Natural Herbal Birth Control

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Emmenagogue Herbs


Emmenagogues are substances which have the ability to provoke menstruation. They can work in a variety of ways, but the end result is menstruation. Its action can be mild or strong depending on the herb.

Most abortifacient herbs have been classified as emmenagogues since the 1400's by authors who for whatever reason did not want to be direct when describing the herbs abilities. Most often this was to avoid persecution during the witch hunts, when possessing such knowledge could be fatal.

While most abortifacient herbs are classified as emmenagogues. Not all emmenagogues will cause abortion. These two categories of herbs are difficult to separate because in truth they do overlap. An emmenagogue is an herb which encourages menstrual bleeding, and abortifacient herbs do this as well, but when dealing with pregnancy many emmenagogues are not strong enough to cause the pregnancy to abort, they can however in individuals with a weak constitution, or where the fertilized egg is not healthy and likely to abort on its own. When menstruation is delayed for reasons other than pregnancy, often mild emmenagogues are enough to get the flow going again.

I will attempt to classify these herbs as they should be. These categories are by no means set in stone, and others may disagree with me..... There are a few herbs listed here which I have not included any information about on the site as of yet, this may be because they have been used historically, but are currently not in use. At some point I will add information about them, for now the most commonly used herbs are covered.

Mild Emmenagogues:
These include Parsley, Ginger, Yarrow, Feverfew, Rosemary and Sage. For more information on these herbs

Medium Strength Emmenagogues:
Parsley, Queen Anne's Lace Seeds, Black Cohosh, Mugwort, Juniper.

Strong Emmenagogues Include: Several of these herbs are also listed as abortifacients, which I have given a page of its own. You can find more information about these herbs there.
Pennyroyal, Angelica, Savin, Rue, Tansy, Asafetida, Blue Cohosh, and Vitamin C, celery seed, birthwort.

Uterine Contracting Herbs Include:
Herbs with Oxytocic properties - these herbs induce uterine contractions by stimulating oxytocin.
Blue Cohosh, Cotton Seed/Root, Angelica and Marijuana
Herbs containing Thujone Thujone is a volatile oil found in several plants known to be a uterine stimulant. Anyone with a tendency toward epileptic seizures should not use herbs containing thujone.
Tansy, Mugwort, Juniper berries, Chamomile.
Misc Uterine Contracting Herbs These herbs have unique properties which cause uterine contractions:
Angelica Root, Blue Cohosh, Ginger, Parsley, Pennyroyal, and Rosemary

Herbs which Stimulate the Uterus This is desirable to aid in dislodging the fertilized egg.
Angelica, Black Cohosh, Ginger, Horseradish, Queen Anne's Lace Seeds/Root

Herbs which contain Estrogenic Properties These herbs can cause estrogen-like side effects including abnormal blood clotting, liver problems and aggravate estrogen-dependent tumors
Black Cohosh, Blue Cohosh, QAL, Pomegranate seeds

Antispasmodic Herbs The abortive properties are believed to possibly result from the relaxant action on the uterus, causing inhibition of movement to such an extent that an abortion occurs.
Black Cohosh

Implantation Inhibiting Herbs These herb interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg, they are generally used after fertilizing intercourse until menstruation is due. For more information Herbal Contraceptives & Implantation Inhibitors
Cotton Root, Juniper Root, Queen Anne's Lace Seeds, Vitamin C, Rue/Rutin.

Why include a list like this you might wonder, well what I've done here is separate herbs by their actions or the effects they have on the body. As you can see there are several herbs that have many different actions. There are several reasons for doing this, if for example someone has estrogen dependent tumors, they would want to avoid the herbs which have estrogenic effects which may aggravate their condition. Another reason is to allow you to choose herbs based on their properties, their actions in the body, and determine what is best for you. If you needed an herb for emergency contraception you could choose one from the list of Implantation inhibitors.

Fresh, dried or tinctured herbs can be used. Some forms are more effective for certain purposes than others. One example would be Angelica, a strong uterine contractor. The most researched member of this family is a relative from China, Dong Quai, whose non-volatile components stimulate the uterus encouraging it to contract, a decoction or tincture captures these properties and can be used to make the uterus contract, Dong Quai strengthens and coordinates uterine contractions making them more effective. It is said to be effective in some cases in which menstruation is two weeks overdue. Decoctions have been used by midwives to release a retained placenta. While the volatile oils in Dong Quai and Angelica exert a relaxing effect on the uterus, making it useful for painful menstruation.

 

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Abortifacient Herbs
Herbs have been used by women since the beginning of time in an attempt to control their fertility. The information was passed from mother to daughter, midwives and wise women all possessed this knowledge. Starting in the 1300's on up through the 1800's possessing the knowledge of which herbs caused a woman to abort/miscarry became very dangerous, if discovered a woman would be accused of being a witch and tortured to death. Over time those who knew how to safely and effectively use these herbs were murdered or frightened into silence, terror which persisted for about 500 years.

Today clues to this once common knowledge remain,1 the names of plants which can cause abortion were preserved orally and in old books, mostly written and published by men, who's working knowledge of these plants was limited, so it seems. We are left to piece together the clues they left behind and are working to regain the knowledge of how to harvest and prepare, how much to take and what combinations are most effective. There is still much we do not know about using these herbs. But each day we learn a little bit more about them, as we experiment with them on ourselves as our ancient grandmothers did long ago.

By sharing our experiences with other women we pool our knowledge, today we have sporadic help from modern scientists to help rediscover and validate what was once known.

~ Please be sure to read this entire page before following other links. ~


Let me first share with you the first rule of using these herbs....
NEVER USE THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF THESE HERBS INTERNALLY !!!
These are strong powerful herbs, and the essential oils are extremely concentrated and poisonous.2 As long as you DO NOT take essential oils orally/internally you should be just fine.

Only the bulk herb used in tea or capsules, tinctures or oil infusions (made by soaking herbs in olive oil), may be safely used. Essential Oils are highly concentrated, they are usually purchased at the store, they usually come in a small bottle that only allows a drop out at a time, and they generally come with a child proof cap because of their toxic nature. They are NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION, women have died very painful deaths using small amounts of essential oils internally trying to abort.3 Inducing miscarriage is not worth risking your life. Don't make that mistake.

Essential oils are different from oil infusions, which are rarely, if ever seen in stores. Oil infusions are something that is made at home by soaking the fresh herb in olive oil. These are generally used externally as well. If you have any questions please ask someone before taking anything you are unsure of. It is always wise to have the guidance of someone who is knowledgeable in the herbal kingdom. Please consult your local herbalist, midwife or naturopath.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. There has been very little research done on herbs for abortion. I am not a licensed health care professional. I am a mere student of herbology who wishes to share information I have collected as well as my own experiences. Remember you are responsible for your own actions. I take no responsibility for your experiments with these herbs. Please use common sense and caution. Natural does not mean safe!! Please use herbs in a responsible way. If you try herbs and they don't work, (and they didn't work for me) terminate the pregnancy with a clinical abortion. If the pregnancy is carried to term the child may have physical or mental birth defects. Be aware, herbs don't work for everyone, they seem to work about 45% of the time, if the herbs are started early enough - even in the best of circumstance... when everything is done "right".... herbs still have a strong chance of NOT working, so its vital to be committed to ending the pregnancy - even if it means a surgical abortion. Anything you try, you do so at your own risk.
Stay in contact with your local midwife or herbalist. Have a support person keep an eye on you, and check in with you. Be kind to yourself, and take good care of yourself during this time.

Abortifacients are strong, powerful herbs and should be used only for short periods of time; they are hard on the body, they can stress the kidneys and liver and often they will make one feel ill. Anyone who has liver or kidney issues should not use the vast majority of these herbs, please read contradictions carefully, do your own research, and consult with a knowledgable herbalist. Many of these herbs are toxic, and are not considered safe to use on a regular basis or for long periods of time. They should not be taken on a monthly basis for contraception. Remember, inducing miscarriage at home is not easy.

Herbs have many affects on the body, and if you have health problems, this may not be a safe route for you to go. Be sure to read Who should not use these herbs and read the cautions for specific herbs on their individual pages.

After using herbs with the intent to abort, it is wise to follow up with health restoring herbs and a wholesome nutritious diet to aid your body in rebuilding itself. Here are some suggestions.

Be aware and listen to the subtle signs your body sends you. Follow your intuition and use common sense. There can be serious complications when attempting to end pregnancy using herbs. For example, if there is a tubal (ectopic) pregnancy these remedies will not work. The only way to remove an ectopic pregnancy is surgically or by medication that only a doctor can prescribe. Symptoms include severe pain in the abdominal region, particularly on one side, irregular bleeding, accompanied with early signs of pregnancy, (breast tenderness, nausea, etc.) feelings of dizziness and weakness. Symptoms like these are not part of an herbal abortion, so don't try to tough it out. If the tube ruptures death can be as little as 15 minutes away.

Its a good idea to visit a women's health clinic when you suspect pregnancy or have just confirmed it. This way, they can do a pregnancy test, and a pelvic exam. This will tell you how far along you are, maybe you already know, but its good to have confirmation. Also, if there is a problem such as an ectopic pregnancy it will be discovered sooner than later, or if the Rh Factor is an issue for you arrangements can be made to deal with it. At this time you can discuss abortion options, including chemical abortion, so I highly recommend a pro-choice clinic to start out with.

Know the risks when using herbs to end pregnancy, you need to know what can go wrong, its part of making an informed decision.


Please Note: When discussing weeks of pregnancy, I use the weeks starting with conception. The medical establishment, and the pregnancy wheel chart that they use, starts with a woman's last period. For a woman who has an "average" monthly cycle (28 days). So when you go to a Dr. or the clinic, the number of weeks pregnant will most likely be from the last menstrual period (LMP), this can cause some confusion. So I just want to make people aware that I'm talking about weeks pregnant based on conception.


Herbal remedies used to end pregnancy work best when used just before menstruation is due, or when menstruation is due. The more time that passes after having missed your period, the less likely the herbs are to work.

Remember, the sooner you begin using these remedies the more likely you will be in accomplishing your goal. Herbs seem to be fairly effective through the 4th week, though chances of it working are less than if home remedies are started when menstruation is due. The further advanced a pregnancy is, the more risky ending it becomes and the less likely herbal methods will be successful.

It is not advisable to begin herbal treatment after the 6th week of pregnancy (week 1 starting with ovulation/conception). When the pregnancy has advanced this far it often takes a few weeks to complete the abortion. Starting herbal treatment during or after the 6th week very likely will bring the abortion into the 8th week (week 1 starting with conception) where chances of incomplete abortion greatly increase, with this brings the risk of uterine infection (can be life threatening, and can also cause sterility) and hemorrhage. Ending pregnancy during this time becomes more dangerous because the placenta is firmly embedded in the uterus and is not expelled with the fetus and enclosing sac. The uterus in unable to clamp down to its original size and bleeding continues, this can be a life threatening situation.4 Your safely is of the utmost importance, its not worth the risk. The chances of the herbs causing abortion at this point are 20% or less, and may not be worth the effort that you will need to put in. The longer the pregnancy drags on, the greater strain it places on you emotionally and physically. If you are 6 weeks or more pregnant, I urge you to go for a clinical abortion rather than attempt herbal abortion. Some women will have access to chemical abortion, (the abortion pill) this alternative can be used up to the 7th week of pregnancy, so this is a great, and effective option to check out. (hopefully the republicans won't find a way to take it away from us).

For more information about herbs and the progression of the pregnancy, see Herbal Abortion Week by Week


Whenever using herbs to end pregnancy it is very important to have a back up plan if the herbs should fail, as it is important not to carry the pregnancy to term because the effects of the herbs on the developing fetus are unknown and there is a very real risk of birth defects. There have also been reports from Practitioners about complications5 with pregnancies that are continued, such as the placenta attaching dangerously low in the uterus which greatly increases the risks of harm to the mother and developing child. Risks include premature detachment of the placenta before and during birth and severe hemorrhage, which is not easily stopped, and the possibility of other complications during pregnancy.

Plan B
Generally a backup plan for most women means going to a clinic for an abortion. Many women make the appointment for the abortion when making the decision to attempt herbal abortion, giving the herbs a couple of weeks to see if they work, the abortion appointment can always be canceled if the herbs work. This helps to reaffirm your commitment to ending the pregnancy, not only on the physical level, but on the vibrational level as well. If there is any part of you that is not committed to ending the pregnancy, that would like to keep the child, then the herbs probably won't work.

For some women a Menstrual Extraction might be an option, provided she is able to find someone who does them, as they are not done by doctors or clinics. It is a very early form of abortion, and can only be done up til the 8th week of pregnancy (from conception), after 8 weeks it is no longer safe to use this method.6 To find someone who does them may be difficult, your best bet would be to contact a midwife, or feminist organization.


Please keep in mind that these home/herbal remedies are NOT a reliable way to end pregnancy. It can work for some women and not others - with no way to know if they will work for you or not. Don't attempt herbal abortion unless you are in good health - with no liver or kidney problems, AND know you can go through with a surgical or chemical abortion if it doesn't work.

The following herbs have abortifacient qualities, follow the links to find out about each individual herb, including the particulars, cautions and other stuff you should know about the individual herbs. Below the herb list you will find some miscellaneous suggestions and information, tips on ways to increase chances of success.
Angelica/Dong Quai a uterine stimulant with the ability to strengthen and coordinate contractions, to help encourage the uterus to expel it's contents. Follow the link for more information.

Black Cohosh to help the cervix relax and open. Many herbalists and midwives say it has the ability to "ripen the cervix" in preparation for childbirth. Follow the link for more information.

Blue Cohosh a uterine stimulant. With unique properties that encourage the uterus to contract. Susun Weed favors it either before menstruation is due, or at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. Follow the link for more information.

Cotton Root Bark should be used as a simple (by itself). Interferes with progesterone, and the corpus luteum. Stimulates uterine contractions. Chinese research supports these findings. Follow the link for more information.

Evening Primrose (Oenothera hookeri) may be helpful when used externally to help "ripen the cervix", this phrase is often used during the birthing process to refer to the condition of the cervix, the cervix has to dilate to allow a newborn to pass, if the cervix is not ready, midwifes have herbs they can use to help encourage the cervix to get ready. Things happen a bit differently in a herbal abortion or miscarriage, the cervix won't dilate the way it does during birth, but some of the same herbs may still help the cervix to relax and help to facilitate release of the unwanted pregnancy.

Parsley for use with other herbs or vitamin c. Good for starting a late period (when not due to pregnancy). Can be used as a pessary (vaginal suppository) to prepare the cervix for release. Follow the link for more information.

Pennyroyal One of the more toxic choices available. A herb with a long history as an abortifacient. In my opinion, there are better choices than pennyroyal. Follow the link for more information.

Pineapple (unripe)- Commonly used in tropical areas where pineapple normally grows. One lady was kind enough to send me this information:

"Pineapple is well known in my culture as being the fruit that able to end pregnancy. It is considered "sharp" thus women during their menses are discouraged to take pineapple as the bleeding will become heavier and women who are pregnant especially at the earlier stage are forbidden to take the fruit in fear of miscarriage.
However my sister had tried to end pregnancy before with 2 pineapples but did not succeed. Since she's already married, she continued her pregnancy. I took one big young pineapple for the first day eaten in intervals of 1 -2 hours but I cannot stand the stomach cramps it caused me. I also tend to develop "blisters" on my tongue cause by the "sharp and stinging" taste of the young pineapple.

Later, I was told by an elderly that it takes at least 4-5 fresh medium sized young pineapples (light yellow and hard, not juicy at all) taken raw, within 2 days along with the few glasses of pure young pineapple juice (using juice extractor, of course), for better result. I was also told that pineapple will not be able to end the pregnancy if the women has a healthy and strong uterus."

Tansy Should be used with caution, often has side effects, and is probably the most toxic herb listed here on this website. Also with a lengthy history as a herbal abortifacient. Follow the link for more information.

Vitamin C In my opinion, probably the least toxic and most effective choice available. Interferes with progesterone, works best before the 5th week of pregnancy. Follow the link for more information.

 

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Vitamin C
A home abortion remedy?


It might sound strange, but its true, this remedy has been passed around the feminist community since the 70's, appearing in many grassroots publications, some of which are cited here. There are also numerous reports of women using it successfully from this era, I've heard many stories, but never saw any kind of documentation, which isn't surprising in a time, where a woman's right to choose an abortion and have access to safe legal abortion services was just being won.

The origin of this remedy stems in part from a scientific article that was published in the mid-60's by a Russian scientist, E.P. Samborskaia.1 The article is in russian, and finding a copy was a problem... as was the language barrier. I had been corresponding with a lady from Slovak Republic (Slovakia) and mentioned the article. She went out looking for it, and was able to find a copy. She was able to translate it for me, and noted that the author did not specify the doses of ascorbic acid administered to the women, and the author also did not say specify how the women received the ascorbic acid; ie, liquid, injection, tablet.

The scientists who conducted the research, Samborskaia and Ferdman came to the conclusion that high doses of Ascorbic Acid appeared to increase estrogen levels which contributed to the interruption of an otherwise normal pregnancy. 20 women who approached doctors requesting an abortion participated in the study. Research was conducted by ob/gyn L.I. Ivanyuta. The women ranged from 20 to 40 years of age. The article does not say if a positive pregnancy test was obtained from the participating women. We also don't know how much ascorbic acid the women were given. They did however measure estrogen levels before and after treatment with ascorbic acid, finding that estrogen levels were higher after taking the ascorbic acid. Of the 20 women, 16 began menstrual type bleeding within 1 to 3 days from administration of ascorbic acid.

Even if these women were not pregnant, there is evidence to support that this remedy does in fact work. Much of Samborskaia's research supporting ascorbic acid's ability has been done on laboratory animals where pregnancy was confirmed, and the ascorbic acid was shown to be responsible for the interruption of pregnancy in these animals.2 Also, in the few years that this website has been up, I've come into contact with numerous women who did confirm their pregnancies with a test, then used ascorbic acid (something in conjunction with other herbs) to terminate those pregnancies successfully. Many of them have been kind enough to share their experience not only with me, but with the rest of the world by allowing me to put their comments online in the Sharing our Wisdom section of my website. As I have collected this data, I eventually created a database to make use of all these bits of information, in other areas of my website, you can find some statistical information from my database. While it can't be considered scientific data, it is none-the-less proof that these home remedies do work for some women. However it is impossible to say who these remedies will work for and for who they will not.

First the Reality Check - These remedies have less than a 50% chance of being successful3 even in the best of circumstances and when everything is done "right". In reality, the percentage is probably somewhere between 30% and 40%, because I don't hear from everyone who tries these remedies. If these remedies are attempted, and they do not work, it is important to follow through with terminating the pregnancy, even if it means a clinical abortion.

In my opinion, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is one of the less toxic choices of the herbs available for terminating pregnancy, and seems to be fairly effective when compared with other herbs used for the same purpose. Don't misunderstand less toxic to mean that Vitamin C is not without risks.
Natural or do-it-yourself does NOT mean that it is SAFE. The risks remain the same in regards to how far along the pregnancy has progressed, which determines your risk of incomplete abortion and hemorrhage.

Vitamin C works to produce an unfavorable climate within the uterus so that the egg does not implant, or if implantation has already occurred, Vitamin C can weaken the fertilized ovum's grip on the uterine wall. Possibly by stimulating estrogen, and interfering with progesterone. This also makes it useful as an emergency contraceptive, when taken before implantation occurs on the 6th day following ovulation. The hormone, progesterone is essential for pregnancy, its function is to prepare a nourishing bed for the fertilized egg, if there is not enough progesterone the uterus becomes less supportive to the egg. Which is desirable when the goal is to end pregnancy.

What kind of vitamin c to use -
Pure Ascorbic Acid, is the best type of Vitamin C to use in my opinion, but Joy Gardner writes that calcium or sodium ascorbate is also ok.4 Shop at your local grocery store or drug store, look for the cheapest generic brand of Vitamin C you can find. Usually these are the one that just have one ingredient, ascorbic acid. So read the label, check the ingredients, if you don't think you'll remember ascorbic acid, write it down. If you can find pure ascorbic acid, this is best, and not to mention inexpensive. When terminating a pregnancy the vitamin c products you find in the health food store, while great for colds, are not good for ending a pregnancy, they are too good! Too much good stuff in it. So think cheap-factory made vitamin c and head to your local grocery or drug store.

In my own quest for information, I've found that bio-flaveniods protect against miscarriage, many Vitamin C products contain bio-flaveniods, the most common is rose-hips. A friend told me vitamin companies started adding bio-flaveniods when mega-dosing with Vitamin C became the rage in the 70's - and when pregnant women started miscarrying, eventually someone made the connection. (I'm wondering if there's any documentation on this...? I've heard rumors of an article in Prevention Magazine, although I've been unable to figure out which one. If anyone else finds it please let me know.)

On this website you may come across another bioflavinoid, Rutin, which is listed as an emergency contraceptive, this has generated some confusion. Why when bioflavinoids in general are said to prevent miscarriage, would this bioflavinoid works as an emergency contraceptive? Flavonoids, also called bioflavinoids are a group substances found in plants, they often cause pigments in plants, or protection from attack by microbes and insects, they often have strong anti-oxidant effects. Different plants have different flavonoids and different chemical makeups, and so have different effects.5


Contradictions: Who shouldn't use Vitamin C -
Individuals who have sensitive kidneys, kidney disease, kidney stones, or kidney problems of any kind, may want to avoid large amounts of Vitamin C. High doses of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) may cause the formation of kidney stones.6

People who take anti-coagulants [like aspirin or other pharmaceutical drugs], who have sickle-cell anemia, or who have difficulty metabolizing Vitamin C shouldn't take large amounts of vitamin C without the supervision of their physician.

MotherNature.com lists these conditions where people who have them shouldn't use vitamin c. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, Iron overload disorders like (hemosiderosis or hemochromatosis), History of kidney stones, Kidney failure.7


Possible Side Effects -
Side effects may include abdominal cramps [which can also be caused by pregnancy], hot flashes, flushing of the face, rashes, headache, fatigue, insomnia, constipation, gas, diarrhea, loose stool, abdominal discomfort, acid stomach, kidney irritation, and formation of kidney stones in some individuals. If these large doses of vitamin C are continued for a long time, other more serious side effects may manifest.

Joy Gardner also expressed concern in her book about high doses of Vitamin C may teach the kidneys to excrete large amounts of Vitamin C, possibly causing deficiency when high doses were stopped. She suggested tapering doses off over the course of three days. So far, I have not heard of anyone having problems if they just stop taking the Vitamin C, so again, its a judgment call, do what feels right.

MotherNature.com has this posted on their website about Vitamin C's Safety: 8
Vitamin C is nontoxic at levels far in excess of the RDA. Some individuals develop diarrhea or loose stools from taking approximately 2,000 to 5,000 mg per day, while even higher levels do not bother others. High levels of vitamin C can deplete the body of the essential mineral copper, so take a multi-vitamin that contains copper if you're mega-dosing on C. The best food sources of copper are *oysters* (with the most); nuts, dried legumes, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, and meat also contain copper.

High doses of vitamin C may also increase the risk of kidney stones in some people, although studies indicate that those who do not have a history of kidney stones, severe kidney disease, or gout are not at risk. Because vitamin C may increase iron absorption, check with a doctor if you suffer from iron overload and want to take high doses of C.



How much Vitamin C to use -
I have found different dosages listed in various books and zines. I've listed them here to illustrate that there is some flexibility when dealing with these home remedies. I have also added my own opinions based on what other women have done and my personal experiences. Please keep in mind, that I don't have any medical training, and can't tell someone how much to take.

Rebecca Chalker has the dosage listed at 6-10 grams a day for 5-10 days.9 It specifically states the type of Vitamin C to use, which is Ascorbic Acid. Another feminist publication from the 70's, The Monthly Extract, lists the dosage as 6 grams for 5 consecutive days.10 Joy Gardener agrees, writing that 6 grams (6,000 mg) per day, for 5 days and menstruation should begin on the 6th or 7th day.11

When deciding how much Vitamin C to take, take into consideration, your body weight, fat vs muscle, whether you smoke tobacco (tobacco messes with Vitamin C uptake), do you already take a Vitamin C supplement?
Another thing to keep in mind that Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin, which means that your kidneys will remove excess vitamin c and flush it out in your urine. So mega dosing doesn't really help, and may even teach your kidneys to excrete too much vitamin c. Small frequent doses are the key to keeping a constant level circulating in your body. Huge quantities of vitamin c will only irritate your kidneys, and probably won't make the vitamin c anymore effective.

Terminating pregnancy is a process, in cases of confirmed pregnancy, bleeding rarely starts before the 6th day of self-treatment. So it is important to pace yourself, so that you can go the duration, and not harm yourself in the process. These home remedies are hard on the body, and the process can be mentally and physically draining. Herbal Abortion is much more involved than just popping pills and sipping teas.

In cases of confirmed pregnancy, for an average woman who's period is no more than two weeks overdue, 8 to 12 grams per day should be sufficient. I prefer a slightly higher dose than Rebecca Chalker mentions in her book. Partly because the average American has their bodies subjected to environmental pollutants on a daily basis - perhaps more so now than in the 70's, and partly because lesser doses didn't work for me. But I also didn't know then what I know now. Even so, it still doesn't mean that it would work for me today either. Use your own judgment, do what feels right to you.

Divide your total grams for the day into equal doses, equally spaced. Doses consisting of one 500 mg tablet per hour are most common. It is helpful if you have a watch with a timer to set it to go off to remind you to take your dose. The idea is to keep a constant level circulating in the blood, which is also why I think waking once or twice during the night is helpful, this way the body doesn't have 8 hours to undo any progress made during the day.

Waking during the night adds additional stress to the process, but some women have felt it was important to continue putting the Vitamins and/or herbs into their systems at least once during the night. There are also plenty of other women who were also successful without taking doses during the night. Again, do what works best for you. A parsley pessary might be a good nighttime alternative. A couple women have also placed a vitamin c tablet in the vagina next to the cervix overnight. Some used their diaphragms to hold it in place. I'm not sure if this would have a negative effect on the diaphragm material, and if you try that, you might want to replace your diaphragm after to make sure your contraceptive protection is as good as it can be. I would also be concerned about the Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) irritating the cervix or vagina. I'm not sure how I feel about doing Ascorbic Acid in the vagina on a daily basis or for weeks at a time. Again I have concerns for the safety and health of the cervix. Doing it once for emergency contraception would be ok, but I don't think putting Vitamin C in the vagina daily is a good idea at this point - I don't know enough about how it would affect the cervix cells, and I don't think anyone wants to go get a pap before they try it, then get another afterwards, or go through the treatments they'll prescribe if abnormal cervix cells are found.12

Vitamin c is a water soluble vitamin, so excess amounts are eliminated through the kidneys, and cause problems for those who are predisposed to kidney issues. I also think its a good idea to take a couple doses during the night to help maintain a constant level in the body.


Duration -
Expect to be using the vitamin c for a minimum of 6 days, bleeding rarely begins before then. Vitamin C should not be taken for more than 10 to 14 days at a time. 14 days maximum. Some women have used vitamin C longer than that, as long as 30 days, however you should know that taking large amounts of ascorbic acid over an extended period of time will increase your risk for getting kidney stones. Individuals who have sensitive kidneys or a history of kidney stones and pebbles really should not work with ascorbic acid at all.13



Vitamin C and other Herbs
While it is not necessary to combine Vitamin C with other herbs, women often do. Choose your herbs carefully, because not all of them work well together, and may not be appropriate for you. Make sure you research each herb you choose to use.

Notes on possible contradicted herbs: If you opt to work with other herbs, Joy made some notes in her book that certain herbs may counteract each other. Teas that she notes are Pennyroyal and a combination of Blue cohosh and Osha). Women who have used both remedies simultaneously have had less favorable results than those who used only one at a time. This may be because Vitamin C is a powerful anti-toxin, and could nullify the effects of the herbs.14

Personally, I have not come across anything to make me believe that vitamin c negates the action of all herbs. Joy from what I understand had worked quite a bit with the herbs listed in her books, so she may be right regarding these particular herbs. I have also seen vitamin c and other herbs not listed in her book work together successfully. I have also noticed that women who use many herbs seem not to have as good results as women who work with one to four herbs at a time. When choosing herbs to work with, I think its good to choose ones that complement each other, having different actions on the body. An example might be Vitamin C (interferes with progesterone), Dong Quai (a uterine contractor), Parsley (an emmenagogue, and to prepare the cervix).

Vitamin C and Tansy are listed as contradicting each other. I don't know how or why this might be, but have heard that they cancel each other out, and I've also heard that the Tansy cancels out the effects of the vitamin c. I would be interested to find out more about this, but so far have not found anything.

Notes on Herbs Vitamin C seems to combine well with: Vitamin C is commonly combined with Parsley. Parsley is one of my favorite herbs for bringing on menstruation when pregnancy is not the cause for delay. In my opinion, I don't think that it is strong enough by itself to cause interruption of pregnancy, but I feel it aids the Vitamin C. However, I have read accounts out of Europe where parsley has been used successfully by itself. Historically

Fresh or dried parsley can be made into a tea and drunk freely, as much as you want, as it is non-toxic (as always read up on any herb before you consume it to make sure there are not contradictions for you). Parsley can also be used as a pessary (a vaginal insert, as in like a tampon, except it is a herb). A few sprigs of fresh parsley with the largest part of the stem removed, and inserted into the vagina placed up against the cervix. It may help to soften and relax the cervix, to move toward release. Body heat and vaginal juices soften the herb, and its emmenagogual properties are released directly at the opening of the uterus. The parsley is changed 2 sometimes 3 times a day, leaving it in all night, until bleeding is underway.

Not long after starting my website, I started getting some interesting reports from women who had been taking vitamin c for several days, and when they added Dong Quai, were pleasantly surprised to have bleeding start soon after, sometimes within 12 to 24 hours. Perhaps we had stumbled onto something here..... The actions of vitamin c and Dong Quai complement each other. After several days of the vitamin c blocking the progesterone, then adding dong quai a uterine stimulant, it appeared to cause bleeding to begin, and in a couple of cases bleeding began within 12 to 24 hours. Of course it doesn't always happen this way, but when it does, it is exciting.

Dong Quai works to strengthen uterine contractions, helping to organize, coordinate those minor fleeting cramps that some women experience. Personally, I feel this combination works best when the vitamin c is used for about 5 days prior to beginning the dong quai.

Why do I feel this way?
Please understand this is just a theory, but giving the Vitamin C an opportunity to deprive the uterus of the progesterone it needs to sustain a pregnancy. After 5 days, if the Vitamin C has not already started menstruation on its own, which it does have the ability to do for some women, adding a uterine stimulant to the combination, in theory, would have a greater ability to expel the embryo, after interfering with the progesterone, and hopefully weakening the connection the embryo has with the uterine wall. After hearing a few reports of menstruation starting soon after Dong Quai was added, I started to think we might be onto something. Since then, other women have successfully used this combination. You can read about their experiences in the Sharing our Wisdom section, and see some summaries below.


To Sum it all up....

No home abortion remedy is guaranteed to work.
The earlier it is started the better the chances of success are.
Pure Ascorbic acid, with no bio-flaveniods, no rose-hips. - Calcium or sodium ascorbate is also acceptable. Read the label, sometimes filler ingredients can't be helped.

Most women use a dose of 500 mg an hour, for a total of 10-12 grams in a 24 hour period, no longer than 14 days at a time. If bleeding doesn't begin within 5 days of using the vitamin C, some women have added dong quai with good results, if bleeding has not begun by the 9th or 10th day of self-treatment, others have added Black Cohosh to the combination, and this seemed to help. But, again, there is always the chance that these remedies just won't work.

Before attempting any home remedies, do your homework. This page is meant to be read as part of the whole website, be sure to review other sections so as not to miss other important information.
Make sure a clinical or medical abortion is an option before attempting anything at home.
Anything you try, you do so at your own risk.

 

[femmenoire]

I thought black cohosh could be used to help with vaginal dryness.

 

[bigirl]

Black Cohosh
(Cimicifuga racemosa)


An anti-spasmodic herb often used in conjunction with Blue Cohosh, some herb books will even go as far to say that it can be used instead of Blue Cohosh, but this is incorrect. Black Cohosh is a unique herb and deserves its own place in the spotlight, and credit for its own attributes. Black Cohosh has been in the herbal news lately for its value in treating all sorts of 'female complaints'; pms, cramps, hormonal imbalances, menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and depression.

The German Commission E, a panel sponsored by the German government to evaluate herbal therapies has given Black Cohosh it's seal of approval. "Scientifically speaking, black cohosh suppresses the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH); sudden bursts of LH have been linked to the occurrence of hot flashes, night sweats, and other menopausal symptoms." 6 Luteinizing hormone is what causes ovulation to happen. If black cohosh has the ability to suppress this hormone, perhaps it could be used to inhibit ovulation. Research has shown that alcoholic extracts decrease luteinizing hormone secretions in menopausal women. But I don't believe it has the ability to decrease LH enough to suppress ovulation. Nature has a way of compensating, but it is an interesting possibility.

Black cohosh also has a balancing effect on hormone production, particularly estrogen.

Black cohosh should not be used for more than 6 months at a time at normal doses. Generally, when taking herbs over the long term they should be taken for 3 weeks on and one week off. For menstrual stimulating & abortifacient purposes any herb including black cohosh should not be used any longer than 10 days, since doses taken are often higher than the recommended dosages, and toxic build up or side effects could result, even with herbs generally known as being safe.

Contradictions: Black cohosh can depress heart rate, anyone with any type of heart disease should not use this herb. Other possible side effects include dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, shakes, low pulse, vomiting. Side effects occurring with prolonged use may include uterine irritation, abdominal pain (see cautions on ectopic pregnancy), abnormal blood clotting (which could cause problems when using herbs to end pregnancy, possibly hemorrhage), liver problems, it could encourage breast tumors. And should not be taken by anyone who has been advised not to take oral contraceptives.7

Black cohosh also should not be combined with anti-depressents.

The Botanical Safety Handbook notes: occasional gastrointestinal discomfort; large doses of black cohosh may cause vertigo, headache, nausea, impaired vision, vomiting, and impaired circulation; estrogenic effect and lowering of blood pressure has been recorded.

In five different studies using doses equivalent to 40 mg/day crude herb there was no case reports of toxic effects from the herb, and there appears to be no specific toxicity associated with any of its known constituents. A few side effects were noted; dizziness, GI distress, headache and weight gain.8

Using Black Cohosh to disrupt pregnancy, black cohosh is a helper herb, helping to prepare the cervix to release the contents of the uterus. It is often used during childbirth to help ripen the cervix in preparation for delivery. It is best used combined with blue cohosh or combines well with vitamin c & dong quai.

Dosage:
Standard Decoction (root): Simmer 5-15., 1-4 Tbsp., 3-4 times a day.
Standard Tincture: 1/4 - 1 tsp., 3-4 times a day.
Powdered (root): 1-4 #0 capsules, 3-4 times a day. 4
Pre-made Capsules: Women who have used black cohosh in combinations seem to be successful when dosages are in the range of 500 to 1000 mg every four hours.
Other sources:

Steep 2 tsp in a pint of water. Take 2-3 Tbsp 6 times a day. 12


Women who used black cohosh successfully in combinations to end pregnancy:
These women had a positive pregnancy test.
Trumary - 4 weeks pregnant. black cohosh tincture.
Jen - 4 weeks pregnant. Used a tincture of black cohosh.
Marge - 2.5 weeks pregnant. Used capsules.
Mariah - Incomplete abortion at 8.5 weeks pregnant. (Herbs were started earlier)
Dawn - 3 weeks pregnant. Used Capsules
These women didn't have positive tests, but in my opinion they were probably pregnant.
Branwen - 2 weeks pregnant. Used Capsules.
Gabrielle - 2 weeks pregnant. Used Tincture.
Shani - 3.5 weeks pregnant. Used Tincture.
Samantha 3.5 weeks pregnant. Used Capsules.
Shanna - 2 weeks pregnant. Used Capsules.

If you or anyone you know has attempted herbal abortion, I am currently collecting data for a herbal abortion database, I have created a questionnaire to assist me in collecting data, and any and all herbal abortion or emergency contraceptive experiences are welcome, pregnancies confirmed with a pregnancy test are most useful, but as stated, all experiences are welcome, even if pregnancy was not confirmed or menstruation was simply late. I have posted some of the database findings on the website. You can read about other women's experiences in the Sharing our Wisdom section, all of these women have helped to add to our body of knowledge.
http://www.sisterzeus.com/blackcohosh.htm

 

[bigirl]

Angelica
(Angelica atropurpurea)[American]
(Angelica archangelica) [European]
(Angelica sinensis) [Chinese] ~ Dong Quai, Dang Gui, Tang Kuei

Chinese, American and European Angelica are three different plants of the same variety, each are slightly different, but for the most part their actions are similar. The Chinese variety, Dong Quai, is the most scientifically researched of the group. American and European varieties while not as well researched both have reputations for having similar effects, being used historically and by modern herbalists.

[In this article, Chinese Angelica (Angelica sinensis) is refereed to as Dong Quai; while Angelica refers to both European Angelica (Angelica archangelica), and American Angelica (Angelica atropurpurea)]

Angelica has a powerful action over a woman's reproductive system. American and European Angelica were used by colonial women to promote menstruation and to terminate pregnancy. Susun Weed, a noted herbalist, says that Angelica will bring on delayed
Photo by Herbal Nexus

menstruation 60% of the time, if menstruation is no more than two weeks over due. A decoction of the roots is probably the most effective method for these purposes. Midwives have used decoctions and a syrup made from Angelica roots after childbirth to stimulate the release of a retained placenta. Some midwives claim the placenta arrives 10 minutes later!

Perhaps the most talked about member of the Angelica species is the Chinese variety commonly known as Dong Quai. There has been a great deal of research done on Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) and its various effects on the body and the female reproductive system. Dong Quai has two very different effects on the uterus, it has the ability to stimulate contractions and also to relax the uterus thus inhibiting contractions. Which effect you get depends on how you prepare the herb.

Dong Quai's relaxing effect on the uterus comes from the volatile oils contained in the root. Volatile means that the oils are easily destroyed. When the desire is to capture them, brew a medicinal tea or infusion. "Studies indicate that dang gui hot water extract regulates uterine and intestine contractions, relaxes the uterus and even inhibits spasms."1 The relaxing effect of Dong Quai is useful for dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).

When the desire is to stimulate strong, coordinated, regular contractions, for aiding in childbirth, stimulating delayed menstruation, and causing miscarriage/abortion, then a decoction, tincture or capsules are used. In these preparations the volatile oils are destroyed or not captured in the process; the simmering of the herb while making a decoction destroys the oils, leaving just the uterine stimulating properties, in a tincture the oils are not extracted into the alcohol, and capsules also seem to have the uterine stimulating properties as well, it is possible that the volatile oils are damaged or destroyed when grinding the root into powder for placement within the capsule.

When contractions are fast, irregular and weak, the non-volatile components of Dong Quai root causes them to become slow, regular and stronger. One of my sources claims that a decoction is the best, where another source claims that a tincture causes stronger more coordinated contractions. The capsules seem to work as well (be sure to use a high quality product), and one advantage with capsules the dosage is most easily monitored.

A couple of ladies who have been kind enough to share with us their experience of ending pregnancy in Sharing our Wisdom switched to Dong Quai after using the vitamin C. Trumary who's pregnancy had been confirmed with a pregnancy test, started taking vitamin C when menstruation was two weeks late. She took the vitamin c for 5 days then switched to Black Cohosh and a day later added a tincture of Dong Quai. After medicating day and night for about 7 days bleeding began 12 hours after she took her first dose of Dong Quai.

Annie used Dong Quai exclusively, first as a decoction, then switched to capsules. She had a positive pregnancy test, bleeding began in 5 Days. Brynna didn't have a pregnancy test, but had unprotected intercourse during the peak of her fertility. She took vitamin c for 10 days before menstruation was due. Stopped, taking nothing for the next six days. Menstruation now 1 week late, she started taking Dong Quai, 1000 mg for her first dose then reduced to 800 mg every 4 hours. After the first dose (1000 mg) - cramps; after the 2nd dose (800 mg) - spotting; after the 4th dose - bleeding like a regular period. Autumn used the vitamin C for 3 days and then switched to Dong Quai (2 capsules every 4 hours) and had bleeding begin with in 10 hours of starting the Dong Quai. Autumn's pregnancy was not confirmed, she says she observed fibrous tissue with chorionic villi. Bleeding began in 3 1/2 - 4 days.

Other women using Dong Quai have reported noticing a reductions in pregnancy symptoms, especially with breast symptoms, such as swelling, tenderness and pain.

Note: I would like to add, that I put the details from these ladies experiences here for informational purposes, not as guidelines for what you could or should do. Every woman is different, and it is important to take that into consideration as you are coming up with your plan of how to deal with your current situation, doses etc. Just because it worked this way for these ladies doesn't mean it will happen this way for you.

Who shouldn't use this herb:
Contradictions - Do Not use Angelica or Dong Quai if:

Women who bleed heavily during a normal menstrual period or who's blood does not clot easily should avoid using Angelica species, including Dong Quai. If you take blood thinning agents like aspirin or other pharmaceutics, using Dong Quai maybe dangerous, clotting may be impaired and hemorrhage may result.
If you are experiencing abdominal congestion and bloating, you should avoid using Dong Quai.
If you have endometriosis or fibroids, you should avoid Angelica and Dong Quai.
Women who are pregnant and wish to remain so should avoid using Dong Quai or other Angelica species.
I also found a website cautioning people who have diabetes to avoid dong quai because it can elevate blood sugar levels. I'm not sure if this is true, as I have not see this caution elsewhere, and some of the claims made on the website I question the validity of - so investigate further if you are diabetic.
People with a history of cancer or who have had or are at risk for a heart attack. People who use blood thinning medications, or if your blood has difficultly clotting. If you are 6 weeks or more pregnant.
It can cause an increase in sugar in the urine.2
Possible Side Effects The one I'm most concerned with is the tendency to increase bleeding. For women who normally have heavy menstrual periods Dong Quai and Angelica can make bleeding even heavier. This raises concern when this herb is used to end pregnancy as it can increase the risk for hemorrhage. If you decide to use this herb, pay attention to how much you are bleeding. When ending pregnancy it is normal for bleeding to be heavier than a normal menstrual period, and for it to be more crampy, and clottier than normal. But profuse bleeding is not part of herbal abortion, it is the sign of a problem. If you need to seek medical help, tell them you think you are miscarrying, and they will take care of it from there. To decrease the risk of hemorrhage, discontinue use of Dong Quai or Angelica once bleeding has been established. Other noted side effects for Angelica include, peeing a lot, irritation, allergic reaction.

Symptoms of toxicity have been reported when dosage is too high. These are usually headaches and dizziness, sometimes strong cramping. If you experience any of these, discontinue the dong quai, and or resume at a lower dosage that your body tolerates better. The idea is not to poison yourself, just to make conditions unsuitable for a fertilized egg.


The Herb's Qualities, Properties & Traditional Uses
Dong Quai - sweet, acrid, bitter and warming properties.1 carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, stomachic, tonic, expectorant.2

Some Traditional Uses: In Traditional Chinese Medicine Dong Quai is "used more or less as a blood tonifier and nourisher and to regulate the reproductive system, particularly in women. Inappropriate in cases of acute illness, even a simple cold; rather, it is prescribed for chronic conditions in a manner that, in western terms, strengthens the body and improves nutritional status. Asian women commonly use dang gui to support and maintain normal reproductive function, lessen pelvic congestion and stop pain caused by congealed blood, such as bruises, menstrual clots and even uterine fibroids. Using it supportively before, during and after pregnancy."1



Dosages & How to use the herb:

Note: I'm not a Dr, and can't tell anyone how much to take. Dosage information has been gathered from various herbal sources, and reports of what other women have done. Please use caution when working with a new herb, give your body a chance to show you how its going to react to it.

Part Used: - The Root is what is used and discussed here. Look for quality products that contain only the root. Cross reference the botanical name to make sure you are getting the plant you think you are. Don't use the fresh root; The dried root is ok.

Dosages: are from various sources -

These dosages have been pulled from Uni Tiamat's book Herbal Abortion & from what other women have reported using as documented in the Sharing our Wisdom section.

Standard Decoction: Simmer the chopped dried root in a covered pot for 15-30 minutes drinking a cup every 4-5 hours.
Tincture: 5-15 drops in a cup of warm water every 4 hours.4
Powdered (root): 2-5 #0 capsules or follow the recommendations on the label. Each product varies between companies. 4
Capsules: From my experience here on the website, an effective dose seems to be 1000 mg every 4 hours. When dosage levels are higher than this there have been reports of symptoms of toxicity. The advantage of using capsules with the milligrams listed on the bottle, is that dosage is most easily controlled. At this time, I can't say if one method of taking Dong Quai is more effective than another. Capsules are frequently used due to their availability and convenience.

The American Botanical Council writes in Herb Reference Guide about Dong Quai Root (Angelica sinensis):

Average Daily Dose: Generally 9-12 g; Tablets (0.5 g of extract) twice daily, in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).
Modern Use: Various menstrual disorders.
Contradictions: None known. Dong quai should not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
Side Effects: Hypersensitivity to the herb which may lead to excessive bleeding and occasional fever. May be photosensitizing. Can cause a slight laxative effect.
Drug Interactions: Potential drug interaction with blood-thinning agents.

There have been several reports of spotting that stops, and does not restart. To combat this problem, taking an extra dose of dong quai when spotting starts may help to get the flow going. Once bleeding is like a regular period Dong Quai should be discontinued.
Vitamin C and Black Cohosh seem to combine well with Dong Quai. Negative reports have come from a few women who have combined Blue Cohosh and Dong Quai.


When using these herbs to end pregnancy, always discontinue them once bleeding begins. Bleeding should be like a normal period or heavier, if just spotting continue with the herbs until the flow begins in earnest.

If you use herbs to end pregnancy and they don't work, it is very important to follow up with an abortion. The effects of any herb used to end pregnancy on the developing fetus is unknown. Birth defects are a definite possibility, and practitioners have reported complications with pregnancies that are continued, such as the placenta attaching dangerously low in the uterus which greatly increases the risks of harm to the mother and developing child. Risks include premature detachment of the placenta before and during birth and severe hemorrhage, which is not easily stopped, and the possibility of other complications during pregnancy.

 

[bigirl]

Parsley
Petroselinum crispum

Parsley is a wonderful herb for bringing on a late period. It is one of my personal favorites. The fresh herb is easily obtained at any grocery store in the produce section or is easily grown. I discovered Parsley's value as an emmenagogue while traveling in Mexico. I had missed two periods, during this time I was on the pill, so I didn't think I was pregnant but I was aware that the pill is not 100% effective. I was concerned and knew abortion was safest done during the first trimester, which was rapidly drawing to a close. I searched my herb books for an herb I could make a tea with while traveling in a foreign country. The problem being that I did not have access to any of the common menstrual stimulating herbs I was familiar with. Finally I came across a vague mention of parsley. I scoured the kitchen cabinet and found some of the dried herb. I drank several cups through out the day. The next day much to my relief I began to bleed.

Parsley is a mild emmenagogue (an herb which stimulates menstruation), it works like a charm for starting menstruation when pregnancy is not the cause for delay. I have used parsley on several occasions to successfully start menstruation when not pregnant. I prepared and drank a strong tea made from the fresh plant, bleeding would start in as little as a few of hours or once took three days to get started, usually after drinking the parsley tea my period would start by the next day.

For additional information on starting a late period that is not late due to pregnancy please see Delayed Menstruation.


For terminating pregnancy, I think of parsley as a helper herb. when used by itself it, its my opinion will not cause abortion, for a woman with a healthy pregnancy. There is a couple ways that Parsley can be used, either as a tea (or infusion) or as a pessary (an object or substance placed inside the vagina ).


As a tea, it has a mild flavor, I think of it as "green" with a spicy flavor. The tea can be made either from the dried herb (1 tsp per cup of water) or a tea can be made from the fresh herb. I prefer to work with organic parsley (especially if i plan on using it as a pessary). When using the fresh herb, 1 tablespoon of chopped herb per cup of water, its ok to make it stronger if you want.

When working with the fresh herb, i usually brew up a few cups at once, i'm not to exact on the amounts, usually, i fill a small to medium size pot with water, bring the water to a boil. While i'm waiting for the water to boil, I chop up a bunch of parsley leaves put that in a canning jar, then pour the boiled water over the herb, put the cap on and let it steep for about 20 minutes. The resulting tea, is green in color, and doesn't taste bad, you can sweeten it if you like or add milk if you like. I drink a cup while the tea is still warm (i strain the herb out first), then drink some later on, taking 2 to 4 cups in a day.
Photo by Herbal Nexus


Parsley combines well with vitamin c (ascorbic acid).


A parsley pessary (vaginal insert) can aide in softening the cervix, helping it to open, to prepare for release. Fresh parsley comes in a bunch, many sprigs tied together, you can remove the larger part of the stem just below the first leaf joint, this will make it more comfortable. Don't pick the leaves off the main stem, it just makes it that much smaller and harder to remove. Just leave the leaf as it is, and take off the bigger part of the stem.

When I made my pessaries, I used 3 or 4 sprigs of the fresh herb, I've read that you can wrap it in cheese cloth, or tie a string to the stems to help you get them out, but i didn't find that necessary. I just pushed the parsley leaves in as far as i could, right next to my cervix, (which feels rounded and kind of hard, the consistency is kind of like the end of your nose. (just a little cervix info)

It felt bulky at first, but the leaves will soften from your body heat. You may notice a parsley smell, or taste in your mouth after a while. I changed it every 12 hours, twice a day, especially leaving it in over night.

When it came time to remove it, i just reached in with two fingers and scooped it out, checking it for any blood, then discarding. Repeating the process.


Contradictions: should not be used by individuals with inflammatory kidney problems or diseases.

 

[bigirl]

sing Vitamin C to Prevent Conception
(Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C also know as Ascorbic acid can be used in a variety of ways to prevent conception. Of course the best prevention is to keep the sperm out of the vagina in the first place. If, for example, a condom breaks, or unprotected intercourse occurs during a woman's fertile time, two tablets may be placed within the vagina next to the cervix as soon as possible. This increases the acid levels in the vagina. The sperm need an alkaline environment to survive; fertile mucus.

The sooner the better in this usage, if fertile mucus is present you can bet those little sperms will be swimming hard, and as soon as they get inside the cervix's trapdoor they are safe. There is no guarantee that this will be 100% effective, but by reducing the number of sperm that actually make it inside the cervix, greatly reduces chances that the remaining sperm will actually complete the journey up into the fallopian tube, they have two fallopian tubes to choose from and no way of knowing which is the one holding the egg, find and penetrate the egg. You can see why millions of sperm are released with each ejaculation. But remember it only takes one healthy determined sperm with a bit o'luck on his side to do the job.

Tablets of Vitamin C could also be placed inside the vagina just before intercourse, giving them just enough time to dissolve. Hopefully making things acidic enough to kill the sperm upon ejaculation. This can be irritating however, and another source only recommends this in emergency situations. 12. 1 or 2 500 mg tablets (non-chewable) placed inside the vagina immediately following unprotected sex, or condom rupture, twice a day for 3 days. Soothe afterwards with aloe vera and acidophilus If you are interested in home made spermacides you may want to check out what I have collected about this topic.

If you know fertilizing intercourse took place less than 72 hours ago, you might want to consider Emergency Contraception offered by the medical establishment, as it may be more effective in preventing unwanted pregnancy, find out more for yourself.

Vitamin c can be taken internally as an emergency contraceptive during the time between ovulation and when menstruation is expected. Apparently the ascorbic acid interferes with the production of progesterone. Progesterone is needed to prepare the uterus for pregnancy as well as maintain a pregnancy.

Look for the synthetic form of vitamin c, it should contain no bioflavinoids, and should say in the ingredients ascorbic acid. It is easily obtained from the local grocery store or pharmacy.

Rebecca Chalker in her book, A Woman's Book of Choices lists a dosage of 6 - 10 grams over the course of a 24 hour period for 5 to 10 days, not to exceed 10 days. You will have to determine the correct about for your self; consider body weight, and whether you take vitamin c on a regular basis might need to take 10 gram dose rather than a lower one. You have to decide for yourself, so listen closely to your body.

Jeanne Rose writes in her book Herbs & Aromatherapy for the Reproductive System, "Vitamin C in large amounts seems to encourage the release of the uterine lining. 10-15 grams can be taken daily, at intervals throughout the day, from ovulation until menses to ensure menstrual flow."2

There can be side effects from taking mega doses of vitamin C. Most of the more serious ones occur from extended use. With 10 day maximum used here, these are unlikely to occur. The short term side effects you may experience are constipation or diarrhea, headaches, upset stomach, abdominal cramps, hot flashes, and/or rashes. However, I have not had anyone tell me they experienced any of these symptoms. The only one I experienced was constipation.

People who take anti-coagulants, who have sickle-cell anemia, or who have difficulty metabolizing vitamin c should not take mega doses of vitamin c with out the supervision of their physician.

 

[bigirl]

I decided to bump this as there have been a few queries about birth control recently. Do with it what you will...

 

[the flash]

ladies you have educated me today!

 

[p5ych3]

nice thread. can these be obtained in the US? i know back home women who boil up
their remedies and drink it. the US seems so advance to have these readily available.

 

[Mo-Better]

Impressive information, I learned a few things reading this.