In Chinese Medicine, we use herbs polarity characters to address unbalance of body. Most of herbs are kind of dietary supplement which means consumption of herbs or combined formula is quite safe within a reasonable time. Some of herbs are not as safe and must be taken under doctor consideration. One of the reasons on why herbs are taken in formula form is to use other herbs to balance the side effect of certain herbs.
Even with the formulate herbs, its use is for addressing certain syndrome and consumption has to be considered by Chinese herbalist. Therefore, single herbs has to be taken carefully for the effectiveness and safety.
As Chinese Medicine practitioner, often I have been asked question of herbs sold in local GNC herb store which has been claimed for fertility benefit. Here are some that I know in www.webmd.com ( it is just post by some columnists and does not mean from doctors or to have scientific experimental support.) Again, I wish the industry shall have some research to support their claims and licensed herbal specialist to better serve public interest.
Black cohosh:
www.webmd.com: “Black cohosh root contains several chemicals that might have effects in the body. Some of these chemicals work on the immune system and might affect the body’s defenses against diseases. Some might help the body to reduce inflammation. Other chemicals in black cohosh root might work in nerves and in the brain. These chemicals might work similar to another chemical in the brain called serotonin. Scientists call this type of chemical a neurotransmitter because it helps the brain send messages to other parts of the body.
Black cohosh root also seems to have some effects similar to the female hormone, estrogen.”
www.mayoclinic.org:” Black cohosh may also cause abnormal heartbeat, abnormal vaginal discharge, altered blood pressure, bleeding disturbances, blood clots in the leg, blood vessel widening, breast cancer recurrence, breast pain, breast tenderness, chest discomfort, constipation, edema (fluid accumulation), estrogen-like effects, headache”
I am not expert in native herbs. However, for fertility REs, this description can be alarming in their IUI/IVF treatment window. My suggestion is not to take this while taking Chinese herbs.
Vitex:
www.webmd.com: “Vitex agnus-castus is also taken by mouth to increase the flow of urine in men, for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and for reducing sexual desire. Historians say that monks chewed chaste tree parts to make it easier to maintain their celibacy. Some people also take vitex by mouth for acne, nervousness, dementia, joint conditions, colds, upset stomach, spleen disorders, headaches, migraine, eye pain, body inflammation, fractures and swelling.”
“Uncommon side effects include upset stomach, nausea, itching, rash, headaches, acne, trouble sleeping, and weight gain. Some women notice a change in menstrual flow when they start taking vitex agnus-castus.”
My take is its claim for hormone regulation which is quite general and lacking scientific data to support.
Ashwagandha;
WWW.WEBMD.COM: “Ashwagandha has a lot of uses. But so far, there isn’t enough information to judge whether it is effective for any of them. Ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, trouble sleeping (insomnia), tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, a skin condition marked by white patchiness (leukoderma), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, and chronic liver disease, daily stress.”
MACA:
www.WEBMD.COM”:These include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep problems and irritability. One review of four studies in menopausal women found that maca helped alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and interrupted sleep”
The above does not have scientific data to support. GNC does not support the claim as the manufactures.
myo inositol
www.webmd.com:”Inositol might balance certain chemicals in the body to possibly help with conditions such as panic disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and polycystic ovary syndrome.”
side effects: It can cause nausea, tiredness, headache, and dizziness.
The above does not have scientific data to support.
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