Getting Pregnant Naturally_ Healthy Choi - Winifred Conkling [17]
Before using herbs, check with your doctor, since herbal medicines can interact with some conventional drugs. Use only the recommended amounts and take herbs only for the recommended time periods. The risk of side effects goes up when people take large amounts of herbs for extended periods. Start with a low-strength preparation and strengthen it only if necessary.
Watch out for symptoms of overdose or toxicity. Typical symptoms include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or headache an hour or two after taking an herb. If you develop any suspicious symptoms after taking an herb, stop taking it and see if the symptoms disappear. If you have an adverse reaction, report it to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s MedWatch office at (800) 332-1088.
— Q & A —
Which herbs should I take?
All the herbs discussed in this chapter can help to enhance your fertility. However, different herbs address different fertility problems, so be sure to read the description of each herb carefully to see if it will help with your particular problem.
Most of the herbal treatments listed in this book involve single herbs, rather than formulas, or blends of herbs designed to act synergistically to achieve specific results for a specific individual. If you plan to experiment with herbal remedies on your own, try one or two of the herbs suggested in this chapter. If you are interested in a multiherb fertility formula, look in your local health food store, or consult a professional herbalist who can prepare a blend designed to meet your individual needs.
How much should I take?
Most of the remedies discussed in this chapter involve infusions made with loose herbs. The dosage is listed with the information on each herb. Some people prefer to use commercially prepared products. Of course, follow all package directions for dosage information.
Are the herbs listed here safe?
As mentioned earlier, herbs generally have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs, but they can be dangerous if misused. For each herb discussed in this chapter, there is a list of precautions, which describes who should not use a particular herb and what the possible side effects might be. Keep in mind, however, that the side effects tend to appear only at doses in excess of the amounts recommended here.
HERS
Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
This herb is estrogen-promoting and anti-spasmodic. In fact, one of the nineteenth century’s most popular patent medicines contained black cohosh and was used to treat “female weakness” or menstrual cramps. The herb was used for centuries by the Algonquian Indians in the treatment of gynecological problems.
USAGE: For a decoction, simmer one-half teaspoon of powdered root in one cup of boiling water for thirty minutes. Cool. To improve flavor, add lemon or honey, if necessary. Take two tablespoons every few hours, up to one cup per day. As a tincture, take one teaspoon a day.
PRECAUTIONS: This herb should be avoided during early pregnancy, so do not use it if there is any chance that you are pregnant. Any woman who has been advised by her doctor not to use oral contraceptives should also avoid this herb.
Chaste-tree (Vitex agnus-castus)
This herb is often recommended when a woman’s body fails to produce a sufficient supply of progesterone; it helps to stimulate and normalize hormone levels. (Progesterone imbalances can be diagnosed using a blood test, or it may be indicated by a luteal phase dysfunction in the temperature chart; see pages 17-20 for information on temperature charting.) This herb is also used to prevent miscarriage and during recovery after hysterectomy.
USAGE: Take ten drops of tincture in a cup of water each morning in the second half of the menstrual cycle. Look for a commercial preparation and follow package directions.
PRECAUTIONS: This herb can cause the sensation of insects crawling on the skin (formication).
Chi Shao Yao (Paeonia lactiflora)
This herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of female reproductive problems,