How long will it take me to become pregnant?

There is no guarantee or average time of getting pregnant when using Chinese herbal medicine. Each person is different and has different medical conditions. Typically treatment requires at least one course of 3 months of treatment to reach an enhanced state and hormonal balance, often with another course or two following. However, there are some women who respond more quickly, and others who need longer assistance. When fertility issues are mainly due to the male, treatment may be longer. It takes two to make a baby. Best results are obtained when both partners are treated with herbs.

What if I want my husband to be treated, but he won't participate?

Unfortunately, sometimes one partner is not as willing as the other to be treated. Chinese herbal medicine is effective with male infertility as well and helps increase pregnancy rate. Consider showing your husband this study on low sperm count and fertility in men. In cases of "unexplained infertility," best results are obtained when both partners are treated. If infertility issues are related to ovulation or the menstrual cycle of the female, treatment often works well with just the female being treated.

What will be included in my first shipment of herbs?

You should expect to receive about one standard vitamin-sized bottle (about 100g) of concentrated granular herbs for every ten days, but this of course varies with each individual.  A spoon will also come with the herbs to measure out each dose along with written instructions. We may send you a partial supply of the herbs at first to ensure that the customized formula is well suited to you, enabling us to make adjustments to the formula if needed. Your shipment will also include information on dietary, lifestyle and supplement recommendations. This will include personalized nutritional therapy based on your pattern of disharmony in Oriental Medicine.

What exactly is Oriental Medicine and Chinese herbs?

Oriental Medicine consists of two main branches, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. It also includes nutrition and certain types of bodywork and breathing exercises, such as Qi Gong. "Chinese" herbs are different from "western" herbs in that they are prescribed together in formulas and customized for each individual. For example, not all people will take the same herbs for a cough. It depends on the root cause of the cough, the person's constitution and other patterns involved. Chinese "herbs" include not only leaves, branches and flowers, but also roots, tree bark, fruit skin, mushrooms, shells and animal products such as bones. Please let your herbalist know if you are a vegetarian and have concerns about animal products in your herbal remedies.

What causes of "infertility" can herbal medicine help with?

Herbal medicine can help with "infertility" in both men and women due to many causes including:         

• Unexplained infertility
• Decreased related to age
• Hormonal imbalances
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Endometriosis
  
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
  
• Fallopian tube blockage
  
• Implantation difficulties
• Low sperm count 

Are the herbs you use pesticide-free?

We use reliable suppliers and pay more for good quality herbs. Each batch of herbs are checked extensively in the laboratory prior to and after processing to ensure safety. Herbs are checked for substances such as pesticide residue, E. Coli and heavy metals. The majority of our herbs come from Taiwan where herbal medicine is also used in the medical system in conjunction with pharmaceutical drugs. Our main supplier is GMP certified and produces herbal granules of pharmaceutical grade. They also maintain USDA NOP Organic Processor and Kosher certifications. 

Are the herbs safe to take with other medications? What about if I am considering doing IVF or ART?

When prescribed by a professional herbalist, herbs are safe to take with most medications. Make sure to tell your herbalist all medications you are taking so adjustments can be made or certain herbs avoided. Chinese herbal medicine can safely be taken before In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to help improve certain fertility factors and increase its rate of successful implantation and pregnancy. And who knows, you may even become pregnant before the transfer! See this study for benefits on using Chinese herbal medicine in conjunction with IVF and ART.