Fertility Teas are a Real Thing: But Do They Actually Work?

Fertility teas are a real thing, but do they work or are they bullshit?

As someone who has done numerous years of IVF, I’m always fairly sceptical when it comes to products that are telling us that just by taking ‘this’, you will fall pregnant.

So whilst I too am skeptical about teas that make this claim, I also don’t see anything wrong with taking or drinking something that is good for your health and won’t harm you in any way. But are they as harmless as they claim? Let’s find out!

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Unexplained fertility, in particular, is a doozy.

And if you have been checked out by a Doctor and are awaiting IVF, or just want to boost your chances of conception, or just want to be doing the best by your body, I really don’t see the harm in drinking fertility teas.

For some infertility that is maybe (and I use the term maybe very lightly) affected by dehydration or lack of nutrients, having a black tea or green tea is not going to hurt you and in fact can be very good for the body.

What Fertility Tea’s Claim:

Fertility teas usually contain natural teas that have for centuries been said to assist women to get pregnant.  Whilst a science girl myself, I want to see proof of these before telling you that will work.  What I can tell you is the common ingredients in these teas, and the benefits (or otherwise) these ingredients do have:

Red Clover Tea:

Red Clover Tea contains calcium and magnesium, both excellent for the body.  It has been touted as a ‘cure’ for menopause, coughs, and even cancers.  There is no scientific proof of these claims, and in fact, when tested in humans in pure form, was found to cause headaches, nausea, vaginal bleeding, and slow blood clotting.

Our 2c worth: Could actually exacerbate problems in sexual health. 

Nettle Tea:

Nettle tea is so high in nutrients that it can almost be classed as a vegetable on its own merit.  Nettle tea also contains calcium and iron, both great natural sources of goodness for a Mum-to-be.

Our 2c worth:  Can’t hurt if you stick to the recommended dosage.

Raspberry Leaf Tea:

Raspberry Leaf has been touted as a wonder ingredient for shortening women’s labour pains.  However, when tested on rats, high concentrations of Raspberry Leaf actually inhibited contractions.  So really, it doesn’t work. All other scientific claims about the use of Raspberry Leaf have not proven any evidence to support the claim that it is useful in aiding women to conceive.

Our 2c worth:  Not really sure – it doesn’t hurt to give it a go!

Chaste Tree or Vitex:

Vitex has been used for generations in the belief that it will assist in all female reproductive issues.

In ancient times the Chaste Tree was believed to be an anaphrodisiac – (turning off sex drive) – hence the name ‘Chaste’.  Modern claims are that it eases PMS.  However scientifically, Vitex is not recommended for women on birth control tablets, hormone replacement therapy or serious conditions such as breast cancer, nor for pregnant or breastfeeding women as it can cause adverse effects such as headaches, nausea, menstrual discomfort, fatigue and some skin disorders.

Our 2c worth: Avoid when pregnant or breastfeeding.  Pretty useless for infertility.

Green Tea:

Green Tea is a form of tea made from Camellia Sinesis and contains loads of antioxidants and minerals that are great for the body.  Green Tea has been used in Chinese medicine for a millennia.  Consumption of green tea produces a lower risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular disease.  It decreases cholesterol and by drinking at least one cup of green tea per day will lower your risk of death by 4% than any other cause.

Our 2c worth: Every person on the planet should be drinking a cup of green tea per day.  But it won’t get you pregnant.

Our summation: Fertility tea, when taken as a cup per day or cup every now and again, is certainly not going to hurt you.  But it certainly will not assist in conception. Our recommendation is to see your doctor for a formal blood test before taking natural supplements that may or may not affect your ability to get pregnant.

Infertility is caused by so many factors that fertility tea could never ever help with.  Things like endometriosis, polycystic ovaries,  blocked fallopian tubes to name just a few.

Medical science has come such a long way for infertile couples, so take advantage of the science, and see your fertility specialist.

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

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