Herbal medicine does not always help to boost your fertility. There are certain herbs that can have a negative impact on your fertility. These herbs can cause an imbalance in the body, thus lessening the chances of pregnancy. In the olden days, some of the herbs were used as natural contraceptives, as they were found to have anti-fertility effects.
Various herbs affect fertility in different ways. There are some herbs which disturb the production of normal levels of hormones, while some will act on the ovary, some inhibit implantation and others affect the uterus. In men, some herbs are found to reduce sperm count or decrease the mobility of the sperms. The anti-fertility action of such herbs is not understandable. 5 of these anti-fertility herbs are discussed below.
1. Wild Yam
Wild yam is a typical herbal contraceptive which has to be taken regularly to decrease the chances of getting pregnant. It has to be taken twice a day regularly, without fail, for at least a month in order to let the herb start its working.
2. Pomegranate
This fruit has been used as a contraceptive since olden days. The extracts of the fruit has oestrone which is structurally identical to the estrogen hormone. Thus, it is believed to reduce fertility by altering the levels of the hormones.
3. Neem Oil
Neem oil has lots of germicidal properties and it is used for curing of worms and germs. For anti-fertility purpose, it must be used vaginally as a spermacide by women to kill the sperms. In men, it is taken orally to bring temporary sterility. This oil is also believed to prevent the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
4. Seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace (QAL)
It is also known as wild carrot, and it is a contraceptive that can be taken as and when required. The seeds of this carrot have natural contraceptive properties. If these seeds are taken within the first 8 hours of sexual intercourse followed by a second dose, they can prevent fertilization. The seeds do not taste pleasant, and hence, the tincture form of this herb is used for anti-fertility purposes.
5. Kernels of Apricot
Kernels of the apricot have an anti-cancer property. Due to this property, it treats the developing fetus as a malign foreign body and destroys it. Eating 5 to 10 kernels 2 or 3 times daily from the time of unprotected sexual intercourse to menstruation cycle can reduce the chances of pregnancy.
Word of Caution
As these herbs have anti-fertility properties, you must avoid them if you are trying to have a child. On contrary, you can have them if you do not want to get pregnant. While using these herbs for contraceptive purposes, you will have to follow other alternative contraceptive methods also. Since there is not scientific proof to show their effective contraception, it is better to use other precautions such as avoiding intercourse during the fertile period.
