Saturday, July 24, 2010

Fertility Herbs for Women

Fertility Herbs for Women


Author: Taylor Shaw


Herbs have been used for generations to help women (and men) to improve their fertility. Modern medicine has sidelined herbal remedies but if you are looking for a more natural way to help you get pregnant then these fertility herbs for women could be your answer.

Most of these herbs are readily available in your nearest health store but if you are planning on taking them it is a good idea to consult your doctor first, especially as herbal remedies can change the effectiveness of any drugs you are taking.

Vitex Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree Berry)
This is one of the best known fertility herbs for women because it helps regulate female hormones and stimulate ovulation. It increases fertility by increasing progesterone during the second half of your cycle and is particularly recommended for women with PCOS or who have problems with ovulating regularly. Vitex Agnus Castus is safe to take consistently for long periods of time and needs at least a month to start working (and up to 6 months for the full effect). Stop taking Vitex as soon as you think you might be pregnant due to its effect on the hormones.

Evening Primrose Oil
The oil from the seeds of the Evening Primrose is rich in essential fatty acids which are vital for healthy hormone functioning. Evening Primrose Oil also helps in the production of a greater volume of good quality cervical fluid, helping sperm to stay alive longer and making it easier for them to swim and reach the egg.

Dong Quai
This herb comes from plants found in China and Japan and has been used for millennia in Asian societies to aid fertility. Dong Quai is believed to regulate female hormones and encourage regular menstruation. It is also good for improving the health of the uterus and increasing blood flow around the body.

Red Clover
This is a common plant that is considered a great aid to fertility due to its estrogenic properties. It is particularly recommended for women whose fertility issues relate to scarring of the Fallopian tubes or abnormal cells in the reproductive organs, and can help regulate menstruation.

False Unicorn Root
This herb has been found to be highly effective for ovarian problems, as well as helping balance the hormones, ease ovary pain and reduce vaginal dryness. Its effectiveness can be boosted in combination with Vitex Agnus Castus but should be approached cautiously as too much False Unicorn Root can cause side effects like nausea and hot flushes.

There are many other good fertility herbs for women that you might want to consider, such as Black Cohosh, Red Raspberry Leaf, Stinging Nettle, Siberian Ginseng and Licorice Root. Not all herbs will be right for you, and some combinations of herbs will stop the beneficial effects all together. For that reason it's recommended that you always seek the advice of a good herbalist to help you find the ideal balance of herbal remedies for your body.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/fertility-herbs-for-women-2883729.html

About the Author

You may feel like you are never going to conceive, but there are many natural ways you can improve your fertility. It isn't impossible for most couples to have children; it can just take more time for some than others. Fertility treatments can be hugely expensive and invasive, so consider natural methods for increasing fertility first. My name is Taylor Shaw and want to help women like you to achieve optimal health for conception. Find out more about getting pregnant naturally at: http://www.increasing-fertility.info

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Natural Forms of Fertility

Natural Ways To Improve Fertility
By
Michael Russell


Having a baby is such an amazing experience and one of the happiest times of a couple's life. Unfortunately, not everyone is able to fall pregnant straight away and having problems falling pregnant can be very devastating.

Infertility is when a couple or person is unable to conceive a baby. For fertility to occur a man must produce healthy and strong sperm and the woman must produce healthy eggs. Fertility treatments can be very expensive so it could be beneficial for couples having difficulty conceiving a baby to look at natural ways to improve their fertility. Good health, diet and exercise can all play an important part in fertility.

One of the most important steps in improving fertility is to know when you are most fertile. A woman is only fertile while she is ovulating, so there is only a period of a few days in which she can fall pregnant. A woman can monitor her body core temperature to find out if she is ovulating as your temperature increases when your body is about to release an egg. To increase your chances of conception it is important to have sexual intercourse just before the egg is released.

Your diet can also play an important part in your body's fertility. A balanced diet helps to nourish the reproductive system and regulate hormones. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight; women who are underweight or overweight may have a harder time becoming pregnant.

Vitamin C and antioxidants are very important to have in your diet especially when you are trying to conceive, they help to reduce stress on eggs and the reproductive system as well as boost sperm motility and help prevent sperm defects.

Calcium and Vitamin D and Zinc are also very useful to help boost male fertility.

There are also some foods that should be cut back or preferably avoided altogether when trying to conceive and these are as follows:

Caffeine - can reduce both male and female fertility.
Alcohol - can reduce fertility by 50%

It is also important to exercise combined with a nutritious diet to maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight can throw the female fertility cycle out of balance. Low impact exercise is preferable such as walking or swimming.

Herbs have been used to promote fertility for many, many years. Don't undertake herbal therapy on your own; be sure to consult a qualified naturopath.

Dong Quai - is a Chinese fertility herb, it helps to balance estrogen levels and improve chances of implantation.

Chasteberry - helps increase fertility by balancing the sex hormones. It does this by stimulating the pituitary gland, which is the gland responsible for producing estrogen, progesterone and testosterone.

Smoking, drinking, unhealthy eating, even some prescription medications can all be harmful not only to a baby but can also reduce chances of fertility. Smoking of Cannabis can also greatly reduce the amount of sperm a male produces, by up to 50%.

The creation of another life is truly a miracle, especially when you see how difficult it can be to conceive one.


Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Infertility

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
http://EzineArticles.com/?Natural-Ways-To-Improve-Fertility&id=282851

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Fertility Vitamins

Is There an Infertility Vitamin?
By
Mike Jerry


An infertility vitamin is not a vitamin that can cure fertility issues. Infertility vitamins are actually a mixture of vitamins that contribute to a woman's fertility. They optimize a woman's health and make it easier for her body to concentrate on producing a baby. There are also fertility blends of vitamins that work for men to optimize the quality of their sperm.

Pregnancy and Vitamins

The body receives pregnancy assistance from the nutrients and vitamins that are in it on a daily basis. The pregnancy aid is the body's natural way of preparing for a baby. The more nutritionally sound your diet is the less pregnancy help it will need from additional vitamins and minerals. Instead, your body will be operating at a maximum level and not need any additional pregnancy support.

Important Pregnancy Vitamins

Some of the important fertility assistance vitamins available for men include L-carnitine, Ferulic Acid, Antioxidants C and E, CoQ10, Swlenium, Zinc, and B Vitamins. These vitamins are especially important to men who are going through fertility treatment. These vitamins for infertility grant the necessary time for the body to optimize the sperm quality and motility.

These vitamins for fertility grant the optimized fertility to the woman and include: chasteberry, folic acid, antioxidants green tea, vitamin E, Selenium, L-Arginine, and B Vitamins. When these vitamins are present in pregnancy the couple's fertility support program is more likely to work.

Both women and men that are going through infertility can assist the process by eating healthy and taking additional vitamins. The body will appreciate the infertility assistance and relax, which may be just what a couple needs for them to achieve pregnancy, provided everything else with their reproductive health is ok.

Importance of Emotional Preparedness

Vitamins can prepare the body for a baby, but it is up to a couple to work through the feelings that they need to prepare for before the baby actually comes. For couples that are suffering from infertility they may believe that because they want a baby so bad that they will not need to emotionally prepare for one. The truth is that everyone planning to have a baby or hoping to have one someday will need to do some emotional work to prepare for the changes that a baby can bring.

Couples need to openly discuss the important changes that are going to occur during the fertility treatments, pregnancy, and after the baby is home. The woman's body is going to be doing some amazing work while it is preparing to have a baby. But this work may leave little energy for other things in her life. Also, the physical changes that come along with fertility treatment may add another dimension of difficulty to a couples relationship while her body is adjusting.

It is important for couples to have an open and honest discussion with their doctor about vitamins and emotional support during the fertility process and pregnancy. This frank discussion could head off later frustrations from both the man and the woman.



If infertility assistance is something you are seeking, we have many articles and resources that can help point you in the direction of solving one of the most frustrating problems couples face today: http://www.yourinfertilityassistance.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Jerry
http://EzineArticles.com/?Is-There-an-Infertility-Vitamin?&id=439461

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Lunar Fertility Charts

Lunar Fertility-Myths And Truths
By
Luc De Jaeger


Much has been written and said about the Lunar fertility methods. Most of the articles are critical and some are biased one way or the other. Most so-called scientific articles reject any relationship between fertility and the Moon.

However, there are some scientific studies that point to the fact that the ovulation cycle can NOT be the only fertility cycle at work.

A 2003 research study conducted by University of Saskatchewan researchers funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has uncovered evidence that suggests the traditionally accepted model of the human menstrual cycle is wrong.

Prior to this 2003 Study, researchers at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences in Durham, North Carolina, found in a year 2000 study that a woman's fertile window -- the six days each month when she is most likely to conceive -- is extremely difficult to predict. This research too clearly proved that a woman can be fertile on any other time in the month...

That's why some women get pregnant, even when they thought they had intercourse during a so-called infertile and safe period. The reverse is true also: some women who persistently and only follow their ovulation cycle don't get pregnant, even if they think they are in a fertile period. Perhaps they are in a fertile period, but clearly not in THEIR personal fertile time!

They forget, neglect or, mostly, are unaware that there are other fertile times too in which they can become pregnant. By only following their ovulation cycle, they are losing other opportunities and neglecting the way nature works. But they are not to blame! It's the mainstream "belief" that the ovulation cycle is the only fertile cycle that counts that's wrong. And the medical textbooks!

Nature never works in a linear way that is. Nature is non-linear and cyclic and there are different cycles at work making it all the more complex.

From different well-timed moments of sexual intercourse resulting in pregnancies, astrologers are able to identify such other fertile periods and cycles.

1) The most known fertility cycle was (re)discovered by Dr. Jonas, a psychiatrist from Czechoslovakia who found that there are two independent monthly rhythms of fertility: the ovulation cycle and the period of time in the monthly cycle when sexual intercourse can give rise to "reflex ovulation" (a spontaneous ovulation). The reflex ovulation is related to the Moon phase return, i.e. the repetition of the angle between your natal Sun and the natal Moon.

Whenever such a monthly Moon phase return occurs, the woman is in a fertile period (irrespective of her own biological or ovulation cycle) and can become pregnant.

When in the progressions of a female horoscope there is a Moon phase return (actually, around the age of 27), we can expect this to be the year of highest fertility.

Whether or not the lunar phase cycle represents a biological process is not yet proven, nor unproven. Also, the relationship between the Moon (phases), Moon phase returns and indirect effects of celestial factors and the pineal gland and the results thereof are not uncovered and fully understood yet. Chances are there is a connection of some sort.

From my astrological practice I have found that the Moon phase return is a highly important fertility cycle that should not be neglected but it's not the only one and does not work for every woman either.

This makes sense as human beings are still individuals with individual characteristics, cycles, traits, behavior, expectations etc. There will never be one single method that works for everyone all the time. What helps the one may not help the other and vice versa. The mainstream thought or belief that just one drug or method may cure a disease or heal cannot be right for that reason. There is no cure-all.

In that sense, human beings are not really born equal.

2) A 2nd fertility cycle can be found any time the transiting Moon conjuncts the natal Ascendant. The Moon's position here marks another fertile high. Interestingly, the Ascendant marks the moment of birth of the native. When the Moon travels over the Ascendant, it brings on or triggers another 'birth' moment that may be related to the conception of a child.

3) A 3rd important fertility cycle is found when the transiting Moon is parallel the natal Sun. A parallel is formed when two points or planets are in the same declination within an orb of 1°. The declination is the number of degrees a point or planet is North or South of the Equator. The declinations can be found in any ephemeris. This Sun-Moon combo is another one blending the lunar and solar principle, the same as with the Moon phase return and denoting another fertile moment.

There are some possible other fertility cycles too, for example the transiting Moon exactly on the solstice point of the Sun but in my astrological practice I have not found this to be convincing yet. More research is needed.

The more the different fertility cycles coincide, including the ovulation cycle, the higher the chances of becoming pregnant. Clearly, if women would try and learn to think out of the box and try these fertility cycles, they could increase their chances of becoming pregnant (on condition there is no medical problem that prevents them from becoming pregnant).

It's yet unclear though how we can know beforehand which method will work for which woman. Some women respond very well to the Moon phase return theory, while others respond very well to the Moon-Ascendant theory, and others go by their ovulation cycle etc. For the moment one can only know what method works by trying them all and diligently keeping track of them.

Fortunately and after all, these methods have more advantages than disadvantages, they are quite simple to follow and almost free. So, why not trying them all together?




Luc De Jaeger is a jurist and astrologer, living in Belgium. In 2003 he founded Cosmic Technologies (CosmiTec), an increasingly popular astrological internet business, to bring astrology of a high standard to a wider audience and to research the connection between astrology and life events. He can be contacted through his web site http://www.cosmitec-astrological-compatibility-advice.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Luc_De_Jaeger
http://EzineArticles.com/?Lunar-Fertility-Myths-And-Truths&id=416227

Friday, January 12, 2007

Medicinal Herbs for Fertility

Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Supplements for Infertility in Females
By Thordur Sturluson


For a woman trying to conceive fertility problems can especially frustrating and disheartening. The dream of a child of their own cannot be put aside. Many women will try any- and everything to counter fertility issues. The first step is determining the cause of infertility. Many women falsely just assume the problem lies with them. As much as 40% of the time it might be the male. If it is determined that the female, or both partners, are experiencing fertility problems it may be helpful to determine the cause. Each woman presents differently and may have different, or multiple, causes for infertility. In as many as 15% of couples with infertility the cause cannot be medically identified.

So, if the issue is this confusing what can be done? First it is important to get checked out by a physician to find out the cause if possible. Some fertility issues can be reversed through simple diet changes and exercise. Others may be the result of more serious conditions such as endometriosis.

The next step is to find possible solutions to reverse the causes of the infertility. Fertility drugs work for some women. Surgical techniques are successful for others. The problem with both of these options is the lingering changes and side effects, not the least of which is pain and discomfort. Many women today are side stepping these remedies and trying the herbal route.

Herbs and herbal supplements for use in fertility treatment focus on establishing normal hormonal production and function, nourish and tone the uterus, reduce stress and relax the nervous system and balance sexual desires. There are many different medicinal herbs that may be helpful in improving fertility in women.

One such herbal remedy is Red Clover Blossoms. The high vitamin and protein content support the whole body. It is reported to contain all of the trace minerals needed by the glands and the high calcium and magnesium content help to relax the nervous system and promote fertility. Nettle Leaves work similarly in nourishing the whole system. The high chlorophyll and mineral content help boost the hormonal system.

Raspberry Leaf is another popular medicinal herb in fertility treatment. It is a well-known uterine tonic which helps strengthen the uterine lining. It is especially helpful when taken with Red Clover. False Unicorn Root is another uterine tonic. It also helps to reduce acidity in the ovaries, bladder and kidneys. Dong Quai, along with toning the uterus, is also considered a female hormone regulator.

Some of the other popular fertility enhancing herbs include Chasteberry which stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more of the necessary sex hormones and Evening Primrose Oil which helps increase fertile quality cervical fluid. Evening Primrose Oil also contains essential fatty acids that help support the brain and nervous system. Due to its potential to cause uterine contractions it should be exchanged for flax seed oil after ovulation. Black Cohosh has also shown some potential in the fertility battle through its anti-cramping support.

There are many good herbal products available out there, either individually or in combinations. It is important to seek reputable distributors when looking at herbal remedies who sell high quality medicinal herbs. Whether preparing your own tincture or using a prepared blend it is important to start with high quality herbs. Be sure to check all warning and cautions when using herbs, as some can be very potent. When using prescription drugs it is vital to check the drug interactions of certain herbs and consult your physician before starting any herbal program.




If you are looking for great information on herbal supplements for fertility or infertility or medicinal herbs for various ailments please visit this links.

Thordur Sturluson is a biologist and an amateur herbalist living in Copenhagen Denmark


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thordur_Sturluson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Medicinal-Herbs-and-Herbal-Supplements-for-Infertility-in-Females&id=390021

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Herbs for Fertility

Herbs for Infertility, Anyone?
By
Low Jeremy


Since 1237 A. D. when the first formal study of the herbs for curing infertility was conducted in China, contemporary man still finds great uses with this ancient knowledge.

While many may smear at the idea of using strange leaves and other plant species, they still deserve to be given proper places in the medical world.

With over 150 known herbs for curing infertility, it is impossible that an infertile person would not respond to one. Not all herbal medicines come in herb forms. In fact, herbs for infertility treatment are transformed into some forms that others would not typify as something organic. The most common of which are the tablets, pills, decoctions and powders which are as potent as those that are in their original modes.

With all herbs, there are too few that have therapeutic value as approved by the drugs authority and the medical circles. Nonetheless, this does not dispute the effectivity of the herbs. In fact, it is continuously closing into the medical community that the herbs and other alternative medicines must be used in conjunction with the western approach, thus bringing a balance for more effective outcomes.

For our common senses, we still cannot readily accept that beliefs such as energies, bad spirits and the likes should be dealt and used as foundations for cure in medicine. Well, such are the reasons why they are duly called "alternatives". But the matter of fact is, you need not believe in their underlying principles, you just have to have faith that they may "help" cure you.

Some of the more commonly used herbs as cure for infertility are the Xi Xian Cao (Siegesbeckia) and Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus).

During a recent study in China, these two herbs when combined may induce the effect of releasing the blockage in the fallopian tube, which is a major problem among infertile women.

This is the result of having some form of infection or inflammation, scar, excess mucous and thickening of the tissue that lines the tubes. As observed during the study, women who were put into experimentation responded within 10 days, all showing the effects (at a rate of 10 days!) that may not be had even with the highest of the technologies that we employ here in the west.

The herbs aside, essential oils may also prove helpful when undergoing alternative treatment along with the use of acupuncture. In fact, some authorities agree that acupuncture is enough to cure the cause of the infertility. However, to be safe let us presume that we need to use other techniques to benefit from the results.



This content is provided by Low Jeremy and may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more info on Infertility, please visit http://infertility.articlekeep.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Low_Jeremy

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Natural Fertility - Acupuncture

Fertility Acupuncture Specialists - Painless and Cost Effective
By
Chelsea Aubin

There are many benefits to searching out a Fertility Acupuncture Specialists, as this form of therapy has been proven to help increase fertility in certain situations. It is a simple, natural, and affordable treatment option for infertility. It appears to work the best with problems involving endometriosis and has been used since ancient times and has been proven safe and effective.

There are many studies that have had very positive results as to whether or not acupuncture helps with fertility problems. Doctors at the Cleveland Clinic have been investigating treatments and have had good results but there still is much more research needed to determine when and how the acupuncture therapy works the best.

Fertility Acupuncture Specialists perform their procedure by placing slender needles on certain points of the body and these points allow the flow of life energy, or chi, to flow properly. This method has been developed and perfected by the ancient Chinese and they have found the best results from acupuncture have been when it is used to treat the pain of endometriosis, and not used in the traditional body spots that have been used to help infertility. This brings hope to many women who have found that pain from endometriosis infringes on becoming pregnant. Endometriosis is a very common problem and results in thousands of partial and total hysterectomies each year. But whether a woman suffers from endometriosis or another form of infertility problem, finding a Fertility Acupuncture Specialists can help.

Acupuncture is performed by well-trained, licensed professionals in alternative medicine clinics or holistic centers. You can find these clinics all across America or in other countries as well. You can find one that is located in your area by searching online or looking in your telephone book's yellow pages under "Alternative Medicine", or a similar listing. When compared to other infertility treatments, acupuncture proves very cost effective.

Acupuncture has been accepted for centuries as a therapy for infertility and is safe and affordable. If you are experiencing difficulty becoming pregnant acupuncture therapy is worth a try. There is no need to fear the idea of having fine needles placed on your body. Acupuncture is painless and quite relaxing and if the fertility problem is related to endometriosis then consulting your nearest Fertility Acupuncture Specialists may be the most painless, cost effective, and trouble-free treatment available.




Learn more about taking charge of your fertility and more about fertility specialists at http://www.fertility-help.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chelsea_Aubin