Gathering: As avocadoes grow year round in tropical climates, leaves and the bark of young branches are harvested as needed.
Preparation: Avocados are widely distributed throughout the world, so they are available in most groceries year round. Avocado seeds may be grown into houseplants or saved for medicinal use by placing them in the freezer for up to six months. Avocado as an abortifacient would probably be most effective during the first trimester. Generally, abortifacients are more effective if used earlier in the pregnancy, and avocado is no exception.
Words to the Wise: Avocado leaves are used to lower blood sugar in diabetics and reduce blood pressure and cholesterol. Dopamine has been found in avocado leaves. Dopamine may interfere with dopamine-receptor antagonist medicines, so individuals who have Parkinson's disease or mental illnesses should not use avocado leaves. Avocado contains a latex substance that can trigger allergic reactions in people allergic to latex or bananas.[153] Avocado leaves and seeds contain an unidentified toxic principle that has caused lung congestion, mastitis, tissue edema, milk reduction, and death (when large quantities of leaves were consumed) in mammals.[154]
Watch for Signs of Toxicity Specific to Avocado: Gastrointestinal irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the heart and even death.
Abortifacient Avocado Leaf Drink: Boil three avocado leaves in 28 oz. water for three to four minutes and then steep for two to three minutes. Strain. Drink 3 cups/day, for up to six days.
Abortifacient Avocado Seed Drink: Grate one avocado seed into a glass. Add 1 cup (250 ml) water, allow to steep overnight. Drink 2 – 3 oz. (60 – 90 ml) every three to four hours.
Barrenwort
And worts and pansies there which grew
Have secrets others wish they knew.
-Anonymous, from a love poem
AKA: Horny goat weed, yin yang huo, bhat, and fairy wings.
Parts Used: Root and leaves.
Medicinal Properties: Anti-asthmatic, antitussive, and aphrodisiac. Effects on the Body: Considered tonic for stimulating hormone secretion to cure impotence, also used for eye ailments. Low doses increase urine output, while high doses decrease urine output. Abortifacient Action: Increases testosterone, reduces estrogen. Contains: Ceryl alcohol, hentriacontane, oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, phytosterol, and icariin.
Description: Members of the Epimedium genus are hardy perennials native to southern Europe and central, southern, and eastern Asia. Barrenworts are found in the under story of oak forests. Barrenwort’s 5 – 15 in. (13 – 38 cm) high stem branches into three sprays of yellow-green, parallel, veined, heart shaped leaves. Barrenwort flowers, which first appear as red buds in spring, can range in color from white and yellow to mauve.
Barrenwort’s use as medicinal herb dates back to AD 400 to the ancient Chinese medical text Shen Nong, Canon of Medicinal Herbs. According to legend, a Chinese goat herder noticed increased sexual activity in his flock after they ate barrenwort. In Asia, barrenwort leaves are eaten as food; its common name means ‘friend of the barren.’ Chinese research on Epimedium grandiflorum leaf extract reports stimulation of sexual activity and sperm production in animals.[155]
Barrenwort stimulates sensory nerves. Barrenwort is believed to stimulate sex drive in women who are androgen deficient.
Dioscorides mentioned the use of barrenwort as a contraceptive; “its leaves [are] beaten and drunk in the amount of 20 g. in wine after the menstrual period for five days preserve in-conception.”[156] Barrenwort root was also used historically to cause sterility.[157]
Studies have shown that epimedium raises adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine levels in animals. It is the dopamine that may be responsible for the herb's use as a reproductive tonic. Evidence of dopamine receptors in ovaries has been indicated in scientific studies.[158] There is a circular relationship between dopamine, testosterone, and estrogen. Increased dopamine leads to a release of testosterone, and the increased testosterone reduces the number of estrogen receptors. Recent studies have indicated that dopamine receptors are present in the ovaries. Barrenwort’s active compound, icariin, inhibits the activity of PDE-5 and increases nitric oxide, which relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels.
Gathering: Gather leaves during growing season. Flowering sprigs are said to last up to two months in a vase.
Preparation: When purchasing barrenwort leaves, look for a dark green color. Leaves that are yellow or light in color may be bleached from sitting in the sun too long while drying. Barrenwort is used to abort during the first half of the first trimester.
Words to the Wise: Large doses can cause respiratory arrest and muscle spasms. Barrenwort influences dopamine levels. Dopamine may interfere with dopamine-receptor antagonist medicines, so individuals who have Parkinson's disease or mental illnesses should not use barrenwort.
Watch for signs of Toxicity Specific to Barrenwort: Dizziness, vomiting, dry mouth, thirst, and nosebleeds.
Barrenwort Abortifacient Infusion: 1 tsp. (4 g) herb to 1 cup (250 ml) water, taken with food, three to four times a day.
Barrenwort Tincture: 1:3, 45% alcohol, then take ½ - 1 tsp. (2.5 – 5 ml), three to four times a day.
Powdered leaves: 1 tsp. (4 g), taken with food, three - four times a day.
Birthwort
...used among the slaves in Jamaica... a preparation from the root of this [Aristolochia] is known to produce abortion, and is much used for such purposes by Negro females.
-Thomas Strangeways in Sketch of the Mosquito Shore, 1822.
In some cases… I have found [birthwort] useful… But,…long-continued use of such medicines is extremely hurtful, and commonly brings about a general state of disease, more fatal than the original..
-Dr. Cullen in Materia Medica, 1789
153
D. A. Levy, N. Mounedji, C. Noirot, and F. Leynadier, “Allergic Sensitization and Clinical Reactions to Latex, Food and Pollen in Adult Patients,”
154
T. C. Fuller and E. McClintock,
155
J. A. Duke and E.S. Ayensu,
158
Veronica Rey-Ares, Nickolai Lazarov, Dieter Berg, Ulrike Berg, Lars Kunz, and Artur Mayerhofer, “Dopamine receptor repertoire of human granulosa cells,”