Claim: An Instagram user claimed that a boiled mixture of ginger and cinnamon can serve as a form of contraception in case of an unwanted pregnancy.
Verdict: Insufficient evidence. Experts reveal that while these spices are used in traditional practices, more rigorous clinical trials and peer-reviewed studies are needed to validate their efficacy. Therefore, their potency and reliability remain to be proven.
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Cinnamon, also known as “Cinnamomum,” is a popular sweet spice obtained from the bark of the tree. It is famous for its culinary and medicinal uses.
The leaves, roots, flowers and fruits of the cinnamon tree have historically been used in culinary practices and for medicinal purposes.
They are known to improve blood sugar control, provide antioxidants, control cholesterol levels, promote heart health, potentially improve cognitive function, and protect against neurodegenerative diseases.
If taken in large amounts, it can stress the liver and potentially lead to liver damage over time.
Ginger, scientifically known as “Zingiber officinale”, is an aromatic and spicy root used in cooking. It has a long history as a traditional remedy in folk medicine and is widely used to treat a variety of ailments.
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It is used for culinary and medicinal purposes for its spicy flavor and health benefits, which include relieving nausea, aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and potentially improving blood sugar levels and heart health.
An Instagram user, Joyetor, said that consuming a boiled mixture of ginger and cinnamon will certainly prevent pregnancy.
“If you are looking for a safe and 100 percent side-effect-free method to prevent pregnancy at home, consider this recipe: Boil ginger and cinnamon in water, let it sit for 20 minutes, and drink the mixture twice a day around the time you plan to have sex,” the user said.
As of July 10, the post had garnered 5,276 likes, 565 comments and 2,603 shares since it was posted.
Others react
Tiaramen_essentials said: “Joy giver with the ogbonge tips, I will definitely try this.”
Another follower, ebony_blog2, commented: “Aww my sister esan, thank you so much for this so I will save this video for the future.”
Given the potential impact of the claim on public health, DUBAWA launched a fact-check to verify its accuracy.
check
A study evaluating a comprehensive review of plants used as contraceptives revealed that ginger powder has abortifacient properties, meaning it can induce abortion and has been traditionally used for such purposes in some cultures.
It is further mentioned that Zingiber roseum, another species of ginger, is noted for its anti-implantation activity, suggesting a contraceptive effect by preventing the implantation of an embryo.
However, the article does not provide detailed experimental data or clinical trials to confirm the efficacy and safety of ginger as a contraceptive.
The publication emphasizes the need for further research to explore the full potential and safety of herbal contraceptives, including those derived from ginger, for reliable fertility control.
Another article noted that cinnamon is traditionally believed to stimulate the uterus and potentially cause miscarriage, although it is not an immediate solution to miscarriage.
It also notes that for those seeking to prevent pregnancy, it is recommended to consume cinnamon tea by adding it to boiled water and drinking it on an empty stomach. However, the article mentions that this method is not an instant solution for abortion.
Expert opinions
In an interview, Qudus Lawal, a gynaecologist at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital in Edo State, told DUBAWA that there is no scientific basis for claiming that boiling ginger and cinnamon and drinking the mixture can act as a contraceptive.
Mr Lawal said: “Contraception is a very serious matter and for any agent to be considered a contraceptive, it must undergo rigorous clinical trials to demonstrate its efficacy and safety.
“Neither ginger nor cinnamon possess the properties necessary to be considered contraceptives, and relying on them for such purposes is ineffective and potentially harmful.”
She described several medically approved methods of contraception, including hormonal contraceptives (such as pills, patches, and injections), barrier methods (such as condoms and diaphragms), and natural methods (such as withdrawal and fertility awareness).
Another gynaecologist, Henry Iwunze, who works at Simone Hospital in Aba, told DUBAWA: “The use of ginger and cinnamon as contraceptives has its roots in traditional practices. Historically, these methods have been used in various cultures and may have anecdotal support.”
However, she noted that while herbal medicine may claim that ginger and cinnamon have contraceptive properties, these claims have not been subjected to rigorous scientific testing or clinical trials to ensure their safety and efficacy. “Without that evidence, we cannot recommend their use as a reliable contraceptive within the medical community.”
Mr. Iwunze concluded that as a medical professional, “I must adhere to evidence-based practices. Beyond my professional capacity, I recognize that some traditional methods are valued in various cultures. However, I would recommend exercising caution and consulting with a health care provider for reliable methods of contraception.”
Conclusion
While ginger and cinnamon have historically been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, including as contraceptives, there is insufficient evidence to support their effectiveness.