In recent years, teas claiming fertility support (also known as fertility teas) have gained popularity on the internet. Due to their availability, most women try them to boost fertility. But before you decide to skim through the internet to find fertility teas or read customer reviews, it’s essential to determine whether they work. What does the research say about fertility teas?

Herbal Infusion Dynamics

Steeping herbs in hot water triggers chemical reactions that release their beneficial compounds. Water temperature, steeping time, and the herbs’ condition determine the range and concentration of active ingredients extracted. This gentle extraction maintains the balance of nutrients and antioxidants, allowing the compounds to work together effectively. Even minor changes in brewing can alter the tea’s final composition and its ability to support reproductive health. Understanding these factors helps individuals adjust their preparation methods, ensuring each cup of fertility tea best supports their wellness and fertility goals.

What exactly are fertility teas?

Holistic practitioners , midwives, and nutritionists with a special interest in fertility are the primary proponents of herbal fertility teas for enhancing the chances of conception. When steeped in hot water, these herbs are thought to release compounds that aid or improve fertility. For instance, some are known to boost libido, increase chances of conception, tone the uterus, and balance hormone levels, among other functions. Most ingredients in fertility teas are known for their richness in essential nutrients and minerals, which convinces most users that it’s safe to take fertility tea. Medical literature documents the use of herbal remedies called ‘ uterine tonics ‘ to treat numerous gynaecological problems—reports date back to as early as the 15th century. The colonial scientists and doctors first got the idea of reproductive health botany from the indigenous medicinal culture, where herbs were taken to relieve pain during childbirth, treat menstrual cramps, and sometimes induce labour. The practice continued until the 20th century because women turned to midwives and medicinal plants to promote their reproductive health. Herbal remedies come in different forms other than fertility teas. One can cook and administer extracts, tinctures, granules, powders, and raw herb material as a single herb or combine them with other herbs. Some of the popular fertility teas you will come across today will have the following ingredients (note that this list is not exhaustive):

• Chasteberry ( Vitex agnus castus )
• Ashwagandha ( Withania somnifera )
• Black cohosh ( Actaea racemosa )
• Peppermint ( Mentha piperita )
• Red raspberry leaf ( Rubus idaeus )
• Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
• Stinging nettle leaf ( Urtica dioica )
• Tribulus ( Tribulus terrestris )
• Lady’s mantle ( Alchemilla mollis )

Historical Insights

Cultures worldwide have used herbal remedies for reproductive health, drawing on traditional wisdom. Centuries ago, indigenous practices used natural botanicals to ease menstrual discomfort and assist childbirth—methods that continue in today’s herbal formulations. These historical approaches provide context and a foundation for today’s natural therapies, but traditional use alone doesn’t prove clinical effectiveness. Modern evaluations balance traditional practices with scientific studies, ensuring current recommendations are both culturally informed and evidence-based.

What about the downsides of taking fertility teas?

While most fertility teas cause only mild side effects, some herbs can interact with medications or supplements. They are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Key concerns include:

• Adverse interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medications.
• Unpredictable effects during early pregnancy or for those with hormone-sensitive conditions.
• Variation in ingredient potency, affecting safety and effectiveness.

When considering any herbal regimen, especially for reproductive health, consult a trusted healthcare provider or qualified herbalist. They can help balance potential risks with benefits tailored to your health.

Can you rely on fertility teas to get pregnant?

If you’re wondering whether you should take fertility teas to improve your chances of conception, it’s important to understand what science says. But before we explore the findings around various fertility teas, you should know some important limitations to the research:

• Most fertility teas are designed as proprietary tea blends, so there is little research to support them. However, there is a vast body of literature behind each ingredient, which you will find in some of them, and why the ingredients can be helpful.
• Studies in this area tend to be complicated due to the words used. For instance, fertility teas can be defined as a collection of herbs from many cultures (like Ayurvedic, Chinese, indigenous/natives, etc.) and are administered in many ways.
• Herbal medicine is difficult to study due to constant practice changes, the lack of clear proof of the most efficient administration technique, the need for a standard potency and testing standard, and the complexities of identifying symptom patterns unique to each herbal treatment.

Regardless of all these challenges, studies in this area have been growing over the years. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key ingredients in the popular fertility teas in today’s market. We shall first examine the ingredients with more evidence and end with the ones that haven’t been studied much.

Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chasteberry is from the chaste tree, which is popularly known for improving reproductive health, including premenstrual stress syndrome. Although many doctors do not recommend Chasteberry for fertility, research shows that this ingredient has yielded promising results. Most studies looked at the component in supplement form, not as fertility tea.

• A 2014 review of 33 studies found that Chasteberry herbal extracts can effectively improve the length of a woman’s luteal phase, increasing progesterone production and menstruation regularity. Both of these benefits help enhance fertility in women with irregular cycles. The downside is that they may make it difficult for the body to absorb iron from food.
• Two small studies by the same research team noticed improved pregnancy rates for women who took supplements with Chasteberry and other ingredients.

With all this said, there is insufficient evidence to show a formal clinical recommendation to use Chasteberry to enhance fertility. Besides, there’s a possible risk linked with using it as you undergo IVF treatment. A case report revealed that it could cause ovarian hyperstimulation. Taking Chasteberry can also be risky for pregnant women or women with hormone-sensitive conditions. Since there is not enough evidence on this ingredient, and it does impact hormone-sensitive conditions, it is better not to take it unless it’s recommended by a trained healthcare professional or herbalist.

Black cohosh (Actaea racemosa)

Black cohosh can have a positive impact on fertility. Historically, it was used to ease menopause and premenstrual syndrome symptoms and induce labour, and it could have some effect on fertility. A systematic review done in 2021 revealed that black cohosh can improve hormone regulation and uterine lining thickness more than clomiphene citrate when used by patients who are managing infertility with PCOS . The study involved three randomised controlled trials, which found higher conception rates for individuals who use black cohosh with clomiphene citrate ( Clomid ). Researchers also noted that there were concerns of bias in some of the concluded studies – the clinical evidence did not show similar effects for women with PCOS .

Red raspberry leaf (Rubus idaeus)

The Raspberry leaf is packed with nutrients such as iron and is sometimes known as the women’s herb. Herbalists have used it to treat gynaecological problems since the early 16th century . There is anecdotal evidence of its ability to help with fertility but no clinical evidence. A systematic review was conducted in 2021 that focused on the link between raspberry leaf and pregnancies. Some studies discussed the leaf’s possible impact on uterine muscles. The studies were done only on animals, so no evidence demonstrates their effect on humans. Those who conducted the research also did not find clear benefits for pregnant women—the leaf might not be recommended during pregnancy.

Nettle leaf (Urtica dioica)

The nettle leaf is a stinging leaf that’s rich in nutrients. Some traditional health practitioners have used it to enhance fertility in women, even though little clinical evidence supports this. Although there are claims that consuming nettle leaf can decrease testosterone levels – known to enhance fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome – no research can back it up. A 2014 study investigating this claim found that little supplementation (not the leaf found in teas) was no more effective than the standard treatment for high androgen levels. Researchers also concluded that the herb might have the potential to help, but more studies were needed. So, whether you take nettle leaf fertility tea or not, you shouldn’t take it while pregnant.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

A systematic review done in 2018 examined Ashwagandha, a primary herb in the Ayurveda practice , and its relation to fertility revealed some conflicting evidence . Ashwagandha can prove to be helpful when it comes to enhancing fertility, but it may also have the opposite effect. Although they can help improve semen quality in men and follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone levels in women, animal studies show some spermicidal impacts that could lead to infertility. To conclude the investigation, researchers clarified that further studies are required to examine how this herb should be extracted and the most suitable dosage for increasing fertility. Also, Ashwagandha may be unsafe to take while pregnant.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis)

The antioxidants found in green tea can be beneficial for fertility. Although green tea is not caffeine-free, it may play a vital role in enhancing outcomes for both men and women. According to a 2018 review, this tea can help fertility by minimising oxidative stress. However, the same polyphenols and other antioxidants can be harmful when taken in high doses. Another 2017 review found that green tea can impact the vascular endothelial growth factor, a substance in the blood known to promote new blood vessel growth. The decreased vascular endothelial growth factor is ideal when limiting blood flow to a tumour . Still, it’s not suitable for maturing the ovarian follicles (these are the sacs that develop and release eggs from the ovary). We do not know the suitable dosage to help attain fertility benefits from the antioxidants in green tea.

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris)

Findings around the Tribulus herb have shown some positive impact in boosting the fertility of mice, but there isn’t enough evidence to establish if it is effective for humans. One animal study demonstrated an increase in sperm motility in mice. The evidence in human subjects also showed a marked enhancement, but it remains unclear if it’s significant in mice.

Peppermint leaf (Mentha piperita)

No evidence supports the claim that peppermint leaf can increase sex drive, boosting the chances of conception. But spearmint is known to have properties that reduce androgens in females with PCOS. Since the study was small-scale, the researchers warned against the clinical application of the findings as it’s unclear.

Lady’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis)

The lady’s mantle herb has long been used in Ayurveda and traditional European medicine. While some claim that the herb can help with fertility and general menstrual disorders, it wasn’t easy to find any published studies linking it with fertility or general mental health. Moreover, using a lady’s mantle while pregnant is not recommended.

Evidence Categorization and Study Types

This article distinguishes between study designs to clarify the evidence behind each claim. All research references are clearly labelled by design: human clinical trials, systematic reviews of human studies, or preclinical animal experiments. For example:

• The 2014 review summarizing 33 studies draws exclusively on human clinical data.
• Findings related to Tribulus terrestris are based on preclinical animal research.
• Evidence supporting black cohosh includes results from controlled human trials and systematic reviews.
• References to ashwagandha incorporate both human systematic analyses and animal model studies.

By identifying each reference’s study type, we provide transparent, evidence-based insights into fertility teas and their role in reproductive health—enabling informed decisions aligned with best practices and regulatory guidelines.

Ethical and Sustainable Sourcing

Choosing fertility teas from suppliers with strict ethical and sustainable practices ensures safety and quality. Reputable Australian manufacturers use eco-friendly harvesting methods and maintain strong quality assurance standards. By using locally grown herbs, carefully cultivated and processed under controlled conditions, consumers can trust in their fertility teas. This approach preserves the integrity of herbal ingredients, supports local farming, and protects our natural resources for the future.

Things to Consider When Using Pre-Packaged Fertility Teas

To maximise your fertility tea’s benefits, ensure proper preparation and storage. Follow these evidence-based guidelines:

• Extraction and Temperature
  Use freshly boiled water cooled to 90–95 °C. This ensures effective extraction of bioactive compounds. For decoction teas, gently simmer the herbs for up to 30 minutes.
• Steeping Time
  Steep the tea for about 30 minutes to fully release the herbs, creating a more potent infusion.
• Storage Conditions
  Store your tea in airtight, opaque containers in a cool, dark, dry place typical of Australian conditions. This preserves potency for up to 12 months. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, or moisture.
• Quality and Dosage
  Stick to the recommended dosage, typically 2 to 4 grams per serving, and choose products from reputable suppliers. Consult a healthcare provider or herbalist to adjust the dosage to your needs.

Following these practices keeps your fertility tea effective and safe, meeting local standards and quality expectations.

Conclusion

Whether you choose to use fertility teas to enhance your chances of conceiving or not, the responsibility lies with you and your doctor. As you can see, the evidence around the commonly sold fertility teas is limited. While there is a possibility that the ingredients offer benefits, other constituents in fertility tea may cause some severe side effects. Some herbs can also interact with supplements or medications you may be taking. So unless your healthcare provider confirms that the fertility treatment will not cause any harm, the decision to undergo it will be yours. If you want to get the benefits of some herbs for fertility, you may talk to a trained herbalist alongside your healthcare provider. Always be honest with your healthcare team so they can share their recommendations on incorporating alternative treatments to avoid interfering with your fertility goals. Also, the herbs you take should be bought from a reputable herbalist, not any supplier you find online.

Evan kurzyp

Evan Kurzyp

Evan is the founder of Fertility2Family and is passionate about fertility education & providing affordable products to help people in their fertility journey. Evan is a qualified Registered Nurse and has expertise in guiding & managing patients through their fertility journeys.