Quick Take
A social media post claims that consuming a mix of fennel seeds, pipal tree bark, mishri, cardamom, and ashwagandha for 10 days post-menstruation can guarantee conception. We fact checked and found the claim to be False.
The Claim
A video on Instagram claims that consuming 100 grams each of fennel seeds, pipal tree bark, mishri (rock sugar), and ashwagandha, along with 100 cardamoms for 10 days after the end of menstruation can lead to conception. The claim also advises that women should have intercourse with their husbands every alternate day for 6 more days afterwards to increase the chances of pregnancy.
Fact Check
Can conception be predicted or timed with herbal mixtures?
No, conception doesn’t work on a fixed timeline, especially not based on herbal intake. Even under the best of circumstances, human conception is not guaranteed in any given cycle. Ovulation timing can vary from woman to woman—even month to month. Sperm viability, egg quality, hormonal levels, and uterine conditions all play a role. Herbal blends cannot override biology. What this remedy does is oversimplify a complex and unpredictable process.
Dr Mohit Sandhu, Ayurveda Consultant, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh said “There is no guaranteed treatment in any system of medicine—be it Ayurveda, allopathy, homoeopathy, or Unani. However, certain herbs used in classical Ayurvedic practice, like Shatapushpa, Ashwattha, Ashwagandha, Ela, and Mishri, have been traditionally known to support female fertility. These ingredients are described in texts for their roles in hormonal balance, uterine strength, stress reduction, and reproductive wellness. Still, no Ayurvedic Samhita offers a direct guarantee of conception from any single formulation. What is classically authentic is the holistic approach—nourishing the Beeja (ovum), Ritu (timing), Kshetra (uterus), and Ambu (nutrition) through Rasayana therapies, Vata-balancing protocols, uterine cleansing, and timed conception strategies using herbs like Shatavari, Putrajeevaka, Guduchi, and Phala Ghrita.”
Dr Devyani Mukherjee, Reproductive Endocrinologist, Birla Fertility and IVF, Rajouri Garden, Delhi said, “While tracking ovulation can significantly improve your chances of conceiving, it’s important to understand that it doesn’t guarantee success. Ovulation can be predicted using various methods—like ovulation predictor kits that detect the LH surge, basal body temperature charting, monitoring cervical mucus, or using cycle tracking apps. Ultrasound-based follicular monitoring is another reliable way to track follicle growth and time intercourse accordingly. However, even with perfect timing, conception still depends on multiple factors such as the quality of the egg and sperm, overall reproductive health, and a bit of natural chance. We can certainly identify the fertile window and optimise the timing, but pinpointing the exact moment of conception is never a certainty.
Dr Almas Fatma, Diploma in Family Medicine, PG in Digital Health, General Physician from Navi Mumbai, said, “The idea that conception can be guaranteed within ten days using a herbal mixture and “perfect timing” is not only scientifically unfounded but also misleading. While some herbs may support fertility, they cannot override the complex biology involved in conception. Success depends on many factors—like egg and sperm health, hormone balance, and uterine conditions. No remedy can promise 100% results in a fixed time. Such claims can create false hope and delay proper medical care. Herbal support is helpful, but it can’t replace evidence-based guidance and personalised treatment.”
Is the timing recommended in the claim even biologically aligned with ovulation?
Not necessarily. The fertile window doesn’t always begin exactly 10 days after menstruation ends. For most women, ovulation happens about 14 days before their next period—not necessarily 10 days after their last one ended. Women with irregular cycles, PCOS, or hormonal imbalances might not even ovulate regularly. So, suggesting a blanket “10 days after period” strategy ignores individual variability.
If a woman isn’t ovulating at all, no amount of herbal mix—or intercourse—can lead to conception.
Can stress-relieving herbs like ashwagandha indirectly support fertility?
Yes, but the effects are gradual, not immediate—and not guaranteed. Ashwagandha is known for helping the body adapt to stress, which can sometimes interfere with ovulation or libido. There’s some promising research in men suggesting that ashwagandha may improve sperm count and motility. But there are also many research papers that say ashwagandha may have infertilizing and spermicidal effect .And more importantly, the effects are long-term and supportive, not fast-acting or cure-all.
Could taking large quantities of herbs harm rather than help?
Absolutely. High doses of certain herbs can be toxic or interfere with your hormones. Taking 100 grams of any herb daily let alone five different ones is not safe or recommended. For example:
- Fennel in excess can behave like a phytoestrogen and may disrupt hormone balance.
- Cardamom in high doses may cause gallbladder spasms or digestive discomfort.
- Ashwagandha may aggravate thyroid function or interact with medications.
- Pipal bark isn’t even well-researched in human studies and may have unknown effects.
This isn’t a gentle herbal tea. It’s a pharmacological dose—and treating it like a home remedy could cause more harm than good.
Why do such remedies become popular despite lack of evidence?
Because they offer hope, simplicity, and a sense of control—especially when people are vulnerable. Fertility struggles are emotional and can feel isolating. Remedies like this promise quick results with familiar ingredients, giving people something to do. But unfortunately, this sense of control is often false—and relying on unproven advice can delay the proper medical support that might actually help.
What should someone trying to conceive actually do instead?
Start by understanding your cycle, tracking ovulation, and speaking with a healthcare professional.There are safe, evidence-based ways to support fertility:
- Track your ovulation using temperature charts, ovulation predictor kits, or apps.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, iron, and folate.
- Get your hormones and reproductive health evaluated, especially if trying for 6 months to a year without success.
- Manage stress and sleep, as these impact hormones more than people realise.
If you’re facing difficulties, consulting a gynaecologist or fertility specialist is far more effective than chasing untested herbal cures.
Conclusion
This claim is misleading and not backed by any medical science. Getting pregnant involves many moving parts. While natural remedies may have a supportive role, none of them—individually or combined—can “make you conceive” within a fixed window of time. The promise of fast-track pregnancy using herbs sounds appealing, but unfortunately, it’s just not how the body works.
It’s always better to seek personalised, medical advice than rely on viral shortcuts. Fertility is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and there’s no magic potion—just patience, science, and the right support.
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