It is the dream of many couples to bring new life into the world. A baby to love and cherish. A little one to start a family. And that is where fertility teas can help.
Fertility teas can help by creating the conditions whereby fertilisation is more likely to succeed; this means:
- Correcting hormone imbalances
- Strengthening the uterus
- Boost ovulation
Or a combination of all three.
The effects of these herbs are usually cumulative, which means you need to drink the teas overtime for them to begin working.
These teas are more effective for your fertility when you:
- Exercise
- Eat healthy food
- Drink plenty of water
- Get enough sleep
So, let’s not wait any longer to discover the best teas used to improve fertility.
Which fertility tea is best for you?
| TEA | BENEFITS |
| Red Raspberry Leaf | Increase of blood to the uterus, nourishing it and helping to thicken it during what is known as the luteal phase, which is the time between ovulation and the next period. |
| Black Cohosh | It is a popular herb in supplements for women as it has benefits for fertility. The main reason is because it is thought to contain phytoestrogens. |
| Chaste Tree Berry | Stimulates the production of luteinising hormone (LH). This has the effect of boosting levels of progesterone and increasing the luteal phase. |
| Nettle Leaf | Assists by detoxifying the body and keeping the reproductive system clean, which increases the chance of fertilisation and development of a foetus. |
| Red clover | Improves circulation. Another of its functions is to thicken the lining of the uterus, raising the chances of implantation and pregnancy |
| Peppermint | It has properties that baldnce hormones and help regulate ovulation and menstruation, which significantly helps with conception. |
| Green tea |
What herbs do I avoid when trying to conceive?
While there are many herbs that are of great benefit when conceiving, such as those mentioned in the article, there are also some herbs to avoid. Certain herbs such as:
- Ginger
- Juniper berries
- St. John’s wort
- Gingko biloba
- Echinacea
- Parsley
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Pennyroyal
- Feverfew
should be avoided – even in small amounts.
This is not to say these herbs don't have amazing health benefits usually, it just means they have properties that may prevent, interfere or complicate conception.
Red Raspberry Leaf helps fertility
The leaves of the red raspberry tree contain several important vitamins and minerals. However, it is the potency of their antioxidants which really makes this particular tisane a highly popular tea for assistance with fertility.
As well as its powerful antioxidants, red raspberry leaf contains an extensive variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including:
- B vitamins
- Vitamins A, C and E
- Niacin
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
- Iron
Progesterone is a steroidal sex hormone involved in menstruation, pregnancy and embryonic development. As red raspberry leaf contains phyto-progesterone, by drinking the herbal tea, you are increasing the level of progesterone in your body and thereby improving your chances of falling pregnant. Read:
Taking red raspberry leaf tea leads to an increase of blood to the uterus, nourishing it and helping to thicken it during what is known as the luteal phase, which is the time between ovulation and the next period.
As raspberry leaf tea assists in the preparation of your uterus for ovulation, you want to drink 2 or 3 cups a day, starting on the first day of your cycle, but then stopping during ovulation. If you finally get pregnant, also read:
The satisfying flavour can be described as similar to that of black tea, but with earthy, slightly fruity notes. And it can be drunk hot or cold.
How can I boost my ovulation naturally?
There are many ways to boost your ovulation naturally including eating antioxidant rich foods, as well as drinking herbal teas high in folate and zinc. Research has found coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may improve the quality of ovum, especially as a woman gets older. This can be found in many foods such as oranges, strawberries and spinach. Try adding orange juice to your herbal teas for a big boost of nutrients.
SummaryRed raspberry leaf contains an abundance of nutrients as well as phyto-progesterone, which adds to the levels of progesterone made by the body itself. This helps increase the chances of falling pregnant. It nourishes the uterus, assisting in the thickening of the uterine walls to further assist implantation. |
Black Cohosh can help you get pregnant
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a herb that is native to North America and was used extensively by the Native American Indians in traditional medicine. It is made from the root, or rhizome, of the plant.
It is a popular herb in supplements for women as it has benefits for:
- Fertility
- PMS
- Menopause
- Hormone imbalances
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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition whereby the ovaries are enlarged and covered with small cysts. Black cohosh, when used with Clomiphene, can help women with PCOS bring their cycles back into balance and greatly improve their chances of getting pregnant. |
Black cohosh is also known to be of benefit when strengthening the lining of the uterus in preparation for conception.
In addition, it helps the uterus shed its lining during menstruation. Its anti-inflammatory properties prevent spasms (cramps) and therefore ensure the lead up to pregnancy is smooth.
Just a word of warning, once you are pregnant, black cohosh is a huge no-no. Black cohosh is also known to have certain drug interventions so if you are taking any medication, please check with a doctor before drinking it. Read:
How much black cohosh should I take to improve fertility?
Research suggests 200 mgs of black cohosh is enough to help with fertilisation. This is roughly equivalent to half a teaspoon of pure extract. If you are drinking black cohosh herbal tea then just under two cups of black cohosh a day. Just be aware that while organic herbal teas contain dried parts of the plant and nothing else, extracts can have additional ingredients. If you choose an extract, get it from a reputable supplier.
SummaryBlack cohosh is traditionally used for fertility, and it is said to be even more effective when combined with the popular fertility drug, Clomiphene. Black cohosh, on its own, helps to strengthen the lining of the uterus and assist sufferers of PCOS to bring their cycles back into balance. It should not be used during pregnancy. |
Chaste Tree Berry help with fertility
Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) is native to the central-northern area of the Mediterranean and its berries are believed to help both male and female reproduction systems.
One way this wonder-berry works is by inhibiting the pituitary gland’s production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for the production of breast milk. You can read more here:
But at this stage, obviously, breast milk is not needed. High levels of prolactin have been related to problems with ovulation, luteal phase problems, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
All of which can lead to difficulties falling pregnant.
In addition, chaste tree berry tea can increase levels of progesterone, which is a very important fertility hormone. Its functions include regulation of periods, as well as preparing the body for fertilisation and pregnancy.
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Finally, it stimulates the production of luteinising hormone (LH). This has the effect of boosting levels of progesterone and increasing the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. As a result, the amount of time a woman is fertile increases and, therefore, improves her chances of becoming pregnant. |
Once you do get pregnant, it is recommended you stop drinking chaste tree berry tea as its effects on the developing foetus are unknown. Besides, your body will want to start producing breast milk at some stage.
Chaste tree berry tea has a slight peppery flavour which can easily be disguised, if you choose, by adding a little honey, or combining it with other fertility herbal teas.
What does chasteberry do to hormones?
Chasteberry has an extremely beneficial effect on hormones. The pituitary gland produces something called luteinising hormone which, among other things, is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle as well as ovulation. Chasteberry stimulates the release of this hormone which has the knock-on effect of causing the body to release more progesterone – the hormone responsible for preparing a woman’s body for conception and pregnancy.
SummaryChaste tree berry tea increases levels of progesterone and luteinising hormone, and inhibits prolactin production. Together this significantly increases the chances of a woman becoming pregnant. Once pregnant, however, you should stop drinking this tea. It also has benefits for the male reproductive system. |
Nettle Leaf Tea is great for fertility
Stinging nettle leaf tea is made from a plant most people would rather avoid. Yet nettle leaf tea is abundant with essential vitamins and minerals like:
- Vitamins A, C, D and K
- B vitamins
- Calcium
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
- Folate
With regards to female fertility, it is the chlorophyll content of stinging nettle that assists by detoxifying the body and keeping the reproductive system clean, which increases the chance of fertilisation and development of a foetus.
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Stinging nettle leaf tea acts as a tonic for the uterus, toning and strengthening uterine walls. |
Another reason why people don’t get pregnant is stress. Unfortunately, the more often people try to conceive and fail, the more stressed they become. Read:
- Which Herbal Teas Should I Drink for Stress and Anxiety?
- What Can I Do to Stop Being Anxious About Going to Work?
- Valerian Root: My Best Natural Supplement for Anxiety
And stress is not good for couples who are trying for a baby. Luckily, stinging nettle leaf tea also has relaxants. Stinging nettle leaf is an especially good tea to drink for the nervous system.
Nettle leaf tea has a taste reminiscent of green tea, featuring refreshing herbal notes and a hint of earthiness.
What does stinging nettle do for fertility?
Stinging nettle can be very beneficial for fertility. First of all, it is high in folate, which is an important fertility and pregnancy B vitamin. Secondly, the chlorophyll in it is beneficial for conception. Research has found that chlorophyll has an alkalising effect on the body, which is more conducive to conception than an acidic environment. Nettle is also incredibly rich in nutrients, containing strong antioxidants, vitamins and essential minerals.
SummaryStinging nettle leaf tea boosts testosterone in the male and strengthens and tones the uterus in females. It is a natural detoxifier and contains relaxants that help eliminate stress, which often affects a couple’s ability to fall pregnant. |
Red clover can boost female fertility
Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a herbal tisane made from the dried flowers of the plant. It has a sweet, slightly earthy flavour that will surprise you with its deliciousness. No need to add honey to this brew!
Red clover containsvitamins and minerals directly related to fertility:
- Calcium
- Chromium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Niacin
- Phosphorus
- Thiamine
- Vitamin C.
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This herbal tisane is known to help with vaginal dryness and to thicken cervical mucous. A denser cervical mucous both protects and nourishes the sperm as it makes its way to the egg. |
Red clover should be taken at least 6 months prior to the time you wish to fall pregnant. As with a lot of herbs, the effect of their bio-ingredients is cumulative and take time to build-up within the body.
Finally, red clover may help you fall pregnant even if there is scarring on your fallopian tubes, as this herb has properties that can remove, or at least, lessen scar tissue, yet again assisting in you in falling pregnant.
SummaryRed clover nourishes the uterus and helps to create an environment to maximise the chances of a woman falling pregnant. This includes creating thicker cervical mucous which protects and nourishes the sperm, as well as helping to repair previous damage to fallopian tubes. |
Peppermint Tea is also good for fertility
Peppermint not only has a refreshing aroma and taste, but it is one of the most popular fertility teas.
Similar to stinging nettle, peppermint is a very calming, soothing herb. It is a well-known stress reliever and this adds weight to its benefits as a fertility tea. Too often stress in one or both partners is responsible for unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. Stress can actually delay ovulation, temporarily stop it, and generally mess up your cycle.
Peppermint is another tea that strengthens the uterus. In addition, it has properties that:
- Balance hormones
- Regulate ovulation and menstruation,
Peppermint tea is one of only a handful of teas that you can continue to drink throughout your pregnancy.
So, after you have taken peppermint leaf tea to conceive, there is no reason to stop drinking it, and many reasons to continue drinking it, although no more than 1 or 2 cups per day.
One of these reasons to keep drinking it is that it relieves gas and bloating. And what a big help that is. Read:
Peppermint tea has a subtle minty flavour with slight undertones of pepperiness.
Is peppermint tea good for conceiving?
In a round about way, peppermint tea may be very good for helping couples to conceive. Stress is one factor that has been found to interfere with the ability to conceive and it can actually prevent ovulation. As peppermint tea is known to have a relaxing effect on nerves and muscles, drinking peppermint tea could help with conception. It also contains folate, which is an important fertility vitamin.
SummaryPeppermint tea is one of the most popular drinks to aid conception, and to support a healthy pregnancy. It promotes fertility by calming the nerves to facilitate conception. It tones and strengthens the uterus walls in preparation for implantation, and relieves gas and bloating during pregnancy. |
Green tea increases sperm concentration
Apart from all the dozens of other health benefits of green tea, did you know it’s also a great fertility aid?
The Hypoxanthine, a purine, and polyphenols, bio-compounds abundant with antioxidants, in green tea are thought to increase the number of embryos. They are suspected to be responsible for both increasing the fertility of eggs and their maturation.
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Green tea also helps the males successfully complete their part in the process by increasing low numbers of sperm and improving sperm motility. |
It further helps in a more general way through its antioxidant activity on internal cells and tissue.
Antioxidants destroy the free radicals that enter the body and cause internal oxidative damage. They also protect healthy, living cells, repair damaged cells, and remove dead cells. By doing this, they maintain the health and condition of your body. Naturally, the healthier your body, the more chance there is of getting pregnant.
By combining its calming properties, its healing properties, and its ability to aid in fertilisation, this is one tea you should definitely try.
Finally, it’s a good idea not to drink green tea with meals as it can inhibit the absorption of much needed iron. Read:
Green tea has a gentle herbal taste, slightly bittersweet with earthy undertones.
SummaryGreen tea aids fertilisation by increasing the number of eggs available, improving their fertility and increasing the number that are fertilised. It also helps men produce more sperm. It further helps encourage conception by reducing oxidative damage and reducing stress. |
Conclusion
These herbs are some of the more successful herbs used for fertility, and there are several others.
One thing to note is when it comes to fertility, it’s not a one-herb-fits-all situation. While some herbs work for one person, they may not work for another. The trick is perseverance.
Hopefully our list will help point you in the right direction.