Supplement
Safely
Fertility and FertiliTea
Including Excerpts From ePregnancy, 2004
While
women the world-over have taken herbal remedies for millennia,
it's a relatively new concept in the West - particularly
when it comes to babymaking. Vitex-agnus castus (long popular
for other ailments) was only first used as a supplement
for female hormonal balance in the mid-half of the last
century in Germany. Things have changed. Nature is "in".Tempted
to try a more natural approach to your wellness regime?
If so, it's wise to read up on herbs and natural supplements
- and to supplement safely, particularly when it comes to
fertility. "Natural doesn't always mean safe, and some
herbs like sassafras, goldenseal, and pennyroyal can seriously
harm a developing baby." Choose your fertility ingredients
wisely.
Herbal
teas are attractive to trying-to-conceive women because
they're often free of caffeine and boast natural ingredients.
Also, the water temperature, quantity of tea leaves, and
steeping time can make each cup vary in potency and efficacy.
In addition, there is not enough research to consider all
teas to be safe, indicates Dr. Amos Grunebaum, Medical Director
of Web MD. "Citrus peel, ginger, lemon balm, orange
peel and rose hips are known to be safe, though," he
says. "Red raspberry and ginger teas are also excellent
and accepted cures for morning sickness." Dr. Grunebaum
is also the formulator of a well-researched fertility tea,
coincidentally called FertiliTea.
But
are most teas safe? While the ingredients in FertiliTea
are all organic and/or wildcrafted, not all fertility tonics
stand up to the same benchmark of quality. "Herbal
products are considered dietary supplements and are not
regulated by the FDA", states Dr. Grunebaum. "Manufacturers
of are not required to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness
of their products before they reach the market and, as a
result, the composition may vary greatly from one batch
to another."
In
addition to problems with regulation, scientists don't fully
understand all herbal actions, and issues may present themselves
if hormonal-regulating herbs are used side-by-side with
prescription fertility drugs like clomid. Combined effects
can increase chances for unwelcome side-effects or interefere
with the desired effect of a prescription fertility medication.
While FertiliTea is a safe, natural tea supplement for preconception,
it is suggested to avoid all fertility supplements while
using clomid or prescription drugs to induce ovulation.
Also, discontinue use of FertiliTea and other herbs when
you become pregnant. As a general rule, consult your physician
before combing natural herbs with pregnancy!
