Last updated on
Nestled in the center of a female’s lower pelvic cavity is the uterus – the womb. It is commonly understood that the womb provides temporary residence for a growing fetus until the fetus is ready to make its way into the world.
The uterus, however, has many other “jobs” in terms of supporting female fertility health:
- It responds to cyclic hormone fluctuations in turn shedding its lining during menstruation
- It directs blood flow to the ovaries, vagina and external female sexual organs to increase sexual response
- It builds its lining to nourish a fertilized ovum
- It plays an important role in physically supporting the position of the bladder, bowel – organs within the pelvic cavity
There is no other organ quite like the uterus. If men had such an organ they would brag about it. So should we.” ~ Ina May Gaskin
There are many herbs known to nourish the uterus and to support its tone and function, but also for Improving Uterine Health for Fertility, Conception and Implantation. Many of them taste wonderful as a tea too!
Four of my favorite herbs for strengthening the uterus are:
Red Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus, spp.) – Known as one of the most effective uterine tonic herbs (feeding uterine tissues for proper tension and tone), Red Raspberry leaf is high in vitamins and minerals, most notably calcium.
Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) – High in protein, vitamins and minerals, especially absorbable calcium and magnesium (important for smooth muscle function) and most every trace mineral, important for relaxation of the nervous system and hormonal balance. Red Clover is also known to alkalinize the entire body which may support healthy acid/alkaline balance within the uterus and vagina.
Nettles (Urtica dioica) – Nourishing for the entire body, Nettles has a high mineral content including iron. It contains ample amounts of chlorophyll which provides food for the hormonal system. Nettles also support uterine tone and strengthens the kidneys and adrenal glands.
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) – This lesser known herb is well known in the herbal community for it’s affinity for the female reproductive organs. This herb is astringent, drying and strengthening of the body tissues, and is traditionally used to support healthy menses and uterine health issues that are accompanied by inflammation (even postpartum). Lady’s Mantle also maintains the balance of salts and fluids within the cell walls and membranes of the body.
Blend Your Own Uterus Strengthening Tea:
Ingredients:
2 parts Red Raspberry leaf
1 part Nettles
½ part Red Clover
¼ part Lady’s Mantle
and a pinch of one of the following…
- Peppermint (Mentha piperita)– mints are cooling and known as sexual stimulants
- Hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) – high in vitamin C and supports iron absorption
- Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum spp.) – warming, supports healthy circulation to the reproductive organs and acts as a catalyst
If you are wondering how to measure “parts” of each herb, watch this video…
Combine each herb in a glass container with a tightly fitting lid. When ready to brew a cup, pour 8-12 ounces of freshly boiled water over 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) of loose herb mixture, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and enjoy!
- DIY Guide to Tea Blending. Retrieved from http://www.deliciousobsessions.com/2014/01/diy-guide-tea-blending/
- Mandal, MD, A. What Does the Uterus Do? Retrieved from http://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Does-the-Uterus-Do.aspx
- Tierra, M. (1998). The way of herbs: Fully updated–with the latest developments in herbal science (pp. 149-150). New York: Pocket Books.
- Weed, S. (1985). Before Pregnancy. In Wise woman herbal for the childbearing year (pp. 1-4). Woodstock, N.Y.: Ash Tree Pub.
- Wood, M. (1997). Alchemilla vulgaris; Lady’s Mantle. In The Book of Herbal Wisdom (pp. 112-122). Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.
Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist with the Natural Fertility Company and head educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.
Thank you so much for sharing all this info. i have fibroids that i am trying to shrink them naturally and you have been a silent voice of wisdom that has talked home and courage into my life. Everytime i receive youR email, i learn something new. i have learnt so much in that i can now advice other women on how to take care of themselves naturally. pray for me as i plan to harvest my eggs early next . Can you advice me on the herbs i can take for now to help boost my eggs as i am 43 years now
Dear Evelyne,
Oh thank you and we are so grateful to have been such support thus far! We have a complete guide How to Increase Your Egg Health in 90 Days that I feel is the best resource for you. Do also take advantage of the Free Egg Health Checklist also!
My very best!
You list 2 different suggestions for teas. My question is why not combine the two teas into one?
Dear Dawnetta,
I only offer one recipe. If you’d like to a pinch of each Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) and Cinnamon bark (Cinnamomum spp.), I suppose you could.
I’m sorry. Its been a hellish week for me. I found one that was Red clover, Red Raspberry. lemon balm peppermint dandelion root and marshmallow root. I was ondering if we can add that to the one you had listed OR is there a herbal reaction I have to watch out for when mixing herbs. I am still learning all this and new to this so I want to make sure I get it right the first time around. I have sent both my sisters to this site as we all are getting back to nature and getting away from the bad. Thank you for your help.
Hello Dawnetta!
No need for apologies at all! I wouldn’t combine all the herbs into one tea. Perhaps making both blends and alternating their use might be worth considering. The herbs you shared in you reply sound like they’d make a lovely tea!
Thanks so much for this info. I am interested in making this tea. How often should something like this be consumed?
Dear Cheya,
You’re welcome! The Uterus Strengthening Tea could be consumed 4-5 times a week. Enjoy!
Is it safe to drink Red Raspberry leaf tea when your progesterone levels are low? I am currently in my 1st trimester and have been taking progesterone supplements as prescribed by my OBGYN. I’ve read that some herbal teas can interfere with hormone production or produce extra estrogen, which in turn, may lower your progesterone levels.
Dear JE,
Congratulations on your pregnancy! It is great that you are being monitored and guided by your healthcare provider. If your progesterone levels are still low while on the progesterone supplement, your doctor should address this with you. The DIY Uterus Strengthening Tea is not intended for use in pregnancy, but Red Raspberry Leaf can be in the second and third trimester. Are you working with a midwife or herbalist near you? This may be something to consider, so they can help you learn about and use herbs you are interested in.
My best for a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Hi! Should I avoid red clover, having endometriosis? Certain sources advise avoiding it because of its phytoestrogen content, but at the same time they claim phytoestrogens from tofu and flax seed are actually ok due to their role as selective estrogen receptor modulators. It’s really confusing.
Dear Maja.
Phytoestrogens don’t have to be avoided. What needs to be considered is how they can actually protect women from the harmful effects of xenoestrogens. To help explain this, we created a guide Clearing up the Confusion on Phytoestrogens and the Herbs and Supplements with Estrogen Action Q&A.
Our discussion about Red Clover: Fertility Herb and Tonic may also help you in deciding if Red Clover is right for you.
I hope this is helpful!
Hi ,
I am happy to hear about the infusion tea benefits,but I would like more info about what cure its meant for.I have Hypo Thyroid and Hashimoto’s which has played with my menstrual patterns resulting in Amennorrhea.I am trying on many supplements and I am sure that they are playing a role in getting my body in line slowly.Right now,my Doctor told me my cells were the age of a 65-year old and would like to trim it down to a 37 maybe.Please tell me whether these herbs would nourish,support and bring my uterine functions back.I have an unsettling mind over this.
Thanks and Regards.
Hello!
This infusion/tea is not meant to cure anything. We can not claim herbs will cure. They can and do support the body in achieving optimal health and vitality, and restoring balance.
This recipe contains herbs known to promote menstrual cycle health and to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, but without thyroid function being optimal neither may happen. It may be most helpful to focus on naturally supporting thyroid health first or along with thus infusion. Consider referring to our guide to How Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Affects Fertility for more details.
We also offer one on one Fertility Consultations if this form of support may be most helpful in creating a program specific to your needs. Learn more about a Fertility Consultation here…
Best wishes!