Chinese Herbs for Fertility
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Chinese herbal medicine has a 2,000-year tradition of supporting fertility and is one of the most evidence-backed natural fertility treatments available. Unlike supplements, which target individual physiological parameters, Chinese herbs work systemically — addressing the pattern of imbalance that underlies the fertility problem and improving the overall environment for conception. In my clinic I prescribe bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade Sun Ten granules, tailored to each patient's specific TCM pattern and adjusted across the menstrual cycle.
For Female Fertility
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis)
The most important women's tonic herb. Nourishes and moves blood, regulates menstruation, and improves uterine circulation. Essential for patterns of blood deficiency and irregular cycles.
Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia)
The primary kidney yin and jing tonic — the cornerstone of treatment for low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve, and poor egg quality.
Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed)
Tonifies both kidney yang and yin, consolidates jing, and supports the luteal phase. One of the most versatile fertility herbs — used across virtually all fertility patterns.
Bai Shao (White Peony)
Nourishes liver blood, relieves pain, and softens the liver. Key for dysmenorrhoea, blood deficiency, and the premenstrual tension associated with liver qi stagnation.
Xu Duan (Teasel Root)
Tonifies kidney yang, strengthens the lower back, and calms the foetus. One of the principal herbs for preventing miscarriage due to kidney deficiency.
Sang Ji Sheng (Loranthus)
Tonifies kidney and liver, strengthens the sinews, and calms the foetus. Used in combination with Xu Duan for threatened miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss.
For Male Fertility
Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium)
Strongly tonifies kidney yang and improves sperm motility. Research confirms its ability to raise testosterone and improve all semen parameters in men with kidney yang deficiency.
Gou Qi Zi (Wolfberry)
Nourishes kidney and liver yin, replenishes jing, and provides powerful antioxidant protection for developing sperm. Research confirms improvement in sperm count, motility, and DNA integrity.
Huang Qi (Astragalus)
Tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen. Research confirms improvements in sperm motility with astragalus supplementation. Also supports immune function relevant to immunological infertility.
Key Fertility Formulas
The most commonly prescribed fertility formulas in my clinic include Zuo Gui Wan (for kidney yin and jing deficiency), You Gui Wan (for kidney yang deficiency), Ba Zhen Tang (for qi and blood deficiency), and Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan (for blood stasis associated with endometriosis and fibroids). Formulas are prescribed as cycle-phase specific protocols — different formulas in the follicular and luteal phases — for the most effective results.
For a personalised fertility herbal prescription, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
