Many couples look for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a natural way to help them conceive. TCM believes in restoring the balance of the body so that it is suitable for conceiving. Medications are customised to each individual’s condition and body constitution. The herbs are safe to consume and have minimal side effects when taken correctly but do note that these herbs should be consumed under the prescription by a licensed TCM physician only as they may not be suitable for some individuals.
TCM can be used alone to improve fertility or used in combination with conventional fertility treatment. However, the TCM medications prescribed vary according to different physicians, where a prescription will be prepared based on the diagnosis of the patient and involve combining the use of various herbs to achieve the best therapeutic effect.
The main focus of TCM is to help balance the function of our spleen, liver and kidneys which are organs responsible for fertility. When these organs are functioning well, it can help to regulate hormones and menstruation. The quality of eggs and sperm may also be improved to increase the chance of conceiving a healthy baby. TCM can also manage common conditions that cause infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, erectile dysfunction, and many more. Physician Ng Qing Xiang of Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic @ Bedok and Harbourfront tells us which herbs are best if you want to welcome a baby this year: