Male Health: Herbs For Men

The following is from many sources such as Fertility, Cycles and Nutrition - Prescription for Nutritional Healing, Male infertility message board, A Practical Approach to herbal Extracts and others. Some of the products we carry on our website speak to these issues and therefore they are mentioned as the reasons are explained.

This is a very long list and you will not be taking all of these supplements.   They are all here to give YOU the options armed with information.  Be sure to take time and read the links highlighted.

It is important to note that men also need proper levels of LH, FSH and testosterone, where for women Progesterone is the third important factor.

Dong Quai

Dong quai is a useful for a man as a woman. Dong quai is for blood purification which may be necessary for healthy blood flow to reproductive organs.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut is known to shrink inflammation that causes blockage in his "veins" which is called varicole.  This is well matched with the dong quai above.

Rye Pollen Extract

Rye pollen is important to the prostrate which actually becomes estrogen dominant as well for men. It is very much the same as the uterus for a women and without proper contracting or with lowered testosterone,  a man's fertility diminish.

Some women's husbands are already seeing improvement. Studies have shown that it is more effective than saw palmetto extract By the way saw palmetto is an excellent herb for both men and women.

Here is an excerpt:

Bee Pollen and Saw Palmetto

Also Bee Pollen is a good choice although it is not as good as the rye pollen.

As far as saw palmetto goes, it is an excellent herb for male and females in TTC.

Saw Palmetto helps the prostates to release, not so much to build more but to release testosterone.  It also helps to increase mammary gland function, in the women, which in turn causes less irritation to the uterus and ovaries. 

SP is wonderful for diabetes. Many don't know the commonality of diabetes and PCOS. To take these herbs as well as sarsparilla below has been shown to be highly beneficial to both PCOS and male factor.

Sarsparillia

Sarsparilla produces a greater amount of anabolic hormones. (which means without oxygen) so it is a testosterone builder in men and progesterone in women. It is also best used by the nerve tissue which is a big problem with those who are infertile. it helps to eliminate uric acid (which is harsh on the kidneys and other organs) as well. This is built up from coffee and stimulants like sodas as well as a highly acidic diet.  

This information on SP and Sarsparilla was taken from "the little herb encyclopedia" by Jack Ritchason, ND 

Progesterone

Progesterone believe it or not also helps a man by blocking the estrogen that binds testosterone. A man would use about 1/16 of a tsp on and off through the month. Just a tiny dab will do. Rub into the hands.  This is helpful when it has been determined that a many has high levels of "bad" testosterone;   5-alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Selenium and Zinc

Selenium and Zinc (Selenium is found in high concentration in Wheat Sprouts) Eat LOTS of sprouts. Deficiency causes immobile sperm with fragile tails that break off. Selenium is found in Proancynol as mentioned above.  Selenium dramatically decreases each time a man ejaculates so it must be replaced over and over again.  It is important to get a wholefood source as opposed to pharmacy style vitamins and minerals. 

Zinc - even a mild deficiency of zinc can cause drastic changes in sperm count. NOTE: improper copper to zinc ratios is one reason for PMS in women. Progesterone supplementation puts these back in balance.

Siberian Ginseng or Rainforest Suma

Siberian Ginseng or Rainforest Suma (a cousin to Siberian Ginseng) is very important for stress and to the adrenals to prevent burnout. We carry a compound geared toward men (but used for both) of Ginseng and Schizandra which aids in stamina, anti stress, virility and others.  Suma has become a noted herb these days for its ability to oxygenate the blood and therefore nourish the cells as well.

B Vitamins

Lack of B vitamins (found in high amounts in Rye Pollen and Bee Pollen) can cause a reduction of pituitary function in male and females. They stimulate the production of LH and FSH, raise progesterone production, provide proper RNA and DNA function in the cells (this means making sure each cell has all the genetic info needed to reproduce properly), and they also stimulates sperm production and testosterone secretion.  Many research studies have been done on vitamin B6, an important vitamin for fertility but not enough has been seen to do with B12.  B12 is vital to the nerve function and lack of B12 is commonly confused mistakenly with B6 deficiency. 

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is very very important to both but especially to men. It benefits the lining cells of the testes' seminiferous tubules - and these cells are the developing sperm. Very important: you can overdose on Vitamin A supplements but NOT on Vitamin A carotene found from juicing or eating carrots. We carry a supplement which is a pure carrot juice in dehydrated form to add to water called Just Carrots.  Although this is an excellent life changing supplement it is our first recommendation to suggest juicing as a way of life to everyone!  You will never be sorry for a day you juice.   Juicing carrots has been very successful for many women and men coming through our group when used to increase semen and cervical mucus.

For a man it is even more important (although important to both) because his reproduction is all glandular function and keeping the glands clean is vital.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C 1000mg per day raised levels of sperm count by 140% in the first week in one study. Vitamin C should be taken with Bioflavonoids for proper absorption.  Consider a wholefood supplement or juicing but do not use standard pharmacy vitamins as they will bother the stomach lining and chewables will erode enamel off your teeth.  This causes sensitivity.

Cranberry juice

Clean kidneys is essential also so that zinc is not lost through urine. The kidneys are considered the source of fertility in TCM - Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Cranberry juice (pure) is good for men with urination problems which can be an early sign of prostrate problems.

Here is a simple test to see if your kidneys may need a boost - place your finger 1" above the belly button and feel the temperature.  Then place the same finger 2" below the belly button and see if the temperature is colder, hotter or about the same.  If it is not the same it is time to help the kidneys.  

Flaxseed Oil

Flaxseed oil is an excellent source of Essential Fatty Acids that are necessary for men in even higher amounts than women. One reason is for the integrity of each cell. It will lend the proper elasticity to the cells and prevent capillary fragility just as the bioflavonoids do. 

Fertility Formula

1 ounce tincture of siberian ginseng root (or suma from the rainforest - the highest form)
1/2 ounce each - tinctures of fresh oats and raspberry leaves
Combine ingredients. Take 1 dropperful twice a day.

Taken from the Book: Herbs for Health and Healing

Supplement Therapy

antioxidants beta-carotene, zinc and vitamins C  and E can increase sperm count and motility.

At least 1000 mg of C, 400 to 800 mg of E and 15 mg of beta-carotene and 30 to 60 mg of zinc daily.

Arginine, Cysteine, Methionine

Taken from the Book: New Choices in Natural Healing

Herbs:

Astragalus Extract - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist or 2-4 ml  

Black Cohosh Extract - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 3 times a day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist or Tincture - 15 to 60 drops   

Pasque Flower Tincture - 20 drops, three times per day or as directed by manufacturer or herbalist.

What are you doing for yourself? Are you cleansing or properly feeding your digestive tract, colon, liver and lymphatic system? This is the key to avoiding ALL disease; keeping clean and eating what brings life. Remember, life begets life.