Finding Jessica

...for you tree-hugger rhythm and such method types out there, here are a few things I learned in my History of Ancient Medieval Science class...

• Ferula- also know as the giant fennel, has yellow flowers but is a scrub; found in semi-arid regions on hillsides and stony slopes; contraceptive and early-term abortifacient; Ferula opopanax Spr. (silphion, very effective version, but unfortunately now extinct); emmenagogue (menstrual stimulant)

 

 

• Pomegranate (yep, that's right!)- oral contraceptive and vaginal suppository, (Punica granatum L.), the seeds and peel or rind have contraceptive properties; 72% effective in rats, 100% in guinea pigs, does not affect fertility

 

• Juniper- "Gossip records a miracle", states Pliny the Elder: "that to rub it [crushed juniper berries] all over the male part before coitus prevents conception". Crushed juniper berries could also be placed on the vulva prior to coitus as a contraceptive. Two species are referred to as both a contraceptive drug and an abortifacient. Also about 60% effective orally (extract of the root)

 

• Rue- an evergreen perennial with yellow to yellow-greenish flower, plants emit a powerful stinky odor; contains philocarpine, a substance given to horses to induce abortion; a traditional abortifacient amond hispanics in New Mexico and used as a tea for abortive purposes throughout Latin America; should be avoided if pregnant due to emmenagogic properties; a similar plant in the same family has potential as a post-coital interceptor (Murraya paniculata/var. M.sapientum L., called yuehchukene)

 

• Pennyroyal- was used both as a contraceptive and an abortifacient, emmenagogue; steeped in tepid water, soaked in wine; there has been a known death in 1978 from a (stupid) young girl taking pennyroyal oil to induce an abortion...not recommended; cannot be legally sold in the US as a drug

 

• Squirting Cucumber- (Ecballium elaterium L.) looks rather like the normal garden cucumber, but has no tendrils; the name derives from the fact that when its fruit dries it squirts out its seeds; good as "an abortive suppository for the uterus"; contraceptive not abortifacient, impedes ovulation

 

• Queen Anne's Lace- (also known as a wild carrot or daucus) has a reddish, slender, and strongly aromatic root with stems about two feet high; can be found in the Appalchian Mountains of North Carolina in the autumn; after coitus, a woman taking a spoonful of the seeds in a glass of water is confident that she will not conceive

An interesting excerpt from Sacred Earth (think its what the site is called anyways)

Miscarriage is a traumatic experience and although relatively common, quite often also unnecessary. However, if the conditions just are not right for the embryo no herbs nor magic will be able to prevent it from happening. The first 3 months of pregnancy are the most vulnerable time for mother and child. Midwives throughout the ages have always advised women to pay special attention to their lifestyles and to what they eat, drink or otherwise absorb during this time. It is essential to avoid all toxins and strong stimulants in order to minimize the possibility of negative effects on the baby's development. After all, whether mother or baby like it or not, the growing embryo has its share in whatever the mother ingests or exposes herself to. Needless to say one should abstain from alcohol (even is small amounts) caffeine and nicotine containing substances as well as any chemical substances. Herbs that have a stimulating effect on the womb and thus could accidentally cause a miscarriage should also be avoided. These are the same herbs that can help to bring on a delayed period. Sage (Salvia officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Wormwood (Artemisia absinthum), Southernwood (Artemisia abrotanum) and other Artemisias, Thuja (Thuja occidentalis), Black Cohosh (Cimcifuga racemosa), Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis)...to name but a few (but not all), that should be avoided. Generally speaking it is best to avoid taking herbs altogether for the first 3 month to minimize any possible risks.


Happy experimenting!