Chapter IX
How to Treat Infertility With Herbalist Perspective
I. In Women
1. Black Cohosh ( cimicifuga racemosa )
Black cohosh also known as sheng ma in traditional Chinese medicine is a uterine and ovarian tonic herb. Since it contains estrogen like substance, it helps to balance the estrogen production in the menstrual cycle, leading to normal ovulation and increasing the chance of fertility. Black cohost CAN NOT be taken, if you are pregnant, because of the risk of miscarriage.
2. Chaste tree berry ( vitex agnus-castus)
Chaste tree berry is considered as a queen herb by many herbalists in Europe. It is said that it helps to balance the female hormone production in the women body, leading to regular menstrual cycle by inhibiting the levels of FSH and increasing the levels of LH, thereby increasing the chance of ovulation as well as production of progesterone in supporting the fertilizing process.
3. Red clover (trifolium pratense)
Red clover traditionaly is used to treat cough and skin problem. It contains high levels of phytoestrogen which helps to occupy the estrogen receptors in the women body, lthereby, reducing the risks of hormone imbalance, leading to normal menstrual cycle resulting in improve the chance of fertility.
4. Licorice (glycyrrhira glabra)
Licorice has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in harmonizing the hormone imbalance caused by abnormal function of kidney and adrenal gland, thereby decreasing the risk of over production of certain hormone which may interfere with the natural process of fertilization. It also contains phytoestrogen which helps to increase the levels of good estrogen, resulting in a normal menstrual cycle and the chance of fertility.
5. Red raspberry ( rubus ideaus)
Red raspberry is an uterus tonic herb. it contain high levels of astrigent and cleansing substance that helps to improve the immune system in fighting against foreign invasion, thereby lessening the risks of immune abnormal function in attacking it own tissue, including production of antibody antigen.
6. Sarasaparilla (smilax officinalis)
Besides helping to relieve constipation, and acidity and blood purifier, sarasaparilla is a reproductive organs and glands tonic herbs, it helps to regulate the production of certain hormones in the women body, including the levels between estrogen and progesterone as well as FSH & LH levels.
7. White willow (salix alba)
White willow is considered as a fertility enhancing herb by many herbalist. It contains substance which can be covert to aspirin like acid, leading to increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs including supporting the uterine lining in fertilized egg implantation.
8. Panax Ginseng
In TCM panax ginseng is considered as an energizer and tonic for the whole body, particularly for the reproductive organs. It contains synthesis estrogen and progesterone, can be used to lower FSH levels, thereby reducing the risk of hormone imbalance, resulting in normalizing the natural process of hormone production during menstrual cycles and increasing the chance of natural fertilization.
9. Wild yam
Wild yam is a liver tonic herb, it helps to tone, nourish the liver in balancing the hormone production in the body. It also contains steroidal saponins which is an important hormonal precursor for progesterone that helps to provide necessary elements or building blocks for balancing the levels of progesterone and cortisone resulting in decreasing the risk of abnormal implantation and miscarriage.
II. In men
1. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)
Horny Goat weed is considered as male reproductive enhancer in traditional Chinese medicine, it helps to normalize the production of levels of testosterone, thereby increasing the sexual desire as well as the quality of sperm.
2. Maritime pine tree
According to October 2002 issue of the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, the chemical agent pycnogenol in maritime pine tree helped to improve the quality and function of sperm in men with fertility problems by a mean of 38% and 19%, respectively, after only 90 days of use. Therefore,it is helpful to increase the chance of fertility for a couple with a male partner having abnormal sperm quality and motility.
3. Maca root
Maca root contains high amount of vitamins including vitamin C, D, and E which is vital for the reproductive system needed for regulating the production of certain hormones during menstrual cycle. Since it is an adaptogenic herb, it not only helps to improve sexual desire by stimulating the production of testosterone, but also acts as a regulator in hormone production and energy enhancer and distributor.
4. Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto besides containing chemical agents which help to boost the levels of sex hormones in men such as testosterone, it also helps to tone, nourish, and empower the male reproductive system as well as relieving and treating enlarged prostate.
5. Flaxseed Oil
Flaxeed oil beside containing high levels of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential for regulating the production of certain hormones in the prostaglandins hormones, it also contains high amount of fiber which is vital in helping spleen and liver in maintaining and regulating the levels of insulin in the blood stream and is vital for the natural process in hormone production and egg fertilization during menstrual cycle.
6. Yohimbe
Yohimbe besides containing certain chemicals help to dilate blood vessels in the pelvic region, leading to increasing blood flow to the penis, thereby, decreasing the risk of erectile dysfunction and allowing more blood to reach the penis, it also helps to boost sexual desire as well as increasing quality and motility of sperm.
7. Pumpkin Seed
Beside containing high amount of zinc which is vital for prostate gland, it also acts as hormone production regulator as well as improving sperm production and ejaculation.
8. Cranberry
Cranberry is a kidney tonic herb. Beside helping kidney in maintaining the normal urinary process and fluid in the body, it also helps to regulate the balance of kidney qi as well as healthy levels of kidney jing which is vital for the reproductive function in sperm production.
A. In Women
AA. Black Cohosh ( cimicifuga racemosa )
I. Definition
Black cohosh is a glabrous herbaceous perennial plant, producing large, compound leaves from an underground rhizome and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. It has been used in traditional medicine in treating symptoms of all kinds of gynaecological problems.
II. How black cohosh enhances female fertility
1. Phytoestrogen
It contains high amount of phytoestrogen which helps to occupy the estrogen receptor sites in our body, leading to hormone balancing resulting in increasing the chance of ovulation and fertility.
2. Blood flow
Back cohosh is blood flow enhancer, it helps to increase the blood production and increase blood flow to the pelvic region resulting in increasing the function of the reproductive organs and the chance of egg implantation into the uterine lining and lessening the risk of infertility
3. Condense Tannins
It also contains condense tannin, a type of proanthocyanidin which has been used as nutritional and therapeutic supplements in Europe in promoting the function of flavonoids that not only helps to improve blood flood, but also reduces the risk of weaken kidney, leading to yi yang imbalance resulting in increasing the risk of infertility.
4. Nervous system
Back cohost is said to contain chemical agent which helps to bind the activities to serotonin receptors, thereby decreasing the risk of depress, anxiety and emotional and physical stress resulting in decreasing the risk of infertility.
5. ferulic acid
Ferulic acid is an antioxidant which not only helps to neutralize free radicals, but also helps to increase the immune function in fighting against bacteria and virus resulting in lessening the risk of inflammation and reducing the risks of abnormal function of immune system in production of antibody antigen in the uterine mucus.
6. Kidney function diuretic
As kidney enhancer, back cohosh helps to promote the kidney function in the urinary discharge of which not only helps to reduce the risk of water retention, but also helps to lessen the risk of qi imbalance resulting in increasing the chance of fertility.
III. Risks and side effects
1. liver damage
Over dose of back cohosh may cause liver damage.
2. Cancer
Study shows that over dose of tannins for prolong period of time may increase the risks of nasal cancer.
3. Digestive system
Over dose of tannins may interfere with the function of digestive system in absorbing iron, leading to anaemia and digestive disorder resulting in dizziness, headaches, and seizures; diarrhea; nausea and vomiting. Sweating; constipation.
4. Miscarriage
Since it contain high levels of phytoestrogen, using black cohosh may interfere with natural hormone production during pregnancy, thereby increasing the risk of miscarriage.
AB. Chaste tree berry ( vitex agnus-castus)
I. Definition
Chaste berry tree is also known as vitex agnus castus, belongs to the Verbenaceae family. It is considered as a queen herb in treating all kinds of reproductive disorder including premenstrual symptoms and infertility as resulting of hormonal imbalance.
II. How Chaste berry tree effects Fertility
1. Androstenedione,
Chaste berry tree contains androstenedione which is the common precursor of male and female sex hormone by converting to estrogen through the enzyme aromatase, thereby decreasing the risks of hormone imbalance that causes infertility.
2. Epitestosterone
Epitestosterone is an inactive epimer of the hormone testosterone which has been used to enhance athletic performance for some athelic during competition. It helps to improve sexual desire and sexual performance, thereby increasing the chance of fertility as resulting of production of testosterone.
3. Hydroxyprogesterone
Chaste tree contains plant hydroxyprogesterone which is a steroid hormone produced during the synthesis of glucocorticoids and sex steroids. It helps to raise the levels of progesterone if it is loo low and reduces it when it is too high in the women body, leading to hormone balancing and increasing the chance of fertility.
3. Progesterone
It's leave also contain plant progesterone which helps to regulate the levels of progesterone body that is necessary for a natural conception as resulting of hormone balancing.
4. Iridoid
It also contains iridoid which is often intermediates in the biosynthesis of alkaloids that helps to improve the immune system in fighting against inflammation resulting in lessening the risks of immune system abnormal function in production of antibody against sperm invasion.
5. Glycoside
Glycoside is a flavonoid which acts as an antioxidant as resulting of increasing uric acid levels by expelling flavonoids from the body antioxidant, thereby increasing the immune system in fighting against forming of free radical as well as guarding our body against infection and inflammation, leading to abnormal function of immune system.
5. Essential oil
The essential oil of chaste beery tree contains cineol, pinene, monoterpenes, etc. It is said that helps to balance the hormone in the body including reproductive hormone as resulting of it's plant progesterone and ability in regulating the pituitary gland and harmonizing the endocrine system.
6. Prolactin
It is said that chaste berry tree not only helps to regulate the menstrual cycle after stopping the conceptive pill, but also balances the prolactin hormone in the women body. It raise it, if too high and low it when it is too low.
III. Risks and side effects
1. Allergic effects as resulting of normal immune system overreaction to the chemicals in the tree for the first time user.
2. Nausea
It may cause nausea for some women who take the chaste berry tree in the first time as resulting of inability of digestive system in adjusting to the herb.
3. Gastric irritation
Taking chaste berry tree supplement in empty stomach may cause gastric irritation as resulting of it' s essential oil effects.
4. Headache
Since it contains alcohol, it may cause headache for some women.
AC. Red clover (trifolium pratense)
I. Definition
Red clover is an herbaceous, perennial plant, native to Europe, western Asia and northwest Africa, it has been used traditional in treating whooping cough, respiratory problems, and skin inflammations by purifying the blood and clearing mucus from the lungs.
II. How red clover effects women fertility
1. Vitamin C
Vitamin C besides helps to increase the strength of small veins in the reproductive organ in blood transportation, it also increases the immune system in fighting against the invasion of bacteria and virus that causes inflammation of infection to the reproductive organs.
2. B6 vitamin
Red clover contains vitamin B6 which is vital for women with luteal phase deficiency. Researchers found that intake of vitamin B6 helps to increase the luteal phase period, thereby increasing the chance of fertility.
3. Magnesium
Researchers found that women with unexplained causes of infertility are found to have low levels of magnesium in their body, leading to stress and impair the reproductive organs natural process of conception as resulting of high levels of serotonin.
4. Calcium
Besides it is necessary for formation of bone density and absorption of magnesium, it also plays an important role in triggering growth in the embryos. Deficiency pf calcium may increase the risks of early birth, miscarriage and birth defect.
5. Potassium
Red clover contains high levels of potassium, which is necessary in regulating the lymphatic function of fluid in the body. Deficiency of potassium causes water retention and increases the risk of premenstrual symptoms and lessens the chance of infertility.
6. Isoflavones
Red clover contains isoflavonoid which is one type of phytoestrogen helped to regulate the levels of estrogen in the body by occupying the estrogen receptor site, thereby, decreasing the production of bad estrogen from the body, leading to hormonal balancing and increasing the chance for fertility.
III. Side effects
There are no side effects from red clover, but people takes the herb for the first time may experience headache, nausea, and rash. Over dose of red clover for a prolong period of time may have opposite effect in fertility.
AD. Licorice (glycyrrhira glabra)
I. Definition
It has been used in traditional medicine in treating liver disease and respiratory tract problem
II. How licorice effects women fertility
1. Digestive system
Licorice is said to improve the digestive system in absorbing vital vitamins and minerals, thereby decreasing the risks of nutrients deficiency and unexplained infertility.
2. Blow flow
It also helps to improve the blood flow in the body by inhibiting the levels of bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels resulting in reducing the risks of blood stagnation in the abdominal region and increasing the chance to get pregnant.
3. Glycyrrhizin
Glycyrrhizin helps to stimulate the activity of the adrenal glands in regulating the levels of cortisol, resulting in lessening the risks of over production of serotonin that cause hormone imbalance.
4. Phytoestrogen
It contains phytoestrogen which is important in regulating the levels of estrogen during menstrual cycle and hormone balancing, resulting in increasing the chance of regular menstrual cycle and the chance to conceive.
5.Vitamin E
As an antioxidant, it helps to improve the immune system in fighting against foreign invasion, thereby, lessening the risks of infection and inflammation to the reproductive organ and increasing the chance of fertility.
6. Lecithin
Lecithin is a fat like substance called a phospholipid, it helps to protects cells from oxidation surrounding the brain, thereby preventing the abnormal function of the brain cells in information transmitting, reducing the nervous tension such as stress, anxiety and depression and damping the chance of fertility.
III. Risks and side effects if overdose
1. It may raise blood pressure as the heart must work harder.
2. It may increase the risk heart diseases and headache as resulting of over stimulating the blood flow to the body and the brain accordingly.
3. It may be toxins and damage the liver and kidney
AE. Red Raspberry ( rubus ideaus)
I. Definition
Red raspberry also known as raspberry or rubus ideaus, is a edible fruit species belongs to genus Rubus. It has been used in many cultures in assisting pregnancy due to it's antioxidant properties.
II. How Red Raspberry effects fertility
1. Antioxidant
Red raspberry contains high amount of anthocyanin pigments which is one of many powerful antioxidant existed in the fruit. Beside helping to fight against infection and inflammation caused by foreign invasion, it also helps to improve immune function in regulating cell growth as well as fighting against the forming of it's antibody antigent that reduce the risk of abnormal immune function in attacking it's own tissues, including sperm.
2. Fiber
Fiber is important for the regulating the blood levels in our body. Without or not enough of it may cause fluctuation of insulin, leading to food craving, symptoms of irregular menstrual cycle that increase the risk of infertility.
3. Vitamins and minerals
Red raspberry contains high levels of important vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, B complex, folic acid, magnesium, copper and iron which is not only vitals for maintaining maintaining the regular function of our body's organs, but also helps to improve the regular menstrual cycle by providing the necessary blood flow to the reproductive organs, resulting in enhancing the chance of fertility.
4. Quercetin
Quercetin besides is a powerful natural antioxidant by inhibiting enzymes, such as lipoxygenase which cause inflammation in our body, it also helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in the blood stream, leading to increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organ that are important for a regular menstrual cycle.
5. Gallic acid
Gallic acid is a colourless crystalline aromatic compound, Beside helping to fight against cell oxidate damage, it also has anti-fungal and anti-viral properties that is essential for maintaining a healthy reproductive system against infection.
6. Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins is also one of the flavonoids, besides helping to strengthen the immune system, it also helps to regulate the DNA duplication of cell in the body resulting in lessoning the risk of irregular cell growth in the abdominal region.
7. Cyanidins
Study shows that cyanidins inhibit development of obesity and diabetes, thereby decreasing the risk of fertility caused by symptoms of diabetes ( fluctuation of insulin and decreasing blopd flow to the reproductive organs) and overweight ( hormonal imbalance of estrogen and progesterone and premenstrual syndrome)
III. Risks and Side effects
There is no known risk and side effect, if not overdose.
AF. Sarsaparilla (smilax officinalis)
I. Definition
Sarsaparilla is also known as smilax officinalis in herbal medicine, it is a perennial trailing vine, native to Central America and has been used in traditional herbalist as a reproductive organs and glands tonic medicine.
II. How sarsaparilla effects fertility
1. Liver detoxification
Herbalist believes the plant contains substance which helps to remove toxins from the liver, thereby increasing the liver function in regulating hormonal production ( estrogen and prostaglandins family) and levels of insulin in the blood stream, leading to reducing the risk of irregular menstrual cycle and increasing the chance of fertility.
2. Blood purifier
It also is a blood tonic herb. Besides helping to increase the transportation of nutrients to the body cell needs, it also increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, resulting in decreasing the risk of reproductive organs blood stagnation.
3. Immune system
It also increases the immune function in fighting against infection and inflammation caused by foreign invasion, resulting in increasing the chance of fertility.
4. DNA regulating
Sarsaparilla also helps to regulate the DNA duplication in normal cell growth, thereby decreasing the risk of endometrial adhesion and implants which grow somewhere else in the reproductive region other than in the endometrium.
5. Antibody antigen
Since it helps to increase the immune function as resulting of expelling the toxins through urinary extraction and stool, it reduces the risk of immune system abnormal function in attacking it's own tissues by viewing sperm as foreign invasion.
III. Risks
Over dose of sarsaparilla may causes digestive disorder and kidney impairment.
AG. White Willow (salix alba)
I. Definition
White willow is also known as salix alba in herbal medicine, native to Europe and western and central Asia and has been used in traditional medicine as fertility enhancing herb. native to Europe and western and central Asia.
II. how to treat infertility with white willow (salix alba)
1. Blood thinner
It contains high levels of salicin which converts into salicylic acid that helps to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs as resulting of thinning of blood, thereby reducing the risk of blood stagnation in the abnormal region and increasing the chance of fertility.
2. Kidney Yin deficiency
It is one of the cool to cold herb which is used in treating infertility in women and man alike caused by kidney yin deficiency caused by over eating of spice foods or working in hot environment.
3. Immune system
It is said that white willow also contains high levels of antioxidant which helps the immune system in guarding our body against infection and inflammation by inhibiting the effect of intermediate enzyme.
4. Vitamin C
White willow contains high levels of natural vitamin polypeptide C which not only helps to improve the immune function in fighting against the forming of free radicals and foreign invasion but also increases the blood flow to the reproductive organ by strengthening the capillaries in men and women alike, resulting in lessening the risk of sexual libido and enhancing the chance of conception.
5. Liver function
It is also the liver tonic herb, thereby increasing the liver in toxins elimination resulting in increasing the liver function in regulating the levels of prostaglandins family thereby, reducing the risk of menstrual pain and cramps and enhancing normal menstrual cycle.
B. In Men
BA. Horny Goat Weed (Epimedium grandiflorum)
I. Definition
Horny goat weed is also known as Epimedium grandiflorum and Yin Yang Huo in traditional Chinese medicine, belongs to the family Berberidaceae and native to central, southern and eastern Asia. It has been used widely in enhancing the sexual activity and fertility in men.
II. How horny goat weed effects men fertility
1. Icariin
Horny goat weed contains icariin, which helps to increase the levels of nitric oxide, which relax smooth muscle, thereby increasing the blow flow to the reproductive organs in men resulting in increasing the sexual libido and decreasing the risk of sexual dysfunction.
2. Aphrodisiac effects
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that horny goat weed helps to enhance the fertility in goat by increasing the production of testosterone thereby, it may have the same effect in men as well. In fact, it has been proven effectively in the rural China and many men have used it to increase sexual performance and the chance for fertility.
3. Yang qi deficiency
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that most cases of sexual dysfunction and libido are caused by yang qi deficiency or low levels of testosterone. Horny goat week contains substances which help to raise levels of yang qi in the body and reduce the qi stagnation in the abdomen resulting in increasing sexual desire and enhancing production of quality sperm.
4. Kidney enhancer
Horny goat weed also helps to increase kidney function in strengthening the levels of kidney jing and in regulating the sperm production. Deficiency of kidney yang may interfere with the function of reproductive organ in sexual activities including sexual libido, low sperm count and sexual dysfunction in some cases.
5. Liver enhancer
It also helps to increase the liver function in regulating the spleen function in insulin production, resulting in reducing the risk of insulin fluctuation leading abnormal production of serotonin and increasing the risk of sexual libido.
III. Risks
1. Hypertension
Since it helps to increase the qi and blow flow to the reproductive organs,peole with hypertension should consult with their herbalist before applying.
2. Insomnia
Over dose may cause over abundant yang qi, leading to sleeplessness.
3. Nervous tensions
It may cause yin qi deficiency leading to nervous tensions.
BB. Centella Asiatica (Gotu Cola)
I. Definition
Centella asiatica also known as gotu cola, is a small herbaceous annual plant belongs to the family Mackinlayaceae. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in treating hypertension.
II. How to treat male infertility with centella asiatica (gotu cola)
1. Blood flow
Centella asiatica is said to contain chemical substances which help to reduce levels of high blood pressure caused by over abundant of yang qi in the
body, resulting in blood stagnation in the abdominal region and lowering the function of test in sperm production.
2. Immune system
It also helps to increase immune system in fighting against forming of free radicals and bacteria and virus invasion, resulting in lessening the risk of infection and inflammation to our body including the reproductive organs that causes infertility.
3. Adatogen
Centell