SHERBAL ABORTION The Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge Daucus carota flower UNI M. TIAMATHerbal Abortion The Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge Uni mM. TiamatDEDICATION To all women; past, present, and fiture: who, impassioned by love of the earth mother and the life that abounds here, fight to protect freedom for herself, her sisters, and all those abused by patriarchal domination, Important Notice to All Readers: This herbal health book is not intended to endorse, prescribe or diagnose in anyway. All information within is shared in the understanding that each individual reader is solely responsible for their decisions and actions. The author and the publisher are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any remedies, procedures, or preparations included in this Herbal Abortion handbook. Do to the fact that there are little to no controlled studies of herbal remedies, readers are advised to exercise caution; to consult with knowledgeable trained healers, midwives, herbalists, and wise-women; and to follow their own common sense and best judgement in deciding whether to employ any of the treatments and suggestions in this book. Women should be aware that many herbal abortifacients are suspected of being teratogens. If a woman uses herbal abortifacients and then carries the pregnancy to term, there is a risk that the resulting child may have physical or developmental deformities. For this reason, a clinical abortion is suggested if herbal methods are not successful at the end of two weeks. Copyright® Uni M. Tiamat 1994 ISBN 0-964520-3-7 Sage-femme!, 3457 N. University, Suite #120, Peoria, IL 61604-1322. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.Tay yo sand ale Me bl hay srg fy wrdeslncng, and ul pac, Mop pas al bp ap he scl ld Mi bs te bail of by Taey Luh Tay yon heorhoved adele your bor be Si bail log, Tp po defy i clea wie of a and “EA yoo abso be lal share 9 pry Mp pots has pe, sly wthn nes or, fan ond phir wih he pring meen ag a Aha fy fais albaks be ash Tay Os xn wash asry goer inkddons ond mig be iow asad gas of yur fu bo Ty no oe wes cil pas tur, se ge, hee go "ip yo saad ball an bs doar bs manPalcontologiat J. Lawrence Angel estimates that the average women living around 2000B.C. had 5.0 childbirtha. "The mumber af regnancies for the average woman then gradually declines to 4.7 childbirth around 1500B.C., 4.1 childbirth around 11508.C., Severe ctildbithe around 3008.C., and 3.3 bine around 120A.D. in imperial Rome, This evidence indicates that dering {his Period of ime, women, usully married at age 13 or 14, gradually procured fewer childbirth throughout their life wan while living longer lives. This evidence indicates women must have been regulating their fertility. Ancient herbal abortfacients were an integral part of every culture that respecied the woman, the mother earth, and hee Powere videspread goddess worship religions of ancient times reflected postive connections with the carth mother, the ‘empowerment of women, and the stand . “omen by he mother earth, were held sacred tothe people and were placed as offerings at alters and ahtince for the geddcwee There ia ill « lot of knowledge yet to be discovered on herbal sborion. To Dring together the wide range of Toncrnagtimvlees; {would its to coords « newsleeeamoag women who are ierand te arcing ae esa ea6 How to Use this Book How to Use this Book This booklet is made up of three distinct sections: the Preparstory section, the Herbal section, and the Informational Appendixes. The fit section, the Preparatory section, is an informational itroduction to herbal abortion and herbal medicines. ‘The second Herbal section, in alphabetical order by common name, thoroughly describes 20 abortive herbs commonly available in the United States. The third Appeodix section inchides valuable sources for more information. ‘The PREPARATORY SECTION includes: -Review of Options - reviews the maay optioos available to « pregnant womaa. Pro's and Con's of Herbal Abortion - some advantages and disadvantages of Herbal Abortion. “Forming « Back-Up plan in case the herbal abortion is not muccessful. Classification of Abortifacient Herbs - groups the abortfacient herbs according to how they work in the body. -Nan Koekiler's 'Herbal Abortion’ - an excellent example of « sale, eficeat, and wise herbal implantation inhibiting method. “Menstrual Regulation and Herbal Abortion - describes how to wisely use herbal meastrual regulatioa/sbortion during the fir two weeks of pregnascy by avoiding unprotected intercourse around the fertile ovulation time. -Pregaancy Testing - when your period is late to make sure you are pregoant. = Calculating Gestational Age - to help one make decisions und have some ides of what to expect. “Pregaancy and Herbal Abortion: Week by Week - describes in detail what is happening in the body week by week. “Incomplete Abortioas - characteristics of and what to do in the event of. General Characteristics of Normal Herbal Abortions - what happens, what you might see and experience. -When Attempting sn Herbal Abortion: how to help ingure your prychological, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being ‘during an herbal abortion. lactudes section on Rh- women, Abortioa, and Rhogam. Finding Advice, Support, and Assistance - finding knowledgeable people to advise, assist, and mupport you in your herbal Preparing for the Future - preparations that can help to inware safe, efSiciect, and mucceseful herbal abortions in the future. Gathering Herbs - Gathering, drying, aod storing herbs. Tips on avoiding dermatitis and phototoxicity. -Parchasing Herbs Herbal Preparation - How to prepare lafusions, Decoctions, Syrups, Tinctures, Powdered herbs, Capmules, Vaginal Suppositories, Poultices, and Plastes. Information on Simples and Combinations included. Dosages = Adjusting dosage ranges to your own personal charscteristice, dosage discipline, and tips on king herbal preparations. -Weights and Measures ‘THE HERBAL SECTION lists (in alphabetical order by common name) and describes in detail 20 herbal abortifacients common to the U.S, Descriptions are organized in the following manner: 1, Popalar common name. 2, Mhustration. 3. Biological Family, . 4. Scientific name: Gems and species. & fatal od peso bcheoe 6. ‘Medicinal parts of the herb. 1. Moscinal Promertis” Special powers and vetoes ofthe particular herbs To decipher go to, the center of the fold in this pempblet, if you were to open the book in the exact middle you will find the Glossary. The Glossary in placed here so that you can bend the staples and lift the list out for wae when you go through the herbal sections in the book. The Glossary contains definitions of the properties of herbs. One can have some idea of the povsible natural side-effects for 1 wpecific herb with knowledge of meanings of medicinal properties. For example, the herb Peanyroysl, also has the medicinal properties of being Diaphoretic (causing increased eweating) and Diuretic (causing increased urination). When one takes Pennyroyal preparations, one may experience Urination and sweaty rushes of energy x part of the natural effects of the herb. 8. Effects body; Major actions particular berb has on the body. 9. Containg: Chemical components. 11 Desde: Pryce! oper ft rm eevee, and Bowers. Range ofthe bet inthe United Sta. nL 3: Physi 1 of the stem, leaves, in ; ; {2. Herbal Lare aad Medical Une: of ech: Accurultion of eigen fat, tatins, bolita and the her's une as sn aleor+ i Facient .How to Use this Book 7 ———----—_—_—_———_-- ————————————______ 13. Cultivation: Basic propagation and growing information. 14. Gathering: The best times ofthe year to harvest and process the medicinal parts ofthe herb. |S. Prenaration and Dosage: Essectial information regarding douage. |5e, Words to the Wise: Cautionary information that everyone should know before taking a particular herb. 15b. Specific Signs of Toxicity for (Herb): Known signs of overdose or alley for a particular herb. Whea taking an herb watch for these signs (es well as the General Signs of Toxicity listed oa the back cover). These sigos ace clear signala to decrease dosage. 15d. DOSAGE-(HERB) Contains average dosage guidelines, « rough average I have calculated from several herbal sources. This range of dosages have been commonly recommended by herbalists o access the general Powers of the corresponding herbs. Because each person is different than every other, and diferent plants of the tare heb have variations in the amounts of thei chemical compositions corresponding 10 the plants particular favironment and genetics, dosage of herbs must be tailored by the individual foc their personal desiced real, People who use herbs wisely rely ox their body's physical clus and their intuition wo adjuat the herbal dosage 10 uit their oeeda. | There are 00 auiomatically repeated prescriptions in irue herbalism. Herbaliss, throghot, ia bused on uniquely prescribed assistance wilored to the individual aature of the person and plant. (For more information see Dosage.) INFORMATIONAL APPENDIXES Contains 4 Reading Lis of articles and books with information on herbal abortion and ‘ilated wibject; USDA Zone map, Seed Staring and Saving Techniques for cultivation of herbs; Organizations, Boueereel gardens; Mail Orde ography; and Index.8 Review of Options Review of Options Pregnancy is one natural healthy cutcome of # women's sexuality. If you are now pregnant, you may celebrate the fact that our body is functioning in perfect harmony and belance. Ax » healthy woman you have the capacity to create and murture new \ife within yourself. Ove obvious option available to you is to carry the pregnancy to term. You may keep and love the baby oF Eve the baby tos loving family to adopt. Sometimes pregnancy comes ats time when # woman does not want to be pregnant. Women pregnant, ata time they do not ‘wish to be, may feel stress, anxiety, fear, and maybe even panic. Slow down, tke some relaxing deep breaths. Moat all women, Past, present, and future, become pregnant at some time in thei lives and have to make « decision regarding what they wart to do. This in powerful time physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Take time for yourself #0 you can think. Take a relaxing bath. Go for a walk in « favorite place where you will have litle distractions. Talk to trusted ftiends. Value how you are feeling. ‘nd respect your own process on making « decision regarding your fate." You have many options svailahle to you. You need at feet helpless and powerless, Realize you have ultimate power over what your future wll be, righ ow. Options available to women who do ent wish to carry & pregnancy to term: "Clinical Abortions are the most common form of abortion. Clinical abortion is done in & clinic or hospital ‘setting by trained health care professionals. A clinical abortion consists of the scraping of the uterine wall Menstrual Extraction is menses regulating option available to women who are in women’s sel(-help {Eroups, called “Iriendship groups.” Women in friendship groupe share « close community of women who educate each other on proper sterile techaiques, share skile, and train by secing sod doing. Mensrus! ‘extraction i «process in which simple device called « DEL-EM, consisting of « mction aringe, tubing, « ‘mason ja, and 4 erie flexible cannula, in used by the friendship group to gently suck the menstrual fide from the wierus. A woman whose period is Inte and decides to have the menstrual extraction done is in charge ofthe entire menstrual extraction. She instructs her women-friends ansiatng her in the procedure when to inset the cannula, ifthe cannula should be moved, ifthe amourt of muction needs to be changed, tc, and she can sop the procedure at any time she wishes. Through the careful use of this method by trained women's self-help groups, many women are finding menstrual extraction 10 be a proven safe ‘menstrual regulating option. Long range effects of menstrual extraction are unknows, however. Unfortunately, every woman in need does not necessarily have immediate access to + sel-help friendship _Eroup, but geting int « friendship group may be « fture option for women to look ino, (sce Reading Lis) Herbal Abortion, detailed in this handbook, is another self-help option available to women. Herbal abortion consints of taking medicinal preparations of reliable menstrual promoting herbs tha have been used successfully since ancient times for emmenagogual (menstrual promoting) and sbortifacient (abortive) ‘purposes. ‘The object of this Hertel Abortion handbook is to being vital information on emmenagogual and abortive herbs into « convenient and usable resource format. Thus, women who decide upon herbal "shortion will have «'basic foundation of knowledge from which to draw and with the assistance and support of herbalists, healers, and wine-women, have more successful and safe herbal abortion experiences. If you are considering herbal abortion solely on s financial basi, and would choose other options if you had more money — Stop! You deserve what you consider to he the best mecScal care for you. There are x few organizations that can provide direct financial assistance or low to no interest loans for clinical abortions. The National Abortion Federation Hotline 1-800-772-9100 (hours Mon. Sat. 9:30-5:30pm) can provide information on possible sources of funds and assistance programs in your ares. Call ‘Woman's Health Projects, Planned Parenthood, and any other women’s health groups you can find. Ask for help. If they cannot help you, ask for « referral to other groupe that might be able fo. Be persistent, and think postive. Things will eventually po your way,Pro's and Con's - Back-up Pun 9 Pros and Cons of Herbal Abortion Advantages * The chemical components in herbs occur ‘naturally, and are believed by many to have Disadvantages * Although women have been using abortive hherbs for over 4000 years, there are very few fewer side-effecta than gynthetic. scientific studies documenting possible Pharmaceutical products. side-effects of using abortive herbs. * Empowering to exercise one's own inhereat * Bffects of abortive herbs on the growing fetus ‘and pregnancy are unknown. If pregnancy is carried to term after using abortive herbs, the faulting child may possibly have binh detecia ina loving peaceful atmosphere. andloc the labor may powibly have * Mod sbonive tach are readily sccessble ‘complications. from natuce, fod wores, of mail order, * Herbal abortion is safest and most ffcctive ia * Monetary cost minimal wo virwally puthing early pregnancy, before eight weeks. After ‘depending on whether you purchase or grow ight weeks, the chance of having an tad gather the herbs yourell incomplete abortion increases. + Heebal abortion avoids the possible risks of * For women who have an incomplete abortion, clinical surgical abortion: infection, perforation 4 clinical surgical abortion is required, with of the werus, or reactions to ances, susosiated risks control over own body and fate. * Herbal abortion can be dooe at home privately Forming a Back-up Plan10 Classification se CLASSIFICATION OF ABORTIFACIENT HERBS _ Each individual herb has unique actions on the body. Some of these ‘can be traced to certain specific properties, other ‘sctions can be traced to specific chemical compounds that have been ‘discovered’ and named by the scientific community. The majority of actions of mpecitie herbs have yet to be completely understood. I have categorized the sbortifacient herbs in an attempt to better understand what I have found regarding them so far. Please remember categorizing of anything always leaves ‘ouch to be desired; there are always exceptions. Note: Not all abortficient herbs are equal in their efficiency or safety. Some abortifacient herbs have become popular and have suined « reputation for being safe and effective when used with respect; these herbs are marked with « *, IMPLANTATION INHIBITORS Implantation inhibitors, used for short periods in early pregnancy, are believed to be the safest and most effective of the herbal abortfecients. Implantation inhibitors contain substances that interfere in the normal production ‘of the hormone progesterone by the corpus huteum, and eaute the endometrium (uterine lining) to be wapectiv to the growth of the ferilized egg. Depending on how far along the pregnancy is, the egg does not implant in the endometrium or the already implarted embryo detaches from the unsupportive endometrium, and menstruation occurs. After studying the chemical compounds in ancient implantation inhibiting herbs, pharmaceutical companies have crested eyothetic chemical compounde with sctions equivaleat to many of the following ancient wise-woman implantation inhibiting herbs. The ayathetic antiprogerterone RU486 ia used to block progesterone and interfere with the implantation of the ovum in the uterine lining, just like the following herbs which have been used by wise-women for thousands of years to regulate their fertility and (ate ‘*Cotton, root bark (ant-progesterone and snti-corpus luteum effect) Juniper, root (possible implantation inhibitor?) Queen Anne's Lace, seed (blocks progesterone synthesis) Rue, leaves and flowers (contains Rutin - crystalline glucoside, alto called Vitamin P ofthe bioflavinoids) ‘*Rutia, vitamin found in plants like Rue and also in capwule form in health food stores (interferes in uterine capillary permeability) **Vitamin C (600-1 000mg an hour, total of 6,000 - 10,000mg a day, for up to ix days, inhibits implantation.) ESTROGENIC Earogenic herbs contain estroger-like substances, which act to produce the effects of the female sex hormone called estrogen. Produced by the ovary, estrogen is the bormooe responsible for the cyclical ovulation: increase of wlerine mucous, rapid cell division of the vaginal lining, and increased sexual desire. Estrogen is the substance in the birth control pill that provides contraception against pregnancy. Estrogenic herbs can cause estrogenic-like side-effecte: abnormal blood clotting, liver problems, and extrogen-dependent tumors. Eatrogenic herbs should not be used by anyone taking birth control pills, other ‘estrogen medications, o¢ blood pressure medications." If you have been advised aguinst taking estrogenic drugs, like the Pill, ‘consult with your heslh care provider or herbalist before taking any estrogenic herbs. ‘Black Cohosh, root (tlso Antispesmodic) ‘Blue Cohosh, root (also Uterine Contracting) Garlic, cloves (also Userine Contracting) ‘*Queen Anne's Lace, seed (also Implantation Inhibitor) Saffron, stigmas (also Astispasmodic) Pomegranate, seeds (contain estrone) ANTISPASMODICS The sbortive properties of the following herbs are believed to pomibly result from their relaxant action on the uteras, causing inhibition of movement to such an exieat that an abortion occurs ‘Black Cohosh, root (also Estrogenic) Juisiper, berries (Also Uterine Contracting —Thujone) European Mistletoe, leavesClassification 11 SSE — — EEE UTERINE CONTRACTING HERBS I've grouped the herb that cause urine contraction into two mujoe groups, Oxytacs and those containing Thujone. The last miscellaneous group contains the remainder ofthe werine contracting herbs, ‘Gastacic Oxyrocic herbs induce uterine contractions by simulating oxytocin and encouraging the production of Prostaglandins causing contraction ofthe werus, (nytecis ts « ltacaty hrmoe that stinaceeeeteiey orrenons ‘Cotton, root bark (aso inhibits implasation) ‘*American Mistletoe, leaves ‘Blue Cobosh, root Thwians Thujoce is 4 volatile oil shown to be 4 werine wimulaot ia lboraory animals.? There are possible angers asociated with consumption of thujone. Thujone was the mind altering element in the liqueur called Absinthe, made by adding the exsenial oils of Wormwood, Anise, Fennel, and Coriander seed to high wrength ‘eutral spirits. Absinihe's narcotic qualities caused the drink to be declared illegal in the early 1900's. ‘The thujone in absinthe has been likened by scientists to Marijuana in ita effects on the mind. If used for long periods Of time, thujone has beea reported to cause serious personality changes, and if used ia large quaatiies ot foncentrated form, thujone can cause delirium, hallucinations, convulsions, and brain cortex lesions.* ‘Thujone ‘has been known to trigger epileptic seizures, for this reason, anyone with 1 tendency toward epileptic seizuces should not use herbs containing Thujone. Arbor Vitae, youag twigs and bark (also Gastroictestina! Irritant) (Chamomile (significant amounts in the essential od) Juniper, berries, leaves, root, and essential ol, Mugwort, leaves and flowers. Tansy, flower tops ‘*Blue Cobosh, root (Caulossponin causes wlerce contractioas, also Estrogeaic) Garlic, clove (as a vaginal suppository, also Estrogenic) 800K sParaley, fresh leaf (as « vaginal suppository, more info in Prep. section of Garlic) ‘*Peanyroyal, leaf Rosemary, leaves and flowers ‘Siew to the posterior lbe of the pituitary gland causing the secretion of oxytocin into the bloodstream, and this causing wleine agiractions. OF all the groupings of sbortifacient herbs, I believe this purgutive group causes the moat sreas to the tysiemu of the body. Because gauroisusinal iriuting herbs aboctive action is dependent upon the ivation of the iaferioe hemoetboadal plese ‘and 20 08, and 40 on, the following herbs are also considered the most uareliable ofthe herbal abonifacieas. ‘Aloe Vera, extract or juice Arbor Vitae, young wigs (also Uterine Cootracting—Thujone) Male Fern, root aod rhizome Pomegranate, root bark Caan, 16 2 Spee, ek Tare, 1, Ture, 24 at 3112 Nan Koehler's "Herbal Abortion" Nan Koehler’s "Herbal Abortion’ how-to guide is ax excellant example of « safe, efficient, and wise herbal abortion method. Easily accessible apricot kernels or Vitamin C's are safely used to inhibit implantation in early pregnancy. This herbal abortion ‘method is expecially sound because by using implantation inhibitors (the safest of all abortifacienta) and vaginal suppositories in the first two weeks of pregnancy, Koebler produces abortion while avoiding large amounts of herbal medicines, and the side-effects annociated with them. Horbal Abortion November 10, 1981 ‘Nan Ulirike Koehler ‘What follows ia « how-to guide to doing an herbal abortion. and several of my friends have used this method and know it to be sth and effective. Prerequisites for using this method: 1. Keep a chart of your monthly cycle in some reliable way (ovulation method, mucus, basal temperature, etc.). You need to be srvare of your thythm so that you can accurately predict your fertile and menstrual times each month. 2, Procedures for an herbal abortion must be started before you expect to bleed. Ifyou wait until you have missed your period, it will be 100 late to use this method effectively. If you made love with « man during your fertile time (for example on days 10-16 in « 28 day cycle), and you do not wish to be pregnant, here is what you do: 1, After unprotected intercourse on 1 potentially fertile day, begin eating $-10 apricot keroels 3 times « day. Continue this until ‘your period comes. This prevents implantation. (The same effect can be achieved with high levels of Vitamin C in this way ‘Use more than 10 grams a day.) 2. Three to five days before you expect your period, do « fast or « semi-fast (eat lightly, aiming for an alkaline diet, and eliminating all animal proteins). Also make an effort to be extra physically active during this time, This will give your body the direct message that this in nota time to foster the growth of « baby. 3. Do herbal teas. Choose from the emmenagogues: Bay, Black Cohosh, Cotion Root, Peanyroyal, Rue, Squaw Vioe, Teasy, Yarrow, etc. To make the tea: Pour one quart of boiling water over one teaspoon of the herb or herbs in « glass quart jer. Do not let the tea come in contact with metal. Sip this tea throughout the day. The ides is not to poison yourself, but rather to keep the level of tea constant in your body. Again, you are giving your body the message that ths is aot an appropriate time for growing a baby. Continue with the teas until your period comes. 4, Insert fresh parsley into your vagina. Wash the parsley, cut off the stems and place the parsley high up in your vagina. The herb is irritating to the uterus, and it will help encourage the period to come. ‘An additional method may be used in coajunction with the above eps. Ihave not tried this method, but my friend Jeanine Rose has reported success with it: Take one capmule of Evening Primrose oil (prostaglandins) 3-4 times « day. Theoretically, this will help soften the cervix, which open to release the menstrual flow. The oil may also be applied directly to your cervix. In summary, this regime is simple, eany, and exfe, Chart your cycle, chew apricot kernels, sip teas, work hard and uke positive action to achieve your goal of self mastery. (Reprinted, by permission, from Nan Koehler, “Herbal Abortion,” Artemis Speaks: Vaginal Birth Aer Cesarean Stories and ‘Natural Childbirth Informantion. 496-497.)Mcastrual Regulation and Herbal Abortion 13 wisely for hundreds of years, Is times of patriarchy, when wornea aod theic inherent rights to fertility ‘egvlation were ruled, women commonly referred to herbs sed 10 produce sbortion ax ‘emmenagogues,’ thus protecting their ‘aha 7 nok drawing aeation wo the fct that they were cegulaing their owa fertiy, of being teratogens (see previous page) Mos teilized eggs abort when mbjected to teaiogenic agente during, the fe two MecEs Of Pregmancy. IC 4 woman is pregnact, and she takes aborifaciea, bevbe ia the toe two weeks of ber pregnancy, Povo More catgg natransiut normal ine, pects with lise mow cling sol cramping than her eng ee period, More cloaing und cramping is crcumutatal evidence that the measinaion ended s pepeaty14 Pregnancy Test - Calculating Gestational Age ‘Using emmenagogual and abortifacient herbs in the fiat mo necks of pregnancy ix moat effective, but pregnancy tests are only sccursie afer the beginning of the third week of pregnancy. Women who use abortive methods in the fir two weeks of Pregnancy acc unable to use progaancy testing to confirm whether or not they are pregnact. This can be » disadvantage. If « oman it not pregnsat but believes she might be and uses sbortifacient herbs to cause abortion, she uses herbs when they not needed. Using herbal sbortitecienta when they are not needed should be avoided, asthe long term side-effects from repeated use of sbonifacient and emmenagogual herbs are unknown. Unoccessary use of abortficent aad emmenagogual herbs can be Prevented by using the contraceptive method of avoiding unprotected intercourse during the most fertile time of the monthly cycle, ‘ovulation. By avoiding unprotected intercourse during ovulation, most women are consistently able to avoid pregnancy, The Cony time these wise-womes use emmenagorial herbs is when they believe they might be pregnant because they happen 10 have unprotected sex during theic fertile time of ovulation. Accurate prediction of the monthly fertile time of ovulation ia emsential to wise use of abortifacients. Ovulation can be Dredicted with knowledge of your length of cycle and the day you expect to menstruste, ‘The average length of cycle from the first day of one period tothe frst day of the next is 28 days. Be aware thatthe 28 day cycle is only an average. Many women regularty have cycles of a few days over or under 28 days. Record the day you begin 10 ‘menstruate every month. Count the number of days from the beginning of one period to the beginning of the next. This is the length of cycle you can anticipate for your next period. Many women do oot regularly cycle the sume number of days every ‘mooth, but have « cyclic range within their period comes. To calculate your average length of cycle, figure your length of cycle for atleast six months and average ‘Ovulation occurs 14 days before the frat day of the next menstrual cycle or (ees accurately) 10-16 days afer the first day of the last menstrual cycle. Ovulation, the time when an egg is released from the ovary, ia charscterized by body basal temperature ‘actuation, increased vaginal mucous (long stringy, stretchy mucous) and often increased sexual dese. By recocding resting body temperature every day ia the morning before one ets out of bed, ovulation can be seen by an fluctuation of body temperature sround ovulation. Many women, who do not want to become pregnant, make mire they use protection if they have intercourse ‘round their fetle time of ovulation. For contraceptive purpose, i ia necessary to be protected at least 3 days before and ater (« ‘otal of 6 days) expected ovulation time, « longer range can be used for more protection. Sperm can live in the body for three days, and the exact time of ovulation can vary month to month. Some women, who wish to avoid pregnancy, avoid intercourse completely for at least 3 days prioe and 3 days post their expected ovulation. Like all contraceptive methods, avoiding aprotected intercourse around ovulation is not always foot proof. One day when I ‘was just surting my period, just « bit of pink mucous starting, I thought for sure I was not at « fertile time. After unprotected intercourse, my period stopped, and I and began to feel some physical signs of pregnancy in the next week, tender breast, ete. ‘coulda't believe it - I became pregnant at the beginning of my period! If you find you are very fertile, and you do not want to become pregnant, it may be best to avoid sex without some form of contraception. Remember, because the fong term side-effecte of using abortifacients and emmensgogves are unknown, the use of emmenagoguet and abortifacients should never be habitusted ‘a8 4 primary means of contraception. A Pregnancy Test For women who have missed their period and suspect they might be pregnant, the first step in making « decision regerding Pregnancy is to find out whether or aot they are pregnant. Home pregnancy tests are available at any pharmacy for under $20.00, ‘and are usually accurate on the day of your expected menstruation, approximately 14 days after conception. The most important thing ie do wot procrastinate.” Find ut whether you are pregnant or not, 20 that you can make a decision regarding the Pregnancy. If you have missed your period, you are most likely already in your thind week of pregnancy. The ancients commented, at herbalists do today, that herbal abortion is relatively eary in the first month of pregnancy but becomes progressively move tnd more difficult as the pregnancy becomes established, so time is of the essence. ‘Woman can have some ides of what abe might expect in her berbal abortion if se calculates the gestational age, the time in weeks that the pregnancy has progressed. Therscciis tin of emulations the time the majority of women conceive pregnancy. To calculate the gestational age figure out the day you ovulated and conceived: count back 14 days from the day you expected to get your period, or figure (leas accurately) the beginning date of your Last Normal Menstrual Period (LNMP) and count forward 10-16 days. Record the date you ovulated, and note how many weeks the pregnancy has progressed (the Geststional Age.) Koowing the gestational age of the pregnancy and fetus is & valuable tool when making decisions and knowing what to expect reparding herbal abortion.‘Pregnancy and Herbal Abortion: Weeks 1 and 2 1s Pregnancy and Herbal Abortion: Week by Week* Age im wecks refer the Gestational Age, the time in weeks since ovulation/conception. Pregnancy Week 1 Ovulation and Conception Week | begina whea you ovulate, the monthly time when « follicle in your ovary releases = mature ovum (an egg enclosed within follicle cells) into the abdominal cavity. Ovulation oveurs ‘gpproximately 14 days previous to the firw day of the next menstrual cycle (or between 10-16 Gays after the fies day of the last menstrual cycle). Your fallopian wbe, scarchea around the LAY tnd abdominal cavity for the released ovum. In pictures and drawings fallopian tubes ETO sil, but thi ia not tre. Fallopian tubes are ao agile; une tbe has the capecty mere ‘ex i tn ovum released by the opposite ovary ifthe other fallopian ube ia damaged or blocked16 Pregnancy and Herbal Abortion: Weeks 3 Through 7 Pregnancy Week 3 "Am | pregnant?" ‘Your period is Inte, and you might be wondering if you are pregnant. During the third week, 'Vyth of the uerine wall is nourishing the fertilized ovum which now measures about "in. Gmm) in length and is ‘covered with the fine root-like threads of the chorionic villi. The chorionic villi hve begua to produce ‘quantities of 1 hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (CG). Pregnancy tests taken during Week 3 (later, detect any presence of the hormone CG in the urine. If there is any CG in the urine then the pregnancy test in postive, ths indicating that « woman ie pregnant. No human charscterstcs can be seen ‘on the 2mm length of the rapidly forming embryo. ‘After one week of not getting your period, you may have done « pretnancy text. The pregnancy test picked vp traces of the human chorionic gonadotropin (CG) that the chorionic vili are producing, and you know ‘pow that you are prognart. Physical signs are becoming evident. You may have morning nauses, your breasts may be feeling tender to the touch, and your vagina and cervix may be turing « bluish to violet color. Pressure oa the bladder and increased urination may be noticeable now. ‘The ulerus has grown to about the size of « phim. The fast-growing embryo has # %,,ia. (4mm) length Implaatation inhibiting (progesterone blocking) herbs like Queen Anne's Lace, Rue, : Rutin, of Cotton Root Bark would probably prove successful during Weeks 3 and 4 as a ‘well. By using herbs that consistently block progesterone, the uterine lining would become unaourishing. The chorionic villi would separate from the uterine wall causing bleeding like # menstrual period. The os, the opening of the cervix, would dilate a= to the body's hormonal system being stimulated. Then, the uterine contents woul! pass out the body through abortion. Women who have abortions at this time period note having basically # normal to heavy period, usually with more clotting and cramping than eval. ‘Other common abortive herbs, like Blue Cohosh, Pennyroyal, snd Tansy stimulate ‘uterine contractions which help to expel the uterine contents. If you use & soft rubber ‘menstrual cup 10 catch your blood (see Mail Order Sources), it is possible to observe the "= rootlike chorionic villi (the beginning of the placenta). To observe the chorionic ‘each time you empty the menstrual cup add the blood contents to a glass of water. With ‘8 magnifying glass, look from the side of the glass into the fluid, The chorionic vili will ating as ee a look yellowish with root-like structures. If the chorionic villi (primitive placenta) are en os tg Oe vvible, it ia « sign that your menstruation ended a pregnancy. Pregnancy Weeks. 5+ 6 Making Decisions “The majority of women who obtain clinical shortions do so during Weeks $ and 6. During the Sth week, some physical signe of pregnancy may subside (like nausea) but other signs may become moce noticeable 10 many women. The mucous plug begins to form in the cervical ov during week 5. Vaginal secretions tend to be thick and acid. The embryo's arms and legs begin to form during the fith week. From top of the head to tail bone, the fetus grows to « @",ia. (5-Bmam) in length during the fiNh week. During the 6th week, the breast become noticeably larger, and may feel tighter and tense. The nipples may become more prominent, ‘end small "bumps or nodules, alled Montgomery's tubercles, may bezin to develop around the nipple in the circular areolar area, ‘The chorionic vill in the endometrium continve to proliferate and begin to form the placenta. Facial fetures form, and the heat becomes established and begins to beatin the, Mia (#-15mm) embryo during the sixth week.18 Incomplete Abortion Incomplete Abortion Mos incomplete abortions occur in women whose pregnancies have progressed beyond cight reeks. Before the 8th week, abortion is more likely to be complete, because the fetal ma ia expelled Incomplete abortions requice removal of the intact placenta and membranes, often by clinical abortion. D+C If the placenta has not been passed, ad bleeding is profuse (Filing « ad every hour or a total blood loss over 2 cups), seek emerneny medical treatment: 1, Immediately transport to the nearest hospital with am emergeacy o0en or call at ambulance, 2. If tansporting, quickly gather 2 pillows, « blanket, x quart of water, {able sat and baking sods. 3. Watch for signs of shock due to loss of blood: pallor, cold sweet, faint, dizzy, confused, apprehensive, falling blood presmure and rising plac. 4. Have the person tie down ia the back of the car with her lower hall of body elevated with pillows, and keep warm with blanket 5. Think positively. Things are going tobe allright. 6. Balance electrolytes lost by Bleeding: mix Y/;tap. able alt and "9p. . baking soda in tup of water and drink every ', hour. 1 the preqaaacy is over 8 weeks gestation and mild bleeding and/or signs of pregnancy contimve for more than 10 days, court with ‘your bealth care prerider. You and your assistant may pomibly trest mildly bleeding incomplete sbortions with herbs. Susan Weed in ber Wise Womnn Herbal notes “To complete © miscarriage, 1) have an experienced and shilled stendact with you, 2) have herbs which control bleeding on hand [ace below), and 3) use 20 drops each of Blue tnd Bleck Cohosh tinctures ‘every hour to empty the vlerus. Do not exceed five doses. Angelica, Cotton Root Bark, American Mistoe, and Pennyroyal are various herbs known for their strong uterine contracting abliiies und ‘may pomibly encourage expulsion ofthe wetine contents Herbs which control Bleeding (Take 1s needed): 10-20 drops Shepherd's Purse Cypscile burs pastoris tincture made from fresh plant, or 1 twp. (150 drops) Shepherd's Purse tincture made from the dried herb ‘ from « tincture purchased at health food store, or 10-20 drops of Witch Hazel Hacmamels virginiana tigcture (oot the drug sore varicty).? 1nd, 2.2 Wend, 1.73, Capselta burss pastoris ‘SHEPHERD'S PURSE, ‘Trusting our intuition often saves ws from disaster. ‘Anne Wilson Schaef, Meditations for Women who Do Too Much (1990)Characteristics of a Normal Herbal Abortion - When Attempting... 19 = Oe econ cotmnes peabaa al b. Conene,enarut peer preter teere Som coven ce mnoen toa pac os as ¢. Contund were pas coe eapeeed roves ow portend Cone arte, as eretgedg ft ont veos tet peasty aro co 1, Bleeding - Wherever the placenta scparsics from the endometrium, bleeding occurs. The first sign of an herbal sbortion is vaginal bleeding, similac or somewhat heavier thea your average menstrual peciod, 2. Clotting and cramping, sgsin similar or somewhat heavier than your normal period. Cramypiag may be painful and achy a times, fous on relaxing and leting it ow. Do something that you know relaxes you. Take « warm bach listen to music, bua a candle or some incense. Write, draw, dance, express your experience. Exprestion can reletse tensions, and bring. about eychological aad physiological relaxation and release through feeling, acceptance, and understanding. 3. What might I see? During the fir four weeks, most women who abort do not notice the litle yin. (1-4mu) long ovum encased in i tay chorionic villi shell amidat the menstrual Muide. The chorionic villi, a early form of the placenta, might be acca though, ifthe menstrual fluids are added to glass of water aod lookod at with « magnifying glass. During the Sih to the 8th Week, the embryo and anc grow larger and probably will be noticeable tothe naked eye. The bubble-like aac may appear clear with indescence and range in size from a large grape to a chicken egg depending oa how far aloag the pregaancy in when the abortion happens. Inside the sxc you may be able to see the umbilical cord, which looks like piece of uring, Atiached to the ‘umbilical cord is the tiny embryo varying ia size from about ¥,in. (Smum) long ducing the ith week to about /jn. Cem) long ducing the eighth week. 4. The placenta passes towards the end of bleeding. Prior 10 the Sth week, most women will mx notice the placenty for the Placenta has act grown large enough to be seca. la the $ to 8 week time apan, the placenta begins lo lake form. During wecks $ 4 &, the placenta rangcs in size from # nickel with « ¥/,in. (Gram) width to a $O-ceat piece with about « Vin. (6-13mea) width, ‘Afr the placenta ia punsed, the werus contracts and closes off the blood veusels. The bleeding slows and thea gradually stops, Bleeding may aart and siop for « couple weeks. 5. After the abortion, signs of pregaancy begin to disappear. Breasts will begin to revert back to their original size. Breasts may be tender and tingly for « few weeks during this tranaition. The cervix and uterus may be tender for « ew weeks an well ‘Sexual intercourse may need to be postponed. An over-the-couslee pregnancy tet will show negative results around three weeks When Attempting Herbal Abortion * Work with the assistance of knowledgable herbalists, healers, wise-women, and friends. Fellow wise-womea ‘an provide « well-apring of knowledge, experience, and mippor. * Always reduce dosage at the first sign of toxicity. Herbal medicines if taken for extended periods can ‘cause negative effects. Plan to discontinue herbal medications after two weeks if there are no results. * Eat only a healthy dict of fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains and beans, Avoid meat and dairy products, sodium, sugar, and caffiene. * Keep the medicinal herbs in your blood coastast, Taking salle to medium dosages every couple hours, ia beter than taking large doaages « couple times « day. Set your alarm to get up every hour oc two in the night, to luke « dosage of herbal medicine. Reset your clock another hour or two ahead before you go back to sleep. This will only last a week or two, or maybe even leas, s0 hang in there. If you cannot sleep, value thia alone time, £0 foc «walk out in the mooalight. Look at the stars. Journal. * Rubbing your apples or having someone suck them naturally stimulates the production of oxytocin. Oxytocin in pituitary hormone that stimulates werine contractions.20 Helpful Herbs - Herbs and Vitamins that Prevent Miscarriage Exercise, Move yourself to good sweat t last once every day. Get outside. Walk, run or bike, Double dig fome of your garden if it needa i. Exercising hard gives your body « strong message that this is not the time te (LP [Were a buby. Geting on and doing releases your mind from worie, aswell. Hangout al your favorit cae, play Tih animals, children, o¢ friends. Take off work for « day oF two, if possible. Do things you like to do, “Fake ‘with you « mason jar full of ea, some tincture, oF some capmules, and don't forget menstrual pads! DO NOT USE TAMPONS, sea sponges, or any other vaginally inserted menstrual product to extch blood during an sbonion. The cerviesl os (the opening tothe werus) becomes dilsted during an abortion. Because ef this, te Tak of bacteria entering the werus und causing infection is slighty greser, fection, if apread to the fallopian ‘and affect ferilty n the Future, As preventative medicine, use clean menarval pads to Protection, homemade cotton menstrual pads (see Mil Order sources) con be sterilized oven. This eliminate the use of harmful toxic chemicals, like chlorine, o aerilze. To nth he ce smn pn fare ped orb ener a oe tte el shin. The pls wi ay ate ron ahs woken ob aoe ALEALEA Medicago sativ tops contain Vitamin K which can help to reduce the chances of hemorrhage. Nutrient rich Alfalfa No contains Vit.P (Rutin), calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potamsium. Begin drinking Alfalfa top infusions once sbortion in well underway. Herbs and Vitamins that Prevent [The following herbs and vitamins have trong powers to prevent miscarriage and abortion, and thus generally should be avoided ‘when attempting an herbal abortion. |. Black Haw (root bark) Viburnum praniftiam sedative toni, effective miscarriage preventive. 2. Cramp bark (bark) Viburum opulis - astringent tonic, sedatce virus, can sop contrections, 3. False Unicore (root) Chemliium hiteum -tonic, used for irregular excessive menatrustion. {- Lobelia Oeaf and seéd) Lobelia inflate -causes relaxation ofthe werus, stops uterine contractions, 5. Quces of the Meadow (root) Eupetoriom purpureum -astringest, wsed for threstcued abortions, 6. Red Raspberry (leaf) Rubus itscus atringent tonic, stops wlerine hemorrhages. 1 Rd Xam (root) Diowcorea ilo - contains steroid lke mubatances that balance the glade and prevent miscarriage. §. Excessive amounts of Vitamin E. Take no more than 100i.u."s« day (00% RDA).cee acy pb te pu and sa ing ‘wellng higher mae Leen, pr ie ta, eve pre a ‘As si xa rm re ee, Incubate farmed wie 21 everyone’ blood type is « Accompanying + (Gositive) oF (ocgative) sign called the Rh factor, The Rh factor is an aatigen preseat ia the red blood cella. If one has a + (positive) Rh Sector, one has the antigen. If one has « -(negative) Rh facior, one docs not have the antigen. Only around 15% of Caucasian women, 6% of African American women, aad 1% of Native American and Asian women, are Rh- (ocgative). If 4 woman who ia Rh. becomes ecgnaat with « baby that is Rh+, and if « miavte amount of the Rh+ fetal blood mixes into the Rh- blood of the woman (dve to inurmwerine trauma, prematue separation of the placeats, placenta Previa, abortion, “or miscarriage), © dangerous action called iscimmunization will occur. Ia isoimmunization, the mother's immune sywem reacts to the fetal Rh+ blood as a foreign invader sod produces antibodies that auack the fuses Rh+ cella. This can {ead to severe anemia in her unborn child and fsture isoimmmunization problems if she has any moce Rh+ fetuses ‘The transfer of the fetal Rh+ blood into mother's Rb- ‘ood can happen during an abortion or miscarriage. If « tracafer the woman's body creates the antibodies against Rh+ fetal blood. la the fiauce, if the Rh- woman becomes pregnant again with a Rh+ ems, her immune system remembers how to create the aniibodicn sgriow Rh+ blood because of prior semstizatioa ia her abortion. Immediately the woman's immune aystem will now begia to go into Production: attacking the blood of the fetus, treating the blood of the fetus us iaveding vicus. With constant atack oa the fetal blood cella, the fetus can become severely anemic. A Rhogem abot makes a $25.00) ia usually given, and for women over 12 weeks pregnancy full Rhogam (Imi dose @ $50.00) is given. Rhogam shot must be given widhia 72 hours of the begiaaing of bleeding. Talk to your health care provider prior to your actual abortion, and work out « plan regarding Rhogam. Planned Parenthood. will sececally give Rhogam shots to women who are current paticats. ‘Women without health care providers should go to an emergency Foom or an immediate care center. [Something to consider: “By the 11th week of fetal life, the Deentigen is often present and can stimulate maternal inoimmioizatiog,..'" Does this mean that prior to the 11th week of fetal life (Geutational Age) that the D-antigen may got be preseat, fand the risk of iso i22 Advice, Support, and Assistance Finding Advice, Support, and Assistance Abortion ia an emotionally charged iaave for many people, Media propaganda murrounding sbortion has propeled many leave the neguive environment. When looking for advice, support, and asidance for herbal abortion, research experts of Ne not pregnant now, get to know knowledgeable herbalists in your area. By finding ovt about them and more shout the hesbel ‘horton experience, you will be beter able to make decision if you do become pregnant. Sets date to meet and dscous options, Prepare in advance, write down: “Your medical history, : “The date of your la normal menstrual period (LNMP), The date of conception if you know for wire), 3 Any deugs you wee: prescription, now prescription, vtaming, laxatives, antacids, even eyedrops, record everything,