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Safe alternative to the pill
I would like to know if Marigold - Calendula, is a reliable and safe contraceptive to use instead of the pill, how it should be taken and If it can be used and if it has any negative side effects - such as making you sterile? Please could you help, I was on the pill for a while but I had negative side effects - if there is a natural contraceptive that really works I would much prefer it.
Research has shown that calendula (or marigold) has impressive antibacterial, antiviral and even anti tumour activity, but I have come across nothing to date to suggest it can work to prevent pregnancy too - and without definitive evidence, I am presuming this is not something you would want to take a chance on.
You would probably be in a minority of one if you did not suffer a range of negative side effects from taking the pill; especially in the first few months that you start taking it. If there was a foolproof herbal alternative, I have no doubt every woman I know who uses this method of contraception would switch immediately.
I am sure there must be some “wise woman” remedies that an experienced herbalist would consider, and I have heard women talk of using herbs such as wild yam to alter their fertility, but these are women who already have children and who feel it would not be a “disaster” to fall pregnant again - so while you could find a medical herbalist to discuss the problem with, it is not a route I would advise if you want to avoid pregnancy at all costs.
What you can do is find a herbalist who can tailor a treatment programme to help you cope with the worst of the side effects if you decide to return to the pill. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists (01392 426022) can recommend a practitioner in your area or try the British Herbal Medicine Association (01453 751389) whose members have different qualifications.