Birth Control, Naturally.
Shirin is a health and wellness writer with three years of experience and specializes in writing articles on yoga and has extensive knowledge about the postures of the asanas. Prior to joining Stylecr... more
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Young couples love to be in control. Especially when it comes to the birth of a child. Contraceptives and fertility control have become extremely popular. But making the choice of the right contraceptive isn’t ever easy. Apart from abstinence, no other synthetic birth control measure is fool proof. And they also come with a whole lot of side effects. Did you know that there are a few herbal solutions as well to prevent pregnancy? These herbs interfere with the process of implantation, and once the egg is fertilized, they make it hard for the embryo to maintain a grip on the uterine wall. Therefore, the zygote breaks down and menstruation occurs.
Like I mentioned earlier, no birth control measure gives you hundred percent protection, yet these four herbs are quite effective. Take a look:
Neem
Known across the world as Indian Lilac, Neem is an extremely beneficial herb. It is used extensively as a medicine in India and the rest of the world. Quite surprisingly, this herb is also used as a birth control measure for both men and women. The leaves as a whole, Neem oil, or a Neem leaf extract can be used to avoid pregnancy.
Neem is extremely powerful, and has spermicidal properties. If a woman is injected with even the smallest amount of Neem oil at the point where the fallopian tube meets the uterus, it causes a block that is reversible. This block lasts for a year, and does not have any effects on the menstrual cycle or the functions of the ovaries. For men, this oil reduces the speed and mobility of the sperms. Therefore, sperms take longer to swim and fail to reach the egg. Studies also say that a little bit of Neem oil can kill all the sperms in the vaginal region in a matter of thirty seconds.
Men can use Neem leaf tablets for a maximum of one month. This will help in the implementation of reversible birth control. They can also take gelatin capsules of Neem seed oil. You can rest assured that using Neem to hamper fertility will neither affect sperm production nor the individual’s libido.
Neem is amazing! It not only helps in controlling pregnancy, but also protects vaginal infections and thwarts sexually transmitted diseases. It has antiviral, antibiotic and immune boosting properties.
[ Recommended Read: 18 Amazing Benefits of Neem Leaves ]
Blue Cohosh
The root of this plant is extremely effective for birth control. It contains two substances that contract the uterus. One of them is very similar to the oxytocin hormone. It also contains Caulosaponin, which is a saponin. It has to be ingested like a morning-after pill. If you are not using any other birth control measures, and you fear a chance of pregnancy post the deed, you could just make some Blue Cohosh tea and drink it immediately after. To make the tea, all you need to do is boil some water and add a teaspoon of the Blue Cohosh root powder and let it rest for about five minutes. Then sip this tea, slowly, making sure you do not consume it more than thrice a day. Confine the intake to less than 400 mg per day. Your periods should start immediately.
A note of caution, this herb does have some side effects, so it is best to consult your herbalist before you use this one.
[ Recommended Read: 10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Black Cohosh ]
Queen Anne’s Lace
This one is popularly known as wild carrot. The seeds of this plant, collected from the crown of this flower, work as the contraceptive. They block the synthesis of progesterone, which in turn, disrupts implantation. The side effects caused by wild carrots’ seeds are very mild, and include constipation. But those who suffer from kidney stones or gall stones should stay away from this method of contraception. Just have a teaspoon of these seeds, within eight hours of sperm exposure. Make sure you chew them well. This works extremely well in times of emergencies.
Do not use this if you are a nursing mother. Also, the poisonous Hemlock plant looks very similar to this plant, so do not get confused – or it could be fatal.
Pennyroyal
The ancient Romans and Greeks used this plant for birth control. It instantly induces menstrual flow and initiates self-abortion. A combination of this herb with others can be prescribed to stop pregnancy. This herb can be used both fresh as well as dry. All you need to do is boil distilled water, remove it from the heat, add a teaspoon of pennyroyal to it and leave it for about ten to fifteen minutes. You could also add some honey to enhance the taste. Drink this tea immediately after unprotected sex, or before implantation takes place.
This herb too has side effects. It can damage the liver, kidneys and the nervous system if more than three cups of tea are consumed in a day. Also, make sure you do not drink this tea if your periods are more than ten days late. It is best to use this herb under the guidance of your herbalist.
[ Recommended Read: Top 15 Home Remedies To Manage Your PMS ]
Natural birth control might be a better option than the harsh chemical options, but make sure you do not self-prescribe. These should be resorted to only under extreme emergency; otherwise, it is best to use condoms. Always remember to have safe and responsible sex.
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