Natural Herbs to Increase Sperm Motility

Sperm count is often a concern for couples experiencing difficulty conceiving, but sometimes sperm motility -- the ability of sperm to move properly in order to fertilize the egg -- is just as serious a problem. There are herbs available in health food stores that can naturally improve motility and chances of conception.

Hochu-ekki

• Hochu-ekki is a mixture of 10 raw Japanese herbs, including ginseng, ginger, astralagus, angelica root and others. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a study showed that the level of human sperm motility was significantly higher in groups taking the herbs than in control groups.

Maca

• Maca or Lipidium meyenii, also known as Peruvian Viagra and Peruvian Ginseng (even though it has no relation to either), is an herbal sex-enhancing remedy passed down from the Incas long ago. The plant is said to help with energy, stamina and libido. It is also presumed to increase sperm count and motility, according to fertility and parenting website babyhopes.com. Opinions vary on the appropriate dosage, ranging from 1,000 mg a day up to 5,000 mg. While herbs are typically safe even in large amounts, consult a physician to be sure.

Ginseng

• Panax or Asian Ginseng is an herbal remedy from traditional Chinese medicine. Panax ginseng has been shown to increase testosterone and sperm count. Similar findings were made with Siberian ginseng. Adding ginseng to a man's daily routine could be helpful in sperm production and motility. Pine bark also has been mentioned as a possible herb for increasing sperm motility.

Normal Sperm Motility

• According to Colorado State University, humans typically have a sperm motility of greater than 50 percent. The percentage is based on the number of sperm in a sample who swim, whether progressively motile (straight swimmers) or non-progressively motile (abnormal swimmers). A person with less than 50 percent would be considered to have low sperm motility and a decreased chance of fertilization.