Fertility Enhancing Tea

For generations, men and women of child-bearing age have turned to various medicinal herbs to promote their fertility. There are several components that impact fertility including hormone imbalances, environmental toxin exposure, immune dysregulation, nutrient poor and inflammatory diets, and stress. With infertility affecting roughly 15 to 30 percent of couples, we would be wise to turn to these natural remedies to promote optimal fertility. 

I would like to share some of my favorite herbs to foster fertility in women and how to use them in a tea preparation when looking towards conception. Incorporating a fertility enhancing tea can help women pursue pregnancy with more confidence knowing they are aiding their body in a positive way. 

The Herbs

Red Raspberry Leaf

The dried leaves from the leaves of a raspberry plant (Rubus idaeus) have been used to tone the uterus and regulate menstrual cycles. Fragrine, one of the constituents in red raspberry leaf, is an alkaloid that tones the muscles in the pelvic area, especially the uterus. Red raspberry leaf also has important minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle also known as Utica dioica is a nutrient dense herb that is particularly rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, D, and K. It has also been thought of as a uterine tonic. It also has cleansing properties to gently detoxify the body. 

Lady’s Mantle

Alchemilla mollis or lady’s mantle has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for a long time to regulate menstrual cycles and promote fertility. Due to its ability to promote progesterone levels, tone the uterus, and stimulate ovulation, it is a favorite amongst herbalists for women seeking preconception health.

Peppermint

I’ve added peppermint because it provides valuable antioxidants to this formulation along with a lovely flavor. Peppermint is also helpful for digestion and assimilating nutrients. If you have known high androgen levels or experienced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), use spearmint. It has been shown to decrease in free testosterone and increase in luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol.

Green Tea

Green tea is famous for its significant levels of polyphenols. These polyphenols increase antioxidant levels within the body and reduce oxidative stress. Studies have confirmed the significant roles of antioxidants in male and female infertility.

Honorable Mentions

While these herbs are not included in this particular tea recipe, I wanted to highlight them. If you feel your body would benefit from these components, feel free to add them to your tea. 

Chaste Berry

Also known as Vitex or Agnus Castus, chaste is able to regulate hormonal imbalances. It is often used for irregularities of the menstrual cycle, infertility, premenstrual complaints, and cyclical breast pain. Again, this herb helps to foster optimal progesterone levels. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an evergreen shrub native to India. It is an adaptogenic herb that helps the body to respond appropriately to stress. Sometimes stress manifests in couples hoping to conceive and we know that stress can disrupt various aspects of fertility. Ashwagandha can be a helpful tool in reducing stress and anxiety along with regulating the circadian rhythm. 

The Tea

Ingredients

2 cups red raspberry

1 cup dried stinging nettle

1 cup peppermint 

1 to 1/2 cup green tea

1/2 cup lady’s mantle

Combine all of the herbs in a large mixing bowl. Transfer to a large jar with a tightly fitting lid and store in a cool dry place.

To prepare, steep 2 to 3 tablespoons of loose tea in 8 ounces of boiling water. Strain after 5 minutes and enjoy daily. 

Keep in mind, everyone’s physiology is different. Please check with your obstetrician or midwife before pursuing this therapy. Some of these herbs are not recommended for use during pregnancy, discontinue if you find you are expecting.