Although herbal remedies generally don't have conclusive studies to prove their impact on conception rates, herbalists and naturopaths regularly use herbs to promote patients' overall health and fertility.

Kate Gilday, an herbalist and founder of Woodland Essence teaching center in upstate New York, often uses a three-pronged approach. "I prescribe these herbs in my practice again and again," she says. 

Be sure to talk with your health-care provider about herbs you're interested in taking, and remember that herbs take time to work -- often at least three months. Also "keep in mind that herbal medicine is very personalized," notes Gilday. "See a naturopath or a trained herbalist for a more individualized prescription."

Stress Soothers
Herbs known as adaptogens "help the body deal with the effects of long-term stress, which in turn helps with overall endocrine imbalance," Gilday says. "You can try one herb for a month or two and add others one at a time and see how you respond. Or see an herbalist or naturopath for recommendations."

• Ashwagandha: Helps strengthen the thyroid, support sleep, and ease anxiety (1-2 capsules twice a day or 1/2 teaspoon powder twice a day).
• Eleuthero (also known as Siberian ginseng): Helps reduce stress hormone levels, strengthens immunity, and boosts stamina (30-60 drops of extract 2 to 3 times daily).
• Tulsi (also known as sacred basil): Helps soothe the nervous system, support the adrenal glands, and promote feelings of calm (2 cups a day of tea; also available in liquid extract, 1/2 teaspoon twice a day).

Fertility-Specific
Certan herbs play a more targeted role in promoting fertility, such as the following:

• Milky oats (Avena sativa): Helps increase vaginal lubrication and soothe the nervous system (1/2 teaspoon liquid extract three times a day).
• Vitex (also called chaste berry): Helps regulate menstrual cycle if periods are erratic (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract in morning and evening).
• Red raspberry leaf: Helps nourish and strengthen the uterus itself (two or three cups of tea daily).

Liver Support
Among its other vital functions, the liver produces some hormones directly as well as helps rid the body of excess reproductive hormones and other waste products. Certain herbs can provide support.

• Dandelion root: For overall liver cleansing and support (30 to 60 drops of a liquid extract, three times a day before meals).
• Burdock root: For overall liver cleansing and support (30 to 60 drops of a liquid extract three times a day before meals).
• Milk thistle: For overall liver cleansing and support (1 capsule twice a day).
• Turmeric: For liver support and inflammation (use as spice on foods or take 1 to 2 capsules daily).