Some might, but there really isn’t any data to back it up. Supporters of herbal remedies believe that some herbs have effects that can benefit reproduction, like increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and regulating hormone levels. Certain herbs have been used for thousands of years for their supposed fertility-boosting qualities, but there is no conclusive research that supports the benefits.
Popular herbal remedies for fertility during ovulation
Though unregulated, herbal remedies can affect the body’s processes just as medications can, so you should always speak with your healthcare provider before beginning an herbal remedy regimen.
-
Chaste Berry
Also known as Vitex Agnus-Castus, Chaste Berry has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years to treat a wide range of maladies, and its fertility benefits are widely recognized. Chaste Berry indirectly helps promote progesterone levels, which can help ensure that you ovulate a healthy egg, and that your uterine lining is prepared for a fertilized egg to implant. Chaste Berry may also help women who struggle with luteal phase defects better regulate their cycle, and promote conception.
-
Black Cohosh
Black Cohosh has a similar makeup to estrogen, so its use can help stimulate the ovaries to produce and release healthy eggs, particularly in women who have hormonal imbalances. Some research indicates that taking Black Cohosh may help the chances of conception, but there is no study large enough to know for certain.
-
Red Clover
Although Red Clover is known to have many medical benefits, like helping to manage acne, herbalists frequently cite its fertility-boosting qualities as most important. Red Clover is believed to improve circulatory function, and the increased blood flow to the ovaries and uterus can be extremely helpful in producing better eggs, and better-preparing the uterus for implantation. The circulatory benefits may also help you produce higher-quality cervical fluid to facilitate sperm’s journey to your egg.
-
Red Raspberry Leaf
Most commonly consumed as a tea, the fertility-boosting benefits of Red Raspberry Leaf have been acknowledged for thousands of years. Red Raspberry Leaf is very high in important nutrients for fertility, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, potassium, and many others, and is also known to help extend the luteal phase (particularly important for those with luteal phase defects that prevent implantation), and to help tone the uterine lining to support a pregnancy. Red Raspberry Leaf may cause uterine contractions, so many herbalists warn against using it during pregnancy.
-
Evening Primrose Oil
High in Omega-6 fatty acids, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is one of the most promising herbal remedies for reducing inflammation, and helping to produce higher-quality, more fertile cervical fluid. EPO can also cause the uterine muscles to tighten, so women may not want to use it after becoming pregnant.
What’s the verdict on herbal remedies for fertility during ovulation?
Although the studies are limited, it’s clear that some herbal remedies can help with certain physiological functions that boost fertility. That being said, you should always do your own research, and consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any herbal regimen.
