Fertility and Herbs

Approximately 25% of all prescription drugs are still derived from trees, shrubs or herbs. The World Health organization notes that of 119 plant-derived pharmaceutical medicines, around 74% are used in modern medicine in ways that correlate directly with their traditional uses as plant medicines by native cultures.

Herbs work in much the same way as conventional drugs, via their chemical make-up. Herbs contain a large number of naturally occurring chemicals. Chemists and pharmacists isolate their biological activity and purify the ‘active’ compounds. Herbs and plants use an indirect route to the bloodstream and target organs and, therefore, their effects are usually slower and less dramatic than those of purified drugs which are administered by more direct routes. Herbal medicine has most to offer when used to facilitate healing in chronic ongoing problems.

Herbs should be treated with respect and considered medicinal.

Herbs are available in many forms and include:

• Whole herbs that are dried and then cut or powdered for use. Usually used for infusions.
• Teas either loose or in teabag form.
• Capsules and Tablets allow you to take herbs without any taste.
• Extracts and Tablets offer high concentrations in low weight and space, they are quickly assimilated compared to tablets.
  Note: they do contain a small amount of alcohol

Herbs