Turmeric and fertility
Dear Donovan,
I recently heard that turmeric can increase my fertility and aid ovulation. Is this true? How does it work?
Turmeric is a rhizomatous plant of the ginger family, which is native to southern Asia. The plant has been used for thousands of years. It was first used as a dye and then later for its culinary and medicinal properties.
The most important chemical compounds present in turmeric are a group of compounds called curcumnoids, with the best known compound being curcumin. This compound makes up about three per cent of the powdered turmeric.
Curcumin has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It also inhibits the growth of cells that make up uterine fibroids and prevents their proliferation. In addition, the curcumin present in turmeric has been shown to inhibit the growth of endometrial cells by regulating the secretion of oestrogen. Oestrogen is among the female hormones that are essential for the menstrual cycle and fertility in women.
Research has shown that turmeric may be helpful for women dealing with fertility health issues such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, premenstrual pain, amenorrhoea, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is one of the herbs which has been shown to restore the uterus to its proper shape and function. It is also believed that turmeric can help in balancing the female hormones. In addition, turmeric also has the property of being an emmenagogue. These are herbs which are able to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area and uterus. Also, turmeric helps to purify and move stagnant blood in order to normalise menstruation.
Curcumin can also play a part in ovulation. As a woman’s cycle approaches midpoint — usually day 13 to 14 — the level of oestrogen in the body is usually high. This high level of oestrogen causes the pituitary gland to produce a hormone which along with progesterone causes the release of an egg (ovulation). Overall, a positive report of turmeric on fertility and ovulation has been shown.
Good luck.
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