Originally Published: October 22, 2010
Updated: October 16, 2026
When you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s tempting to explore anything that might improve your chances. And if you’ve spent even a few minutes searching online, you’ve probably come across claims about herbs that can boost fertility, balance hormones, or help you conceive naturally.
From fertility teas to supplements promising to support ovulation, there’s no shortage of products claiming to give your reproductive system a little extra help.
But do any of them actually work?
The short answer is that there’s not enough reliable scientific evidence to show that herbal remedies improve your chances of getting pregnant. And some may carry risks, particularly if you become pregnant while taking them.
Before adding fertility herbs to your routine, here’s what you should know.
Can Herbs Really Help You Get Pregnant?
Herbs have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to address menstrual irregularities, reproductive health concerns, and difficulties conceiving.
However, traditional use doesn’t necessarily mean a treatment has been proven effective or safe.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), there is little evidence that herbal remedies improve fertility in women who do not have ovulatory problems.
One challenge is that many studies of herbal fertility treatments are small, poorly controlled, or use different preparations and dosages. Even when a study suggests a possible benefit, the findings may not be strong enough to establish that the herb increases pregnancy or live birth rates.
That’s an important distinction. A supplement that appears to affect hormone levels or menstrual symptoms hasn’t necessarily been shown to help someone have a baby.
Popular Fertility Herbs: What Does the Evidence Say?
Several herbs are frequently marketed to women trying to conceive. Here’s what researchers currently know about some of the more popular options.
Chasteberry (Vitex)
Chasteberry, sometimes called vitex, is one of the better-known herbal supplements promoted for female reproductive health.
It’s often advertised as a way to balance hormones, regulate menstrual cycles, or support ovulation.
Some research suggests chasteberry may help relieve certain premenstrual symptoms, including breast tenderness. But that doesn’t mean it improves fertility.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports that there isn’t enough reliable evidence to determine whether chasteberry helps treat infertility.
There are also safety concerns. Chasteberry may be unsuitable for people with certain hormone-sensitive conditions, and its use during pregnancy may be unsafe.
The bottom line: Chasteberry isn’t a proven fertility treatment, and you should discuss its use with your healthcare provider before trying it.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is often marketed as an adaptogen, a term used for herbs believed to help the body respond to stress.
Because stress and fertility are frequently discussed together, ashwagandha sometimes appears in fertility supplement blends.
There is limited research suggesting that certain ashwagandha preparations may improve some measures of sperm quality in men. However, that does not establish that taking ashwagandha increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
For female infertility, the evidence is insufficient.
The NCCIH also warns that ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy. It may interact with medications, affect thyroid function, and has been linked to rare cases of liver injury.
The bottom line: Ashwagandha should not be considered a proven fertility aid, particularly for women trying to conceive.
Red Raspberry Leaf
Red raspberry leaf is commonly found in herbal teas marketed toward women, particularly during pregnancy.
It’s sometimes promoted as a way to strengthen or prepare the uterus, but evidence supporting these claims is limited.
There is no convincing clinical evidence that drinking red raspberry leaf tea improves ovulation, implantation, or pregnancy rates.
It’s also important to distinguish between eating raspberries as part of a healthy diet and taking concentrated raspberry leaf preparations for medicinal purposes. They aren’t the same thing.
The bottom line: Red raspberry leaf has not been shown to improve fertility, and its safety as a medicinal supplement around conception is not well established.
Maca Root
Maca is a plant native to Peru that is frequently marketed for sexual wellness, libido, and reproductive health.
Some small studies have investigated its effects on sexual function and male reproductive parameters, but the findings are inconsistent and insufficient to establish a fertility benefit.
There is no strong clinical evidence that maca supplementation increases pregnancy or live birth rates.
Information about the safety of concentrated maca supplements during pregnancy is also limited.
The bottom line: Maca may appear in fertility supplements, but it isn’t an established treatment for infertility.
Are Fertility Herbs Safe When You’re Trying to Conceive?
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding herbal supplements is that natural automatically means safe.
Plants contain biologically active compounds. Depending on the herb, these substances may affect hormone activity, interact with medications, or cause unwanted side effects.
There is also a timing issue.
You might become pregnant before you realize it, potentially exposing a developing pregnancy to an herbal product whose safety hasn’t been established.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends reviewing medications, vitamins, and herbal remedies with a healthcare professional before pregnancy.
The NHS advises against taking herbal remedies while trying to get pregnant.
Other concerns include:
- Medication interactions: Some herbs may interfere with prescription drugs or fertility treatments.
- Hormonal effects: Products advertised as hormone-balancing may have unpredictable effects, especially if you have an underlying endocrine condition.
- Product quality: Supplements may vary in strength, purity, or ingredients.
- Limited pregnancy safety research: Many herbal products have never been adequately studied in pregnant people.
If you’re undergoing fertility treatment, including ovulation induction or IVF, it’s especially important to disclose every supplement you’re taking to your fertility specialist.
What Actually Helps Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant?
Although herbal supplements aren’t backed by convincing fertility evidence, there are several steps that can help you prepare for pregnancy.
1. Understand Your Fertile Window
Timing intercourse around ovulation can make a difference.
According to the ASRM, the fertile window includes the five days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.
Having intercourse every one to two days during this window provides the highest pregnancy rates, although having sex two to three times a week can produce nearly comparable results.
Ovulation predictor kits and monitoring cervical mucus may help identify your fertile days.
2. Take a Prenatal Vitamin With Folic Acid
Unlike herbal fertility supplements, folic acid has a well-established benefit before and during early pregnancy.
ACOG recommends taking a prenatal vitamin containing at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, beginning at least one month before pregnancy.
Folic acid helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects affecting the developing baby’s brain and spinal cord.
It isn’t a fertility booster, but it is an important part of preparing for a healthy pregnancy.
Some people need a different dose based on their medical history, so discuss your individual needs with your healthcare provider.
3. Focus on Overall Health
A balanced diet, regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, and management of chronic health conditions can support your general reproductive health.
That doesn’t mean there’s one perfect fertility diet or lifestyle routine guaranteed to result in pregnancy.
In fact, ASRM notes that evidence linking specific dietary changes to improved natural fertility remains limited.
Instead of buying expensive fertility teas or restrictive meal plans, focus on sustainable habits that support your health.
4. Review Medications and Supplements
Before trying to conceive, schedule a preconception appointment to discuss your medical history, existing conditions, prescriptions, and supplements.
This is particularly important if you have irregular menstrual cycles, thyroid disease, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or another condition that could affect ovulation.
Don’t stop prescribed medications without medical guidance.
When Should You Talk to a Fertility Specialist?
If pregnancy isn’t happening as quickly as you hoped, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong.
However, there are times when getting professional guidance makes sense.
ACOG generally recommends a fertility evaluation:
- Under age 35: After 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse without pregnancy.
- Ages 35–39: After six months.
- Age 40 or older: Consider evaluation as soon as you begin trying to conceive.
You should also consider seeking help earlier if you have irregular or absent periods, known reproductive health conditions, a history of pelvic disease, or concerns about your partner’s fertility.
A healthcare professional can help identify potential reasons for difficulty conceiving and discuss evidence-based treatment options.
The Bottom Line: Be Cautious About Herbal Fertility Claims
Trying to get pregnant can be an emotional experience, especially when the months pass without a positive test.
It’s understandable to want something that might give you an advantage. But an herbal supplement promising to balance your hormones or boost fertility isn’t necessarily providing a real benefit.
No herbal remedy has been convincingly established as a safe, effective way to increase natural pregnancy rates.
Rather than relying on products with unproven claims, focus on understanding your cycle, preparing your body for pregnancy, and seeking medical advice when appropriate.
And if you’re already taking fertility herbs, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your healthcare provider. Knowing what you’re taking is an important part of helping you plan for a safe, healthy pregnancy.
Sources and Further Reading
- American Society for Reproductive Medicine — Optimizing Natural Fertility
- ACOG — Good Health Before Pregnancy
- NCCIH — Chasteberry
- NCCIH — Ashwagandha
- NHS — Medicines in Pregnancy
- ACOG — Planning to Get Pregnant? Plan to See Your Ob-Gyn
Medical disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking herbal supplements, particularly when trying to conceive or undergoing fertility treatment.
Editor’s Note: This article has been substantially rewritten and updated to reflect current medical research and recommendations. The original article was written by Tiffany Silverberg.
