Placentophagy is the practice of consuming the placenta. Traditional Chinese medicine has been using placenta medicinally for thousands of years. It is believed to augment Qi (energy) and Xue (Blood) and therefore tonifies Yang, Yin and Jing (Vital Essence). There are a variety of potential benefits to placentophagy.
The placenta contains vitamins and minerals that may help fight depression symptoms, such as vitamin B6. The placenta is considered rich in iron and protein, which is useful to women recovering from childbirth, and a particular benefit to vegetarian women. Among the Chinese and Vietnamese, it is a customary practice to prepare the placenta for consumption by the mother. The placenta is known to be rich in nutrients that the mother needs to recover from childbirth. It is also known to help stop hemorrhaging in it’s raw form, due to its beneficial oxytocin content.
In the postpartum period, placenta capsules can be used to:
• Increase general energy • Allow a quicker return to health after birth • Increase production of breast milk • Decrease likelihood of baby blues and post natal depression • Decrease likelihood of iron deficiency • Decrease likelihood of insomnia or sleep disorders
Although current research on human placentophagy is still in its infancy, what we do know is that women who take placenta capsules report fewer emotional issues, have more energy and tend to enjoy a faster, more pleasant postpartum recovery. The first few days and weeks with your new baby are precious. Give yourself the best chance to fully enjoy your “babymoon” with placenta capsules.
