There are some plants and seeds that have been traditionally used as natural contraceptives. They are considered the best and were used by families; generations before now, and these plants and seeds kept pregnancy away, giving them opportunities to give birth to a certain number even when they married earlier.
At the introduction of orthodox medicine, these plants and seeds were relegated, with little attention paid to them. Sadly, most of the synthetic contraceptives were offshoot from further researches on the compounds that made these plants and seeds work as contraceptive.
The Shift From Tradition To Modern Life
When I thought of this topic, I decided to check a few things about the move away from plant medicine to modern medicine and I found different interesting studies.
One of the studies was a review of the relationship between natural products, traditional medicines, and modern medicine.
It explores how traditional medical systems, such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, have contributed to drug discovery. The study underscores the significance of natural products in developing new drugs and the ongoing relevance of traditional knowledge in modern pharmacology (1).
So, back to the old days where families relied more on these best natural contraceptives – plants and seeds – to control pregnancy. Here are a few they explored that helped them.
Before you read about these plants and seeds that work as contraceptive, remember that for some other reasons these plants could fail to give a 100% cover.
Le’s dive in.
1. Wild Carrot Seeds (Queen Anne’s Lace)
Wild carrot seeds contain several bioactive compounds that may contribute to their traditional use as a natural contraceptive. Some of the key compounds in this plant that make it offer some contraceptive support are:
- Myristicin – A natural compound that can affect hormone levels and possibly disrupt implantation.
- Apiol – Found in parsley and wild carrot seeds; may have effects on the uterus and menstrual cycle.
One of the very factors that could make a woman’s fertility journey far is hormonal imbalance (2).
Imagine when the prolactin of a woman is higher and she expresses milk from her breast like a woman who had given birth. The body is saying she is nursing a child while there is no pregnancy talk more of a baby.
Also, you know that anything that disrupts the activities in the uterus that could bring about implantation is a consistent catalyst to pregnancy.
So this plant worked for women of old as a result of this compounds.
How it works: Prevents implantation of a fertilized egg.
How to use: Chew or take a teaspoon of crushed seeds daily for a few days after unprotected sex.
Caution: Can cause stomach irritation; avoid if pregnant.
2. Neem (Dogonyaro) (Azadirachta indica)
Neem, margosa, nimtree or Indian lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae. It is one of the two species in the genus Azadirachta.
It is one of the trusted natural contraceptive used by families of old.
Neem works better when you use it in oil form. Neem oil is a strong spermicidal agent. It renders the sperm ineffective.
“Rhesus monkey and human spermatozoa became totally immotile within 30 seconds of contact with the undiluted oil,” a study says.
Also, studies conducted with rats, rabbits, rhesus monkeys and human volunteers, proved that neem oil applied intravaginally (into the vagina) before sexual intercourse prevented pregnancy in all the species. (1)
How it works: In men, neem oil can reduce sperm count temporarily. In women, it may prevent pregnancy.
How to use: Neem oil can be used as a spermicide or neem leaf extract may be taken.
Caution: High doses can be toxic. We recommend it should be used as lubricant and as spermicide.
3. Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Ruta graveolens, commonly known as rue, common rue or herb-of-grace, is a species of the genus Ruta. It is grown as an ornamental plant and herb.
Also, it is native to the Balkan Peninsula.
Several studies have investigated the contraceptive properties of rue, focusing on its effects on both male and female reproductive systems.
Effects On Male Reproduction
Spermatogenesis Reduction
A study published in the Indian Journal of Urology examined the impact of ethanol extracts of Ruta graveolens on adult male Wistar rats. The findings revealed a significant decrease in epididymal sperm count in the treated rats compared to the control group, indicating that R. graveolens may impair spermatogenesis (3).
Sperm Immobilisation
Also, a research published in the journal Andrologia explored the effects of Ruta graveolens aqueous extract on human spermatozoa. The study found that the extract could immobilise human sperm, an effect attributed to its coumarin compounds and high osmolality (4).
Effects On Female Reproduction
Historical Use As An Abortifacient
Historically, Ruta graveolens has been used as an abortifacient and emmenagogue. Ancient texts, including those by Greek and Roman physicians, reference its use to induce menstruation and terminate pregnancies (5).
Impact On Pregnancy in Mice
A study in the journal Contraception investigated the effects of Ruta graveolens extract on pregnant mice.
The results indicated that while the extract did not cause preimplantation embryonic loss or resorptions, fetal death was observed.
Notably, the extract did not exhibit estrogenic activity (6).
Active Compounds
The contraceptive effects of Ruta graveolens are believed to be due to its diverse chemical composition, which includes:
- Alkaloids: Such as arborinine and graveoline.
- Coumarins: Including chalepensin, which has been identified as an active component with antifertility properties.
- Essential Oils: Containing compounds like undecan-2-one and nonan-2-one.
These compounds may contribute to the plant’s ability to disrupt reproductive processes.
How it works: Contains compounds that may prevent pregnancy.
How to use: Traditionally made into a tea.
Caution: Can be toxic in large amounts. Not safe during pregnancy.
4. Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
According to a study, Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyroyal) is an aromatic perennial herb of the mint family with a strong spearmint-like odor (7).
The study says earlier, “MP was widely cultivated and used traditionally as an insect repellent, food preservative, emmenagogue, and to relieve menstruation ailments Mentha pulegium L. (Pennyroyal) is an aromatic perennial herb of the mint family with a strong spearmint-like odour.
Furthermore, a study says extract was successful in terminating the pregnancy with minimal behavioral abnormalities and low toxicity margins (8).
How it works: Known for its historical use in preventing pregnancy.
How to use: Usually taken as tea or extract.
Caution: Can be very toxic; not recommended due to serious health risks.
5. Cotton Root Bark (Gossypium Herbaceum)
This is the air-dried bark of the roots of various cultivated cottons (especially Gossypium herbaceum).
According to a study, antifertility activity exceeding 99% efficacy has been noted (9).
The effective compound in the plant is Gossypol which has been shown to exert antifertility activity in both male and female.
According to another article it is very effective for men (10).
How it works: Can stop the production of progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy.
How to use: Made into tea or tincture.
Caution: Can cause hormonal imbalances.
Also, the primary serious side effect is low potassium in the body that is readily reversed with potassium supplementation.
6. Papaya Seeds
Also, the seed of pawpaw is another seed that could serve as contraceptive.
According to a study, the Carica papaya seed extract shows antifertility, anti-implantation and abortifacient effects in the treated animals associated with its ability to alternate hormonal activity that regulates the estrous cycle. Hence, it can be use as a contraceptive agent (11)
How it works: In men, regular consumption may lower sperm count temporarily.
How to use: Eat a small amount of raw seeds daily.
Caution: Effects wear off after stopping use.
7. Castor Seeds
This is one that has been used by women for years and we have documented something on this seed in our earlier articles.
Kindly read about how it works: Castor Seed For Family Planning | What Women Should Know.
To understand how these plants and seeds work, you need to understand that it takes a balanced hormone for pregnancy to occur.
So, these plants and seeds create and imbalance in hormone, making it hard for the woman to conceive or the make to impregnate a woman.
While these plants and seeds have very little side effects, or none in some cases, it is advisable that you follow the recommendations.
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