The oil from the seeds of the Evening Primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant is an excellent way to increase cervical mucous production.

The cervix produces different types of mucous or fluid depending on where a woman is at in her menstrual cycle. Just after menstruation, this fluid is thick and acidic and referred to as infertile CM that is designed to prevent sperm from entering the vagina. When a woman is about to ovulate, her CM should increase in amount and change in texture from “wet” to a more pliable, stretchy, egg-white like mucous. This fertile CM is higher in water and electrolytes and has a lower acidity than infertile CM. Fertile CM is necessary for nourishing sperm and protecting them as they travel to fertilize an egg.

Cervical mucous changes throughout the menstrual cycle are fueled by the fluctuation in circulating estrogen within the body. Women who have hormonal imbalance may in turn have poor CM production or CM that is too thick for sperm to travel through.

Three areas a woman can focus on to help promote healthy cervical mucous production each cycle are:

• Promoting healthy estrogen levels and overall hormonal balance with herbs
• Increasing essential fatty acid (EFA) consumption
• Demulcent and bitter herbs to support mucous membrane function

There are many herbs and nutritional supplements that are very supportive of healthy CM production. The great part is that many have more than just one fertility health benefit.

Three Ways to Remedy Low CM Production with Herbs

1. Omega 6 EFAs

The omega 6 EFAs Linoleic Acid (LA) and Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) are both known to contract and relax smooth muscle, as well as to help control prostaglandin production to help regulate hormones and control healthy cell growth. The cells that line the cervical canal produce mucous.

Evening Primrose Oil (from Oenothera biennis seeds): High in both LA and GLA, Evening Primrose Oil, has been and still is used by herbalists to increase fertile CM and aid in hormonal balance. If you have low CM and experience PMS, Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) is worth learning more about.

2. Demulcents

Demulcent herbs contain mucilage which protects, soothes and heals mucous membranes.

Shatavari root (Asparagus racemosus): This native Indian plant is mucilaginous and a warming Ayurvedic “sexual tonic”. Shatavari is used to increase secretion of sexual fluids in women (CM and arousal fluid) as well as to increase sensitivity to female genitalia.

Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra): One of the most common herbs in the U.S., Licorice rt. is demulcent, emollient (hydrating) and nutritious for mucous membranes which enhances their function. Licorice rootsupports healthy endocrine system and adrenal gland function, both necessary for hormonal balance. It is also known to be helpful for PMS because of its ability to impact hormone balance.

Red Clover aerial parts/blossom (Trifolium pratense): Red clover enhances circulation to the reproductive organs and is a nourishing herb. Red Clover has been shown to relieve vaginal dryness as a result of its phytoestrogenic activity and supports acid/alkaline balance in the vagina and uterus.

3. Bitters

Bitter herbs also increase circulation and stimulate the secretions of mucous membranes throughout the body.

Dandelion leaf and root (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion greens are bitter and stimulate mucous membrane secretion. Dandelion root supports liver detoxification and health to support hormonal balance.

Oregon Grape root (Mahonia aquifolium, nervosa): This root is a bitter that is highly supportive of liver function, hormone production, digestion and useful for menstrual cycle irregularities.

Sarsaparilla root (Smilax medica): Sarsaparilla is a bitter adaptogen, supportive of hormone production (testosterone and progesterone) production, and also reported to be useful in cases of cervical erosion or “ectropion“. Cervical erosion is a benign condition where the cells lining the cervical canal appear red, may bleed causing spotting, or impact CM production. Cervical erosion impacts women in their fertile years and can be caused by cervical trauma or multiple births, use of oral birth control and intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUD), infections, tampon use and hormonal imbalance.

Additional Considerations to Help Improve Cervical Mucous Production

Be sure to drink lots of water every day because CM is 90% water. Sperm-friendly lubricants can also be used until adequate CM is being made by the body.

Don’t be afraid to ask your questions about CM below in the comments feature of this article. Give yourself a “stage name” if you wish. Like I said, I know it’s awkward to talk about, but you can ask our team and we’ll get you the answers.