#emmenagogue

Contraception in Cookbooks: Herbal Family Planning in the Early Modern Period and Beyond

When condoms began to somewhat resemble their modern form in the sixteenth century, it was a result of centuries of trial and error. Venereal diseases had plagued people since the time immemorial, and various barrier methods had been tried with limited efficacy. Gabriele Falloppio’s De Morbo Gallico recommended wrapping up in linen sheaths soaked in salt. Other reusable condoms were made from…

I've always had an irregular cycle. In high school, I'd probably get 3 periods a year. Lately my cycle has started regulating, haven't missed one yet, though the last two came on a little late. I had the cramps, the bloating, mood swings, all the shitty side effects that come with your period, but surprise! No bleeding.

A good way to induce it is Oregano tea!! Oregano is classified as a emmenagogue, an herb that stimulates menstrual flow. Just add a spoonful or two (I've been using dried) to boiling water and let it sit for 5 minutes or so. I'll add a spoonful of honey bc it can be bitter. The first time I tried the tea, I got it the next day. The second time, I was just spotting. (which for me might last a couple days, like a light period, and I end up getting my actual one a week or two later which sucks. No one wants to deal with that) I had the tea and lo and behold, it brought it on quick af.

You can have a few cups a day but one has done the trick for me. Keep in mind! Your body has to complete it's ovulation cycle, usually 14 days before your scheduled time of the month. This can be very helpful to ease your nerves if you were a little careless with unprotected sex and worrying about being late, if you've been spotting a few days, or if you're struggling with cramping/bloating before your actual period.

Sabatia angularis

Common Names: Bitterbloom, bitter clover, eyebright, red centaury, rose pink, wild succory. 

Medicinal Part: The herb. 

Description: American centaury is a biennial plant, 1 to 2 feet high, that grows in most parts of the U.S. on damp, rich soils. The yellow, fibrous root sends up a branched, erect, quadrangular, smooth stem. The leaves are opposite, smooth, and entire, their bases clasping. A terminal umbel consists of many rose-or carnation-colored flowers that appear from June to September. The seeds are borne in short, wheat-like husks. 

Properties and Uses: Bitter tonic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge. The warm infusion is particularly good as a bitter tonic for indigestion (dyspepsia) and during convalescence, when the appetite suffers. The other categories indicate older uses and may be more or less effective.

Preparation and Dosage: Gather the plant when in flower. 

Infusion: Use 1 tsp. chopped herb with 1 cup boiling water; steep for ½ hour. Take 1 tbsp. every few hours or as needed. 

Part used: leaves

Energy & Flavors: aromatic, bitter, warming

Affectations: liver, lungs, uterus, stomach

Properties: diaphoretic, emmenagogue, carminative, antispasmodic, stimulant, stomachic

Pennyroyal is a powerful digestive aid, taken as tea it relieves gas and indigestion, activates bile and helps expel phlegm.

Pennyroyal oil is often used to repel insects (fleas, flies & mosquitos)

Pennyroyal used in herbal baths induces sweating to break a fever or route a cold, encourages circulation, and eases cramps and muscle spasms.