what to drink to prevent pregnancy?

Home Remedies for Birth Control
Kriti Jain
Written by Kriti Jain, B.Tech Biotechnology; PG Diploma in Clinical Research
Article Reviewed by The Medindia Medical Review Team on Feb 14, 2022

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Birth control is a watchful measure to prevent and avoid unwanted pregnancy. It is important to understand the value of careful birth control methods in order to make it harmless for women not ready to be pregnant. Various medical contraception techniques are effective but may have certain risks associated, such as side effects in case of birth control pills. Not only females but male birth control options or preventive measures can be taken to avoid pregnancy

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Nature always has solutions for any condition, and birth control is not untouched by nature’s benefits. There are some cheap birth control methods that can be practiced at home; however, they are not foolproof.
Why Birth Control?
Women in childbearing age must be protected against unwanted pregnancy as this can negatively affect her reproductive health. It is important to maintain at least 3-year space between two pregnancies for women to replenish the nutrient pool and allow a non-complicated healthy pregnancy.

Healthy mother bears a healthy child. Birth control is very important for ensuring the good physical and mental health of the unborn child. Birth control is also an obligatory measure to combat rising population issues.
Home Remedies for Birth Control
Knowing the importance of birth control for good health, one must look for suitable and effective birth control options. Many natural remedies for birth control are safe and easy that can be practiced at home. However, these are not foolproof and should be used only if other options are not available. Let’s take a look at different types of birth control methods:

1. Physical Methods

Calendar method: Calendar method is a technique marking monthly menstrual cycles to check the dates falling on ovulation days on which there are maximum chances of getting pregnant. It is a preventive measure to avoid pregnancy by calculating the possible days of ovulation. Minimum of 12 cycles must be charted, subtract 18 days from shortest and 11 days from longest menstrual cycle to get the days when you are most fertile. Use protection on these days or follow abstinence from intercourse to prevent pregnancy.

Birth Control: Use Calendar Method Technique

Temperature method: Ovulation results in raised body temperature. Record body temperature three times daily to find the day when ovulation occurs. Preventing intercourse on these days or using protection can be helpful in avoiding unwanted pregnancy.
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Condom: It is the most popular barrier method of contraception. Using a condom during intercourse is the most effective and safe birth control option. It is rare that this method could fail. One should ensure proper hygiene while using a condom to avoid any infection.

2. Herbs for Birth Control

Queen Anne’s Lace: Queen Anne’s Lace or wild carrot seed prevents implantation of egg by disrupting progesterone synthesis. Its seeds must be taken soon after unprotected intercourse up to seven days. It can also be taken as a concoction or tea. Mild side effects like constipation may follow its usage.

Wild Carrot or Queen Anne's lace for Birth Control

Cotton Root Bark: Cotton root bark when dried is an herb preventing pregnancy. The dried cotton root, when taken as tea or boiled in water, stimulates the release of the hormone oxytocin that prevents pregnancy.
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Neem: Neem is a spermicidal herb which has been used since ancient times as a contraceptive. This Indian herb can be taken as leaves, extract or neem oil. Though it does not affect the production of sperm, neem kills sperms instead. Both males and females can take neem extract or neem oil as a contraceptive to prevent pregnancy in a most effective way. Injecting neem oil through the vagina can cause reversible infertility in female for about one year.

Pennyroyal (Spearmint): Pennyroyal is also a good option to prevent unwanted pregnancy. This ancient method is most helpful when the herb is added to tea and taken in small dosage. More than required consumption can cause poisonous reactions too. Consult an alternative medicine doctor before taking this herb.

Black and Blue Cohosh: Black and Blue Cohosh herbs stimulate the release of oxytocin hormone resulting in contraction of uterine walls and prevent pregnancy. One must consult a doctor about the dosage that can be taken. Consume it in the form of brewed concoction for preventing pregnancy.

Use Black and Blue Cohosh for Birth Control


Parsley: Parsley a readily available herb useful in preventing pregnancy. It does not have any side effects, which makes it one of the most beneficial organic birth control methods.

3. Fruits and Dry Fruits

Citrus fruits: Vitamin C is useful birth control option. Citrus fruits like lemon, amla and guava are rich in vitamin C content. Pure vitamin C is most recommended to avoid pregnancy. Pure vitamin C can also be taken as supplements. Take 2 doses of vitamin C (500 mg) up to 3 days after unprotected intercourse. It should not be taken if tested positive for pregnancy.


Dried Apricot: Dried apricot is also helpful in birth control if taken after intercourse. Mix some dried apricots with honey and water and blend it into a mixture. Consume one cup of this mixture to prevent pregnancy. It is an effective, easy and quick way to avoid unwanted pregnancy.

Dried Apricots and Honey for Birth Control

Papaya: Eating papaya after unsafe intercourse helps prevent pregnancy. It does not let fertilization to occur and aids birth control. Avoid taking papaya if the pregnancy test is positive as it may lead to abortion and other problems.

Dried Anjeer (Fig): Anjeer is adopted as a method of birth control since ancient times. Eating 1-2 dried anjeer fruit helps prevent unwanted pregnancy. Large quantities of dried anjeer may upset stomach so it must only be taken in controlled quantities.

As warned earlier, all these home remedies are not foolproof method of preventing unwanted pregnancies and should be only used if other options are not available.

Published on Oct 29, 2015
Last Updated on Feb 14, 2022