Safe and Natural: Herbal Birth Control Methods Every Woman Should Know
Birth control, also known as contraception, refers to methods and techniques used to prevent pregnancy from occurring. The primary goal of birth control is to enable individuals or couples to have control over their reproductive choices and to avoid or plan pregnancies according to their desires and circumstances.
Various medical contraceptive techniques are effective, but oral contraceptive methods can have some risky side effects, such as nausea, weight gain, increased menstrual bleeding, and liver problems. Birth control options play a major role in the fertility and overall health of both men and women.
Nature’s always got a solution to every problem, and birth control isn’t untouched by the benefits of nature. Some cost-effective birth control methods can be practiced at home; Although they are not infallible, they have been used since ancient times. Following the suggested methods, it is good to know about them and use them for enhanced protection.
Birth control is essential for responsible family planning, improving the overall well-being of individuals and communities, and providing individuals with the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive lives. Women of childbearing age should be protected from unwanted pregnancies as this can have negative effects on their reproductive health. To replenish the nutritional supply and ensure a non-complicated healthy birth, women must stay at least three years between two pregnancies.
Herbal Birth Control Methods
How to Prevent Pregnancy Naturally
Use the calendar method:
The “safest days not to get pregnant” refer to specific times during a woman’s menstrual cycle when the likelihood of becoming pregnant is significantly lower. These days are based on your menstrual cycle and timing of ovulation, which means that you’re releasing an egg from the ovary. Pregnancy is not possible if the egg does not fertilize.
Typically, the safest days to avoid pregnancy are:
Menstruation phase: the earliest days of a woman’s cycle when she starts to have periods. During this time, the uterus sheds its lining, and the chances of pregnancy are meager. 2. Pre-ovulation phase: the days leading up to ovulation. Sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for several days, but eggs are not released until then, which decreases the likelihood of pregnancy during this period.
It is important to note that the menstrual cycle and ovulation timing can vary from woman to woman, and it may not be a completely reliable method of birth control. In addition, the method does not protect in case of STIs.
A woman must have a regularly scheduled menstrual cycle and closely follow her calendars for the identification of fertile, unfertilized days if she is to be effective in using either the Natural family planning method or any other Family Planning Method. To ensure that the method is precise and effective, couples wishing to avoid pregnancy using natural methods of family planning should consider receiving appropriate education and guidance from a healthcare professional. For more reliable contraception, considering other birth control methods like condoms, hormonal contraceptives, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) is recommended.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method:
The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) method, also known as the Temperature method, is a natural form of birth control that relies on tracking changes in a woman’s basal body temperature throughout her menstrual cycle. This method is based on the fact that a woman’s body temperature slightly rises after ovulation due to the release of the hormone progesterone.
Here’s how the Temperature Method works:
1. Basal Body Temperature (BBT) Tracking: To use this method, a woman needs to take her basal body temperature every morning at the same time before getting out of bed. This temperature should be recorded on a special chart.
2. Ovulation: In the first half of the menstrual cycle, the body temperature is relatively lower. After ovulation, when an egg is released from the ovaries, there is a slight increase in temperature due to progesterone.
3. Fertile Window: The fertile window is the period when pregnancy is most likely to occur. It includes the days leading up to and just after ovulation when the egg can be fertilized by sperm. This phase is identified by observing a rise in basal body temperature.
4. Avoiding Unprotected Sex: To prevent pregnancy, couples using the Temperature Method should avoid having unprotected sex during the fertile window. Instead, they can use barrier methods like condoms or abstain from intercourse during this period.
It’s important to note that the Temperature Method requires consistency and precision in recording temperatures and interpreting the data. Factors such as illness, lack of sleep, or irregular sleep patterns can affect basal body temperature, making the method less reliable.
When the temperature method is coupled with additional natural family planning methods, e.g. monitoring cervical mucus changes or fertility awareness techniques, it will be best suited to perform this task. For more reliable contraception, especially for those who want to avoid pregnancy consistently, considering other birth control methods like condoms, hormonal contraceptives, or intrauterine devices (IUDs) is recommended. Furthermore, the temperature method does not confer protection against sexually transmitted infections.
Condom:
Condoms are a popular and effective form of birth control used to prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are thin, latex, or polyurethane sheaths that are placed over the penis before sexual intercourse or can be worn internally in the case of female condoms.
Here’s how condoms work as a birth control method:
1. Barrier Protection: Condoms act as a barrier between the penis and the vagina, cervix, or anus, preventing sperm from coming into contact with the egg during intercourse. This barrier helps to block the sperm’s entry into the reproductive tract, reducing the risk of pregnancy.
2. STI Prevention: In addition to preventing pregnancy, condoms provide a significant level of protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They help to reduce the transmission of STIs by preventing direct contact between bodily fluids.
3. Easy to Use: Condoms are readily available and easy to use. They do not require a prescription and can be purchased from drugstores, supermarkets, or obtained for free at many healthcare clinics.
4. Compatibility: Condoms can be used by both males and females, making them a versatile contraceptive option for all sexually active individuals.
5. On-Demand Method: Unlike hormonal contraceptives, condoms do not require planning. They can be used as needed, providing immediate protection.
6. Lack of Side Effects: Condoms do not introduce hormones into the body, so they do not cause hormonal side effects that some other birth control methods may have.
To ensure the effectiveness of condoms, it’s essential to use them correctly and consistently during every sexual encounter. Proper usage involves checking the condom for any damage before use, leaving enough space at the tip to collect semen, and avoiding the use of oil-based lubricants, as they can weaken latex condoms.
Condoms are a valuable tool for preventing both unwanted pregnancies and the transmission of STIs. For added protection, some couples choose to use condoms in combination with other contraceptive methods, like hormonal birth control or intrauterine devices (IUDs).
How Herbs are Used for Birth Control
Queen Anne’s Lace, also known as wild carrot (Daucus carota), has a historical reputation as a traditional herbal birth control method. However, it’s essential to understand that relying solely on this herb for contraception is not recommended or considered a safe and reliable method.
How Queen Anne’s Lace is Believed to Work as Birth Control: Queen Anne’s Lace contains compounds that may have mild contraceptive properties. The seeds of the plant contain substances called lignans, which are believed to interfere with the implantation of a fertilized egg in the uterus, potentially preventing pregnancy. Some traditional practices involved consuming the seeds or extracts as a form of birth control.
Cotton Root Bark
Cotton Root Bark (Gossypium spp.) has a historical background of being used by some indigenous communities as a traditional herbal method for birth control. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the use of Cotton Root Bark for contraception is not supported by scientific evidence, and its safety and efficacy are not well-established.
How Cotton Root Bark is Believed to Work as Birth Control: Cotton Root Bark contains certain compounds, including gossypol, which have been studied for their potential impact on male fertility. Gossypol may interfere with sperm production and motility, which led to its exploration as a male contraceptive in early research.
Cotton Seeds
Another traditional form of birth control that has existed in some cultures for centuries is the cotton seed. The seeds contain a substance called gossypol, which has been shown to reduce fertility by inhibiting sperm production in men and ovulation in women.
While cotton seed extract has been used in clinical trials as a male contraceptive, it has not been approved for use by the FDA because of potential side effects such as infertility and liver damage. In addition, cotton seeds are poisonous and should not be eaten in their natural form.
Pennyroyal (Spearmint)
Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a type of mint plant that has been historically associated with herbal birth control practices. However, it’s crucial to stress that using Pennyroyal or any herbal remedy for contraception is highly risky and not recommended. There is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy or safety as a reliable method of birth control.
How Pennyroyal is Believed to Work as Birth Control: Pennyroyal has been traditionally thought to have emmenagogue properties, which means it may stimulate menstruation and uterine contractions. Some practitioners have used Pennyroyal as an abortifacient (a substance that induces abortion) or for contraception based on these properties.
Black and Blue Cohosh
Black Cohosh (Actaea racemosa) and Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides) are two separate herbs, both of which have historical associations with traditional medicine and folklore, including usage as potential abortifacients (substances that induce abortion). It is important to emphasize that using these herbs for birth control purposes is highly dangerous and not recommended. They have not been scientifically proven to be effective or safe as contraceptive methods.
Black Cohosh: Black Cohosh is a plant native to North America, and its roots have been used traditionally by some indigenous communities for various medicinal purposes. While it is not specifically considered a birth control herb, it has been historically associated with some abortifacient properties.
Blue Cohosh: Blue Cohosh is also a plant native to North America, and its roots have been historically used by some indigenous groups for medicinal purposes. It is sometimes referred to as “squaw root” and has been linked to traditional uses related to childbirth and menstruation. However, it is not considered a reliable or safe method of contraception.
You should consult your doctor for advice on the dose of this medicinal product. To prevent pregnancy, take it in the form of a brewing mixture.
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is an herb commonly used in culinary dishes and as a garnish. Some historical claims and folk traditions suggest that consuming large amounts of parsley might have contraceptive properties. However, it’s essential to emphasize that using parsley as a birth control method is not a safe or reliable option, and there is no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for contraception.
How Parsley is Believed to Work as Birth Control: The belief that parsley might have contraceptive properties is based on the notion that consuming significant quantities of parsley could potentially stimulate uterine contractions or interfere with hormonal processes, leading to menstruation and preventing pregnancy. However, these claims lack scientific support and can be hazardous to health.
Fruits and Dry Fruits(Herbal contraceptives)
Papaya: Papaya is made up of an enzyme called papain, which inhibits progesterone, a sex hormone that is essential for conception. Eating papaya after unprotected sex can help prevent pregnancy. It prevents fertilization and helps in birth control. Avoid taking papaya if the pregnancy test is positive as it can lead to miscarriage and other problems.
In some cultures, papaya seed is a natural form of birth control. It is believed that the seeds contain a substance, carpene, which reduces fertility by inhibiting the production of progesterone, an important hormone for pregnant women. Papaya seeds can be eaten raw, wet, or in powdered form. To make the seeds more tolerable, some women mix them with honey or another sweetener.
Although there is limited scientific research on the effectiveness of papaya seed as a contraceptive, some studies have shown that papaya seed may have anti-fertility properties. However, it should be noted that consumption of a high volume of papaya seeds can lead to toxicity and may result in adverse reactions. Pregnant women are not advised to consume papaya seeds altogether, as they can cause complications and even miscarriage.
Neem is a natural spermicidal herb that has been used as an oral contraceptive since ancient times. You can take the Indian herb in leaves, extracts, or an oil of neem. Although it does not affect the production of sperm, neem kills sperm. Both men and women can take neem extract or neem oil as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. It is said that injecting neem oil through the vagina can cause reversible infertility in women for about a year.
While herbal contraceptives may seem like a natural and attractive alternative to other forms of birth control, it is important to remember that they are not as reliable or effective. Before trying any herbal contraceptive, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider to discuss the potential risks and benefits. Additionally, it is recommended to use a combination of methods to reduce the risk of unintended pregnancy.
