Fertility is a health issue many people face, often with very few answers as to why they cannot conceive. For some, it can be as simple as a hormone imbalance or nutritional deficiency. Others may have trouble coping with stress or have other health issues that make it difficult for their body to create the ideal environment for conception and gestation.
The good news is that there are several supplements and essential oils that can help to correct physiological abnormalities within the body and make it easier for couples to conceive and carry a child to term. We’ve put together a list of the best ones for you here.
Chaste tree berry
Although there are no claims yet that are substantiated by medical tests, herbalists use chaste tree berry to help balance feminine hormones. It is believed to stimulate the creation of progesterone and may bring estrogen levels back into balance. In Europe, it has been used to soothe fibroid cysts, minimize breast pain, and increase a new mother’s milk supply. It may also be beneficial in increasing a woman’s chances of becoming pregnant. 1
Amino acids
Supplementing the diet with an amino acid complex is a great way to balance hormone levels in women as well as improve the viability of men’s sperm.2 Both are often issues that can have a devastating effect on whether or not a couple can conceive a child. Amino acids also help to increase blood flow and the blood cells’ ability to carry oxygen. Each of these is instrumental in creating the perfect environment for pregnancy.
Beta-carotene
Beta-carotene is essential for healthy skin, eyesight, and immune system function. When it comes to fertility and pregnancy, it regulates hormones and may actually strengthen the uterine membranes and prevent miscarriage.3 Because beta-carotene is converted into Vitamin A, it can help prevent deficiencies and improve the resiliency of mucous membranes throughout the body.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are one one the best supplements for fertility. It is believed that these fatty acids improve ovulation and can increase levels of progesterone in the body. This strengthens the lining of the uterus, improving the environment and making it more conducive to conception. It has also been shown to improve the quality and viability of the eggs found in older women. It may also increase the number of years a woman is able to conceive before entering into pre-menopause.4
Folic acid
Folic acid and other folate-derived supplements not only improve fertility, but also aid in the gestation process. Research shows that adequate amounts of folic acid can reduce the risk of birth defects and aid in the growth of the child while it is still in the womb. It has also been shown to significantly improve sperm count in men.5 L-methylfolate, which is the active, natural form of folate, may be preferable to taking folic acid, as a genetic mutation prevents many people from adequately processing folic acid.
Selenium
Selenium is beneficial for both men and women in terms of improving their chances of conceiving a child and carrying it to term.6 In order for ovarian follicles to develop adequately, they need ample amounts of selenium. Healthy follicles are needed to produce viable eggs in women. Adequate amounts of selenium help to create an environment in which an embryo can be conceived and thrive throughout the term of the pregnancy.
Zinc
Miscarriages have sometimes been attributed to low levels of zinc in the body.7 Zinc deficiency can have a dramatic impact on various organs within the reproductive system, making it difficult for each one to function effectively. Zinc also helps to keep your progesterone and estrogen levels in balance. It is also essential for the division of cells. Zinc is needed to maintain enough follicular fluid for the eggs to travel safely down through the fallopian tubes and then to the uterus.
Antioxidant blends
Trials have done little to prove that antioxidant blends improve fertility in women, but they have shown that they may improve the vitality and quality of a man’s sperm.8 Antioxidants reduce the negative effects of free radicals that can hinder both the mobility of the sperm and the production of eggs during ovulation. Improving the nutrition of both parents will make conception go much more smoothly.
Co-enzyme Q10
Co-enzyme Q10 is an antioxidant that has been proven to strengthen the viability of male sperm. It improves sperm mobility and can dramatically increase a man’s sperm count if taken for a sufficient amount of time.9 Co-enzyme Q10 is also beneficial for women, but not so much in the area of fertility as it is with men. It does, however, strengthen eggs, making it easier for them to travel from the ovaries to the uterus. Co-enzyme Q10 is often included in many supplements for fertility because of its numerous benefits.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E can improve fertility for both men and women. For men, Vitamin E increases sperm count, improves sex drive, and strengthens sperm so it is easier for them to remain healthy and viable as they travel to fertilize the egg. For women, Vitamin E helps to improve the balance of hormones and decrease the risk of cysts and fibrocystic diseases of the breast and ovaries. It also thickens the lining of the uterus, which makes it easier for the egg to attach itself once it has been fertilized.10
The best essential oils for fertility
In addition to supplements for fertility, essential oils are also incredibly beneficial. Unlike herbal, vitamin, and mineral supplements, an essential oil is easily absorbed into the skin and goes directly to the bloodstream where it can begin to work immediately. The following essential oils can be just as effective at improving fertility as supplements.
Clary sage essential oil
Many of the foods we consume are high in estrogen. Excess estrogen can throw off a woman’s hormone balance, making it more difficult to get pregnant. Clary sage works to combat excess estrogen and restore hormone balance in the body.11 Combining clary sage with geranium may be even more effective in helping regulate hormones, and can also strengthen the lining of the uterus. In addition to supplements for fertility, clary sage essential oil basically picks up where herbs and vitamins leave off when it comes to maintaining the optimum balance between the hormones that are needed for pregnancy.
Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil helps to improve fertility in several different ways. First and foremost, it works to relax the body, relieving stress and helping to control the production of free radicals that can have an adverse effect on a woman’s ability to conceive. This effect may be even more pronounced when lavender is combined with rosemary essential oil.12 Another benefit of lavender essential oil is that it can improve the sex drive of both men and women.
Sandalwood essential oil
Sandalwood essential oil is especially beneficial for men, as it is well known for its ability to boost testosterone levels. By bringing hormone levels back up to a more normal range, a man’s sperm count becomes higher. Plus, a healthy balance of hormones leads to enhanced sexual desire and function. Sandalwood shares a close resemblance to the male pheromone androsterone, so it can be a powerful aphrodisiac for women as well.13
Using ZYTO for fertility support
With ZYTO bioscan technology, you can scan many of the items above as well as additional items that may support fertility and balance hormone levels. By scanning these various digital signatures, you can discover which supplements and oils your body responded to most coherently, or preferably. And because fertility issues may stem from emotional issues, ZYTO perception reframing can be effective in assisting with fertility support as well.
About Seth Morris
Seth Morris is an experienced article writer with a background in marketing, Web content creation, and health research. In addition to writing and editing content for the ZYTO website and blog, he has written hundreds of articles for various websites on topics such as holistic wellness, health technology, and Internet marketing. Seth has earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Business Management as well as Literary Studies.
Sources:
1. “Chaste Tree (Chasteberry).” University of Rochester Medical Center. Urmc.rochester.edu.
2. Lenzi, A., F. Lombardo, et al. “Use of carnitine therapy in selected cases of male factor infertility: a double-blind crossover trial.” Fertility and Sterility 79, no. 2 (2002): 292-300.
3. Barrett, B.M., A. Sowell, E. Gunter, & M. Wang. “Potential role of ascorbic acid and beta-carotene in the prevention of preterm rupture of fetal membranes.” International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research 64, no. 3 (1994): 192-197.
4. Polotsky, Alex. “A Plate Full of Omega-3 Fatty Acids with a Side of Fertility Boost.” University of Colorado Advanced Reproductive Medicine. Arm.coloradowomenshealth.com.
5. Gurevich, Rachel. “The Importance of Folic Acid in Female and Male Fertility.” Dotdash. Verywellfamily.com.
6. “Selenium Plays Key Role in Fertility.” Holtorf Medical Group. Holtorfmed.com.
7. “Low zinc and copper levels might cause spontaneous abortion, study suggests.” ScienceDaily. Sciencedaily.com.
8. Wirleitner, B., P. Vanderzwalmen, et al. “Dietary supplementation of antioxidants improves semen quality of IVF patients in terms of motility, sperm count, and nuclear vacuolization.” International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research 82, no. 6 (2012): 391-398.
9. Balercia, G., E. Buldreghini, et al. “Coenzyme Q10 treatment in infertile men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia: a placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized trial.” Fertility and Sterility 91, no. 5 (2009): 1785-1792.
10. “Vitamin E for Fertility – Benefits and Supplements.” Parenting.FirstCry.com. Parenting.firstcry.com.
11. Ruggeri, Christine. “Clary Sage Oil Supports Hormone Balance & Relieves Menstrual Pain.” Dr. Axe. Draxe.com.
12. Atsumi, T. & K. Tonosaki. “Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva.” Psychiatry Research 150, no. 1 (2007): 89-96.
13. Kynaston, Lee. “The truth about ‘sexy’ male fragrances.” Telegraph Media Group Limited. Telegraph.co.uk.