One of the most recurring questions I get from my readers and clients is: "Which herb should I take to boost my fertility and get pregnant?" My answer may surprise you, but there is no miracle plants that will help you conceive overnight. However, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances to conceive naturally. Having a holistic vision when trying to conceive is important because it allows you to understand the impact of various factors of your daily life on your reproductive health: diet, lifestyle, stress, medication, exercise, toxins exposure etc. When your body is healthy, you are more likely to get pregnant naturally. Plants and herbs are allies that can support your body and provide you with the additional vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients necessary to prepare your body for pregnancy, balance your hormones and cycle. Here are my 5 favorite herbs and plants to boost fertility:

• Red raspberry leaf ( Rubus Idaeus)

Red raspberry leaf has a beneficial effect on the uterus, cycle and hormones. It is a very nutritious plant rich in minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron), vitamins (A, B, C, E) and folate (or folic acid), which plays an essential role in conception. Red raspberry leaf tea is a uterine tonic that can be used from preconception to postpartum because of its beneficial action on the uterus that adapts to the phase in which it is. Red raspberry leaves contain fragrine, a molecule that helps tone the pelvic and uterine muscles. This promotes the implantation of the embryo in the uterine wall and reduces the risk of miscarriage. Red raspberry leaf also helps restore hormonal balance, regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. This plant is particularly indicated in cases of ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and endometriosis.

How to consume red raspberry leaves?

Herbal tea: place a tablespoon of dried red raspberry leaves in a cup, and pour 250ml boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 to 3 cups a day.

Infusion: place a large handful dried red raspberry leaves in a large glass jar. Cover with one liter of boiling water and close the jar. Steep for 4 to 6 hours (or overnight). Strain and drink (hot or cold) 1 to 3 cups a day.

P.S .: The infusion is much more concentrated than a traditional herbal tea because it absorb as much as possible all the active principles of the plants in the water. Make sure to consult a natural health professional before using.

• Red clover (TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE)

Red clover is popular for its nutritional properties and fertility-enhancing properties. Rich in calcium and magnesium, two minerals that greatly contribute to increase the chances of conception, red clover can be consumed daily during the pre-conception phase. It has a purifying effect on the blood and helps eliminate environmental toxins that often hinder conception and reduce fertility. This depurative action also has a positive impact on hormonal balance and overall health. Red clover improves blood circulation, especially to the genitals that are essential in reproduction. Moreover, it helps increase cervical mucus, which plays a fundamental role in conception. Red clover helps balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle and boost fertility. In short, it is a nutritive tonic that can be effective to increase your chances of getting pregnant.

How to consume red clover?

Herbal tea: place a tablespoon of dried red clover flowers and leaves in a cup, and pour 250ml boiling water. Cover and infuse for 10 to 15 minutes. Filter and drink 1 to 3 cups a day.

Infusion: place a large handful of dried red clover leaves and flowers in a large glass jar. Pour 1L boiling water and close the jar. Steep for 4 to 6 hours (or overnight). Filter and drink (hot or cold) 1 to 3 cups a day.

• Moringa leaf (Moringa Oleifera)

Also known as the miracle tree, Moringa leaf has multiple health benefits, including enhancing fertility in both women and men because of its high vitamins content (A, C, B, E, K), minerals (Calcium, potassium, iron, manganese), proteins, amino acids and its detoxifying action on the body. Moringa leaf has antibacterial properties, which makes it effective to purify the body and the eliminates toxins. It is also rich in antioxidants, essential for the maintenance of good health. Moringa is great to improve digestion because of its high fiber content, which plays an important role in conception. When the digestive system is functioning properly, the body is able to eliminate waste which contributes to the normal function of all organs including the reproductive ones. Moringa leaves can be consumed daily during the preconception phase as a dietary supplement, hormonal regulator and detoxifying agent for the maintenance of good health in both women and men. It is also known to improve the quality and quantity of sperm in men.

How to consume Moringa?

Moringa leaves can taken as herbal tea, infusion, powder, or capsules. They can be added to your favorite meals, salads, smoothies and soups. Always choose organic Moringa leaves as this will influence the effects on your health.

You can try my moringa and coconut latte recipe, a simple and delicious way to benefit from the plants healing properties.

• SHATAVARI (ASPARAGUS RACEMOSUS)

Shatavari is a plant used in Ayurveda for its aphrodisiac properties and to boost fertility in women and men. Shatavari root is rich in phytoestrogens that helps regulate estrogen levels in the body, the main female sex hormone, and thus regulate the menstrual cycle. It promotes the production of luteinizing hormone, which triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Shatavari is an adaptogenic plant, which means it helps the body better respond to stress, an important factor in fertility problems. In addition, it promotes mucosal health, including the mucous membranes of the cervix and seminal vesicles. It can therefore be useful for improving the production of cervical mucus in women, and sperm count in men. Shatavari is particularly indicated for women with endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who have difficulty getting pregnant as it can have a balancing action on their hormones and menstrual cycles. In some cases, Shatavari may be useful to prevent miscarriage. Consult a natural health practitioner before consuming Shatavari if you are pregnant.

How to consume Shatavari?

Shatavari root can be taken in a decoction, powder, tincture or capsules.

Decoction: Place a handful of Shatavari root in a glass jar and cover with 3 cups of boiling water (750ml). Close the jar and steep for at least 30 minutes. Drink 1 to 3 cups a day.

Powder: Add a tablespoon of Shatavari root powder to a cup of vegetable milk, add a touch of honey and spices such as black pepper and cinnamon. Pour the mixture in a blender and mix until you obtain a homogeneous texture. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil. Drink warm in the morning or evening.

• Stinging nettle (URTICA DIOICA)

Nettle is a very nutritious and detoxifying plant that can increase your chances of conception naturally. It is particularly rich in chlorophyll, vitamins A, C, D and K, proteins and minerals (iron, calcium, potassium and magnesium). It’s a general tonic to revitalize the body, boost energy and stimulate metabolism. Nettle is also an excellent uterine tonic that helps strengthen and tone the muscles of the uterus. Nettle helps reduce the harmful effects of stress that can hinder the ability to conceive. Its high content of chlorophyll, a detoxifying agent, makes it effective to purify the blood and eliminate toxins in the body thus increasing the chances of fertilization. Nettle is recommended for women and men during preconception.

How to consume nettle?

Fresh nettle leaves can be eaten in a variety of ways: in soup, lasagna, in your favorite vegetable-based recipes, in replacement of spinach for example. You can also consume the dried leaves in herbal tea and infusion.

Herbal tea: place a tablespoon dried nettle leaves in a cup, and pour 250ml boiling water. Cover and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain and drink 1 to 3 cups a day.

Infusion: Place 40g of dried nettle leaves in a large glass jar with lid. Fill the jar with 1L boiling water and close it. Steep for 6 to 8 hours. It’s best to infuse throughout the night. Strain and drink 1 to 2 cups of infusion a day.

P.S .: Make sure you do not consume more than 1L of nettle infusion per day because of its diuretic properties.

Have you ever tried medicinal plants to boost your fertility? Share your experience in comments.