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Ancient China's Risky Reproductive Practices Revealed

3/9/2026

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Story summary
  • In ancient China, patriarchal norms restricted women's reproductive control, leading to risky contraceptive practices.
  • The Classic of Mountains and Seas references Gurong, a bitter herb believed to prevent pregnancy, though modern science has not validated it.
  • Tubular-shaped dried fish maw served as an early condom.
  • The Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold for Emergencies suggests drinking boiled water from purple jasmine roots to induce abortion.