Chinese Herbs for Fertility
Natural Strategies to Improve Chances of Conception
Chinese medicine is very successful in increasing a woman’s
chance to conceive. Chinese herbs for fertility address the underlying issues that lead to infertility. Chinese herbs can restore health when there are structural issues, such as a blockage in the fallopian tube, or fibroids in the uterus.
Chinese herbs are also effective at addressing mechanical
issues seen in infertility, such as scar tissue that blocks
the fallopian tubes or endometriosis. Ovulatory issues can
also be addressed successfully with Chinese medicinal
herb formulas; as they can balance hormones effectively
herb formulas are especially helpful for older women who have
mysterious unknown causes of infertility.
There are several advantages to using Traditional Chinese Herb Medicine as an approach to improving fertility.
1.) Chinese Herbal Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing potential by treating root causes rather than just symptoms.
2.) Chinese herbs decrease undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapy.
3.) If you choose medical fertility programs, Chinese herbs can be used along side Western medicine to strengthen and balance the body so that IVF, GIFT, AHT and TET procedures are more effective. General health benefits and endocrine system balancing from Chinese herbs increase the chances that conception may occur.
Why are herbs only taken in the 1st half of the cycle?
Herbs that move blood and resolve Qi (chi) stagnation involved with infertility are taken during the first half of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase begins the 1st day of menstruation and ends after 14 days). This practice is important for women trying to conceive, or who are not actively utilizing birth control because ovulation typically occurs in the middle of the cycle. Herbs that move Blood and Qi would be undesirable upon conception, but vital in preparing the uterus for conception. This is why Stasis in the Lower Palace and Free and Easy Wanderer are not taken in the second half of the cycle for those trying to conceive. It must be noted that it would be better to use a barrier type birth control for three or four months and prepare the body with all three formulas full time.
Patterns and Causes of Infertility in Chinese Medicine:
There are several common patterns that can cause infertility that can be caused by one, or several, Organ systems. To a modern Westerner, the Chinese concept of Organs might seem unusual as the Chinese Medical concept of Organs lack emphasis on a physical structure. Although many terms used when speaking of Organs are similar to Western concepts, they do not refer to the specific tissue, but rather to semi-abstract concepts of interrelated functions. Each Organ system has an affect on the other Organ systems when it becomes imbalanced. These functions are not based on surgical discoveries, but on clinical observation of patients over many thousands of years.
Kidney Deficiency
Deficiency is often a key culprit in infertility, especially for women trying to conceive in her 30’s and 40’s, and is not something that is recognized in Western medicine. Kidney Deficiency and Essence Deficiency are the most common patterns seen for women struggling with infertility. In Chinese medicine, the ‘Kidney Energy; is responsible for successful reproduction. Sufficient Kidney Energy is also necessary in the prevention of miscarriages. It is restored using Kidney Tonic Formulas that are nutritive and restorative for the Kidney function that include such herbs as Rehmmania & He Shu Wu.
Liver Qi Stagnation
The Liver Energy is responsible for menstrual blood, and is the main underlying cause of stagnation in the uterus; it doesn't always manifest as a mechanical block that can be diagnosed, but, Liver Qi Stagnation could be a factor in fallopian tube blocks, endometriosis, or fibroids. It is important that the Liver Energy is soothed with Chinese herbs such as Bupleurum, and that the blocked Liver Energy is able to flow freely by using Liver Detoxing herbs such as Yellow Dock.
Stagnant Qi & Blood of the Lower Jiao
In Chinese Medicine, there is a functional organ system called the Triple Burner, or more specifically, the Triple Jiao; it has no comparable organ in Western medicine. The uterus is located in the Lower Jiao, and the energy can be disrupted by a stagnation of Qi & Blood. It can also be complicated by dampness, another underlying cause of stagnation that cannot be addressed with Western medicine, but can be cleared up using Chinese medicinal herbs. This condition is often seen with fibroids and endometriosis. Herbs that move Blood and Qi in the uterus, such as Red Sage Root, are combined with medicinal herbs that clear dampness, such as Poria to help clear accumulations and stagnation in the Lower Jiao.
Hormonal Balancing
In Chinese medicine, hormonal balance is created by proper Liver & Kidney function. There are also specific herbs that are phyto-estrogenic that can be utilized such as Chaste Berry and Common Sage, however, the overall health of the endocrine system must be addressed with herbs that support Liver & Kidney functions.
Catherine has utilized these Woman's Precious in practice with great success in clinic. She often combines these herbs with Stasis in the Lower Palace and Free and Easy Wanderer formulas that are used during the first half of the cycle (for women actively trying to conceive), as they help to move Qi and Blood and to break up stagnation of the Lower Jiao where the reproductive system resides. We recommend that you discontinue the use of herbs once you have become pregnant. She typically asks her fertility patients to take 3 or 4 months to prepare for pregnancy while preventing conception; this can take some convincing, as many women feel that the clock is ticking, or they have grown impatient. However, most women who have trouble conceiving have some level of Kidney Deficiency, and are more susceptible to miscarriage. A miscarriage sets back progress tremendously and can have an emotional impact also. The disadvantage in attempting to reinforce the body while trying to become pregnant is that you lose the whole second half of the month for many treatment options and the progress is so much slower. Being able to take herbs throughout the cycle for 3-4 months gives the mother to be the strength and organ balance to help hold a pregnancy.
Herbs Used for Conception:
Rubus idaeus-Red Rasberry Leaf
It also contains fragrine, an alkaloid which help tone the muscles of the pelvic region including the uterus and helps to ready the uterus for pregnancy. Increased Vitamin A intake in the form of the carotenoids of red raspberry leaf can aid the women’s immune system as well as facilitate healthy skin and bone development for the baby. Vitamin E serves to promote better circulation in the mother who is dramatically increasing her blood volume during pregnancy. The Red raspberry leaf also contains many essential minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, and an easily assimilated form of calcium.
Polygonum multiflorum-he shou wu
In China, it is said that long-term use of this famous "longevity herb" helps return an aging person to youthfulness. It strengthens the back. The literal translation of the name is "black-haired Mr. He" refers to its ability to restore hair color and nourish the skin, hair, teeth and nails. It is a classic essence tonic and major blood tonic that cleanses the blood.
Codonopsis pilosula-dang shen
Codonopsis is one of the most celebrated and widely used Chinese tonic herbs. It is mild and doesn't have any side effects. An outstanding Qi tonic, it supports the Spleen and Lung functions so that Qi is replenished. Codonopsis is also an exceptional blood tonic and a key immune system tonic. It's actions closely mimic Ginseng, but Codonopsis can be used daily without over stimulation or disruption of other body functions.
Gynostemma pentaphyllum- jiao gu lan
Gynostemma is used to slow down aging and to prevent feebleness and senility; to reduce fatigue, to increase vigor; to improve digestion; to strengthen the mind; and to improve sex functions. It generally reinforces overall health and is viewed as a virtual "cure-all" in Asia. Ongoing use of Gynostemma has a protective quality strengthening the adaptive capacity of the person at every level of their life. It also moderates blood sugar and reduces blood fat.
Rehmannia glutinosa-shu di huang
A Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in "anti-aging" formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is a first-class blood tonic and benefits sexual functions in men and women.
Ganoderma lucidum-ling zhi-Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom has an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance. For over two thousand years it has been sought-after by mountain sages and by the emperors of China. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong’s Pharmacopeia) it says that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."
Cuscuta chinensis-tu si zi-Cuscuta
Cuscuta is gentle tonic for the Kidney Yin and Yang. It enhances and consolidates Kidney Qi. It is widely used to improve vision, nourish the sperm and marrow, strengthen bones and sinews. It strengthens sexual functions, prevents miscarriages, relieves vaginal dryness and soothes anxiety associated with sex.
Morus Albus-sang shen-Mulberry fruit spike
Builds blood, nourishes yin and moistens the intestines. Traditionally used in China for premature graying of the hair.
Eucommia ulmoides-du zhong-Rubber Tree Bark
Eucommia is considered a primary herb used to increase yang functions in the body. Eucommia bark strengthens the bones and muscles, heals injured and weakened tissues, and can treat lower back and leg pain, stiffness and arthritis. It lowers blood pressure and is also given to pregnant women to calm the fetus and prevent miscarriage.
Lactuca spp.-Wild Lettuce
Wild Lettuce is exceptional at calming the Shen, or Spirit, promoting sleep and reducing pain. This herb is effective at calming a fetus in cases of threatened miscarriage. It is a natural anti-spasmodic and is calming to the nervous system.
Cynomorium-suo yang
Cynomorium is a superb tonic to the primal yang essence and is used in many tonics for both men and women. It is widely believed in the Orient to be a superb longevity herb and an excellent sexual tonic and stimulant. It is said to strengthen the bones, benefits joints and reverses motor imparement.
Ligustrum lucidum-nu zhen zi
A Yin Kidney and Liver tonic which is said by the Chinese to prolong life. It is a significant immune enhancing agent. It is also used as a blood tonic.
Althaea officinalis-Marshmallow root
Reduces inflammation throughout the body and nourishes the Yin.
For information on conventional treatments for fertility, visit Medline, the Fertility Plus, or the Mayo clinic. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.
Chinese Herbs for Fertility
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