Herbal Birth Control

Herbal birth control is most effective with knowledge of your fertility cycles, selective abstinence, and barriers to sperm. These herbs may not be 100% effective, but may help prevent implantation of a fertilized egg, may cause temporary or permanent sterility, and bring on a late menstrual flow. Some of these herbs have potentially dangerous side effects so please respect their power.

Stoneseed root~Once used by Shoshone women to cause permanent sterility. Steep it for several hours in cold, rather than boiling water, and drink a cup daily.

Jack in the Pulpit Root~This was used by Hopi women and prevented conception for one week. Stir one teaspoon of the dried, powdered root into a half cup of cold water. If sterility was desired, two teaspoonsful were stirred into a cup of hot water.

Thistles~Many types of thistles seem to be useful in inhibiting fertilization. This herb was used by the Quinault Indians to induce temporary sterility by preparing an infusion by boiling the entire plant in water and drinking the strong liquid.