Neem for Birth Control
It is widely recognised that unbridled and non-sustainable growth in human
population is one of the most serious problem facing most of the countries.
Rising population puts severe strain on the world's natural environment
and economical resources. To raise the standard of living of common people
in these countries, population control is generally considered as a matter
of vital importance.
Beside educational constraints, the non-availability of inexpensive methods
of contraception, which do not cause trauma, nor violate aesthetic, cultural,
and religious sensitivities of people, limit the success of birth may
serve as affordable and widely available contraceptives.
Neem as an inexpensive contraceptive method
There are several modern contraceptive methods available, however these
are generally inaccessible and financially beyond the reach of the developing
countries, inclusing India. People are also apprehensive about these methods
because of their harmful side effects.
Research has shown that certain Neem ingredients have contraceptive properties.
Neem oil acts as a powerful spermicide. It can be used as an external
contraceptive by women.
In the first century B.C. Charaka, the eminent Indian physician, gave details
of the method for using Neem for contraceptive purposes.
In traditional used cotton soaked in Neem oil is kept in the vagina for
15 minutes before intercourse. It kills and hampers the speed of sperms.
Recent scientific experiments in India has revealed that Neem oil kills
spermatozoa within 30 seconds and has proved effective, both in laboratory
trials and in practice - where an intravaginal dose of 1 ml of Neem oil
was used. Histopathology failed to reveal any side effects.