posted November 12, 2004 08:05 PM         

I'm planning to go off birth control pills, for all the right reasons. But let's face it, they are extremely convenient.

I have read bits here and there about people using Neem pills as birth control, but I'm having trouble finding more information. Yes, I realize that the oil makes a powerful spermicide, but I've also read that the odor of it is unpleasant.

I'd like to take it orally, either as an oil, or in pills, and would like any information you might have to share. I think I've read that as a spermicide it is nearly 100% effective. Perhaps a bit less when taken orally, but if taken regularly, would it have a 'build-up' effect, making it more reliable?

Many thanks!

Trillian

posted November 13, 2004 09:44 AM         

All I know about Neem is that it has been used in India for years and also some African countries. In India people who cannot afford the suppositories soak cotton balls in Neem oil and insert the into the vagina 15 minutes before sex. The oil kills the spermatoza within about 40 seconds of contact. You can buy the suppositories on line or go to a holistic practioner. A Vedic one would probably be best.

The oil is used for a multitude of things. It kills herpes, shingles, it's an all round anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti- inflammatory oil. It is also a great insect repellent. I don't know how bad it smells. I have a friend who uses it. Let me email her and get back to you. I'm not sure if she uses orally or not. I have a feeling not, but I may be wrong. Please let me phone her and check.

Japanese and Norweigian research have confirmed the contraceptive properties of Neem. The Japanese are in clinical trials with an injectable form with added compounds. It's supposed to be an injection you have once a month. That must mean it's able to sustain itself in the body, though I'm not sure what those added compounds are. I must try and find out.

I'm sorry that is all I know. I'll ring my Indian friend Rashida and get some more personal info.

I'll get back to you.

P.S.

Have just read some research confirming that Vitamin C DOES excrete from the urine in huge amounts when taking the contraceptive pill.

I did manage to get the book, but have not had the chance to read it yet. I'm drowning in books and papers. I'm doing some research on the Adrenals and also Amino Acids at the mo. I'm not convinced that actual bovine adrenal glands are needed when vitamin B complex in the right dosages does the trick. Spoke to a Dr. Whiting about it and he suggested to me that there is some research that points to taking like for like. Well goodness, a cow gland is a cow gland! How alike is that? I'm hoping to find out soon.

I'll email my friend. Please give me a couple of days.

Gia

posted November 13, 2004 11:27 AM         

My hubby's had a vasectomy. We used condoms for ages because I was firmly against putting hormones in my body.

When I was younger I used the Depo shot for about a year and a half. I was a total basket case. Not only that, but I completely stopped having periods after about 6 months. Even at the time, I thought, "This can't be good". Once I stopped taking the Depo shot, it took another 6 months to start having a period again, but then they were very light and only lasted a day or two. It took almost a full year to get back on a normal cycle.

After this, I was always very skeptical of any kind of hormone use for b/c.

I wish I would have know about this long ago. But, I have plenty of friends taking b/c now. I can certainly get the word out to them.

posted November 13, 2004 12:31 PM         

quote:

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Neem oil has also been found to prevent implantation and may even have an abortifacient effect similar to pennyroyal, juniper berries, wild ginger, myrrh and angelica. The effects were seen as many as ten days after fertilization in rats though it was most effective at no more than three days. (Sinha, et al, 1984); (Lal et al, 1985). In a study on rats, neem oil was given orally eight to ten days after implantation of the fetus on the uterine wall. In all cases, by day 15, the embryos were all completely resorbed by the body. The animals regained fertility on the next cycle showing no physical problems. Detailed study of the rats revealed increased levels of gamma interferon in the uterus. The neem oil enhanced the local immune response in the uterus.(Mukherjee, 1996) Post coital use of neem oil as birth control does not appear to work by hormonal changes but produces changes in the organs that make pregnancy no longer viable (Tewari, 1989) (Bardham, 1991)

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This article also suggests it could be effective against STDs

posted November 14, 2004 10:06 AM         

Gia, Thank you so much for asking your friend. I hope that's not too much trouble, but I do appreciate it. It will be nice to hear from someone with first-hand information.

I was introduced to Neem here at LL, when I first signed up. There was a thread about BC pills, and a girl said she had used Neem orally. But by the time I came to LL, she seemed to be long gone, and couldnt' answer any more questions.

A cow gland is a cow gland. Indeed!