What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
As the name implies, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) herbs have been used for centuries in Asian medicine to treat various health concerns—from digestive issues and hormonal imbalances to pain, anxiety, and infertility. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are often prescribed in combination with acupuncture, as they are believed to enhance and support the energetic and physiological effects of the treatment. The goal of TCM herbal therapy is to restore balance to the body’s internal systems by targeting specific patterns of imbalance identified through traditional diagnostic methods such as tongue and pulse analysis.
Traditional Chinese herbs can be incredibly effective when used correctly, but—just like Western herbal remedies—they must be selected and prescribed carefully. It’s essential to consult a licensed practitioner trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine to ensure that the herbs are appropriate for your individual constitution and condition. Self-prescribing TCM formulas or purchasing them from unverified sources can be risky.
One of the main concerns with Chinese herbal medicine is the quality and purity of the products. Unfortunately, some herbal products imported from overseas are contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Others have been adulterated with pharmaceutical drugs like acetaminophen, corticosteroids, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—none of which are listed on the label. These hidden ingredients can cause serious side effects or interact dangerously with prescribed medications.
To protect your health and ensure therapeutic effectiveness, we only recommend Chinese herbs that meet rigorous North American manufacturing standards for potency, purity, and safety. Trusted professional-grade brands such as Golden Flower Chinese Herbs, Blue Poppy, Health Concerns, and Women’s Treasures conduct comprehensive third-party testing to screen for contaminants and verify ingredient authenticity. These companies follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and are transparent about their sourcing and testing protocols.
In summary, Traditional Chinese Medicine herbs are powerful tools for healing and have stood the test of time, but their safety and effectiveness depend heavily on the quality of the product and the skill of the practitioner. Always choose herbal products from reputable sources and seek guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner to ensure safe, personalized care.
Traditional Chinese Medicine with a Naturopathic Doctor
Seeing a naturopathic doctor for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment of infertility offers a unique blend of modern diagnostics and time-tested therapeutic approaches. Many naturopathic doctors are trained in both Western medicine and TCM, allowing them to assess hormone levels, nutrient status, and cycle irregularities while also identifying underlying patterns of imbalance through a TCM lens—such as kidney yin deficiency, liver qi stagnation, or spleen qi deficiency.
A naturopathic doctor can prescribe customized herbal formulas based on your TCM diagnosis, which may evolve over time as your condition changes. They may also incorporate acupuncture, dietary therapy, and lifestyle guidance to support natural conception or improve outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. This integrative approach not only addresses physical factors but also supports emotional and energetic well-being, which can be especially important when navigating the stress and uncertainty of infertility.
Read more about why you would want to choose an ND for Acupuncture and TCM herbs here.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pamela Frank
Sample Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Infertility
- Xiaozhi decoction can be used to treat infertile women with mycoplasma infection: Lou YF, Yang XF, Liu LC. Study on changes in cytokines of infertile women with mycoplasma infection and intervention with traditional Chinese medicines. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2012 Oct;37(20):3158-60.
- Jiutengzhuyu was effective in treating infertility caused by tubal infertility with a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of blood stasis: Pang B, Pang Q, Pang H, Song G. Clinical effect of Jiutengzhuyu tablets on promoting blood circulation in women with oviducal obstruction. J Tradit Chin Med. 2012 Dec;32(4):549-53.
- Our review suggests that management of female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 4 month period compared with Western medical fertility drug therapy or IVF: Ried K, Stuart K. Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: a systematic review. Complement Ther Med. 2011 Dec;19(6):319-31. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.09.003. Epub 2011 Oct 5.