Plant substitutes for hormones that stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more gonadotropic hormones. Herbs that initiate and promote the menstrual flow. Most are uterine tonics and stimulants to restore normal function of the female reproductive system. Not used in pregnancy, except when a practitioner has good cause to do so in the first few weeks. They include: Agnus Castus, Angelica, Basil, Barberry, Autumn Crocus, Blood root, Beth root, Black Cohosh, Black Haw, Blue Cohosh, Caraway, Celery seeds, Chamomile, Coltsfoot, Cramp bark, Cinnamon, False Unicorn root, Fenugreek, Feverfew, Gentian, Ginger, Goldenseal, Greater Celandine, Holy Thistle, Juniper berries, Lime flowers, Lovage, Marigold, Marjoram, Motherwort, Mugwort, Myrrh, Parsley root, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Poke root, Pulsatilla, Raspberry leaves, Red Sage, Rosemary, Rue, Senna, Shepherd’s Purse, Southernwood, Squaw Vine, St John’s Wort, Tansy, Thuja, Thyme, True Unicorn root, Valerian, Vervain, Wormwood, Yarrow.
Combination. Equal parts: Mugwort, Senna, Chamomile. 2 teaspoons to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. 1 cup morning and midday.
Papaya fruit. Contraceptive used to halt pregnancy. Papain, an enzyme in the tropical fruit, attacks progesterone, the hormone essential to pregnancy.
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