Infertility is not only on the rise for women, but for men as well. About 10 percent of couples are clinically barren, 40% of which is due to males with spermatogenic (development of mature sperm) deficiencies.
Male infertility can also be caused by a variety of injuries and abnormalities of the sperm producing organs, the testes. This includes damage caused by the mumps or other viruses, sexually transmitted diseases, radiation damage, exposure to environmental toxins, too much heat on the testicles (from saunas, hot tubs, lap tops, etc.), medications, alcohol, smoking, and cancer treatments. Additionally, systemic illnesses, obesity, acute fevers, and deficiencies in Vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and folate can greatly contribute to male infertility.
Along with the most common factors for infertility which you can read more about here and here, a man’s infertility can also be caused by a number of other factors.
The most obvious contributors to male spermatogenic deficiency include:
• Low sperm count
• Mature sperm deficiency either caused by hypogonadism (deficient activity of the testes) or hypopituitarism (decreased pituitary activity)
• Low sperm motility (the number of sperm able to move spontaneously)
• Short sperm motility (the ability for sperm to make it to the egg)
• Low percentage of normally developed sperm
• Obstruction in the spermatic ducts (this is rare)
• Hypothyroidism
• Adrenal burnout
The Best Herbs for Male Infertility
There are a multitude of herbs available that greatly help rebuild a strong nutritional base and can potentially eliminate male infertility. System tonics that increase and nourish vitality and help reverse low adrenal energy are is the best place to begin your healing journey.
Maca
This tonic herb has been used for centuries in the Peruvian highlands for its fertility enhancing abilities and adaptogenic effects. When taken consistently over time, maca is known to increase seminal volume, sperm count, sperm quality, and sperm motility. This herb is also an amazing sexual tonic for women by increasing fertility.
I recommend these maca supplements:
1. Gaia Herbs Maca Root Capsules
2. HealthWorks-Wild Organic Peruvian Maca Root Powder
3. Gaia Herbs Maca Boost Supplement, Cacao Ginger This is one of my favorites because it also contains herbs that help reduce stress. Really delicious in shakes!
Tribulus
This herb looks like a goat’s head and packs a wallop not only on the bottom of your foot when stepped on but also for when you’re in need of stimulating healthy sperm production. Tribulus also increases the motility and quality of sperm and most notably the survival of sperm cells.
I recommend these tribulus supplements:
1. Himalaya Herbal Health Care Tribulus
2. Solaray – Tribulus Extract
Horny Goat Weed
Traditionally used as a potent herb for impotence, horny goat weed is also used for increasing testosterone levels and stimulating sensory nerves. It also increases the production of healthy sperm.
I recommend these horny goat weed supplements:
1. Nature’s Way Horny Goat Weed
2. Source Naturals Horny Goat Weed
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is an herb highly regarded for its applications for impotence, physical and mental debility concerning sexual performance, and as a tonic that nourishes the entire male reproductive system. It also treats testicular atrophy.
I recommend these saw palmetto supplements:
1. Doctor’s Best Best Saw Palmetto Extract
2. Jarrow Formulas Saw Palmetto
Ginseng
Ginseng is a remarkable sexual rejuvenator and adaptogenic tonic. The ginsenosides it contains positively effects the gonadal tissues as well as the central nervous system. It improves stamina and metabolism which play important roles in a male’s sexual health and fertility.
I recommend these ginseng supplements:
1. Imperial Elixir, Korean Red Ginseng
2. Nature’s Way Ginseng, Korean
Note- If you run hot then ginseng may not be the right herb for your constitution. In this case, try Siberian Ginseng instead.
Ho Shou Wu
This herb helps a man retain is “essence” from being involuntarily released. Ho Shou Wu is also renowned as a rejuvenating tonic that can be taken for long periods of time. For this reason, it is an amazing way to retain youthfulness, build the blood and sperm, and alleviate impotence.
I recommend these Ho Shou Wu supplements:
1. Herb Pharm He (Ho) Shou Wu Extract
2. Jing Herbs He Shou Wu Extract Powder
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic and energy enhancing herb that strengthens stamina and increases energy. It improves sexual performance and fertility and it one of the best tonics for reversing adrenal burnout.
I recommend these ashwagandha supplements:
1. Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Ashwagandha
2. Gaia Herbs Ashwagandha Root Liquid Phyto-Capsules
Schisandra Berry
This highly regarded herb is one of the best tonice for enhancing sperm production. It also increases RNA, enzymes, and glycogen which are essential for kidney and gonad gland health. For women, this herb is often taken for 100 days to help increase sexual desire and fertility.
I recommend these schisandra supplements:
1. Planetary Herbals Schisandra Tablets
2. Nature’s Way Schizandra Fruit
Astragalus Root
Not only is astragulus great for immunity it is also considered an exceptional herb for increasing the quantity and motility of sperm.
Note- Do not take astragalus if you are currently sick as it will aid the virus you are trying to get rid of.
Shilajit
Shilajit is a sticky resin that exudes from rocks in the Himalayan mountains. It’s considered one of the most potent rejuvenators known as it contains over 85 ionic minerals, vitamins, and fulvic acid which improves the overall function of the genitourinary system. Shilajit helps prevent anemia and flagging sexual energy. It’s an amazing addition for reversing male infertility.
I recommend these shilajit supplements:
1. Sunfood – Shilajit Extract Powder
2. PÜRBLACK SHILAJIT
You can also get all of these herbs organic and in bulk below:
For Exhaustive Stress
Infertility can cause and be caused by debilitating exhaustive stress. In cases where it is hard to feel awake and energized in the morning and no amount of caffeine can get you through the day it is adapogens that will help most. These herbs allow you to react to stress and anxiety in the best way possible while nourishing the adrenals and repairing frayed nerves. This new resistance to stress will help alleviate decreased libido and help build strong healthy sperm. Taking time to relax and relieve stress is an integral part when reversing male infertility.
These are the best stress reducing herbs I recommend:
Holy Basil (aka Tulsi)– taken as a tea, tincture, or capsule
Milky Oats- taken as a nourishing herbal infusion, tincture, or capsule
Rhodiola- taken as a capsule or ticture
Other Beneficial Tips for Male Fertility
Zinc
For men with low testosterone, taking 25 milligrams of zinc three times a day for two weeks has been shown to restore proper testosterone levels as well as increase fertility and potency. Zinc supplementation may also increase sperm counts in men with low semen zinc levels. I like this one.
Note- if you use this protocol for more than two weeks, you must take a mineral supplement that provides copper as well.
L-carnitine
Taking 3,000 mg of L-carnitine daily has been shown to improve sperm motility and normalize its quality. I like this one.
High Quality Multi-Vitamin
Getting all of the essential nutrients your body needs on a daily basis is essential for for healthy sperm and sexual organs.
Vitamins B12, Vitamin E, and Selenium in particular have all been shown to help increase sperm counts and improve sperm motility. I highly recommend this brand for high quality vitamins, minerals, and male specific herbs. They also have a formula for men over 40 here.
Herbs to Avoid
Men who have fertility issues should avoid jambul, neem, and vitex berry. In non-human studies the herbs Echinacea, ginkgo, and St. John’s wort indicated that these herbs contain chemicals that reduce the sperm’s ability to penetrate the egg. It is not clear whether or not this occurs in human males.
Recommended Reading
Here are a few fantastic resources to consider:
The Male Herbal by James Green
Prescription for Herbal Healing by Phyllis A. Balch
Improving Male Sexuality, Fertility and Testosterone by Purser MD
This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Read my full disclosure and disclaimer.
HI Tash,
I suffer from testicular atrophy due to years of intense chemo treatments. I’d like to know what essential oils do you recommend that can help regrow my testicles back to normal? Thanks
Hi, Justin!
Have you looked into red light therapy?
Hi Tash,
Nice article. Can you advise the best herbs for “azoospermia”? I have met several Dr and they confirmed my conditions but my testiccles are perfectly normal and producing sperms.
Thanks.
Hi Krish!
You may be interested to read my other post on male infertility here. Also, how is your daily lifestyle?
Hi, You have given me a lot of things to try for low sperm count and I will start trying them asap. I also have another problem that contributes to my infertility and that’s low semen volume. It varies from one ejaculation to the next but, I never produce anywhere near a normal ejaculate. What would you recommend to help increase the volume? All would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jackie
Hi Jackie!
I recommend looking into a good zinc supplement. I would start low (I like this brand) and take it as directed for 60 days. Make sure you take it with some food or it can make you feel a little nauseous. Zinc is known to help boost testosterone production which will promote more semen production. Staying hydrated is also key. Lastly, I have also read that consuming celery helps, though I can’t find any evidence as to why it helps. Best of luck!
My sperm count is OK, but the motility is poor and when I ejaculate the volume that comes out is very low and not come out with speed but sloghish. What can I do to make it fertile coz am married n looking for a baby. Thanks
Hi Hammed!
What is your lifestyle like in regards to diet, stress, exercise, sleep, etc.?
What can you recommend for a very low or zero libido for an adult, with premature ejaculatios and weak erection?
Hi Peter!
Can you give me more insight on the possible root cause for this? Thanks!
My question is some of these help with low motility but do any help reverse no motility?
Hi Stefanie!
That’s a tough one. I know someone who had chemo as a child and now has either very few or no sperm at all. They have tried a number of things, but no luck as of yet. I think a lot of it can come down to getting in as much nutrient dense food as you can and trying to be as healthy as possible in order to stimulate functioning healthy cells. You can use the same essential oils for improving low motility for no motility as they all strengthen sperm. I really hope things work out! Best of luck Stefanie!
Very useful sharing for herbs. Some of them I’ve heard before and they works well for infertility. Thanks a lot!
Can you reccomend a male infertility herbal supplemet? There are so many options out their and so many herbs to purchase (too many pills to take daily).
Thanks
Hi Jhon!
It depends on what your needs are. If you don’t mind my asking, what symptoms are your trying to remedy?
Hi,
Thanks for the suggestions. Re. Astragalus and sperm quality – I read that it also contains isoflavones, which are phyto-estrogens (such as found in soy, and to be avoided as they reduce sperm count). Could you please comment on this?
Many thanks
Hi jjo!
I wasn’t aware of this, thank you for pointing it out! if something has isoflavones, you would want to limit its use for sure.
Great info about herbs. Thanks for sharing. Do you any recommendation that would address protein quality?
Hi James!
I haven’t come across herbs specifically for protein quality, you might just need to eat more healthy proteins in your diet 🙂
I have passed this information on to my daughter who has had 10 IUI ‘s and 4 invitros with no results. Dr.s have commented on low motility of sperm but also her egg quality . Have you any recommendation that would address egg quality. Information would be very much welcomed. They want a baby so much. She will be 40 this year and this has been a 6 year process and of course a huge financial burden. They would make best parents out there
Hi Janis!
Have you read my post on The Best Essential Oils for Fertility? I also have a post on The Best Herbs for Fertility in Women that’s worth looking at as well. Fertility can be a very complicated road to travel, but there are ways to help things along. These other two posts explain what things needs to be improved or avoided, as well as essential oils and herbs that may help. Right now I would say the most important thing for your daughter to do starting immediately is to relax and try to stress less. Stress can majorly effect hormones and she will need her hormones to be in their best shape. Please let me know if you have more questions 🙂 I quoted what I’ve found for egg quality below:
Hey Tash,
Thank you for all the info. You’re amazing!!! I know you mentioned several options to try to overcome a low sperm problem. In your opinion which one should a guy try first? And for how long? Thank you!! 🙂
Hi Lucia!
First and foremost is to make sure that steps are taken to avoid lifestyle choices that may harm sperm count. This can include diet, environmental pollutants, chemicals, and concentrated heat on the sexual organs (from laptops, heat blankets, hot tubs, etc). You can read more about the causes of infertility here.
The herbs will work way better once the lifestyle has been improved. I would recommend starting out with either Maca or Schisandra berry to improve low sperm counts 🙂
Best of luck!
This is a great list of herbs. With suggestions for supplements for each to boot! Korean ginseng is very popular herb in Asia. There have been numerous studies which showed that not only does it help in male dexterity, but overall wellness as well.
I totally agree Travis! Korean Ginseng is an amazing herb for men!
Hi Tash I’ve read all your replies to all and I think they are effective, but I want to ask a question that I’m 20 year old adult and in past years I was so much active in masturbation but then something strange happened now whenever I do masturbation I feel pain in my legs so much is there any supplement that you would suggest first I thought maybe it’s not relevant because of masturbation but this is the cause when I don’t I don’t feel pain but when I do it hurts specially joint area.
I have never heard of this before! Have you by chance spoken with a doctor?