The best teas for fertility - and how they can support your fertility journey
If you’re trying to conceive, you’re probably overwhelmed with advice - eat these foods, avoid this, take that supplement... This can feel really exhausting and confusing. Herbal teas for fertility, may be one of these foods. They have been used for centuries, but knowing where to start is difficult. Carry on reading as we explore the best teas for fertility and find one that works for you!
Tea for fertility
There are many different types of teas - green, herbal, white and even blends - that can be used as a gentle and natural way to support your fertility. They can help support the body by keeping hormones in balance and improving function of reproductive organs.
Some of the beneficial compounds found in teas include;
Antioxidants - these prevent damage to cells, which causes lower egg quality, sperm damage and hormonal imbalances, reducing chances of conception (1). The types of antioxidants found in herbal teas include catechins, polyphenols and flavonoids.
L-Theanine - naturally found in green tea, it’s celebrated for its ability to reduce stress and support reproductive health (2).
Anti-inflammatory compounds - herbal teas often contain polyphenols, which can help tackle chronic inflammation, possibly leading to improved ovulation and implantation of the egg (3).
Best herbal teas for fertility
So which teas boost fertility? Herbal teas that may support your conception/pregnancy journey include;
Green Tea - green tea is high in the anti-oxidant catechin that protects cells from damage, supports hormone balance, reduces inflammation and improves ovulation - all key for boosting fertility (4). Although beneficial effects have been found it’s important to note that more research is still needed to fully understand these links.
Spearmint Tea - spearmint tea is known for its antiandrogenic effects (lowers levels of male sex hormones like testosterone that may cause acne and excess hair growth) which may help in improving ovulation and hormonal balance. Some research also suggests that the hormones FSH and LH levels increase after drinking spearmint tea (5, 6).
Chasteberry Tea (Vitex) - research suggests that chasteberry works by balancing hormones which helps support fertility, especially in those with hormonal imbalances eg PCOS, endometriosis etc. A randomised, double blind clinical trial (the gold standard in research) found that it helps steady the luteal-phase, giving the body enough time for successful egg implantation, whilst also lowering prolactin (a hormone that can disrupt ovulation when too high) and improving progesterone levels (7).
Ginger Tea - animal studies have shown benefits when consuming ginger, including supporting the hormones FSH and LH in rats with PCOS, and also aiding in follicle development and implantation. A systematic review also found that ginger improves sperm count and mobility across different animals - it’s said to have antioxidant and androgenic effects (8, 9, 10). However, since all these findings are from animals we cannot be certain that these same beneficial effects of ginger tea will be seen in humans, though including ginger tea is an easy and harmless option.
If you have questions about your diet to support you in your fertility journey, book a free enquiry call with Claire Pettitt, a fertility specialist dietitian, to find out how 1:1 support can help you
“Fertility teas” - Do fertility teas work?
Fertility teas you see in stores are usually blends of different herbs marketed as a natural way to improve fertility. But, it’s worth knowing that they’re not always the same as regular herbal teas.
That means when you buy a tea marketed as ‘fertility tea’ it’s hard to know if it really works the way it claims. Herbal teas for fertility haven’t been studied enough, and so we don’t really know how different herbs interact together and if they’ll still reap the same benefits.
Pros of drinking fertility teas:
Research shows herbal teas have fertility benefits
Natural and widely available
May support overall wellness
Cons of drinking fertility teas:
Fertility teas on the market blend lots of herbs, making true effects unclear
Not a lot of research on women's health and herb interactions
Benefits claimed by fertility tea brands are not always backed by evidence
The majority of research comes from single herbal blends not mixed blends so they might not have the same effects as individual herbal teas.
Side Effects
You may experience side effects when drinking herbal teas, especially if you consume more than the recommended amount, these may be;
Digestive problems - such as stomach issues or nausea
Headaches - may come as a result of an allergic reaction/ sensitivity to certain herbs
Uterine stimulation - some herbal teas may actually increase the rate of shedding from the uterus so it’s important to consume them during or just after your period. This timing avoids interactions with ovulation and may help lead to successful conception.
Interactions with medications - not all herbs are safe to consume with all medications and so always speak to a registered health professional to ensure safety.
How much to include
Most studies show benefits when participants consume 1-2 cups a day, but this does vary between the different types of teas. For example, one review of green tea found drinking 2-4 cups of high-quality green tea daily helped support fertility and insulin sensitivity. However, more research is needed to determine the best dosage and frequency for tea consumption (3).
Practical ways to include tea
Adding herbal teas into your routine doesn't need to be difficult. Here are some simple and enjoyable ways to make tea part of your everyday wellness.
Enjoy a morning cup of tea
Replace sugary drinks with tea
Try iced versions, adding lemon and ice
Incorporate herbal teas into a calming evening routine to help tackle stress
Choose different types of teas during the stages of your menstrual cycle to maximise benefits.
Conclusion
Finding the best tea for fertility doesn't have to be confusing. While herbal teas for fertility won’t magically solve infertility, many offer benefits - from reducing stress, to supporting hormones and improving menstrual cycles.
Herbal teas, such as green, spearmint, chasteberry tea etc can be nourishing, calming, and supportive as you work towards your fertility goals. It’s worth noting that single-herb teas may be a better choice than mixed blends, since there’s limited research on how combinations work together.
If you have questions about your diet to support you in your fertility journey, book a free enquiry call with Claire Pettitt, a fertility specialist dietitian, to find out how 1:1 support can help you.
References
Oxidative stress and antioxidants: exposure and impact on female fertility
Anti-infertility roles of flavonoids: insights into the female reproductive system - PubMed
Beneficial Effects of Green Tea Catechins on Female Reproductive Disorders: A Review
Anti-Androgenic Effects of Spearmint Tea (Mentha Spicata) - CommonKnowledge
Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism
Ginger (zingiber officinale) might improve female fertility: A rat model - PubMed