[Sca-cooks] Rue Substitute / Abortificants

[Chris Stanifer]

--- Jadwiga Zajaczkowa / Jenne Heise <jenne at fiedlerfamily.net> wrote:

> Actually, Oil of rue is an abortifacent. I would avoid using rue in a 
> dish you would share with strangers, and I would warn anyone that there 
> is rue in the dish. Small quantities of rue, ingested, haven't hurt me 
> that I've been able to tell, but in the US it is considered unsafe to 
> use. Fresh rue can also cause a dermatological reaction in those with 
> sensitivity.

I have also heard that Pennyroyal, and in certain (unknown to me) quantities, nutmeg have also
been known to produce spontaneous abortions in pregnant women.

This bit of information is from the A.G.O.R.A. (Aromatherapy Global Online Research Archives), in
the section on 'Aromatherapy and the Treatment of the Reproductive System':

"Abortificants
 Carrot Seed
     
Abortificants
 Juniper
 Juniperus communis
   
Abortificants
 Marjoram
 Origanum majorana
   
Abortificants
 Mugwort
 Artemisia herba alba
   
Abortificants
 Pennyroyal
 Hedeoma pulegioides or Mentha pulegiumv
   
Abortificants
 Sage
 Salvia officinalis"
 

The following is from http://www.sisterzeus.com/Abortif.htm

"Angelica/Dong Quai a uterine stimulant with the ability to strengthen and coordinate
contractions, to help encourage the uterus to expel it's contents. Follow the link for more
information. 

Black Cohosh to help the cervix relax and open. Many herbalists and midwives say it has the
ability to "ripen the cervix" in preparation for childbirth. Follow the link for more information.


Blue Cohosh a uterine stimulant. With unique properties that encourage the uterus to contract.
Susun Weed favors it either before menstruation is due, or at 5-6 weeks of pregnancy. Shouldn't be
combined with Blue Cohosh. Follow the link for more information. 

Cotton Root Bark should be used as a simple (by itself). Interferes with progesterone, and the
corpus luteum. Stimulates uterine contractions. Chinese research supports these findings. Follow
the link for more information. 

Evening Primrose (Oenothera hookeri) may be helpful when used externally to help "ripen the
cervix", this phrase is often used during the birthing process to refer to the condition of the
cervix, the cervix has to dialate to allow a newborn to pass, if the cervix is not ready, midwifes
has herbs they can use to help encourage the cervix to get ready. Things happen a bit differently
in a herbal abortion or miscarriage, the cervix won't dialate the way it does during birth, but
some of the same herbs may still help the cervix to relax and help to facilitate release of the
unwanted pregnancy. 

Parsley for use with other herbs or vitamin c. Good for starting a late period (when not due to
pregnancy). Can be used as a pessary (vaginal suppository) to prepare the cervix for release.
Follow the link for more information. 

Pennyroyal One of the more toxic choices available. A herb with a long history as an
abortifacient. In my opinion, there are better choices than pennyroyal. Follow the link for more
information. 

Pineapple (unripe)- Commonly used in tropical areas where pineapple normally grows. One lady was
kind enough to send me this information: 

"Pineapple is well known in my culture as being the fruit that able to end pregnancy. It is
considered "sharp" thus women during their menses are discouraged to take pineapple as the
bleeding will become heavier and women who are pregnant especially at the earlier stage are
forbidden to take the fruit in fear of miscarriage. 
However my sister had tried to end pregnancy before with 2 pineapples but did not succeed. Since
she's already married, she continued her pregnancy. I took one big young pineapple for the first
day eaten in intervals of 1 -2 hours but I cannot stand the stomach cramps it caused me. I also
tend to develop "blisters" on my tongue cause by the "sharp and stinging" taste of the young
pineapple. 

Later, I was told by an elderly that it takes at least 4-5 fresh medium sized young pineapples
(light yellow and hard, not juicy at all) taken raw, within 2 days along with the few glasses of
pure young pineapple juice (using juice extractor, of course), for better result. I was also told
that pineapple will not be able to end the pregnancy if the women has a healthy and strong
uterus." 

Tansy Should be used with caution, often has side effects, and is probably the most toxic herb
listed here on this website. Also with a lengthy history as a herbal abortifacient. Follow the
link for more information. 

Vitamin C In my opinion, probably the least toxic and most effective choice available. Interferes
with progesterone, works best before the 5th week of pregnancy. Follow the link for more
information. "


There is much more information on the web regarding this subject, and I would encourage any woman
who is pregnant or may become pregnant to do their own research in this regard.  I will not vouch
for the validity of these claims, but will merely caution our fairer gender to excersize caution
before consuming any unknown or unfamiliar herb or spice in medieval (or otherwise) foods.  I do
not know, nor will I pretend to know, the amount of these herbs needed to produce harmful results.

For informational purposes only...

William de Grandfort







=====
Every heart to love will come... but like a refugee.


		
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