At Yinova, we are dedicated to putting integrative care within your reach, giving you the ability to take your health in hand. We do this by combining all the tools that Chinese medicine offers us — from acupuncture to gua sha, Chinese herbal formulas to nutritional advice, cupping to dietary guidance – each of these modalities can play an important role in healing.
We’re known for our expertise in enhancing fertility, and we use Chinese medicine to treat fertility-related problems such as PCOS, endometriosis, luteal phase defect, irregular cycles, and amenorrhea. We also support thousands of people a year as they go through IVF and other assisted reproductive techniques. Why does it work? Chinese herbs can be used alone or as a complement to acupuncture treatment to support hormonal balance, nourish the ovarian follicle, clear inflammation, boost pelvic circulation, promote healthy cervical mucus and address complex fertility disorders.
Clinical research supports the use of Chinese herbs for fertility with a meta-analysis of forty randomized controlled trials involving 4247 women showing that taking a Chinese herbal formula can improve pregnancy rates twofold. That’s why they are such an important part of our toolkit at Yinova, where we use them to create measurable physiological and hormonal changes.
We often are asked if there are specific Chinese herbs for fertility. A quick google search for “Fertility Herb” or “Natural Herbs for Fertility” yields a lot of recommendations aimed at anyone looking to improve their chances of conceiving naturally. However, because there isn’t just one cause of infertility, there shouldn’t be blanket recommendations that apply to anyone and everyone. The best herbs for fertility are ones that have been selected specifically for you.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to herbal medicine although there are many herbs that are popular fertility tonics. Chasteberry, for example, is helpful for people who have a slow transition from estrogen to progesterone at ovulation, so we often prescribe it for a few days around ovulation to address a short luteal phase. Maca root is a traditional South American herb with a well-deserved reputation for balancing hormones and reducing stress and we sometimes prescribe it for its unique combination of vitamins and minerals. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea is a folk remedy that has been used for hundreds of years to tone the uterus, so we may suggest it to improve pelvic circulation.
However, we also use potent fertility herbs that you may not have heard of. For example. Corydalis is also known as Yan Hu Suo. It’s a natural pain reliever and an important constituent in herbal formulas to treat menstrual cramps. Chai Hu, or Bupleurum, helps to offset the effects of stress on reproductive hormones. We often use it for PMS. Ban Xia, known as Pinellia, promotes healthy fluid metabolism and is an important herb in formulas that support people with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Chinese Herbs for Fertility Success
When crafting treatment plans for our patients, we always create a regimen that fits each patient’s unique internal landscape.
I developed The Five Fertility Types, after decades of working with fertility patients and identifying key patterns that were common in people trying to conceive. In my book, Making Babies, I do my best to simplify the complex world of Chinese medicine and offer insight into each type. Learning more about your Type allows you to focus on the advice most relevant to you and your situation. By identifying and understanding the subtle signs your body is providing, you can focus on your body’s needs as efficiently and effectively as possible. From these patterns, I developed five formulas, based on traditional Chinese medicines that have been used for centuries and brought up-to-date for modern patients.
I designed our Fertility herbal tinctures to address the imbalances common for each of the five Fertility Types. Made with pure and effective herbs sourced carefully from growers and manufacturers we trust, they are based on classical Chinese herbal formulas that we use in our clinic to treat our patients.
Activate
This formula contains herbs such as Bai Zhu (Atractylodis) and Bai Shao (Peony Root) which boost metabolism, address fatigue, treat insulin resistance, and support progesterone production.
Circulate
This formula contains herbs such as He Huan Pi (Silk Tree Bark) and Mu Dan Pi (Tree Peony Root Bark) that regulate the balance between estrogen and progesterone, helps to offset the effects of stress on hormonal transitions and relieves inflammation.
Invigorate
This formula contains herbs such as Chen Pi (Tangerine Rind) and Ze Xie (Asian Water Plantain Rhizome) which support digestion and fluid metabolism alongside herbs that boost energy, regulate androgens, and address insulin resistance.
Fortify
This formula contains adaptogens including Ren Shen (Asian Ginseng Root) and Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) that help your body to adapt to emotional and physical stressors and contains blood tonics to help nourish and promote circulation.
Nourish
This formula contains herbs including Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam Rhizome) that nourish yin, promote healthy estrogen balance, improve fluid metabolism, clear heat and reduce inflammation.
You can find out your Type by taking our Fertility Type quiz or reading Making Babies, and then find the herbal formula specific for your type. If you would like guidance specifically on which herbs or supplements could benefit you, you can schedule an initial consultation and treatment with any one of the talented practitioners on our team.
