As we mentioned in previous articles, infertility is defined as inability of a couple to conceive after 12 months of unprotected sexual intercourse. It effects over 5 millions couple alone in the U. S. and many times more in the world. Because of unawareness of treatments, only 10% seeks help from professional specialist.We have spent most of the time in this series discussing the conventional and Chinese medicine in treating fertility. I believe, it is the best time to change the subject by discussing how to treat infertility with herb – sarsaparilla (smilax officinalis).
I. Definition
Sarsaparilla is also known as smilax officinalis in herbal medicine, it is a perennial trailing vine, native to Central America and has been used in traditional herbalist as reproductive organs and glands tonic medicine.
II. How sarsaparilla effects fertility
1. Liver detoxification
herbalist believes the plant contains substance which helps to remove toxins from the liver, thereby increasing the liver function in regulating hormonal production ( estrogen and prostaglandins family) and levels of insulin in the blood stream, leading to reducing the risk of irregular menstrual cycle and increasing the chance of fertility.