Nature’s Bounty: Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
Deciding to have a baby is hard for most couples. Not only is it a big decision with whopping implications, both financially and in terms of how serious you and your partner are taking the relationship. But sometimes just deciding to have a baby isn’t enough. Conception doesn’t come easy to many women, particularly those who have uneven menstrual cycles or those whose habits (drinking, smoking) reduce their chances of having a baby. Fortunately there are plenty of natural remedies that help boost your chance of conception and here’s a handy list.
Of course, the smartest thing to do before you start trying to conceive is to talk to your doctor and a specialist. There are several methods to isolate the exact problem that lowers your chances of conception, one of the best being fertility blood testing. Yor doctor might test you and your partner’s hormone levels to determine who has the fertility problem or you can order your own tests online: http://www.healthtestingcenters.com/fertility-testing.aspx. Before starting to take any of these supplements present your results to your doctor and ask if these are right for you.
Chasteberry (VitexAgnus-Castus)
The Chaste-tree berry has become increasingly popular in recent years amongst women hoping to increase their chances at conception as well as with physicians around the world. Vitex is a ‘long distance’ remedy, that is, one that you have to take for a long time as its effects increase over time. Said effects mostly deal with the menstrual cycle, as the active substances in the berry stimulate the glands that affect the process of ovulation, increasing ovulation frequency. The berry also works to balance the fluctuations in hormones that lead to unsteady menstrual cycles and is even known to reduce the effcts of PMS! The Chasteberry has been used for female reproductive issues ever since the time of Hippocrates and people are warming up to it again today.
Dong Quai (Angelica Sinensis)
Although modern research claims that this Chinese herb is dangerous to take during pregnancies as it might lead to miscarriage it has been used to facilitate conception for centuries in traditional chinese medicine. Extra care should be taken with the herb as it has moderate anti-coagulant properties and might cause difficulties for both mother and child.
Vitamins
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants and play an important role in the body’s ability to regenerate. Vitamin C is especially important for smokers (who have hopefully just quit!) whereas vitamin E has been demonstrated to have an impact on fertility levels.
Red Clover (Trifolium Pretense)
Red Clover is another plant that has been used throughout the ages for hormonal and menstrual cycle regulation and unlike Dong Quai it has no side effects! Furthermore it is rich in calcium and magnesium, which are essential for your nervous system.
Siberian Ginseng (EleutherococcusSenticosus)
The ginseng root has become somewhat of a catch-all wonder drug but some studies have shown it to have a positive effect on hormones regulating the menstrual cyclea as well as a general tonic effect on all muscles (including uterine ones). It could help boost your chances of conception and is good for you overall so why avoid it?
Mother nature has a boon of herbal fertility boosters but every expecting mother has to stay cautious. Always consult your doctor before taking any of these as they might interfere with other medication (if you are taking any).