Vitamins vs. Herbs: What’s the Difference and Why You Might Need Both

If you’re trying to conceive (TTC), you’ve likely come across a long list of supplements claiming to boost fertility, but how do you know what your body actually needs?
Some formulas are packed with vitamins and minerals. Others lean heavily on herbal extracts. And then there are the ones that combine both.

So… vitamins or herbs? Which is better for fertility?

The truth is, they work differently and understanding how they complement each other can help you make smarter, more personalised choices on your fertility journey.

Foundations First: How Nutrients Can Influence Fertility

Your body needs a solid nutritional baseline before it can prioritise something as energy-intensive as reproduction. That’s where vitamins and minerals come in, they support the essential biological processes that keep your hormones balanced, your cycle regular, and your reproductive system functioning optimally.

Key nutrients to focus on include:

Folate (activated) – Critical for DNA synthesis and cell division. Taking it before you conceive helps support early embryo development.
Vitamin B12 – Supports healthy ovulation and helps regulate cycles, especially when paired with folate.
Iron - ensuring optimal iron levels prior to pregnancy can support a healthy conception and prepare the body for increased blood volume and nutritional demands of pregnancy.
Zinc – Essential for egg and sperm quality, ovulation, and hormone production.
Iodine – Important for thyroid function, which influences your menstrual cycle and metabolism.
Choline – Supports early brain development and works with folate to reduce nutrient gaps.

These nutrients don’t work in isolation. They form a web of support that promotes healthy ovulation, hormone metabolism, and early pregnancy viability.

But sometimes, nutrients alone aren’t enough, especially if you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, stress, or an irregular cycle.

Where Herbs Come In

Herbs have been used for centuries to support fertility by working more dynamically with the body’s hormonal and nervous systems. While vitamins lay the foundation, herbs can nudge the body back into rhythm, particularly when there are signs of imbalance.

Let’s break down a few key players:

Tribulus terrestris (Tribuscin®)

Traditionally used to support libido and as an aphrodisiac, Tribulus may support healthy reproductive hormones and testosterone levels in men and women. Research in animal models suggests long-term use may support sexual function and fertility outcomes, particularly when low libido or irregular cycles are a concern.

Damiana (Liboost®)

Used in Western herbal medicine for mood, libido, and nervous system support, damiana is a great ally for people experiencing emotional stress related to fertility challenges. Its relaxing properties may help ease anxiety and support sexual desire, often overlooked but vital aspects of conception.

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree)

Although not present in all formulas, vitex is commonly recommended to support regular ovulation, particularly for women with luteal phase defects or irregular cycles. It gently supports the pituitary gland, which governs the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH), the key regulators of your cycle.

Why the Combo Approach Often Makes the Most Sense

For many couples, using both nutrients and herbs offers the most comprehensive support when TTC.

Here’s why:

Nutrients = foundational support. They address deficiencies that may silently impact fertility.
Herbs = functional fine-tuning. They encourage your body to find balance, whether that’s through regulating cycles, reducing stress, or enhancing libido.

Think of nutrients as the bricks and mortar of reproductive health and herbs as the architects helping you construct something beautiful and sustainable.

If you’ve been taking a basic prenatal and still feel like something’s missing or if your libido, cycles, or stress levels are out of sync, it might be time to explore a more targeted, holistic solution.

How We Support You

Growing a family is a team effort and so is supporting it. That’s why we’ve designed a range of complementary supplements to nourish both partners, as you prepare to conceive.

Preconception Multi for Women

Formulated with bioavailable nutrients like activated folate, B12, zinc, iodine, and choline, this multi provides the nutrients needed to prepare your body for pregnancy. It’s your nutritional foundation for preconception, preparing your body for pregnancy and enhancing preconception health.

Preconception Multi for Men

Male fertility matters too. This formula delivers high-strength antioxidants, zinc, selenium, and other key nutrients to support sperm quality, motility, and overall reproductive health. Designed to complement the women’s multi for a complete couple-focused approach.

Ultimate Libido & Hormone Support

Trying to conceive can take a toll on your hormones, energy, and intimacy. This herbal formula (featuring Tribuscin® Tribulus and Liboost® damiana) is designed for both partners to support reproductive hormones, emotional wellbeing, and a healthy libido. It's about feeling connected and supported, physically and emotionally.

Cycle & Skin Support

For women with irregular cycles, signs of hormonal imbalance, or PCOS-like symptoms, Cycle & Skin Support provides herbal support for a regular cycle and clearer skin. This blend features traditionally used herbs like dong quai, white peony and licorice that work together to support hormonal balance and a regular cycle, while nettle nourishes the body and gymnema helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, particularly important for women with PCOS-like symptoms that may interfere with ovulation.

Together, these products form a comprehensive preconception toolkit for those who want to nourish their bodies, support emotional wellbeing, and feel as prepared as possible to bring new life into the world.

The Takeaway: It’s Not Either/Or. It’s Both.

Trying to conceive isn’t just about ticking boxes or swallowing pills, it’s about supporting your body and mind through a truly magical process.

By combining both, you’re giving your body the best chance to align with its natural rhythms, so conception can unfold from a place of balance, readiness, and wholeness.