1. Q: Hi, what’s the difference from taking just vitex or something like FertilAid? -thanks.

A: The main difference is the amount of Vitex contained in the supplement. FertilAid is basically a multivitamin with the addition of a 620mg blend of herbs that includes some Vitex. We find that Vitex is most effective at a 1000mg a day dosage. If you have irregular ovulation, absent periods, hormonal imbalance, luteal phase defect or other menstrual cycle irregularity, taking Vitex at a low dosage, in a blend may not be beneficial to giving your body the support it needs to regulate the cycle. FertilAid is more for general fertility support, rather than for a specific fertility issue that needs a more medicinal healing benefit. If you choose to use Vitex alone, we do suggest including a multivitamin separately. You can learn more about the fertility healing benefits of vitex at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/vitex

2. Q: Hello, I am reading about your fertility tonic herbs and not sure where to start! I have no fertility issues that I know of, however I have been trying to conceive for about 3 months (which I know is not very long) without success. I am wanting to boost my fertility naturally, but I don’t want to do anything to mess up my text book 28 day cycle with a perfect 12 – 14 day Luteal Phase. I’m happy with my cycle the way that it is, and I have heard of herbs and vitamin supplements altering the cycle of certain women, causing some women not to ovulate at all or delay it etc.

Thank you so much

A: Great questions! A nourishing infusion would be a great way to prepare your body for pregnancy. A nourishing infusion should be part of every person’s weekly routine! Nourishing infusions aid the body by providing liver support, adequate amounts of vitamin and minerals while also hydrating the body and cleansing it.

A good blend for a nutritive infusion would be…

2 parts Red Raspberry Leaf
2 parts Red Clover blossoms
1 part Nettle leaf
1 part Oatstraw
1 part Lemon Balm
1/4-1/2 part Rose Hips or Hibiscus flower.

I prefer hibiscus over rose hips because they steep better with these other herbs and have a tart flavor, rather than sweet, but they are still very high in vitamin C. Vit. C is essential for proper absorption of iron from the Nettles and Raspberry leaf. I don’t think you should need the Skullcap if you are going to use Lemon Balm. Lemon Balm is more nourishing and less of a sedative action for sleep issues compared to Skullcap.

Click here to learn how to make a Nutritive Pregnancy Preparation Infusion

This infusion is fine to combine with vitamin supplements as long as you are taking the recommended daily amount on the product label. You do not need 1600mcg of folic acid. You said that is how much you are taking. Honestly we feel it is best to take a complete whole food multivitamin. Taking a whole food multivitamin as opposed to synthetic vitamins ensures complete absorption and assimilation. You can learn more about why we prefer whole food vitamins over synthetic ones at this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/multivitamin

3. Q: Hi there. I have purchased vitex, multivitamin tablets, maca, omega 3,6,9, and Fertilica FertiliGreens to take because of recurrent miscarriage. Is it safe to take all together? Can these supplements be taken for 9-12 months consecutively? I know the website says 3 months for most of these. Thank you for your help. Have a nice day!

A: Yes, all of those have been shown safe to take at the same time. All of those may be taken long-term, though you may not need to use Maca for 9-12 months daily. Maca may be taken daily for 3-6 months in a row. You could then consider only taking it for a nutritional support a few times a week, rather than everyday. It is really up to you.

4. Q: Hi, I am preparing for an egg donor cycle in March 2012. Are there any specific supplements or other preparations you would recommend, which focus particularly on preparing the uterus (rather than egg health per se)?

A: Yes! There are a variety of supplements, herbs and natural therapies that work to help increase uterine health!

Several ideas come to mind. Since we do not want to affect your hormone levels at all, here are some really nourishing and beneficial ways to increase uterine health…

Exercise
This should be one of the first steps in improving any type of health issue, including improving uterine health. Walking and Fertility Yoga are two of the best ways to promote circulation and improve strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the uterus.

Red Raspberry Leaf
The herb Red Raspberry leaf is wonderful as an infusion to help prepare the uterus for pregnancy and beyond! This nutritive herb is high in vitamins and minerals as well as an easily absorbed form of calcium. It is also a wonderful uterine tonic. This is a great herb for women preparing for pregnancy and has been shown to be a great help in the efficiency of the uterus during labor. It also helps to reduce excessive bleeding during and after childbirth. This herb is considered to be one of the safest for pregnancy and pregnancy preparation. It should not be used in the 1st trimester if their is a history of uterine or implantation weakness that is contributing to recurrent miscarriage. In those cases it may be best to use this herb in preparation for pregnancy, then begun again after the 1st trimester is over. General suggested usage: 4-8 mL, liquid extract 3 x’s a day, or 3 cups infusion a day.

L-Arginine
L-Arginine promotes synthesis of Nitric Oxide (NO). Nitric Oxide is naturally produced by the body and is important for blood dilation, increases blood flow to the uterus, ovaries and genitals. L-Arginine promotes a healthy environment for implantation.

Self Fertility Massage
Self Fertility Massage may be one of the easiest and most cost effective ways you can improve your uterine health. It can be done from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Self Fertility Massage™ is a series of massage techniques that are used to help support reproductive health, the menstrual cycle, and your fertility.

Castor Oil Therapy
A Castor Oil Pack is a cloth soaked in castor oil which is placed on the skin to enhance circulation and promote healing of the tissues and organs underneath the skin. This therapy is complimentary to Self Fertility Massage.

Ways Self Fertility Massage Improves Uterine Health…
* Increases circulation to the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
* Promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop.
* Helps the uterus to rid itself of old stagnant blood and tissues.
* Helps to reposition a tilted uterus.
* Increases endorphins which help reduce pain associated with uterine issues.
* Brings fresh oxygenated blood to the uterus.
* Aids the uterus in getting rid of blood clots.
* Helps to strengthen the uterine muscles.

A three month plan could look like this:
Month 1
1. Natural Fertility Diet- be sure to include your 8 glasses of water
2. Exercise: Walk at least 5 times a week for 30 minutes, do Fertility Yoga at least 2-3 times a week.
3. Fertility Cleanse
4. Self Fertility Massage, at least 4-5 times a week
5. Castor Oil Pack, before Self Fertility Massage

Month 2
1. Natural Fertility Diet- be sure to include your 8 glasses of water
2. Exercise/Walk/Fertility Yoga
3. Raspberry leaf infusion
4. Self Fertility Massage
5. Castor Oil Packs
6. L-Arginine

Month 3
1. Natural Fertility Diet- be sure to include your 8 glasses of water
2. Exercise/Walk/Fertility Yoga
3. Raspberry leaf infusion
4. Self Fertility Massage
5. Castor Oil Packs
6. L-Arginine

You may also want to consider the importance of your male partner preparing for IVF as well! After all, the male partner will provide half of the genetic make-up that is your future child.

Additional considerations would be acupuncture or guided meditation therapy, both of which have been shown to increase your chances of a successful IVF! May your upcoming IVF be successful!