Trying to Conceive: Supplements and Herbs to Ask About
Trying to conceive: what official sources say about folic acid, herbal remedies and fertility supplements, what reviews of antioxidants and herbs found, and what to ask.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
If you are trying to conceive, talk with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before starting any herb or fertility supplement, and tell them about the ones you already use. The NHS advises not taking herbal remedies when you are trying to get pregnant. [1] This page is information only; it gives no amounts and no schedules. If someone may have swallowed something harmful in the United States, call 911 or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
Why this stage matters
Pregnancy can begin before it is noticed. The CDC says neural tube defects happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, often before you know you are pregnant. [2] For that reason, the cautions on Pregnancy: herbs and supplements official sources flag are worth reading while trying, not only after a positive test. That is our reading of the CDC statement, not a rule any source states in these words.
Folic acid: the best-documented preparation step
NCCIH reports that the CDC recommends all women of reproductive age get 400 micrograms a day of folic acid from supplements or fortified foods, and that folic acid before and during pregnancy helps prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. [3] A Cochrane review of five trials with 7,391 women concluded that folic acid, alone or with other vitamins and minerals, prevents neural tube defects but has no clear effect on other birth defects. [4]
What amount is right for you is a decision for your clinician. See Folic acid and folate before and during pregnancy.
What reviews found for fertility products
| Question | What the source found | Strength of evidence | Population and form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Do antioxidant supplements help subfertile men? | A 2022 Cochrane review of 90 studies (10,303 men) found very low-certainty evidence from 12 small or medium trials that they may improve live birth rates; with high-risk-of-bias studies removed, there was no evidence of increased live birth. [5] | Insufficient evidence (very low certainty) | Men at fertility clinics; 20 different oral antioxidants compared and combined |
| Do antioxidants help subfertile women? | The 2020 Cochrane review found limited evidence in support, and said it was uncertain whether antioxidants improve live birth rate because of very low-quality evidence. [6] | Insufficient evidence | Women at reproductive clinics |
| Does Chinese herbal medicine help women with PCOS and subfertility? | A 2021 Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to support its use and insufficient evidence on adverse effects to say whether it is safe. [7] | Insufficient evidence | Women with PCOS; Chinese herbal medicine compared with or added to clomiphene or other fertility treatment |
| Do herbal medicines help during assisted reproduction or after miscarriage risk? | A 2026 review said certain herbal medicines may offer potential benefits for women undergoing assisted reproduction or at increased risk of miscarriage, while urging cautious use where fetal safety data are thin. [8] | Mixed; many different herbs pooled | Mixed trials and cohort studies |
Two honest notes about this evidence. First, the antioxidant reviews pooled many different products, so a result does not tell you about any single vitamin or herb. Second, the Cochrane editors added a 2026 note to the female antioxidant review saying seven included studies had since been retracted, and that removing them did not meaningfully change the review's findings. [6] Mild stomach upset was more common with antioxidants in the male review. [5]
Proper evidence not found in the sources we read for single herbs that improve fertility in people. We searched NCCIH, NHS, MedlinePlus and PubMed for Cochrane and systematic reviews. A single herb marketed for fertility, such as ashwagandha, is covered on its own page.
Safety points while trying
- Medicines and interactions: a few herbs have well-documented interactions with medicines, including birth control. FDA says drugs for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, depression, transplants and birth control pills are less effective with St. John's wort. [9] See How interactions work.
- Vitamin A: MedlinePlus says large doses of vitamin A in pregnant women can cause birth defects, and the NHS notes that many multivitamins and fish liver oil contain vitamin A. [10][11] Compare labels with your prenatal vitamin; see Prenatal and postnatal vitamins.
- Hidden ingredients: NIH warns that some products promoted for weight loss, sexual enhancement and bodybuilding may contain prescription drugs not allowed in supplements or ingredients not on the label. [12] See Unsafe products and warnings.
- Product quality: the NHS says some herbal products may be of low quality and may contain other substances such as lead. [1]
- Both partners: the sources above address men and women; if you or your partner use muscle, energy or "testosterone" products, mention them to a clinician. Whether such products affect fertility is not described in the sources we read.
Questions to bring
- Which products do I use now, and are they needed?
- Is my folic acid and prenatal vitamin enough, or would another product duplicate it?
- Does anything I take interact with a medicine, including birth control or fertility medicines? (See Talking with a health professional.)
- If I become pregnant, what should I stop, and who should I call?
More reading: Male fertility concerns, Naturopathic and integrative care for fertility and pregnancy planning, Pregnancy and breastfeeding overview.
Frequently asked questions
Should I take folic acid when trying to conceive?
NCCIH reports the CDC recommends 400 micrograms a day of folic acid for all women of reproductive age. [3] Your clinician decides what is right for you.
Do antioxidant supplements improve fertility?
Cochrane reviews found only low to very low certainty evidence for men and limited evidence for women. [5][6]
Are herbal fertility teas and capsules safe?
Proper evidence not found for single fertility herbs in the sources we read. The NHS advises not taking herbal remedies when trying to get pregnant. [1]
Can fertility supplements interact with my medicines?
Yes, some herbs can. FDA names St. John's wort and birth control pills as an example. [9]
Do I need to tell my doctor about supplements before pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS advises telling your doctor, midwife or pharmacist about herbal remedies. [1]
References
- NHS (United Kingdom). Medicines in pregnancy. Page shows a review date of 5 September 2022; Read 2026-10-23.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US). About Folic Acid. Our direct download was blocked (HTTP 403); the text was read through a web-fetch tool on 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH, US). Women’s Health and Complementary Approaches. Page last updated November 2021. Read 2026-10-23.
- De-Regil LM, et al. Effects and safety of periconceptional oral folate supplementation for preventing birth defects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015. Read 2026-10-23.
- de Ligny W, et al. Antioxidants for male subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022. Read 2026-10-23.
- Showell MG, et al. Antioxidants for female subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2020 (editorial note added 2026). Read 2026-10-23.
- Zhou K, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2021. Read 2026-10-23.
- Chen C, et al. Benefits and risks of herbal medicine use during pregnancy on offspring outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pharmacol Res. 2026. Read 2026-10-23.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mixing Medications and Dietary Supplements Can Endanger Your Health (consumer update, content current as of 2022). Read 2026-10-23.
- MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine). Vitamin A. Read 2026-10-23.
- NHS (United Kingdom). Vitamin A. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH, US). Using Dietary Supplements Wisely. Page last updated January 2019. Read 2026-10-23.