Herbs to Increase Sperm Count (Recommendations & Tips)

More than 50% of men who struggle with infertility have a low sperm count. While conventional treatments like pharmaceuticals and surgery offer assistance, many individuals would rather use natural remedies to increase fertility. As a safe, non-invasive method of treatment, herbal remedies are emerging as one of the most attractive means of treating fertility issues.

Certain herbal supplements can naturally increase sperm count, improve sperm motility and quality, help balance hormones, and reduce stress. These herbs have been scientifically studied for their effectiveness in treating male infertility and are typically found in teas, tinctures, or capsules.

This article serves as an overview of the most effective herbs to increase sperm count and how they can help improve fertility in men.

What this article covers:

Ashwagandha
Gokshura
Maca
Shilajit
Fenugreek
Ginseng
Horny Goat Weed
Saw palmetto
Ginkgo Biloba
Sarsaparilla
Muara Puama
Yohimbe
How To Take Herbs To Increase Sperm Count

1. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an Ayurvedic herb commonly used for its numerous health benefits, such as reducing stress and boosting libido. It’s also been studied for its fertility-promoting properties, with research demonstrating that it can increase sperm count and motility. Ashwagandha contains several compounds that may contribute to its ability to improve male reproductive health, such as withanolides and alkaloids.

Withanolides are known to positively affect testosterone levels, which can increase sperm production. They also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can reduce sperm count damage caused by inflammation. Alkaloids are known to stimulate the reproductive system and help regulate hormones. Their effects may help improve sperm motility and morphology.

This herb is also believed to contain other compounds like steroidal lactones, alkaloids, and tannins that can help improve sperm production.

Steroidal lactones are beneficial for spermatogenesis, while alkaloids help reduce inflammation. Conversely, tannins are believed to possess antioxidant properties that can help protect sperm from damage and improve semen quality.

2. Gokshura

Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris) is a traditional Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to treat male infertility. Studies have shown that it can increase sperm count, motility, and quality in men with low fertility. It’s believed to work by boosting testosterone levels, which can improve sperm production.

Gokshura also contains flavonoids that have an antioxidant effect and may help protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals. It may also reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, which can impair fertility in men.

The herb can be taken as a supplement or brewed into tea. It is important to note that Gokshura hasn’t been studied in pregnant women, and its safety during pregnancy is unknown.

3. Maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is an Andean root vegetable that has long been used for its medicinal properties. It’s thought to boost libido, energy levels, and fertility in men. Additional research has shown that Maca can increase sperm count and motility, as well as improve semen quality.

Maca contains several compounds that may contribute to its ability to improve fertility, such as saponins and polyphenols. Saponins are known to stimulate the production of testosterone, which can help increase sperm count. Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants that can protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress.

Maca is packed with iodine, calcium, and iron. Iodine is essential for the production of hormones and can help improve fertility in men. Calcium is necessary for healthy sperm motility, while iron helps create red blood cells that carry oxygen to the reproductive organs.

Maca can be taken as a supplement or brewed into tea. It’s also infused in juice to increase sperm count and in some foods that help produce more sperm.

4. Shilajit

Shilajit (Asphaltum punjabinum) is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries in India to increase male fertility. It’s a naturally occurring substance found in the Himalayas and contains trace elements of minerals that are beneficial for fertility. Research has shown that Shilajit can help improve sperm count and motility and increase testosterone levels.

This blackish-brown substance contains fulvic acid, which is thought to be the key component responsible for its health benefits. It’s also rich in minerals and other nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and iron.

Calcium, also found in medication to increase sperm count, is essential for healthy sperm production and motility. Magnesium helps with the formation of new sperm, while zinc plays a role in hormone production. Selenium boosts fertility by increasing sperm count and improving its quality.

Shilajit is easy to take either as a powder or in capsule form. It can also be taken in liquid form or added to food. To get the best results, taking Shilajit every day for at least two months is recommended. However, certain individuals may experience side effects like nausea or stomach upset due to its high concentration of minerals and nutrients. Therefore, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before taking this herb in any form.

In addition to its potential to boost sperm count, Shilajit has also been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect against oxidative stress. This herb should be taken with caution, as there’s limited research surrounding its safety and effectiveness in humans. However, it could be a useful supplement if you’re looking for natural ways to increase sperm count.

5. Fenugreek

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a herb that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It’s believed to have aphrodisiac properties and can help improve libido and fertility in men. Research suggests that this herb can increase sperm count and motility, as well as improve semen quality.

Fenugreek contains compounds like saponins, alkaloids, and flavonoids that are believed to be responsible for its ability to enhance fertility. Saponins, in particular, are thought to be beneficial for spermatogenesis — the process of producing healthy sperm. Alkaloids help reduce inflammation that various health conditions may cause. This gives the body a better opportunity to produce healthy sperm. The flavonoids in fenugreek contain antioxidant properties that protect sperm from damage and help improve semen quality.

Bear in mind that fenugreek isn’t recommended for people who are taking blood thinners or anticoagulants. It can also react negatively with certain medications, so it’s best to consult with your doctor before using this herb.

6. Ginseng

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a herb that’s been used for centuries in traditional medicine. It’s believed to help with fertility by increasing sperm count and improving motility, as well as enhancing erectile function. Studies have shown that ginseng can increase sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count.

This herb contains several nutrients, including vitamins and minerals, which can help boost testicular health. The active compounds in ginseng such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and phytosterols may act as antioxidants to protect sperm from oxidative damage.

Ginsenosides are believed to be the active compound in ginseng, and they help by increasing blood flow and improving energy levels. They also increase testosterone production, which may lead to improved sperm count, motility and morphology.

Polysaccharides, another component of ginseng, are believed to boost the production of sperm by stimulating the Leydig cells in the testes, which produce testosterone. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the testes and reproductive organs.

Finally, phytosterols are believed to reduce levels of bad cholesterol in the body, reducing the risk of blockages in blood vessels that could otherwise interfere with sperm production.

This herb contains essential vitamins to increase sperm volume, such as Vitamins E, A, and B-complex. Vitamin E helps to protect sperm from damage caused by oxidative stress, while vitamins A and B complex help to increase libido, improve testosterone production and promote healthy sperm motility.

7. Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed (Epimedium grandiflorum) is a traditional Chinese herb that has been used for centuries to treat infertility in men. It contains icariin, an active compound that helps improve blood flow and circulation in the body, thus improving erectile function.

Studies have found that this herb can increase sperm concentration, motility and total sperm count. It has also been found to improve the quality of semen and protect against certain genetic abnormalities in sperm.

Icariin helps to increase levels of nitric oxide in the body, which relaxes smooth muscles and improves blood circulation. This helps to increase testosterone production, as well as sperm count and motility.

Apart from Icariin, Epimedium grandiflorum also contains flavonoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenols that are beneficial for improving sperm count and fertility. Polysaccharides are known to be valuable antioxidants, while polyphenols can reduce oxidative stress. In addition, the flavonoids may help boost blood flow throughout your body and protect sperm against environmental toxins. Additionally, research has shown that Epimedium grandiflorum is capable of increasing testosterone levels in men, which can help improve overall fertility.

7. Saw palmetto

Saw palmetto, an herb derived from the fruit of a small palm tree, is commonly used to treat urinary symptoms in men due to an enlarged prostate. It may also help with fertility issues and can increase sperm count, motility, and morphology. Saw palmetto has been used for centuries as a natural treatment for infertility problems.

This herb contains many compounds that are responsible for its beneficial effects. They include plant sterols, fatty acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. Plant sterols are believed to be helpful in improving the quality of sperm by increasing its production, motility, and morphology. Fatty acids are thought to help improve overall sperm production and motility. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.

In addition to its potential fertility benefits, saw palmetto can provide other health benefits. It has been shown to reduce inflammation in the prostate gland and bladder, as well as lower cholesterol levels. This herb can also help reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and possibly even prevent prostate cancer.

8. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is one of the most popular herbal supplements used to naturally improve fertility. Its leaves contain many compounds that are beneficial for reproductive health, including flavonoids, terpenes, and ginkgolides. These compounds can increase sperm count, improve the health of sperm cells, and increase sperm motility.

The terpene profile in ginkgo biloba include quercetin and kaempferol. Quercetin is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect sperm cells from oxidative damage. Kaempferol is thought to increase the number of progesterone receptors in the testes, which could improve male fertility.

Ginkgo biloba also contains flavonoids which can reduce inflammation and improve blood flow throughout the body, including the reproductive organs. This herb may also be beneficial for men with low libido or erectile dysfunction.

The nutrient-rich leaves of ginkgo biloba can also help reduce stress and improve blood circulation. It contains essential vitamins and minerals that can provide a number of health benefits, such as improved mental clarity, better concentration, and enhanced memory.

9. Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla is an herb derived from the root of the sassafras plant. This plant is native to tropical regions and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. In fact, you will find it in some of the best supplements such as Semenax® thanks to its proven ability to increase sperm count. This supplement has been clinically proven to raise sperm count by 20%.

Studies have found that sarsaparilla extract can help improve semen quality and motility. This herb contains Saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It’s also thought to help improve hormonal balance, which can increase sperm production in men.

It has inflammatory phytochemicals, including tigogenin, asperagenin, and diosgenin. Tigogenin is a steroidal saponin that increases the production of testosterone, leading to increased sperm production. Asperagenin can help reduce inflammation, while diosgenin helps regulate cholesterol levels in the body. Sarsaparilla also contains zinc, an essential mineral for sperm health.

There are several volatile oils and acids in this herb, including kaempferol and quercetin, shikimic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeoylshikimic acid. These compounds can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can lead to improved sperm production.

There are several trace minerals in the herb that may help with male fertility. They include selenium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, chromium, and iron. Selenium is known to reduce oxidative stress, which can improve sperm motility and count. Zinc is essential for healthy semen production, while calcium and magnesium are necessary for regulating hormone balance in the body.

10. Muara Puama

Muara Puama is a traditional South American herb that has been used for centuries to improve male reproductive health and increase sperm count. This powerful herb is believed to help increase the production of testosterone, thus providing more energy for sperm production.

Muara Puama also helps balance male hormones, which can contribute to an improvement in sperm quality and motility as well.

This herb contains several key constituents that are believed to help nourish the reproductive system and increase sperm count. These include fatty acids, sterols, phytosterols, and alkaloids. It also contains trace amounts of essential oils that have been found to be beneficial for male sexual health.

This herb is hailed for its ability to increase blood flow to the pelvic region and improve men’s libido. It’s also believed to help balance hormones in the body, which can contribute to increased fertility.

For maximum benefits, Muara Puama should be used alongside other methods such as losing weight to increasing sperm count or taking almonds to increase sperm count. Also, you should also ask your doctor whether abstinence increases sperm volume so that you can get proper guidance on how to get the best out of this herb.

11. Yohimbe

Yohimbe is an herb that has been used for centuries in Africa to treat various sexual health problems. It’s used to aid an increase sperm motility and improve semen quality, which can lead to improved fertility.

This herb contains a number of active compounds like yohimbine, corynanthine, and yohimbinic acid. Yohimbine is believed to help boost testosterone production, which in turn boosts sperm count and motility. Corynanthine and yohimbinic acid are thought to help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

Yohimbe also contains antioxidants that can help protect sperm from damage caused by free radicals. This includes quercetin, rutin, and chlorogenic acid. Quercetin contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help improve sperm motility and count. Rutin and chlorogenic have antioxidant effects that can help protect sperm from oxidative damage.

How To Take Herbs To Increase Sperm Count

Below are a few tips for taking herbs to increase sperm count:

Talk to a Doctor

The most important thing to do before taking any kind of herbal supplement, especially one intended to increase sperm count, is to talk to a doctor. This will ensure that the herbs are safe for you and won’t interact with any medications or conditions you might have.

Take the Right Dosage

Overdoing it with herbal supplements can be dangerous, so make sure to follow the directions on the package or talk to your doctor about how much of a given herb is safe for you to take.

Start Slowly

For some herbs, it may take up to several weeks before noticeable effects become apparent. Be patient and don’t rush into taking large doses of a supplement. The worst thing you can do is become overwhelmed by the process and then give up before seeing any results.

Conclusion

Herbs to increase sperm count provide an excellent alternative to medications and other treatments. They’re relatively safe, affordable, and easy to find in most health food stores or online. However, it’s important to take note of the tips above and to always talk to a doctor before starting any kind of supplement regimen. Doing so can help you get the most out of your herbal treatments and maximize their effectiveness for improving fertility.

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