Fertility Herb Treatment: Phase 2
Fertility herb treatment during the follicular phase primarily focus on building the yin fluids of the body. Yin nourishes the follicles in the ovaries and promotes the production of profuse cervical mucus that will sustain and guide the sperm on their journey to the egg.
Learning about your fertility from a Chinese medicine perspective can be confusing. If you don't understand a word or phrase, please visit my quick and easy TCM and Fertility Dictionary to look it up before reading on.
The hormonal triggers that occur during this phase primarily occur in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, both of which are located in the brain. Therefore, in order for the body to effectively produce yin fluids during the follicular phase, it's paramount for the mind to be calm.
Often herbal treatment for calming the mind and alleviating stress are prescribed during this time. If the BBT chart shows any major temperature fluctuations or a sawtooth pattern, this is an indication of stress, lack of sleep or anxiety. In order for the follicles to be properly nourished and good quality cervical mucus to be produced, the mind must be calm.
The follicular phase is not only the time for encouraging the maturation of the follicles, but it lays the foundation for the rest of the menstrual cycle. Once a solid yin base is laid in the follicular phase, ovulation has can launch effectively. Also, the luteal phase performs more soundly when it's preceded by a stable follicular phase.
This yin phase of the cycle is generally the most important phase when it comes to sub-fertility experienced by women over 35 years old. Once we begin menstruating during purberty and losing blood every month, our yin fluids begin a consistent and slow decline. Yin deficiency appears in women as scanty cervical mucus, limited menstrual blood, dry skin and a high FSH. All of these factors can usually be helped with Chinese herbs that supports the yin when taken during phase 2.