| |  | | Herbs and IVF
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Anna
Posted on: September 15, 2006
What is your opinion about using herbs while going through IVF treatment?
My herbalist wants me to take a mix containing: false unicorn root, vervain, camomile, mugwort, dandelion, skullcap and red raspberry leaf.
I’ve been taking herbal mixes for 6 years and love my herbs, but I’m afraid taking something while doing IVF might have negative consequences (contraindications etc.).
My IVF doctor naturally advises me not to take herbs as they cant be sure how the two medications will interact.
What do you think, please?
I’m sorry, but I don’t have experience with this, nor do I know of other experienced herbalists who are working with IVF and herbs. Normally, women go with their doctor’s advice to avoid herbs so that there are no unknown variables in the procedure.
Personally, I would support the woman according to her needs with herbs that do not affect the hormones or embryo attachment to the womb. For example, if the woman is experiencing anxiety, I may recommend a calming tea of chamomile. I would avoid all herbs that are to be avoided in pregnancy. The list of herbs to avoid includes mugwort and vervain.
Please see our website at www.richters.com. Choose "Q&A" from the main menu. For a list of herbs to avoid when trying to conceive, and see the item "Herbs to Avoid in Pregnancy": Some of the herbs on the list affect hormones, and others cause stimulation of the womb, promoting the possibility of miscarriage.
http://www.richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Medicinal/19990808-1.html
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