Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous plant native to the Peruvian Andes that has been traditionally used for enhancing fertility and as an energizing superfood. It contains various bioactive compounds including glucosinolates, macamides, macaenes, alkaloids, and sterols with potential hormonal properties.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) inner bark contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that swells when mixed with water, creating a soothing coating for mucous membranes. It also contains tannins, flavonoids, and various polysaccharides that contribute to its demulcent (soothing) and anti-inflammatory properties. For…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Chicory root (Cichorium intybus) has been used traditionally both as a coffee substitute and for its medicinal properties. It contains inulin (a prebiotic fiber), sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and various phenolic compounds with documented anti-inflammatory and digestive properties. For individuals trying to conceive,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Yellow dock (Rumex crispus) is an herb whose root has been traditionally used for its laxative, blood-purifying, and iron-supporting properties. It contains anthraquinone glycosides (including emodin), tannins, oxalates, and various minerals including iron, with documented effects on gastrointestinal motility and potential mild…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Safe Pregnancy: Limited Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Marshmallow root (Althaea officinalis) is an herb that has been traditionally used for its mucilage content, which creates a soothing gel-like substance when mixed with water. It contains polysaccharides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and various amino acids that contribute to its demulcent (soothing)…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis), also known as five-flavor berry, is a woody vine native to eastern Asia whose berries are used in traditional Chinese medicine. It contains various bioactive compounds including lignans (particularly schisandrin), essential oils, organic acids, and flavonoids with documented adaptogenic,…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) is a species of asparagus widely used in Ayurvedic medicine, particularly for female reproductive health. It contains steroidal saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and various polysaccharides with potential immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, and phytoestrogenic properties. For individuals trying to conceive, shatavari receives a…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Dong quai (Angelica sinensis), also known as “female ginseng,” is a root used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine for women’s health conditions. It contains bioactive compounds including ferulic acid, ligustilide, and various coumarins with documented effects on uterine tissue and vascular function.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Limited Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Limited What We Know: Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) contains various compounds including flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, and diterpenes with dopaminergic effects. It has been traditionally used for female reproductive conditions including premenstrual syndrome, cyclical breast pain, and menstrual irregularities due to its effects on hormone regulation, particularly prolactin.…

Safety Status: Trying to Conceive: Avoid Pregnancy: Avoid Breastfeeding: Avoid What We Know: Blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) contains multiple bioactive compounds including methylcytisine, anagyrine, baptifoline, and caulosaponins. Historically used by Native Americans and later adopted by midwives, it has been employed to induce labor and regulate menstruation due to its powerful effects on uterine tissue…