For the Tuareg people living in the Sahara Desert, contraception and other birth control methods have never been available, leading them to seek out and invent their own solutions using what can be found in this arid environment.
Options in the desert are minimal, consisting mainly of sand, rocks, and a few rare species of animals and plants. Naturally, the ancient Tuareg healers sought an effective contraceptive remedy from one of the most unique, mysterious, and extraordinary plants of the Sahara Desert – Jericho Rose, which provides the desired effects.
The shape of Jericho Rose.
In addition to its contraceptive properties, Jericho Rose is also known as a labor stimulant. Upon first seeing Jericho Rose, one might be surprised by its appearance, resembling a dry plant bud.
Just a little water will revive them instantly.
Jericho Rose is a symbol of survival in the Sahara Desert. It may appear to be a withered piece of dried plant, but with just a little water, it can come back to life immediately. This is an incredible ability in nature.
Jericho Rose can survive for up to 50 years in the desert, being blown from place to place by the wind, traveling hundreds of kilometers. However, with just a small amount of rain, within half an hour, its twisted branches will unfurl, reaching out like tentacles and releasing seeds hidden within the dry leaves.
The seeds need only a few hours to take root and begin germinating. The dry branches can recover after being completely dehydrated in just about three days.
Jericho Rose not only absorbs water but also imparts some of its enzymes to the water.
The Tuareg gather clusters of dried Jericho Roses in the desert and use them as needed. If a girl plans to be “intimate,” she will dip a few branches in water to make them start to bloom.
When soaked, Jericho Rose not only absorbs water but also releases some of its enzymes into the water, gradually coloring it. The girls use this water to bathe a day before a romantic evening with a man.
The practical effectiveness of this contraceptive method has yet to be proven by modern science; however, the Tuareg have limited options in their harsh desert environment.
Interestingly, premarital sexual activity among the Tuareg is relatively open. A boy may visit a girl’s tent, trying to impress her with love songs, and if she is interested, things may progress from there.
This does not necessarily lead to a subsequent marriage, and often Tuareg girls have quite a number of such relationships.
Thus, the use of Jericho Rose as a contraceptive clearly serves as an extremely necessary and effective aid in such a “whirlwind” romance.
