In Singapore, it’s quite common for many locals to visit Traditional Chinese Medicine stores for remedies to all kinds of health concerns, ranging from constipation to arthritis. But did you know that many women take TCM to boost their fertility?
How exactly can Chinese herbal medicines benefit your efforts to conceive? Let’s discuss how they work in our bodies and why it would be good to talk to your gynaecologist in Singapore about the best way to use these products.
A Quick Glimpse into How Traditional Chinese Medicine Works
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic medical approach that basically focuses on maintaining balance with your Qi, or life energy. By improving the flow of Qi in the body, TCM can address imbalances and strengthen various organs. This helps address the underlying conditions behind your symptoms.
Herbal medicine is just one of the many branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other key practices include acupuncture, diet therapy, exercise, and massage.
How Can Herbal Medicine Possibly Boost Fertility?
Regulate Hormones
Hormonal imbalances are among the main culprits of fertility issues in women. Fortunately, herbs such as Dang Gui (angelica sinensis), Bai Shao (white peony), and Shan Yao (Chinese Wild yam) help balance out your hormone levels. For instance, they can boost your progesterone or oestrogen production.
Reduce Chronic Stress
Many traditional herbs like Ginseng and Jujube have calming properties that help you relax and focus to lower your stress levels. This can be particularly effective when you have had irregular cycles and ovulating issues due to being chronically stressed.
Boost Reproductive Function
Various herbs are also great for improving blood flow to your reproductive organs. As a result, your ovaries and uterus receive ample oxygen and nutrients so they can perform optimally.
This leads to a range of benefits for your fertility, including:
- Regular menstrual cycles and successful ovulation
- Higher chances of embryo implantation in the uterus
- Lower risk of reproductive disorders like endometriosis
Be Aware of the Risks Too
As promising as herbal medicines are for our fertility, they’re not suitable for everyone.
Let’s have a look at the dangers they could pose to your health:
- While Singapore does regulate TCM products, the herbs may still contain pesticides, heavy metals, and other harmful ingredients if they don’t come from reputable suppliers.
- There’s always the risk of allergic reactions if you happen to be sensitive to certain herbs.
- Self-medicating can cause adverse side effects or even be fatal, especially if you end up overdosing.
- If you’re also taking conventional medicines, the Chinese herbs could interact with them and lead to severe complications.
Infographic: How to Naturally Enhance Your Fertility
Can You Combine Chinese Herbal Medicine With Western Treatments?
Many couples in Singapore are exploring different ways that herbal medicines can complement Western approaches like IVF. For instance, the herbs can help regulate your hormones and boost blood flow so your body performs better during IVF cycles.
Consult Your Healthcare Provider First
But if you want to minimise the dangers to your health, it would be best to approach a certified TCM practitioner as well as a gynaecologist in Singapore for the best course of action.
You’ll need to have an open discussion with them so you can stay as safe as possible. This involves sharing your fertility goals and medical history with them. By doing so, they can create a treatment plan that avoids any potential interactions between herbs and conventional medications.
Can TCM Solve Your Fertility Woes?
Chinese herbal medicines certainly offer us a more natural way to boost our fertility. However, it doesn’t guarantee success. If we don’t use the herbs correctly — or if we happen to be allergic to them — we run the risk of endangering not only our chances of conceiving, but our health as a whole.
In any case, it would be good to have a gynaecologist in Singapore guiding your steps — along with a TCM doctor. It never hurts to explore your options when you want to get pregnant, wouldn’t you agree?
