Herbal medicine has been used in Los Angeles, California and in other parts of the United States to treat various illnesses. It has been used in the Far East for centuries, but has semi-recently seen increased popularity in the West to treat couples suffering from infertility. Many patients have grown curious of herbal medicine, but should always seek the advice of a trained professional before trying any herbal remedies themselves.
Couples who are infertile or who believe they may be infertile are encouraged to speak with a fertility specialist in the Los Angeles area to discuss possible treatments and procedures for overcoming the problem. Infertility is commonly defined as an inability to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex, although it may be defined as an inability to get pregnant after six months of unprotected sex if the woman is over 35 years old.
The herbs used in herbal medicine are from a variety of sources including plant leaves, barks, fruits/berries, flowers and roots. Practitioners of herbal medicine combine these resources to the needs of each individual. This treatment technique may be combined with other non-traditional fertility treatments such as massage and acupuncture, or may be combined with more traditional Western medicine and procedures such as in vitro fertilization and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Herbal medicine may come in the form of pills, granules, tablets and herbs in tea. The treatment regiment may last for three to six months, although this may vary on a case by case basis. Those interested should discuss how long treatment may last during a consultation. Various fertility-related problems may be addressed by herbal medicine. Some of these may include hormonal imbalances, erectile dysfunction, irregular menstruation, sperm motility problems, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and poor egg quality.
Depending on several factors including the patient's age, health and specific fertility problem, different herbs may be used in this treatment. For women: Lady's Mantle may be used to build up the uterine lining and may help regulate menstruation; Red Clover nourishes the uterus and helps to relax the nervous system; Raspberry Leaf restores hormonal balance; False Unicorn Root also restores hormonal balance and helps to stimulate the ovaries and encourages ovulation; Stinging Nettle regulates the body's hormones, ovulation and menstruation.
For men: Ginseng increases the testosterone levels, sperm count and motility, and improves quality of erections, while Astralagus improves sperm motility and concentration. For more information about these and other herbs intended for the treatment of infertile men or women, interested individuals should speak with a practitioner of herbal medicine in the Los Angeles area.
Interested patients are encouraged to discuss possible risks associated with herbal medicine before treatment. Herbal medicine may cause various reactions if taken incorrectly, and may have negative interactions with other herbs, prescription medicine or over-the-counter medication. As herbal medicine is not FDA regulated, patients and couples interested in this treatment should seek treatment with a trained and knowledgeable specialist.
Some of the serious side effects associated with herbal medicine include heart attack, stroke and seizures. Less serious side effects may include headaches, dizziness and dry mouth. Any side effects should be reported to a physician immediately. Patients should discuss their medicines and any other herbal remedies they are taking before beginning any herbal treatment.
Patients should be aware that there are no clinical scientific studies concluding that herbal medicine improves fertility. However, while many Western doctors do not use herbal medicine to treat infertile patients, with a number of clinical reports indicating that herbal medicine has helped couples conceive, herbal treatment is gaining in popularity.
Learn more about herbal medicine in Los Angeles, California.
