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Does Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) help with Fertility?

Chinese Herbal Medicine for Female Infertility: Natural Fertility Support & Holistic Healing

Chinese Herbal Medicine is a powerful and time-tested approach to treating female infertility. With centuries of clinical use and growing scientific validation, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers natural solutions to support reproductive health and improve fertility outcomes.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Female Fertility

Chinese herbs can positively impact fertility by:

  •  Improving ovarian function and egg quality
  •  Regulating menstrual cycles and hormonal balance
  •  Enhancing ovulation and reproductive timing
  •  Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  •  Reducing stress and promoting emotional well-being
  •  Modulating immune function for reproductive health
  • Lowering insulin resistance and improving metabolic function

 

Evidence-Based Benefits of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Infertility

 

  1. Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion (URSA)

A A meta-analysis of 12 studies (916 patients)  showed that women with URSA who took the Modified Shoutai Pill alongside Western medicine had significantly lower pregnancy loss rates compared to Western medicine alone.
Key herbal ingredients:

  • Tu Si Zi (Chinese Dodder Seed)
  • Sang Ji Sheng (Chinese Taxillus Twig)
  • Xu Duan (Himalayan Teasel Root)
  • Du Zhong (Eucommia ulmoides)
  • Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus officinalis)
  • Gou Qi Zi (Chinese Wolfberry)
  • Gan Cao (Licorice Root)
  • Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica)
  • Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza)
  • Bai Shao (White Peony Root)
  • Shu Di Huang (Steamed Rehmannia Root)
  • Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis)
  • Bai Zhu (Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome)
  • Fu Ling (Poria cocos)

 

  1. PCOS, Endometriosis, unexplained infertility & Anovulation

A meta-analysis of 40 randomized controlled trials involving 4,247 women found that Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) increased pregnancy rates by 1.74 times compared to Western medicine alone.
CHM improved:

  • Ovulation rates
  • Cervical mucus quality
  • Basal body temperature patterns
  • Endometrial lining thickness

 

  1. Egg Quality & Mitochondrial Health

Egg cells rely on mitochondria for energy during maturation and fertilization. Pharmacological studies on Yang and Yin tonifying herbs suggest that:

  • Yang-tonifying herbs stimulate ATP production and enhance antioxidant capacity.
  • Yin-tonifying herbs support immune modulation and reduce oxidative stress.

 Top herbs for mitochondrial support:

Du Zhong, Rou Cong Rong, Sou Yang, Xian Mao, Yin Yang Huo, Xu Duan, Gu Sui Bu, Bu Gu Zhi, Tu Si Zi, Ba Ji Tian, Jiu Cai Zi, Rui Ren, Nu Zhen Zi, Huang Jing, Tian Men Dong, Mai Men Dong, Nuo Dao Gen, Shi Hu, Mo Han Lian.

Anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory herbs include:

Du zhong, bu gu zhi, rou cong rou, yin yang hou, xu duan, Ba ji tian, gou ji, gu sui bu, nu zhen zi, shi hu, mo han lian, tian men dong, Mai men dong, Nuo dao gen, huang jing, Rui ren

 

  1. Endometriosis & IVF Outcomes

In patients with endometriosis undergoing IVF-ET, the herbal formula Quyu Jiedu Granules improved number of retrieved oocyte and an increase in fertilization rates and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α and IL-6) in ovarian cells.
Key herbs: Hong Hua, Hu Zhang, Ge Gen, Xie Bai, Zhi Huang Qi

 

  1. PCOS & Fertility Enhancement

The formula Bu Shen Tian Jing improved egg retrieval, fertilization, and pregnancy rates in PCOS patients. It also lowered Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels.

 

  1. Improved Uterine Blood Flow

Animal studies show Wen Jing Tang enhances circulation to the uterus and ovaries, supporting implantation and embryo development.

 

  1. Oxidative Stress & Ovarian Health

Bu Shen Tian Jing may protect ovarian granulosa cells from mitochondrial damage caused by oxidative stress, improving fertility outcomes.

 

  1. Insulin Resistance & Ovulation

Zou Gui Wan has been shown to reduce fasting glucose, insulin levels, cholesterol, and body weight—key factors in restoring ovulation and fertility.

 

  1. Stress Reduction with Adaptogenic Herbs

Chronic stress can disrupt hormonal balance and ovulation. Adaptogens help regulate cortisol and support emotional resilience.
Common adaptogens:

  • Bacopa monnieri
  • Eleutherococcus senticosus
  • Eurycoma longifolia
  • Gynostemma pentaphyllum
  • Lepidium peruvianum
  • Ocimum sanctum
  • Panax ginseng
  • Rhodiola rosea
  • Withania somnifera

Personalized Herbal Fertility Care at Yarrow Holistic Center

At Yarrow Holistic Center in West Lafayette, Indiana, we offer customized Chinese Herbal Medicine consultations and provide highest quality herbs—both in-person and via telehealth—to support your fertility journey. Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF/IUI, we tailor herbal formulas to your unique diagnosis and menstrual cycle timing.

Our holistic approach is tailored to support individuals experiencing infertility related to:

Whether you’re just beginning your fertility journey or seeking complementary care, our experienced practitioner is here to help you optimize your reproductive health.

We offer:

  • In-person acupuncture treatments for fertility enhancement
  • Herbal medicine consultations (available in-person and via telehealth) to support fertility and hormonal balance and reproductive wellness
  • Functional nutrition guidance (available in person and via telehealth) to support hormonal balance and reproductive wellness

Our goal is to provide personalized, integrative care that addresses the root causes of infertility and empowers you with natural tools to support conception.

Contact us today to schedule your fertility consultation and take the next step toward growing your family.

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