The use of herbal products has exploded in recent decades, so these therapies are readily available in most locations. Many people have returned to using herbs and herbal medications for a variety of reasons.

Using Caution

Some herbs are said to have properties that aid in conception. They may or may not help you in your quest to conceive.

Herbs and herbals are not held to the same high and strict standards of medications, so you should proceed with caution. The use of herbs should be discussed and carefully monitored by an herbal practitioner. Use your phone book or look online to find someone who specializes and has had advanced training in their use. Often health food stores will have contact information for these practitioners as well. By consulting someone who is trained in the use of herbal medications, you can be sure you're using the specific type and amount that is the best for you.

Meeting with an herbal practitioner is usually a good idea. This meeting will consist of a screening for health problems and discussion about your current condition, medications you are taking, and what you intend to achieve. The herbal practitioner can then help you find products that could assist you in conception.

Useful Herbs

Red clover is a plant that is said to aid in preparing the body for conception. It is usually recommended in tea form — the plant and capsule forms do not prepare the body in the same manner. This is used to help cleanse the uterus and reproductive tract. For fertility uses, the blossom of the red clover is usually prepared from dry form as an infusion or tea. Susun Weed, a well-known herbalist, recommends taking a cup of dried blossoms and steeping them in a quart of boiling water for at least four hours, but preferably overnight. You can drink this infusion, serving size one cup, up to four times a day. To make this infusion a bit tastier, try adding a teaspoon of dried peppermint. Remember, herbs are not a quick fix; they can take months to aid you on your road to conception.

Red raspberry leaf tea is also said to be a uterine tonic. This means that it can potentially tone your uterus for and during pregnancy. The belief is that if your uterus is “fit” then you are more likely to conceive. You can purchase premade teas and tea bags of red raspberry for this purpose. Or, you can make your own by boiling water and adding the leaves to steep for about an hour. Again, add some taste to this concoction by adding peppermint.

Herbs to Avoid

There is a list of things that should be completely avoided in the preconception period. Many of the herbs that are commonly used are known to cause late periods or have a history of being used to actually prevent conception. Here is a small list of some of the herbs to avoid while trying to get pregnant: