A common piece of advice given to couples trying to conceive is that they should minimise stress. Well intentioned certainly, but apart from increasing visits to a favourite massage therapist, what else can be done?
Herbal medicine provides one arena in which to combat stress levels, improve sleep quality and enhance fertility. By definition, herbal medicine is the use of plants that have a known medicinal use, set of actions in how they work in the body, and affinities for certain organs, such as the nervous or female reproductive system. Traditional use of herbs usually goes back hundreds if not thousands of years, but of course, now we can use scientific research to back up traditional thinking.
Not only does herbal medicine improve the body’s response to stress, making the nervous system more resilient to everyday stressors, but it also helps to nourish it with phytonutrients, enabling the body to repair from chronic stress.
A group of herbs classed as Adaptogens work by normalizing cortisol production, enabling the body to adapt to increased times of stress (1). I recommend Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera*) from this family, which is highly beneficial to both women and men for reducing the stress response and associated stress induced hormonal changes(2), and is a nourishing and rejuvenating tonic to both the nervous system and the reproductive system. From a fertility perspective, Ashwagandha is also very beneficial for men as it has a spermatogenic effect, increasing the number of sperm cells (4).
Another consideration during times of prolonged stress is nutrient depletion. Essential minerals such as magnesium, zinc, sodium and selenium all get expended at a faster rate, and normal levels of supplementation, such as a daily fertility multi-vitamin, may not be enough to replenish them.
A combination of herbal medicine and naturopathic techniques can be used to support re-mineralisation during the pre-conception phase. Two of the most noteworthy herbs to include for this purpose are Skullcap (Scutellaria laterflora), and Nettle (Urtica dioca), both are incredibly nutrient dense, containing B vitamins and essential minerals (6), and nourishing to the nervous system.
I also recommend naturopathic techniques to restore lost minerals such as magnesium and sodium. This can be enjoyably done by taking a long, relaxing bath of twenty minutes or more twice a week, with a generous handful of magnesium flakes. This indulgent ritual is highly enjoyable, and also improves sleep.
By Angela Young, Herbalist and Naturopath
About Angela:
Angela Young is a qualified and insured Herbalist and Naturopath, who runs her practice online, and from a clinic in the UK. She is a fully accredited member of the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners and GNC (General Naturopathic Council).
@wildherbiology
