1. Q: Hi, what’s the difference between 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.
On your website it states that you believe that the best fertility herbs for nourishment are:
Nettles
Red Clover
Red Raspberry
Oat Straw
Lemon Balm
Skullcap
Rose Hips
I am wondering if it’s alright to use all of these in one large brew? Or are there certain herbs in this list that may have adverse effects when mixed together? Would all these things mixed together be overkill? And are tinctures better than the dried herbs or does that not matter? What are the best mixtures of each of these things you suggest?
I also am starting to take organic outdoor grown wheatgrass shots. I’m starting out on one fluid once per day and plan to move up to 2. Would using the wheatgrass along with any of these herbs be harmful? I don’t want too much of a good thing, especially if it will be harmful and hinder my process of conceiving.
Also, will any of these herbs react badly with the vitamins supplements I am taking? Currently I am taking one soft gel of fish oil a day (1200 mg), one soft gel of flaxseed oil per day (1000 mg ), 800 mcg of folic acid per day, one prenatal tablet per day (which contains vitamin C 120 mg, vitamin A 4000 IU, vitamin D 400 IU, vitamin E 30 IU, thiamin 1.8 mg, riboflavin 1.7 mg, niacin 20 mg, vitamin b6 2.6 mg, another 800 mcg of folic acid, vitamin b12 8 mcg, calcium 200 mg, iron 28 mg and zinc 25 mg).
Then I am taking a B6 vitamin 200 mg and one B100 complex tablet (which contains thiamin 100mg, riboflavin 100 mg, niacin 100 mg, folate 400 mcg, vitamin b12 100 mcg, pantothenic acid 100 mg).
Does this sound like overkill?
I also took your fertility cleanse before I started trying to conceive if that information helps. I also saw your fertility smoothies, but I have sensitive teeth and can’t drink anything too cold nor do I like smoothies much, I would prefer to drink a tea/infusion.
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 vitamins 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 every day. 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 there 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!
Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000’s of women on their journey to Motherhood.
Hi – I’m taking acupuncture herbs (from my acupuncturist) to improve egg quality. I’m on lupron and bcp at the moment and am supposed to start stims next week. Do you recommend stopping the herbs at the start of my stim cycle?
Thanks,
Sheila
Dear Sheila,
We do not suggest herbs with medications unless your doctor approves, so please check with your acupuncturist and doctor.
My best!
Good day, question-i am unable to conceive after the last birth of child, my test show a uterine fibroid and blocked tubes . What is your recommended treatment ?
Dear Dolapo,
The effectiveness of natural therapies will depend on the location and/or severity of the blockage of the fallopian tube, in addition to what has led to, or is contributing to the blockage. Is it the fibroids? Consider asking your healthcare provider if he can help you understand these factors as you contemplate the best plan for you.
As you move forward, consider learning about the natural therapies shared in the guide The Best Natural Remedies for Uterine Fibroids…, each of which can have a great impact on fallopian tube health as well.
Hi! I love your Fertility massage, but I don’t have a DVD player at home or on my computer, Is there any way you can sell it as a file we can download?
Thank you!
Dear Fatima,
Yes, Self Fertility Massage is available as as instant download from the Natural Fertility Shop. See the SFM download in the drop-down menu here…
do you have something for those who has blocked fallopian tube? been trying for 7 years Doctor said I have blocked tubes so she did laporoscopy and she thought she fixed it but after 2 years still no luck to get pregnant.
Hello Mari!
I am sorry for the challenge you are faced with!
We have combined in the FallopianWise Fertility Kit herbs, supplements and natural therapies to support normal fallopian tube health. This kit contains enzyme therapy, herbal therapy, castor oil therapy and Self Fertility Massage to support the body’s natural inflammation and immune response, encourage healthy circulation to the fallopian tubes and reproductive system, while promoting the body’s natural ability to cleanse the reproductive system in part by aiding the breakdown of fibrin (bands of scar-like tissue).
Fallopian tubes that are severely damaged need special care. In those cases we would suggest you work with a specialist. A specialist will be able to evaluate your unique situation and determine the best possible course of care. Clear Passage Physical Therapy Clinics are a great option for those who do not want surgery. It is important to recognize that the fallopian tubes are about the size of a spaghetti noodle in width and are very delicate. Any sort of trauma can alter their function and damage the tubal tissues. Once they are damaged it may be difficult to reverse that damage.
The good news is that the natural therapies in the FallopianWise Kit can be used alone, or alongside any type of treatment options you are considering, which may greatly help to improve outcome.
Please take some time to read the article that our founder wrote about supporting fallopian tube health to learn more…
I am taking vitex, omega 3,6,9 and I want to add a multivitamin to that…which whole food multivitamin do you recommended?
Hi Britney,
We like Fertile Woman One Daily for preconception health and we like Baby and Me Multivitamin by MegaFood for pregnancy and lactation.
Update 2014 – We are back! We have been away for a while and we sure have missed all of your wonderful questions and thoughts on our articles. Moving forward, one of our staff herbalists will be here to respond to comments! We look forward to connecting with our readers once again!
Hi,
Im 40 yrs old. I just had my IVF treatment stopped because my follicles did not respond to the stimulation drugs. I was also placed on DHEA for the past 3 months. My FSH is high. My doctor is trying to councel us to o for a donor egg. I want my own eggs to get pregnant. Please Hethir i need your help on what to do. Im desperate and want to have a baby. Twins to be precise! Lol
Regards,
Pearl
Hi Pearl,
You, like many women are in a tough spot and my heart goes out to you! I have some ideas, one, read our article on preparing for conception over 40, two, believe in the power to change your circumstances and the health of your eggs, and three, consider the benefits of working with one of our herbalists.
Just yesterday a woman contacted me to say THANK YOU to us for helping her to improve her egg health, reduce her elevated FSH levels (a sign of declining egg health and count) and improve AMH levels, which her doctors told her is impossible. Not all women will have this kind of success, but I have seen time and time again, women improve their egg health through diet and lifestyle changes, alongside an herbal protocol specific to their needs.
It never hurts to have a “plan B” as back up. Plan B may be an egg donor, or it may be embryo adoption, either way, if you truly want a child, I trust you will find what will work best for you.
Hi
I am 32 years old. My FSH level is high (47) and LH is 22 in last test. I would like to know, is there any way to decrease FSH and LH levels? I want baby. Can I pregnant yet? Please guide me clearly. What can I do or eat? Thank you.
Regards,
Leila.
Hi, pls I want to know which of the drugs to continue with while on fertility cleans,maca, royal jerry, network antioxidants, whole food multivitamine and l-arginine?
Thanks
Miri
Hi Everyone
Can I take Maca while I cleanse?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Maria,
Yes, maca can be used in conjunction with the Fertility Cleanse.
I have been on fertility preparetion kit for close to a month now,am starting my ivf stimulation next friday,
I want for to know if I should continue with the fertility preparation kit even while on stimulation drugs
Thanks
Miriam
Hi Miriam,
You should discontinue all herbs before you start your fertility medications and IVF procedures.
Hello, I have NO tubes, an ectopic, a miscarriage, another ectopic and first IVF failed. Is there something I can do to become a parent?
Hi Dreanna,
Please talk to your doctor about another IVF, as this sounds like one of your only options of carrying a baby with your own eggs. There are donor eggs as well. This is when you use the egg of another woman, instead of your own. This is an IVF procedure as well. There is also surrogacy, where another woman carries your baby.
Best Wishes,
Dalene