by Leonard Konis

Created on: January 12, 2008

Herbal contraceptives date back to the Greek Empire (at least 3,000 years) or ancient times. Certain herbs proven by scientific research: Affective anti-fertility method. When taking an herb for contraceptive purpose, beware each herb taken differently, some are taken daily, and when needed during fertile time preventing pregnancy. Many women choose herbal contraceptive method for various reasons: Cheaper than modern contraceptive methods, alternatively fewer difficulties or no complications compared to modern contraceptives, and seeking a different contraceptive method. However, taking herbal contraceptives may risk exposure to health concerns, not always 100% effective, and should not be taken with prescribed medication or having an existing health problem. Taking herbal contraceptives long term may or may not cause a health concerns. Some herbalists don't recommend herb for contraception, because potential unreliability. 1

During the Roman Empire, a coin depicted a picture of the contraceptive herb asafoetida (Devil's dung, stinking gum, asant, food of the gods, hing and giant fennel 3) named by the Romans silphium. Greeks named the herb Silphion. 4 This perineal plant native to Iran. The asafoetida produces a pungent sulfurous odor. The plant made into a spice as a digestive aid, condiment and pickles. Reported in human tests asafoetida used as a contraceptive and substance that induces abortion. 3 Roman physician Soranus, antiquity's foremost gynecologist wrote, regarding silphium, women drink the juice from the plant with water once a month, he said: "It not only prevents conception but also destroys anything existing". 4

Queen Annes Lace (wild carrot) a biennial plant, in the second year, stems are erect and branched; both stems and leaves are covered with short coarse hairs, and reach height two to four feet. The plant strives growing in direct sunlight and well drained neutral to alkaline soil. Originally the plant was brought to the United States from Europe. It grows abundantly in western part of the Cascades in Oregon and Washington. Wild carrot attracts sheep as a source of food. During late 1980s scientists discovered Queen Annes Lace in mice, blocked the production of progesterone and inhibited fetal and ovarian growth .6 (In Chinese laboratory tests confirmed Queen Annes Lace seeds inhibited progesterone, required to fertilize an egg 5) According to a study ..." in which twelve women from New York City used 1 teaspoon of QAL (Queen Annes Lace)

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