Herbal Therapy: Help for Hopeful Mothers
Approximately 10 percent of couples are affected by infertility, defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected intercourse. While conventional fertility treatments have helped many, they can be expensive and invasive, and don't always work.
Dr. Mary Hardy, head of the Integrative Medicine Group at Cedars Sinai Medical Group in Los Angeles, offers patients an herbal treatment option for infertility, as well as herbs to help with a variety of problems during pregnancy. Below, Dr. Hardy answers some frequently asked questions on the subject:
Q: Are there herbs that can help a woman get pregnant?A: It's believed that through actions in the pituitary, the berry of the chaste tree (Vitex Agnus-castus) supports the production of progesterone and the stabilization of the second half of the cycle, when the egg comes in. This support could help conceive or even avoid miscarriage; however, it is not recommended that you use this herb for difficulty conceiving without being under the care of a knowledgeable health practitioner.
Q: Is this something I could try without a doctor's supervision?A: When you're doing something like this, it's really important to work with someone who knows the products, what to expect, and how to monitor you. If you'd like to try any herbs, do so with the consent of your ob-gyn, and with a very knowledgeable herbalist. This is not the time to experiment.
Q: How do I find a qualified herbalist?A: National organizations like the American Holistic Medical Association can give referrals to physicians and naturopaths using herbal medicine.
The American Herbalist Guild is another professional organization and has a referral service. Likewise, other alternative practitioners such as those who practice traditional Chinese medicine, naturopathic physicians, or Ayurvedic medicine practitioners may be experts in their own herbal traditions.
Chiropractors or massage therapists may also know of a good practitioner. Even ask your physician or pharmacist if they know an herbalist whose expertise they respect.
Benefits and Risks of Herbs
Q: Are there herbs that are NOT recommended during pregnancy?A: Goldenseal can cause some cramping and irritation in the uterus. Herbal abortifacients, like pennyroyal, will actually cause miscarriage. Also avoid strong laxatives, which work by causing the colon to contract strongly.
Since the uterus is right next door, such medicines could irritate that muscle as well. In general, expecting mothers should not take any herbs without the supervision of their doctors.
Q: How reliable are herbal preparations?A: It varies. Get a product you know is reliable - that either your physician, your pharmacist, or your other health-care provider has recommended - and take it as directed.
Q: Where can I find good herbal products and how much will they cost? Will insurance cover them?A: You need to identify a local source of good herbal products. You can start with your neighborhood natural food store. More and more pharmacies are stocking herbal products these days, so I'd look there, too. Your herbalist or physician should also be able to make recommendations as well. Most herbs cost less than $100/month, but generally those costs are out of pocket.
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