Fertility Herbs
According to 4 Phases

Fertility herbs are most effective when taken according to the 4 phases of the menstrual cycle. As discussed in the charting section, these 4 phases are the menstrual period, follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. By prescribing personalized Chinese fertility herbs during each of these 4 phases, we can support the body in terms of regulating the period, nourishing the follicles and improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries.

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.

Unfortunately, there is no such thing as an infertility vitamin or fertility blend that just cures infertility in either men or women. Each of us is truly individual in our genetic makeup, our physical constitution and our reproductive system. The reasons are vast and complicated why our bodies reach the point where it's difficult to conceive a baby naturally. The myriad of fertility supplements and invasive ART procedures point to a sad commentary of our understandably desperate desire to procreate.

Chinese herbalism offers a personalized protocol for improving the health of the body and therefore the resilience of the reproductive system. Male fertility issues are generally easier to address with herbs, as men's reproductive systems and their hormones are less complicated. However, when examining a woman's menstrual cycle (all 25 - 50 days) in detail, many imbalances that may be affecting fertility can be detected.

While actual, diagnostic issues like high FSH, delayed ovulation or luteal phase defect can be addressed with an herbal infertility treatment protocol, the means for addressing these issues usually falls back to the 4 phases. Chinese formulas, taken during each of the phases, aim for the appropriate balance of yin, yang, qi and blood in each phase. Learn about the practice of taking Chinese formulas for infertility during each of the 4 phases below.

Phase 1 - Menstrual Phase
Herbs taken during this phase have the distinct goal of clearing out old blood from the endometrium. This promotes the development of a smooth laminar surface on the endometrium, which supports solid implantation during the luteal phase. Ideally, the period will consist of 5 days or less of fresh, flowing red blood, with no clots, cramps or significant PMS symptoms.

Phase 2 - Follicular Phase
Herbs taken during this phase are instrumental in laying the foundation for the rest of the cycle. The follicular phase is the yin phase, where the maturing follicles are competing for their right to ovulate. Ideally, the follicular phase will include steady temperatures, profuse EWCM (egg white cervical mucus), and calm emotions.

Phase 3 - Ovulation Phase
Herbs taken during this phase are focused on supporting an efficient and complete ovulation. Ideally, this would mean a number of days of profuse EWCM with 1 or 2 strong positive readings on an ovulation predictor kit. These signs should immediately be followed by a strong temperature surge of 1°F or .4-.5°C.

Phase 4 - Luteal Phase
Herbs taken during this phase build on the foundation that was set in the follicular phase. The ultimate goal of the luteal phase is to support implantation and keep the temperatures elevated for a minimum of 12-14 days. Ideally, the temperatures will remain steady and high throughout the luteal phase with no stair stepping up from ovulation or down to the period.