Welcome to part 2 in this series on fertility where we will explore the physical bodies and their relationship to fertility, building on the discussion from month’ blog post. While this post will focus more heavily on the physical bodily systems of reproduction, we hold space for the fact that fertility does not have to mean the action of having a baby, but can be applied in a broader context, such as a creative project, pursuing a new means of lifestyle, or tending to one’s existing family, among so many others.

A Loving Note on Fertility

We acknowledge and hold space for the fact that the discussion around fertility is often complex and filled with great nuance. It can also be a discussion that can come with a broad spectrum of emotional connections. No one person’s fertility journey is ever the same as another’s. This blog post seeks to discuss systems of fertility at a high level, and to serve as a resource to identify where one may wish to explore the relationship between fertility and working with the herbal allies more deeply. However, we nod to the highly respected herbalist and teacher Rosemary Gladstar, as she states this beautifully:

 “One thing I’ve learned for certain as I’ve walked the Medicine Wheel of Time is that there are no simple answers. It’s true, our bodies are wonderfully complicated and intricate. But unlike machines, this marvelous human system has evolved over countless eons and is an incredibly capable organism. I hardly think that the problems concerning menstruation, fertility, birthing, and menopause are due to faulty evolution. Instead, I question the environment we live in and our current cultural attitudes and beliefs. Is it possible that our human bodies, accustomed to a much slower process of maturation, have not developed the ability to assimilate this radical chemical and psychological onslaught?”

If you, dear reader, are someone who is experiencing challenges on their fertility journey, we first extend so much love to you and hold space for you. And secondly, we lovingly wish to remind you that fertility is impacted by such a vast array of factors, most of which tend to be largely external and outside of that which we can control. We hope that you find comfort in the wisdom of knowing that. You are so very worthy, and fertility challenges, while painful and grief-inducing, do not detract from your worthiness.

On Fertility and the Herbal Allies

The relationship between humans and plants for the purposes of fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum is one of the oldest and most intimate relationships we have with our herbal allies. It is one of our most ancient lineages of knowledge, and one that is deeply treasured. As stated, again by Gladstar, “Most early herbalists were trained in the skills of midwifery, and most midwives were also trained in the use of herbs. The two trades went hand in hand, each ultimately linked with the flow of life. The herbs today used for pregnancy and childbirth are the same herbs used for centuries. Passed down from mother to daughter for generation upon generation, the age-old lore of herbs has been distilled into the wealth of information available to us today.”

By working with herbs to enhance and promote fertility, we are reconnecting to and re-membering something that is innate to the most ancient parts of ourselves.

When discussing herbs to promote fertility and support pregnancy, it can be helpful to understand some key terminology that herbalists and practitioners may use:

• Abortifacient: refers to herbs that have properties that result in pregnancy release. Includes herbs such as Motherwort, Pennyroyal, Yarrow, and Rue.
• Emmenagogue: refers to herbs that are supportive for stimulating, or bringing on, the menstrual cycle. Includes herbs such as Lady’s Mantle, Mugwort, Angelica, Ginger, and Partridge Berry.
• Tonic: refers to herbs that are nourishing to the body, often tonifying and strengthening organs and bodily systems. There are some herbs that have a particular affinity for certain areas of the body (i.e., heart tonics tend to be tonifying to the muscle of the heart itself, but also supportive to building blood and stimulating the circulatory system). Tonics for reproductive health include Nettle, Red Raspberry Leaf, Vitex, Ashwagandha, and Shativari.

While there tends to be a lot of focus on working with herbs for people with wombs, particularly for getting pregnant, maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and for postpartum, herbs can be utilized for people with male reproductive systems as well. It of course takes “two to tango” as they say, so for both partners, working with herbs to nourish the reproductive system is incredibly important and encouraged. It is also important to note that some herbs can be supportive for fertility, but maybe should be avoided during pregnancy (i.e. Lady’s Mantle is known for helping tone the uterus and promote getting pregnant, however also has emmenagogic properties, and therefore shouldn’t be used while actually pregnant). Depending on where you are on your fertility and pregnancy journey it is encouraged to work with a trusted and knowledgeable herbalist when seeking to incorporate herbs into your journey. We have many knowledgeable herbalists on staff, and would love to support you!

Herbs that are supportive to womb health include: Burdock Root, Chamomile, Nettle, Dandelion, Lady’s Mantle, Red Raspberry, Lemon Balm. Take a look at our Female Tonic Tea!

Herbs that are supportive to masculine reproductive health include: Ashwagandha, Ginseng,  Eleuthero, Damiana, Maca, Schizandra Berry, and Oatstraw. Take a look at our Male Tonic Tea!

Additional Tips on Working with Herbs for Fertility

1. Consider a Holistic Approach. As aforementioned, fertility is impacted by several factors, and dis-ease shows up in the body as a result of issues that are not always purely physical. For example, if we are experiencing digestive issues, it can potentially be impacted by stress and dysregulation of the nervous system. Our bodies are intimately interconnected. When approaching fertility, consider how else the herbs may be asking to work with us.
2. Consider Herbs as Food Medicine. While we often like to work with herbs in an easily accessible way, such as in the forms of capsules, teas, or tinctures, when approaching fertility, the most ancient use of herbs is as food. Beloved nourishing and grounding herbs such as yams, nettles, and burdock root were often called in for supporting pregnancy. Or it was not uncommon to see increased use of adaptogenic herbs such as medicinal mushrooms, eleuthero and rhodiola incorporated into broths to help serve as tonics to prepare the body for conception. See the part 1 post on working with herbs for nourishment.
3. Work with Herbs for Self Care. In order to promote fertility, it is important that we support ourselves fully. In addition to nourishing our physical bodies and restoring our nervous systems, it is important to evaluate our attitudes toward our bodies. Impacts to fertility can be present if we are perceiving ourselves unkindly. Perhaps you might be inspired to craft a juicy, sensual body oil with rose, lavender, or linden. You might also consider working with herbs to create a sacred spiritual bath to call in self love and clear away unwanted energy or thoughts toward oneself.

We thank you for joining us in this two-part exploration of fertility. Whether you are calling in conception of life, or are tending to something beautiful you are bringing to life in your personal journey, we hope these posts were insightful and brought inspiration. We wish you a beautiful month ahead.

Sources:

• Bennett, Robin Rose. “The Gift of Healing Herbs: Plant Medicines and Home Remedies for a Vibrantly Healthy Life.” North Atlantic Books. Berkeley, CA. 2014.
• Gladstar, Rosemary. “Herbal Healing for Women: Simple Home Remedies for Women of All Ages.” Simon & Schuster, Inc. New York, NY. 1993.