Eve's Herbs: A History of Contraception and Abortion
in the West, James M. Riddle,
Historian, James M. Riddle daringly presents
overwhelming evidence that our ancestors controlled their own reproduction
through the use of herbs. This
information was lost when university-trained doctors entered medical practice
in the Middle Ages. Most orthodox
historians do not believe that our ancestors practiced herbal birth control,
indeed, many do not believe that such a thing exists. Riddle is cool and objective in his
examination of evidence for historical contraception. He uses old texts, old census records and ancient
trial transcripts to make his case. He
gives specific herbs and often includes the results of modern laboratory tests
of these substances. This book is of
interest to anyone with an interest in social history, alternative medicine, midwifery,
women’s studies or practical information on the subject of natural birth
control and abortion. This ground-breaking work is well-researched,
well-documented and organized.
Eve’s Herbs and Riddle’s companion to this
work, Contraception and Abortion From the Ancient World to the Renaissance
will open up an entirely new view of history for many people and provide a basis
for further research into practical and folkloric use of herbs and effective,
non-pharmaceutical, contraception and abortion.
Wild Yam:
Birth Control Without Fear, by Willa Schaffer, Woodland
Publishing Co., 1994. ***
This eight page booklet is not as informative as one
might expect. The author tells of her
experience as a midwife with her patients using Wild Yam as birth control. Details are vague. No actual dosages are given and the author
fails to mention the importance of the quality of the herbs. I would not recommend buying this book when
there are many far better resources for information on Wild Yam (Discorea
Villosa or Discorea Vulgaris) as birth control.
For further research on this subject visit: http://www.sisterzeus.com/