Change itself requires adaptation and adjustment, and this is something we are asking of our bodies and minds constantly. We see some of the negative consequences of rapid change when we are unable to adapt quickly enough to environmental and lifestyle changes. In our reproductive systems this has manifested as a sharp decline in the quality and number of sperm and in the rising number of couples experiencing infertility.

We need to make a special effort to maintain and optimize the function of our reproductive systems in a world of environmental pollution, massive exposure to radiation from computers, mobile phones and other sources, contaminated foods, reduced hours of sleep, irregular routines and elevated levels of stress. We can help to do this by getting adequate sleep, good nutrition, engaging in regular exercise and getting a balance of mental and social stimulation and relaxation. Maintaining the vitality of the sex organs and maintaining optimal hormone levels is another way we can support the function of our reproductive systems even when it's difficult to control all of the lifestyle factors. The Kan range of women's and men's reproductive health formulas supports this.

Kan's Jade Woman/Jade Man Herbals is a range of formulas that has been developed by Jane Lyttleton, author of The treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine, published by Churchill Livingstone). This range represents a distillation of more than three decades of her experience working in supporting women's health using Chinese herbs in a Western setting.

The foundation of these methods, and therefore the basis of the Jade Women Herbals, is in most cases, tested and tried formulas designed by masters of Chinese Herbology and proven over centuries. In some cases, it is the result of recent clinical trials in China that has guided the construction of a Jade Woman formula. Jane has then shaped the formulas to take into account the many factors that are particularly relevant to the sorts of people Chinese Herbology practitioners encounter in Western or city settings.

The Jade Woman/Jade Man formulas have been designed for use by busy practitioners with busy clients. Practitioners working in modern cities see many middle class educated individuals with very stressful and demanding lives and high expectations of achieving what they set their minds to. When these clients fail to conceive on schedule, it adds to their stress considerably. Chinese herbs given in a convenient and easy to take form, means that these individuals will be able to persist in taking the formulas in the long term. For many, it will be necessary to continue administration of the herbal formula for several months. It is our hope that this range of formulas is found to be a good ally in the quest for maintaining and supporting healthy menstrual cycles and fertility.