Herbal Contraception: Ancient Methods of Birth Control with John Riddle

Since ancient times, women have used plants to regulate menstruation, this information was transmitted from mother to daughter and held by midwives and wise women. There is a rich history surrounding herbs that were used in antiquity to avoid and prevent pregnancy. They found their way into poetry and plays. Their value cannot be denied when their images were stamped onto coins. Their legend and lore endure to today, yet we wonder… Did they really work? Medical historian, John Riddle was confronted by this question when asked by a student many years ago. While a valid question, it was not one usually addressed by historians. John decided the question deserved a response and thus began a lifetime of research. He went back to the ancient texts, some of which had not been touched in centuries to discover what the ancients really knew. John’s work led him to follow the clues back in time to connect the dots. Check out this fascinating conversation all about ancient birth control.