Studies show that valerian not only reduces the time required to fall asleep, but also limits nighttime awakenings. “It acts like a natural Valium, reducing anxiety,” says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., director of the sleep medicine center of Martha Jefferson Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, and MH’s sleep-medicine advisor. For best results, mix 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture with a glass of water, and drink the mixture an hour before bed. We like HerbPharm’s organic valerian extract

Sometimes a couple can’t get pregnant by themselves.  They need the assistance of a trained medical professional and medical technology designed to aid fertility.  These procedures are collectively called assisted reproductive technology (ART) and it has helped thousands of couples conceive.

What exactly is assisted reproductive technology?  It is a process that removes the egg and the sperm from a couple and combines them in the laboratory to increase fertilization.  If the reproductive system of the hosts is causing problems, removing the elements of conception from that environment can change the fertility dynamics.

Assisted reproductive technology involves more than one procedure being tried to achieve pregnancy.  It has benefited couples with issues revolving around ovulation, ejaculation, fallopian tube dysfunction and for those with no definitive cause.

1.  In vitro fertilization – You may have heard of this procedure.  The actual fertilization of the egg takes place in a lab setting.  Several eggs are removed from the ovaries along with many sperm from your partner.  The sperm is prepped and then placed with the eggs for fertilization.  Once the eggs are fertilized, they are returned to the uterus for implantation.  It is hoped that at least one egg will implant. more…