Infertility affects millions of couples around the world. While there are many medical treatments available, some couples look to natural remedies as an alternative or complement to traditional fertility treatments. One natural supplement that is believed to help boost fertility is garlic.
What is garlic and how does it work?
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus that has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It contains a compound called allicin which is thought to have numerous health benefits.
In terms of fertility, garlic may help in a few key ways:
- Increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs – Garlic acts as a blood thinner and may improve circulation.
- Regulating hormones – Compounds in garlic may help regulate estrogen and testosterone levels.
- Boosting immune health – Garlic has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which support overall health.
By improving blood flow and hormone regulation, while also reducing inflammation, garlic may help create a better environment for conception and pregnancy in both men and women.
Studies on garlic and fertility
Several studies have looked at the effects of garlic on markers of fertility in both animals and humans.
One study gave garlic supplements to a group of male rats for 8 weeks. The rats who received garlic had significantly increased testosterone levels and improved sperm health parameters compared to a control group.
Another animal study found that giving diabetic rats aged garlic extract helped restore testicular function and testosterone levels back to normal.
In one human study, men who took garlic supplements for 16 weeks showed increased levels of the hormone luteinizing hormone, which triggers testosterone production.
For women, a study in those trying to conceive found taking garlic tablets increased levels of estrogen and follicular development. Higher estrogen improves the uterine lining and can help facilitate conception.
While most research has been in animals, these initial human studies are promising. However, larger and longer human studies are still needed.
How to take garlic to boost fertility
If you want to try garlic to support your fertility, here are some tips on how to take it:
- Aim for at least one fresh clove per day, preferably eaten raw. Let chopped or crushed garlic sit for 10-15 minutes before consuming to maximize allicin formation.
- Take an aged garlic supplement providing around 600-1200mg of aged garlic extract per day.
- When cooking with garlic, lightly steam or sauté it rather than frying to retain more allicin.
- Eat garlic-rich foods like hummus, garlic bread, bruschetta, and garlic shrimp.
- Take garlic supplements with food to minimize stomach upset.
- Drink lots of water to help flush the sulfuric compounds from garlic that can cause bad breath.
Consuming one raw garlic clove and an additional 600-1200mg of aged garlic extract from supplements is recommended for fertility benefits.
Garlic for male fertility and sperm health
Garlic may specifically help increase low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and other markers of poor sperm health in men.
In one study, men taking garlic supplements for 6 months had significant improvements in sperm concentration and motility. The garlic group also had increased levels of testosterone.
The antioxidant effects of garlic protect sperm from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species damages the DNA and plasma membrane of sperm cells, negatively impacting motility and function.
One study found that incubating human sperm with hydrogen peroxide to artificially induce oxidation damage significantly decreased sperm motility. But pre-treating the sperm with garlic extract helped mitigate this damage and preserved motility.
If you are a man trying to conceive, eating garlic and taking supplements may improve your sperm quality and fertility markers like testosterone and semen volume.
Table 1. Summary of garlic’s effects on male fertility
| Effects | Proposed Mechanisms |
|---|---|
| Increases sperm concentration and motility | Antioxidant activity protects sperm cells |
| Boosts testosterone | Increases luteinizing hormone |
| Improves semen volume | Increases testicular blood flow |
Garlic for female fertility and ovulation
Garlic may also promote fertility markers like hormone balance and ovulation in women.
One study found that having women take garlic tablets daily for 8 weeks increased estrogen and progesterone levels compared to placebo. These hormones play key roles in triggering ovulation and preparing the uterus for implantation.
Another study in women undergoing IVF treatment found that those who took garlic supplements had improved ovarian response. More ovarian follicles were able to fully mature. Higher follicle count can mean more eggs are available for fertilization.
The antioxidant content of garlic may provide protective benefits for the ovaries and reproductive system. Garlic has been shown in studies to reduce inflammation and oxidative damage related to poor ovarian function.
Through these hormone and antioxidant mechanisms, garlic appears promising for boosting fertility in women as well.
Table 2. Summary of garlic’s effects on female fertility
| Effects | Proposed Mechanisms |
|---|---|
| Increases estrogen and progesterone | Regulates ovarian hormone production |
| Improves follicle maturation | Protects ovarian follicles from oxidative damage |
| Increases chances of ovulation | Boosts hormones that trigger ovulation |
Other garlic fertility benefits
In addition to the effects in men and women outlined above, garlic may support fertility in other ways including:
- Detoxification – The sulfur compounds in garlic help the liver detoxify excess estrogen and environmental toxins that can disrupt hormones.
- Blood flow – Garlic acts as a mild blood thinner, which improves circulation to the reproductive organs in both sexes.
- Immune support – Garlic has antimicrobial properties and contains nutrients like vitamin C, selenium, and manganese that boost immunity.
- Blood sugar regulation – Garlic can lower blood sugar and reduce insulin resistance, which if left unchecked can negatively impact fertility.
The detoxifying, circulatory, immune and blood sugar balancing effects make garlic a broad fertility-promoting supplement.
Who should be cautious with garlic?
Garlic is considered safe for most people, but some individuals should exercise caution or avoid large amounts of garlic.
- Pregnant women – High doses of garlic could cause contractions, so limit to culinary amounts.
- Bleeding disorders – Garlic can slow blood clotting, so consult your doctor before taking medicinal amounts.
- Thyroid issues – Garlic may impact thyroid hormone levels, especially in excess.
- Medication interactions – Garlic can alter cytochrome P450 activity, so consult your doctor if taking medications that use this pathway.
- Gastrointestinal problems – Some report diarrhea, nausea or reflux from eating lots of raw garlic.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking large supplemental doses of garlic if you have any medical conditions or take medications. Otherwise, enjoy garlic in moderation as part of a fertility-focused diet.
Should garlic be avoided when pregnant?
Once pregnant, garlic is fine in normal culinary amounts. But medicinal doses or high intake may cause issues.
Animal studies indicate large amounts of garlic could cause fetal abnormalities and complications. Some research also shows an association between high garlic consumption during pregnancy and preterm delivery.
The blood thinning effects of garlic also pose concerns during pregnancy. Excessive bleeding is a risk, especially right after becoming pregnant before the placenta fully forms.
For these reasons, once pregnant you should avoid garlic supplements or eating more than 1-2 cloves of garlic per day. Focus instead on a balanced prenatal diet and let your doctor know if you took garlic to support conception.
Other natural remedies for fertility to use with garlic
Some other natural fertility boosters to consider using along with garlic include:
- Maca root – Can balance hormones and increase libido/stamina
- Tribulus – Herb that may raise testosterone and sperm production in men
- Ashwagandha – Adaptogenic herb that helps manage stress and cortisol levels
- Zinc – This mineral is essential for fertility and reproductive function in both men and women
- Omega-3s – Help reduce inflammation that can impact reproductive health
- Vitamin C – Important for hormone production and protects sperm as an antioxidant
- Vitamin D – Deficiency is linked to reduced fertility; optimize levels with sun exposure and a supplement
A combination approach using garlic along with other fertility-promoting supplements, foods, exercise, and stress relief practices may produce the best results.
Putting it all together – a garlic fertility plan
Based on the research, garlic appears to have potential benefits, especially for male fertility parameters like sperm health and testosterone levels.
But more studies are still needed to confirm effects in humans. Garlic is likely most effective when combined with a healthy, fertility-focused lifestyle and medical treatment if needed.
Here is an example fertility plan incorporating garlic:
- Eat 1 raw garlic clove each day – crush and let sit 10-15 minutes before consuming
- Take a 600-1200mg aged garlic supplement each day with food
- Cook with garlic regularly – lightly sauté or steam to retain properties
- Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, walks in nature
- Exercise moderately most days of the week
- Maintain a healthy BMI – aim for 18.5-24.9 kg/m2
- Take other supplements like maca, zinc, omega-3s
- Limit tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and environmental toxin exposure
- See a doctor for any underlying medical issues or if having trouble conceiving after 6 months-1 year
Making garlic part of a comprehensive approach to fertility can provide additive benefits without significant risk in most cases.
The takeaway
Research indicates garlic may help boost fertility markers like sperm health, testosterone, and female hormone levels. Its effects as an antioxidant and circulatory aid also support reproductive function.
However, human evidence is limited to smaller studies so far. Garlic seems most promising for improving sperm quality in men. The benefits for female fertility parameters like ovulation require more research.
Garlic is likely most effective when combined with a healthy, fertility-focused lifestyle and medical treatment if underlying issues exist. But for many, garlic appears to be a safe and potentially beneficial natural fertility aid.
Speak to your doctor if you have any concerns or medical conditions before using garlic supplements. But enjoying garlic in culinary amounts can be an easy first step to boost your fertility diet.