Walnut improves sperm count
Chinese herbs have been used by men and women for centuries in the treatment of infertility. Slowly the West is starting to catch on. It is now almost the norm for women to have acupuncture pre and post IVF because research has shown that it improves outcomes. But there is much misguided advice from the medical profession in regards to Chinese herbs and pregnancy. The majority of western medical doctors and nurses at IVF centers for example, still advise against taking Chinese herbs.
In China on the other hand, it is the norm to have Chinese herbs to promote fertility whether or not undergoing IVF or having pharmaceutical intervention.
It has taken the medical profession in the West nearly 20 years to accept acupuncture during IVF. It is likely to take another 20 years before they accept Chinese herbs.
However, on a positive note, research has confirmed that the humble walnut can be used to promote fertility in males. Dr Wendy Robbins of the University of California and her colleagues had their research results published in the Biology of Reproduction Journal in 2012. Walnuts improved the vitality, morphology and motility of sperm. In addition, the sex chromosome diosmy decreased which is a desired outcome.
Walnuts have been part of the Chinese herbal medicine pharmacy for hundreds of years and are used to tonify the Kidney yang. Traditional Chinese medical thought has the view that the kidneys are a major organ associated with treating libido and fertility. Think of it in terms of that the kidneys are connected to the urination organs which in turn are the sexual organs.
When the kidney energy becomes weak through factors like age, stress, incorrect diet and irregular sex life, symptoms such as weak lower back and knees can result as well the inability to conceive. There are many other Chinese herbs that improve the kidney function and hence are used in fertility and libido treatments.
Chinese herbs are most effective when used as part of a formulation specifically designed to suit the patient’s individual diagnosis and the unique symptoms they suffer from. Research results would be greatly enhanced if an individual formula was given to patient with low sperm motility and before and after tests were done demonstrating sperm changes.
Male patients seeking Chinese herbs for fertility issues report that along with improved sperm motility; they also have more energy, increased libido, obtain a stronger back and have a better mood.
There are other causes of male infertility such as liver energy blockage or spleen weakness and a traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis is necessary so the appropirate herbs can be prescribed. It is not advised just taking lots of walnuts and then hope for the best.
