July 12, 2015

Top 5 Fertility Chinese Herbs

菊花 枸杞子

Chinese herbs have a long history of use in aiding fertility. Records indicating herbal treatment of infertility and miscarriage date back to 200 A.D. If you are looking for a way to enhance your fertility using Chinese medicine these may help you in your journey. These herbs are consumed as an herbal tea/ decoction or put in soups or porridges, depending on how a practitioner prescribes them. The top 5 herbs Chinese Medicine practitioners use when treating fertility:

1) Dang gui 当归 Angelicae Sinensis is best known for it’s blood tonifying properties. It is often prescribed for gynaelogical problems – menstrual irregularities and fertility issues, as well as poor blood circulation resulting in dizziness, paleness, fatigue. It has the ability to regulate a woman’s cycle and nourish the hormonal components and also supports estrogen production.[1] Dang gui can also be  used in soups (recipe here) to help a woman’s body heal and rebuild after menses and or giving birth.

2  Gou qi zi 枸杞子 goji berries  are high in antioxidants, Vitamins C, B1, and B2. It has gained much attention due to marketing in recently and labeled a “super food” but the Chinese having been using it for centuries to improve and maintain health. Goji berries have the ability to strengthen follicular activity and stimulates the uterus to thicken the lining. In men, It can improve sperm motility.[2] You can mix it with chrysanthemum and drink goji berries as a tea or use it as a garnish in soups.

枸杞子

3) Tu si zi (菟丝子) doddler seeds are known to improve semen production in men and reduces chromosomal issues. In women, it can improve egg quality and can be beneficial for ovulation.[3] According to Chinese Medicine, it tonifies the kidneys and is indicated for impotence, nocturnal emission, and is traditionally used to calm the fetus in threatened miscarriage.

4) Rou cong rong 肉苁蓉 Cistanche is great because it helps clean the bowels and has a detoxing effect on the body. It has the ability to warm the uterus and increase blood circulation thereby improving hormonal release.[3] It has also been shown to be benifical during the profliferation.

5) Ba ji tian 巴戟天 Morinda officinalis is often used to treat PMS by stimulating blood circulation around the uterus. It may also help decrease aches and pains during pregnancy along with reducing the risk of miscarriage. Men can also  use ba ji tian for erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual performance problems.[5]

As tempting as it may be to run out with this list and make your own formula, It is highly recommended  that you use these herbs only under the guidance of a qualified, licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine. As complimentary medicine grows, more people are seeking out alternative ways to enhance fertility and improve their health. If you have any questions please feel free to contact us at: info@artofacupuncture.com.au

Bob Wong was raised in a traditional Chinese medicine family and moved to mainland China to study and train for almost a decade. During that time, he was able to learn from some of the top acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine practitioners in at the Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. His mission is not bring that knowledge and experience to help his patients.

Bob Wong currently maintains an acupuncture practice in the Brisbane area and lectures at the Endeavour College of Natural Health. For more information you can read his full bio or schedule and appointment.

*The owner of this site is not liable for any misfortune that should befall a visitor to this site.This site does not offer personal advice & no information on it can be construed as personal advice. In the event that you may feel our therapies may be of benefit, we advise you to contact the clinic to make an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.