A 2017 summary of 43 research papers [1] looked at chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) and concluded that there was evidence of alleviation of premenstrual and postmenstrual pain as well as its ability to boost fertility. The fertility boost comes from strengthening and stimulating ovulation by extending the luteal phase and increasing progesterone production. Scientists believe that chaste tree berry strengthens the Luteinizing Hormone (LH) surge, (the hormone responsible for triggering ovulation). This strengthens ovulation and progesterone production in the luteal phase. There is also some research indicating that chaste tree berries may decrease abnormally high prolactin, which in turn could improve hormonal balance and ovarian function.
Raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus) has a long history as a fertility tea in traditional medicine. It is a great source of magnesium, potassium, calcium and antioxidants.It also contains an alkaloid, fragine, which can help to strengthen the uterine wall [2].
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) has a detoxification role and also strengthens and tones the uterus. It also has the well-reported effect of being calming and reducing stress which can have a positive effect on fertility [3].
Similarly, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is well known for its calming and calming effects. In 2004 a study [4] of 18 participants found that lemon balm improved negative mood. The participants rated themselves feeling more calm and focussed after drinking lemon balm. Interestingly, they also had increased processing speed in a mathematical task with no reduction in accuracy.
Lady Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) has long been used to promote fertility in traditional medicine [5] and research has found that it acts as a potent vasorelaxant, reducing tension in blood vessels and easing menstrual pain and cramping [6].
1. Rafiean-Kopaei M., Movahedi M., Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus. [NCBI] [PubMed]
2. The Everything Fertility Book: All you need to know about fertility, conception, and a healthy pregnancy published by Simon and Schuster. 2010. [GoogleBooks]
3. Halder S., Sharma A., A Review of Urtica Dioica L. DOI: 10.20959/wjpps201710-10249. [Research Gate]
4. O Kennedy D., Little W., Scholey A., Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm). DOI: 10.1097/01.psy.0000132877.72833.71 [PubMed]
5. S. Ivancheva, M. Nikolova and R. Tsvetkova, Pharmacological activities and biologically active compounds of Bulgarian medicinal plants, Phytochemistry: Advances in Research, 2006, vol. 37661, pp. 87–103, http://www.medpharm-sofia.eu/files/DIR4/Bulgarian-medicinal-plants.pdf
6. Takir S., Altun I.H., Suzgec-Selcuk S., Mat A., Uydes-Dogan B.S., Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. doi: 10.4103/0973-1296.149733 [NCBI]
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