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Fertility • Ayurveda

Infertility (Vandhyatva)

Modern view: difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy. Ayurvedic view: nourishment and flow in Śukra Dhātu (reproductive tissue) and Ārtava (female reproductive essence), guided by balanced Apāna Vāta and the four factors—Ritu (timing), Kṣetra (uterus), Beeja (gametes), Ambu (nourishment).

Sanskrit terms are always shown.

Definition

Infertility is the biological inability to contribute to conception, or—on the female side—the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.

In Ayurveda, fertility rests on healthy Śukra Dhātu (reproductive tissue) and Ārtava, the unobstructed function of Apāna Vāta, and the completeness of Garbha Saṁbhava Samagri (the four essentials).

Watch: Overview on infertility

Causes

  • Female factors: ovulatory issues, tubal/uterine factors, endometriosis, diminished reserve
  • Male factors: sperm count/motility/morphology issues
  • Shared/systemic: thyroid disorders, metabolic syndrome, stress, lifestyle, medicines
  • Weak Agni → Āma (toxins) clogging reproductive srotas; depletion of Ojas
  • Vitiation of Apāna Vāta; disturbances of Kapha (structure) or Pitta (hormonal heat)
  • Insufficient nourishment of Śukra / Ārtava across tissue cascade (dhātu paripāka)

Ayurvedic framework: the four essentials

Modern analogues

  • Timing of ovulation & intercourse
  • Uterine environment
  • Gamete health (sperm & ovum)
  • Nutrition & circulation

Garbha Saṁbhava Samagri

  • Ritu — fertile window (timing)
  • Kṣetra — healthy Garbhāśaya (uterus)
  • Beeja — sound ovum & sperm
  • Ambu — nourishment & fluids

Ayurvedic View

Support Agni, clear Āma, tonify Śukra / Ārtava, and harmonize Apāna Vāta. Lifestyle, diet, and gentle rasāyana/vājīkaraṇa (rejuvenation & fertility support) are central.

Classical guidance compares conception to farming: seed (Beeja), soil (Kṣetra), water (Ambu), and season (Ritu) must all be optimal.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

  • Prefer warm, freshly cooked, nutrient-dense meals; limit ultra-processed foods and preservatives.
  • Dairy supports (if tolerated): milk, lassi, fresh panīr.
  • Handful of soaked almonds/walnuts; seasonal sweet, juicy fruits (mango, peach, plum, pear).
  • Spices: cumin, fennel, turmeric, and a pinch of ajwain may aid digestion and uterine cleansing.
  • If digestion is strong, consider urad dal with equal parts turmeric, cumin, coriander, fennel.
  • Limit caffeine; avoid smoking, excess alcohol; moderate red/processed meat.
  • Maintain a healthy weight; manage stress with sleep hygiene, gentle movement, and breathwork.

Home Remedies

Tonic

Śukra-nourishing mix

Śatāvarī (Asparagus racemosus), Aśvagandhā (Withania), and Kauncha (Mucuna) are classically used. Work with a practitioner—doses and suitability vary.

Digestive

Pre-meal spice support

Small pinch each of cumin + fennel + turmeric; optional ajwain if bloating. Supports Agni.

Daily

Grounding routine

Early sleep, regular mealtimes, and calming evening prāṇāyāma to balance Apāna Vāta.

These are supportive measures and not a substitute for medical care. If you’re trying to conceive, coordinate herbs and supplements with your clinician.

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