengthen the luteal phase defect if taken daily, at least 50 mg a day. It will lengthen the luteal phase and it will help to alleviate PMS, and when pregnancy occurs it will help to alleviate morning sickness as well. Vitamin B6 is safe to take the entire cycle and throughout pregnancy.

Black cohosh - this is an antispasmodic which relieves cramping. Take in the first half of your cycle from menstruation to ovulation.

Dong Quai - considered a female hormone regulator. It tones the uterus. I have read in some cases that it should be taken in the first half of the cycle and in others the second half. It is advised to check the label for dosage information and consult with your healthcare provider or physician before taking Dong Quai at all.

Evening Primrose Oil - helps to increase fertile quality cervical fluid and also contains essential fatty acids which are good for the brain. Take from menstruation to ovulation. *It’s important to switch to Flax Seed Oil after ovulation. Flax Seed Oil contains the fatty acids needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Evening Primrose Oil causes uterine contractions - which is why you should not take it after ovulation in the event that conception did occur.

False Unicorn- helps with ovarian pain and female infertility. Can also even help with male impotence. Take in the first half of cycle from menstruation to ovulation.

Red Raspberry Leaf - take during the entire cycle - strengthens the uterine lining, thus helping to lengthen the luteal phase. *Ask your healthcare provider about continuing red raspberry leaf once pregnancy occurs. I have read that it should only be taken in the last trimester of pregnancy, because it “tones” the uterus. I have also read that it is okay to take all through the pregnancy. Clarify this with your healthcare provider.

Vitex (Chastetree Berry)- Known as the female herb. Should be taken either the entire cycle or the first half from menstruation to ovulation. Again, refer to your healthcare provider or herbalist for proper dosage. Helps to regulate hormones.

Wild Yam Root- helps to ease ovarian and uterine pain associated with menstruation. Take after from ovulation to menstruation. *The progesterone in wild yam root has not been proven to be easily processed by the body. Using a progesterone cream with “natural” progesterone in it will produce better results. Though there are many women who take wild yam root and swear by it, ask your healthcare provider or herbalist about this.

Alfalfa, Black Haw, Cayenne, Cramp Bark, Ginseng, Lady’s Mantle, Licorice, Loveage, Motherwort, Nettle, Red Clover, Rehmannia, Saw Palmetto, Siberian Gingseng, Squaw Vine, True Unicorn Root, Valerian, and White Peony are all considered "general" reproductive tonics.

Herbs come in different forms - tablets, capsules, tinctures - and in many different brands. Choose the formula you prefer and choose a brand that is reputable and pure. Check on the label for proper dosage.

It is certainly not necessary to take ALL of these herbs at once. Pick and choose which ones you may need and which ones will benefit you the most. Some cover the same areas of fertility enhancement while others offer a more general supplementation.

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