No. 85

Increasing Sperm Count

Disclaimer:  The following statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any product information or material herein is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent disease, or to take the place of a medical doctor.  All material herein is intended for educational or entertainment purposes only. Please refer to your doctor for medical advise.

Men’s average sperm count should be between 120 and 350 million per cubic centimeter. A low sperm count is below 40 million per cubic centimeter. Many foods and herbs can be beneficial for increasing men’s sperm count and motility.  If you are trying to conceive a child, both the man and the woman should actively use natural products to improve the odds, even if one of the parties has no known issue.  Many herbs will increase a woman’s fertility even if there is no problem with being infertile.  Men may need to improve sperm count or increase the sperm speed. Everyone benefits from improved fertility when trying to conceive.  Here is a list of the natural products to try.  Expect improvement in about 8 weeks. If you do not experience improvement, increase dosages and combine more items into your regime.

The following herbs and supplements are not meant to be taken all at the same time.  Choose from this list using the ones you feel will be most helpful for your situation.

• Panax Ginseng—  powerful herb, ginseng helps in improving testosterone production and has a positive effect on your sexual desire. It is also considered to promote sperm production and increase semen volume.  Ginseng is an adaptogenic herb which can be taken ongoing without a break.  Dosage–  500 mg. 3 x daily, without food
• Longjack—  also known as Tongkat Ali and Pasak Bumi.  This is an adaptogen and anti-aging herb which can be taken ongoing without break. It is traditionally used throughout Southeast Asia to increase male stamina, vitality, muscle mass, sperm count, mental clarity, and an improved immune system.  It is also used by women. The root is available as well as the extract.  The strongest form to use is an extract which is a 100:1 times stronger than the root itself. Even though the extract is expensive, it is sold in 1/4 oz. sizes which will supply about 2 weeks of use taking 1/4 teaspoon (or about 600 mg) daily. The best way to monitor dosage is with a digital gram scale or put it into “00” capsules using 30 grams.  30 grams will supply 60 (500 mg) capsules. Regular Longjack capsules are available for convenient use as well. Even if you cannot afford to take the 100:1 extract powder, don’t shy away from using the standard root in its place.  Longjack has been used for a long time as a remedy for ED, fertility, and sperm count. This herb is recommended to take with food which is unusual compared to most herbs which are taken on an empty stomach. The Longjack Extract Powder is non-GMO organic sourced.
• Vitamin C (2,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily) helps prevent sperm from clumping or sticking together by preventing oxygenation damage.   Taking over 1000 mg of Vitamin C each day may loosen the stool.  If this occurs, work up more gradually to give your body time to adjust. I recommend powder instead of capsules or tablets when taking over 1000 mg.  To reduce loose stools while improving alkalinity, try mixing the dosage of Vitamin C you are taking along with an equal part baking soda (non-aluminum).  Allow this to fizz in the glass using just a small amount of water. When the fizzing stops, just add water to fill your glass, mix and drink. This will protect your stomach from the acidity an is easy on the digestive tract.
• Eat lots of foods high in antioxidants (carotenes, vitamins A, C, E and selenium) such as two Brazil nuts daily for the perfect daily selenium dosage as well as green leafy vegetables, kale, carrots, citrus, cabbage, beets, broccoli, cauliflower and yams.
• Horny Goat Weed— also known as Epimedium.  Horny Goat Weed is considered a tonic herb and not an adaptogen.  For this reason, it is best to supplement it for 1 month, take a 2 week break and repeat.  During the 2 weeks off, supplement another herb in its place- such as Longjack or Maca.  This herb is also referred to as “natural viagra” and has a long reputation as being an excellent herb for improving sperm count, overcoming ED, increasing muscle mass and vitality in men.  Women also benefit from this herb which improves libido in both men and women.  Dosage-  1000 mg. or 2 capsules daily for men an 500 mg. for women, once daily with water.
• Saw Palmetto Berry–  balances hormones in both men and women and supports a healthy prostate by reducing inflammation.  Saw Palmetto is considered an adaptogen herb which can be taken ongoing without break. This is an adaptogenic herb which can be taken ongoing without break. It reduces pelvic congestion, increases sperm count, libido, and reduces undesirable levels of androgen hormones which contributes to adult acne and hair loss. Dosage- 1 capsule per day or about 1/4 teaspoon.
• Muira Puama—  improves sperm count, vitality, libido, and genital strength and health.  Muira Puama is also high in Vitamin E. This herb has been shown to have adaptogenic properties and can be taken ongoing without break. Dosage–  1500 mg 1 or 2 times daily or 3 capsules 1-2 times, with water and without food.
• Rhodiola–  this herb is a natural plant root which helps to increase serotonin and aids in depression or mood. Rhodiola is considered an adaptogen herb which an be taken ongoing without break.  Dosage– 500 mg. 3 x daily with water or 1 capsule 3 x
• Gingko Biloba–  thins the blood and reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol as well as supporting for healthy brain function which send signals throughout the body. Ginkgo Biloba is considered an adaptogen herb which an be taken ongoing without break. It improves both sperm count and  blood flow which is often recommended for ED. Ginkgo Biloba improves the cardiovascular system and central nervous system.  Dosage–  500 mg. 1 daily or 1 capsule 1 time with water.
• Tribulus—  increases the luteinizing hormone (LH) in the testes, which results in higher testosterone levels, and higher sperm count. This herb is also high in Vitamin E.  Tribulus is considered an adaptogen herb which an be taken ongoing without break. Dosage–  500 mg. 3 x daily with water or about 1/4 teaspoon 3 times.
• Maca—  increases sperm speed and sperm count.  Improves libido and balances hormones in both men and women. Enhances the release of natural growth hormone.  Maca is considered an adaptogen herb which an be taken ongoing without break.  Dosage–  1 teaspoon daily in water or in a smoothie, or about 5-6 (500 mg) capsules
• Ashwaganda—  another adaptogenic herb which can be taken ongoing without a break. Improves sperm count, libido, and mental functions. Rejuvenates reproductive organs.  Dosage–  1 teaspoon, 1-2 times daily with water or 3 capsules 3 x daily on an empty stomach.
• Zinc-–  improves low testosterone and sperm production. Supplementing zinc is not recommended except for a short period of time such as a month.  To include zinc, eat foods rich in this trace mineral which include;  oysters, beef, lamb, non-GMO wheat germ, spinach, pumpkin and squash seeds, and cashews.
• Lysine-  an amino acid which works with zinc to increase sperm levels.  Dosage– 500 mg. daily with water or 1 capsule.
• Elk Antler Velvet-–  improves transmission of brain signals and overall vitality.  Improves both sperm count an motility. Dosage– 500 mg. 1-3 times daily with water or about 3/4 teaspoon daily.
• Vitamin E—  improves sperm levels, supports the cardiovascular system and increases elasticity of tissues.  To eat foods high in Vitamin E, include;  almonds, spinach, turnip greens, flaxseed oil, and herbs which are high in natural Vitamin E.  Dosage–  400 IU with food 1-2 times daily. Vitamin E is now available in non-GMO form.
• L-Carnitine and its metabolite Acetyl-L-Carnitine—  this amino acid is proven to increase both the quality and levels of sperm.  The average dosage to be effective in studies is 3 grams (3000 mg.) daily for 4 months.  This is considered a high dosage.  The average dosage is to take 500 mg. Carnitine along with 300 mg. Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC).  Take amino acid supplements without food unless the formula you are taking says otherwise.  Most amino acids are more effective taken with water.  Amino Acids often become lost in the protein chain of digestion when taken with food.
• Hawthorn Berry-–  take this herb if you have ED along with cardiovascular weakness.  Hawthorn Berry is considered an adaptogen herb which an be taken ongoing without break. Dosage– 500 mg 1-3 times daily with water.
• 100% Cranberry Powder-–  dissolve this pure fruit powder without sugar, in water and consume daily if you have inflammation in the urinary tract or prostate enlargement.  Dosage–  1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily in water or tea between meals
• L-Arginine—  an amino acid which improves the ability to build muscle, fertility, sperm count, and sperm motility.  In some studies, sperm count doubled in as little as two weeks.  L-Arginine improves blood flow to the genital area and improves conditions of ED in most men.  L-Ornithine is another amino acid which is used for the same benefits.  Both of these amino acids are nitric oxide enhancing. Arginine in higher dosages can stimulate the activity of the herpes virus.  If you have herpes, or the history of herpes, use Ornithine instead of Arginine and lower your ingestion of grains which are high in Arginine. Dosage–  500 to 1000 mg. per day with water.  Recommendations for building muscle- take 1 hour before working out.  For all other reasons, 1 hour before bed with water.  It may be combined with hormonal herbs.