Plants of common use in Paraguayan folk medicine for regulating fertility

Information on the use of plants for contraception and abortion inducement among the rural indigenous inhabitants of Paraguay was collected by surveying 223 obstetricians and 17 local vendors. Information obtained on 33 commonly used plants is presented in tabular form. For each plant, the table provides 1) the scientific name; 2) the local name; 3) the part of the plant used; 4) how the plant is prepared for consumption; 5) the quantity used, described as a bunch, a handful, a few roots, or pieces; and 6) the taste, described as either pleasant, bitter, or sour. 2 or more of these plants are frequently mixed and administered in combination. The proportions used in these combinations are not very exact. The plants are taken in combination either to create a more concentrated effect or to insure that at least one effective drug will be consumed. 14 of these combinations are presented.