How can Chinese herbs support fertility?
Chinese herbs play an important role in supporting fertility. Perhaps the most underestimated component of the practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chinese herbal medicine is a powerful way of restoring balance and harmony in the body.
The vast majority of Chinese herbs are made from plants, with a few animal and mineral derived ones. Chinese herbs are regulated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which ensures that herbal medicines meet quality and safety standards.
TCM has existed for thousands of years, with a long history of supporting gynaecological health and fertility. The text Book of Mountains and Seas from the Warring States period in China (476-221 BC) identifies medicinal plants to treat infertility.
Chinese herbs are consumed as formulas, as opposed to single herbs. These formulations are based on ancient formulas that have existed for thousands of years. Chinese herbal formulas are tailored for you, and are a balanced and targeted set of herbs.
Female fertility
A recent meta-analysis (review of research) found that Chinese herbal medicine improved female fertility indicators such as regulation of ovulation, cervical mucus score, biphasic basal body temperature (BBT), and appropriate thickness of the endometrial lining when compared with Western medical fertility drug therapy (Ried 2015). The review included 40 randomised controlled trials involving 4,247 women with diagnosed infertility.
The women who were included in the trials included those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, anovulation, fallopian tube blockage, or unexplained infertility. The analysis suggests a 1.74 higher probability of achieving a pregnancy with Chinese herbal medicine therapy than with Western medical therapy alone. Overall, the analysis found that pregnancy rates increased two-fold within a three-to-six-month period.
In TCM, a woman’s reproductive system is made up of one organ, one vital substance and one structure. Respectively, these are the Kidneys, Blood and Uterus. The Kidneys and their Jing (or Essence) play a critical role in both female and male fertility. Kidney Jing influences our ability to conceive, as well as our vitality and longevity. Kidney Jing is concentrated in the brain, bone marrow, ova (eggs in women) and sperm in men. Our Jing naturally declines with age, and this is what leads to declining egg and sperm quality and quantity (generally from the mid to late-thirties onwards).
When we are working to enhance female fertility, we look to strengthen Kidneys, replenish Jing, tonify Blood and encourage the flow of Qi and Blood to the Uterus. We’ll also look at factors that may be impeding the proper functioning of your organs, such as Blood Stasis, Heat and Cold.
There are also important relationships between these organs and structures. The Uterus is connected to the Kidneys via a channel called the Uterus Channel (or Bao Luo), and the Uterus is also connected to the Heart via a channel called the Uterus Vessel (or Bao Mai). The connection between the Heart and Uterus explains the strong influence of emotional stress on menstruation, and in turn, fertility.
Male fertility
Our approach to supporting male fertility is similar to that of females. We look to strengthen Kidneys, replenish Jing, tonify and invigorate Blood and Qi. We also look at addressing any Damp-Heat that may be present.
A small study found that Chinese herbs can reduce aneuploidy (incorrect chromosomal make-up, or DNA fragmentation) in sperm (Tempest, Homa & Zhai 2005). It is thought that antioxidants contained in Chinese herbs improve the integrity of DNA and sperm manufacture. However, more research is needed using robust research techniques.
In Australia, male factor contributes to infertility in around 50% of couples who are not able to conceive (Katz, Shoshany & Teloken 2017). In fact, sperm quality is declining around the world. Chinese herbal medicine offers much to help combat this alarming trend.
References:
Katz, D.J., Shoshany, O., Teloken, P., 2017, Male infertility – The other side of the equation, Australian Family Physician, vol. 46, no. 9.
Ried, K., 2015, Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: An updated meta-analysis, Complementary Therapies in Medicine, vol. 23, no. 1, pg. 116-218.
Tempest, H.G., Homa, S.T., Zhai, X.P., Griffin, D.K, 2005, Significant reduction of sperm disomy in six men: Effect of traditional Chinese medicine? Asian Journal of Andrology, vol. 7, no. 4.