General characteristics

Infertility is the inability of either a male or female to conceive a child after about a year of trying. Infertility may be temporary or permanent depending on the cause. It can even occur after having had a successful previous pregnancy/s.

In order to conceive the female must have at least one ovary with viable healthy eggs that are successfully released monthly, travelling via the fallopian tubes (being fertilised on route) to the womb lining where the fertilised egg must then 'catch' onto the wombs inner lining and mature and ultimately develop into a baby. The males sperm also needs to be viable, mobile and able to penetrate the females egg.

Infertility can be caused by numerous factors including hormone imbalance, failure to ovulate, irregular ovulation, polycystic ovaries, poor egg quality (usually in females over 37 years old), blocked or damaged fallopian tubes, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, poor sperm quality, deformed sperm, immobile sperm, blockages or damage in the structures of the testes or urethra, malnutrition or very low body weight, anaemia, deficiency of vitamin C and zinc in males, exposure to environmental toxins, smoking, excess alcohol, infections, stress, x-ray exposure, mid to long term use of hormonal contraceptives, opioid painkillers, anabolic steroid use, obesity, overheating the testes, electronic waves from mobile phones or laptops, overly frequent ejaculation (2-3 times daily), other diseases such as diabetes, intestinal problems, tumours or cysts, low thyroid hormones and sexually transmitted diseases.

Healing objectives are to determine and treat any underlying causes, improve nutrition and overall health, reduce stress levels, reduce exposure to any environmental factors and to ensure the whole body is cleansed and well nourished.

Useful herbs

For females, red clover, raspberry leaf, squaw vine, false unicorn root, nettle and ginger can all boost chances of conceiving. Use dried herbs in equal parts, except a pinch of ginger root or powder per dose, 3 cups daily. If you want a simple formula use equal parts raspberry leaf and red clover.

Agnus castus can help to balance female hormones after taking it for at least 3 months. A teaspoon of tincture twice daily is the dose.

For males, a good all round formula designed to boost vitality in the required body systems could include damiana, ginkgo, hawthorn berries, gotu kola, saw palmetto, yarrow and liquorice. Use equal parts of the dried herbs, except half a part of liquorice and take 3 cups daily for several months at a time.

Horsechestnut has shown to improve the quality of sperm in males with varicosities in the testes (varicocele).

Fenugreek seeds are an ancient and well truested remedy to help increase fertility.

Lady's mantle tea is well regarded as being a promoter of fertility if taken for several months.

Ashwagndha root is a useful tonic that is capable of improving conditions that may increase fertility in both men and women. It also helps the body to throw off the physical effects of stress, a common part of infertility.

Schisandra is another useful tonic in effect and actually increases sperm production, improves erectile function and encourages ovulation.

Maca is a powerful herb used for centuries to improve fertility in men and women.

Sage leaf may be useful in increasing male fertility if their prolactin levels are high.