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Fertility Nutrition Men's Fertility

Goji Antioxidants Shown Helpful for Male Infertility

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 18, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Studies have shown that the fruit of Goji (Lycium barbarum, L. chinensis) may help male infertility by increasing sperm count and motility. In a Chinese study of 42 men diagnosed with infertility due to low sperm count and motility, the men were given 1/2 ounce of Goji berry a day. After 2 months of treatment, 33 of the men tested again had increased sperm counts to normal or above normal averages (20 million sperm per mL of semen) and all of those men went on to father children.

Animal studies back this human trial, showing that Goji protects sperm from hyperthermia (overheating), while increasing hormone levels and sperm quantity and quality. In one study scientists theorize that hyperthermia damages sperm health through oxidative stress. Oxidation causes an increase in free-radical damage to the sperm, including damage to the DNA in sperm cells. Goji contains antioxidants, which helped to reverse the effects of free-radical damage to the sperm.

Goji: Powerful Antioxidant

Lycium barbarum goes by the other common names Wolfberry, Chinese Wolfberry, and Matrimony vine. Goji has been used as a traditional male fertility herb for thousands of years in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These studies have shown that Goji truly is healthy for male fertility! The powerful antioxidants within the Goji fruit may also be protective for female egg health as well. Some studies have suggested its use for Premature Ovarian Failure patients as well as patients with autoimmune related fertility issues.

According to TCM Goji enhances sexual desire, improves sexual performance, and is nutritive to the kidneys, liver, and blood.

Japanese traditional healers use goji for spermatorrhea. Spermatorrhea is where there is involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm.

One animal study showed that Lycium barbarum extracts significantly reduced blood glucose levels, serum total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations, while at same time markedly increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels after 10 days treatment. Water (decoction) and alcohol extracts of the fruit exerted a stronger antioxidant effect than the fruits alone. This is promising news for women who suffer from insulin resistant PCOS or couples struggling with infertility related to diabetes.

Goji fruit has been found to regenerate liver cells and protect them from damage by medications and hepatotoxic chemicals. Liver health has been shown to be very important for maintaining hormonal balance. The liver helps to filter toxins from the body, including excess hormones.

Goji is Delicious!

If you have never eaten Goji fresh or as a dried berry, you are missing out on one of the many pleasures of life. I love Goji berries and could eat them daily! They can be added to soups, oatmeal, porridge, smoothies, muffins, bread, and rice. They are excellent juiced, though you may have to purchase a premade juice separately, as they only grow in limited quantities in the United States. Last summer I found fresh Goji fruit at a farmer’s market in western Colorado! I ended up purchasing a couple cartons and my kids ended up eating most of them. They are a nutritious, delicious, and a beautiful addition to any meal!

Lycium is native to China, naturalized in Hawaii, and has a related species growing in the southwestern United States. It is in the Solanacea family, which is the nightshade family. If you know you are allergic to plants in the nightshade family avoid this plant.

Traditional Suggested Usage

Tincture: 60-90 drops up to 4 times a day

Decoction: 2 tsp dried fruit (berries) to 12 ounces water. Bring to a boil, lower heat to slow simmer, 15-20 minutes. Take off heat, let steep for additional 40-50 minutes. Up to 3 cups a day.

As a food, up to 1 ounce may be eaten per day.

Goji is not just for men, it has such great overall nutritional benefits that both men, women, children and the elderly may all benefit from eating this food.

References

  • Watson, L. (2018, December 20). Fertility and Chinese Medicine. Retrieved from: http://drlisawatson.com/fertility-and-tcm
  • Luo, Q., Li, Z., Huang, X., Yan, J., Zhang, S., & Cai, Y. (2006). Lycium barbarum polysaccharides: Protective effects against heat-induced damage of rat testes and H2O2-induced DNA damage in mouse testicular cells and beneficial effect on sexual behavior and reproductive function of hemicastrated rats. Life Sciences, 79(7), 613-621. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2006.02.012. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320506001226?via%3Dihub
  • Luo, Q., Cai, Y., Yan, J., Sun, M., & Corke, H. (2004). Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and antioxidant activity of fruit extracts from Lycium barbarum. Life Sciences, 76(2), 137-149. doi:10.1016/j.lfs.2004.04.056. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320504007829?via%3Dihub
  • David Winston and Steven Maimes (2007). Adaptogens Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief. Healing Arts Press.
  • Andrew Chevallier (1997) The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants, DK Publishing

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

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.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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🍓 Antioxidant Rich Fertility Smoothie Recipe:

Feel free to add some superfoods if you like (such as greens powder, protein, maca, etc..)

1C Mango
1/2 C Strawberries
1/2 C Blueberries
1/2 C Almond yogurt
Nut milk

➡️ Blend together and adjust liquid so it is a thickness you enjoy. Top with nuts or seeds if you are making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

🍹If you would like to learn more about eating for your fertility type in FOOD and I will send you a link to my 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. 👇👇

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After focusing on creating a healthy body, Chavonne had her "miracle" baby at 41. Read more about her story...

****While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

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Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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A: Swipe left for our answer...

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Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

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3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

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1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

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👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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