Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation
Dried placenta (considered "Placenta Hominis" or "zi he che") is used for various purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including that of a postpartum tonic, since its earliest recording in 741 A.D. Consuming one's placenta is still not a mainstream, every day practice here in the West, but encapsulation is rapidly gaining credibility and support mostly through word of mouth from pleased mothers as well as being given media attention.The following are theories of the placenta's potential in how it may work and assist a mother's body and are not guaranteed claims. Please note that any potential benefits of encapsulation have not been reviewed or endorsed by the FDA, and while there is plenty of evidence to support the theories behind the practice, encapsulation is never meant to diagnose or treat any ailments or symptoms and is never a substitute for medication or the advice of a licensed medical professional. If you find yourself struggling postpartum especially in areas of depression, milk supply / breastfeeding, or physically, please seek the care of a qualified provider.
Increases Milk Supply Prolactin levels, which play the major role in lactation, drop in a mother after delivery, even when she is breastfeeding her infant. A couple studies have shown that, when consumed, reintroducing the hormones available in the placenta (namely prolactin greatly contributes to increased milk production immediately following the birth. It has also been studied that babies who are breastfed from the milk of a mother consuming her placenta regain their lost birth weight quicker than those breastfed without placenta.
High in Iron, Lowers Chances of Depression From Iron Deficiency It is estimated that over half of women are iron deficient or anemic in some form, and the blood and placenta lost during childbirth results in an approximately 9% loss of the mother's total iron stores which can further deplete the minimal amounts she may have had to begin with. The requirements for more iron while pregnant cannot be met without supplementation, leaving many women at risk for developing anemia postpartum. Low iron levels, anemia, and fatigue are one contributing factor to postpartum depression. The recommended daily amount of iron a breastfeeding woman requires is 9mg, and a non-breastfeeding is 18mg. Building up iron post-birth can be challenging, as many women who are low still do not reach optimal levels even with supplementation, but consuming the iron-filled placenta on top of already eating a healthy, iron-rich diet could assist in replenishing that which was lost to reduce the chances of experiencing postpartum depression due to low iron. Truly anemic mothers should seek additional supplementation, but the iron found in their placenta has been shown to assist in providing the most bioavailable form to assimilate well into the body.
Provides Natural Pain Relief The placenta (as well as the amniotic fluid) contains what is referred to as the Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF) molecule that, when consumed, enhances the activity of endogenous opioids that are produced in the body to naturally reduce and ease the pain following childbirth. This is especially beneficial in mothers who have had multiple children, as after-pains usually get stronger with each one, and mothers who have had c-sections and require pharmaceutical pain medication which may not be safe for a baby while breastfeeding. By consuming the placenta, women can achieve greater pain management as the POEF molecule helps naturally reduce the pain. A woman may find all she needs is a motrin instead of a stronger, prescription drug.
Contains Vitamins B12 and B6 to Fight Fatigue and Depression One of the functions of the placenta is to deliver vitamins B12 and B6 to the growing fetus in the womb. These vitamins are water soluble and used in the formation of red blood cells which provide oxygen to body tissue and are important for the metabolism and maintenance of the central nervous system. When the body runs low on B12 and B6, anemia, weakness, and fatigue can result as well as shortness of breath, loss of balance, and depression. After birth, placentas have been found to retain concentrations of B12 and B6 that far exceed the mother's own levels as she delivered sufficient amounts to the baby through the placenta. Consuming the placenta reintroduces these vitamins back into the mother's body. This is especially important for vegetarian or vegan mothers, as B12 is difficult to absorb from plant sources and is more readily available in animal ones. Lactating women require higher amounts of both these vitamins postpartum than before they were with child, and B6 is needed for the absorption of B12.
Hormone Stabilization Lowers Instances of Depression and Baby Blues The placenta acts as a temporary endocrine organ, secreting the hormones necessary for sustaining a pregnancy as well as taking over certain functions of the hypothalamus and ovaries which otherwise are responsible for regulating a portion of the general hormone production in a woman. Following birth, the mother experiences hormone fluctuation and decreased serotonin levels which can take months for a woman's body to stabilize and balance out the hormones she needs as the body transfers production back to the other organs. This instability is another factor which contributes to depressive symptoms and/or mood swings. Consuming the placenta, which still contains these hormones in it after birth, reintroduces them on a minimal, consistent basis and is thought to aid in leveling her hormones and moods, encouraging a more gentle transition, especially since hormones such as estrogen and progesterone immediately drop to signal labour come the end of term. Postpartum depression can be diagnosed any time within the first twelve months after giving birth, and current statistics show 80% of women experience the "baby blues", and 15-20% experience postpartum depression, with 50% at risk for developing it again in subsequent pregnancies. Many women turn to anti-depressants to provide relief during this time which often have frustrating side effects and/or can contaminate breast milk. The placenta can instead act as having medicinal value specifically tailored to the hormonal needs and body of the woman who created it by leveling hormonal shifts and minimizing the risk of depression. Oxytocin Enhances Bonding, Contracts Uterus, Reduces Bleeding, and Heals Wounds Oxytocin, which is usually considered the "feel good" or "love" hormone is produced by the pituitary gland during pregnancy. Oxytocin is retained in the placenta after birth which suggests to researchers that the placenta itself may also be a source of secreting this hormone. Some of its main functions include assisting let-down during lactation, facilitating bonding and maternal behaviour, and contracting the uterus. Postpartum contractions serve to return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size as well as reduce bleeding and clot the point where the placenta attached to the uterine wall. Women are often given synthetic doses of oxytocin (usually in the form of Pitocin) after giving birth to prevent instances of postpartum hemorrhage, but consuming placenta itself is also quite common in producing the same effect, especially being used by midwives attending home births in order to prevent a hospital transfer to obtain the synthetic drug form. Ingesting the oxytocin-rich placenta during the postpartum period can continue to provide benefits by enhancing bonding, contracting the uterus, and reducing bleeding (easing the lochia phase), and since oxytocin has also been found to have significant positive effects on wound healing, placenta consumption could have many benefits especially in the realm not only of the placental site but in regard to perineal tearing/episiotomy or c-section incisions.
General Uses in TCM The use of dried human placenta throughout history, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is vast, with many claims documented based on the use and results continually experienced alongside continuing clinical research. The Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica is the authoritative herbal dictionary used within TCM practice, outlining the properties and appearance, "actions and indications, principle combinations, dosage and contraindications, and contains summaries of abstracts regarding modern pharmacological and clinical research. It is within this valuable volume that the nature and use of dried placenta is described as tonifying and giving energy, and it is used for back pain, infertility, emaciation, wheezing, coughs, night sweats, skin ulcers, asthma, enhancing lactation, healing wounds, etc. Placenta is also studied as a support to the immune system in preventing infection and disease, even in relieving a case of tuberculosis. It is considered a mild but effective herb and is sold/prescribed still in today's modern world. A couple other studies have also documented its use in regenerating liver injuries and preventing osteoporosis. It is also used in Chinese Medicine to relieve fatigue, halt vomiting, regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, treat gastrointestinal disorders, and many more. All of these varying qualities the placenta is known to provide for healing can be specifically targeted, but a new mother in need of multiple avenues of bodily regeneration after a birth can benefit from this wide range of "healing factors" that will lend themselves to her individualized needs. Whether she has a case of fatigue, depression, insufficient lactation, weakness, chills, depressed immune system, physical tears or wounds, nutrient loss, and/or is in need of just gentle, general support, placenta encapsulation can provide a unique and valuable asset to postpartum recovery unlike no other food, medicine, or supplement available.
Dried placenta (considered "Placenta Hominis" or "zi he che") is used for various purposes in Traditional Chinese Medicine, including that of a postpartum tonic, since its earliest recording in 741 A.D. Consuming one's placenta is still not a mainstream, every day practice here in the West, but encapsulation is rapidly gaining credibility and support mostly through word of mouth from pleased mothers as well as being given media attention.The following are theories of the placenta's potential in how it may work and assist a mother's body and are not guaranteed claims. Please note that any potential benefits of encapsulation have not been reviewed or endorsed by the FDA, and while there is plenty of evidence to support the theories behind the practice, encapsulation is never meant to diagnose or treat any ailments or symptoms and is never a substitute for medication or the advice of a licensed medical professional. If you find yourself struggling postpartum especially in areas of depression, milk supply / breastfeeding, or physically, please seek the care of a qualified provider.
Increases Milk Supply Prolactin levels, which play the major role in lactation, drop in a mother after delivery, even when she is breastfeeding her infant. A couple studies have shown that, when consumed, reintroducing the hormones available in the placenta (namely prolactin greatly contributes to increased milk production immediately following the birth. It has also been studied that babies who are breastfed from the milk of a mother consuming her placenta regain their lost birth weight quicker than those breastfed without placenta.
High in Iron, Lowers Chances of Depression From Iron Deficiency It is estimated that over half of women are iron deficient or anemic in some form, and the blood and placenta lost during childbirth results in an approximately 9% loss of the mother's total iron stores which can further deplete the minimal amounts she may have had to begin with. The requirements for more iron while pregnant cannot be met without supplementation, leaving many women at risk for developing anemia postpartum. Low iron levels, anemia, and fatigue are one contributing factor to postpartum depression. The recommended daily amount of iron a breastfeeding woman requires is 9mg, and a non-breastfeeding is 18mg. Building up iron post-birth can be challenging, as many women who are low still do not reach optimal levels even with supplementation, but consuming the iron-filled placenta on top of already eating a healthy, iron-rich diet could assist in replenishing that which was lost to reduce the chances of experiencing postpartum depression due to low iron. Truly anemic mothers should seek additional supplementation, but the iron found in their placenta has been shown to assist in providing the most bioavailable form to assimilate well into the body.
Provides Natural Pain Relief The placenta (as well as the amniotic fluid) contains what is referred to as the Placental Opioid-Enhancing Factor (POEF) molecule that, when consumed, enhances the activity of endogenous opioids that are produced in the body to naturally reduce and ease the pain following childbirth. This is especially beneficial in mothers who have had multiple children, as after-pains usually get stronger with each one, and mothers who have had c-sections and require pharmaceutical pain medication which may not be safe for a baby while breastfeeding. By consuming the placenta, women can achieve greater pain management as the POEF molecule helps naturally reduce the pain. A woman may find all she needs is a motrin instead of a stronger, prescription drug.
Contains Vitamins B12 and B6 to Fight Fatigue and Depression One of the functions of the placenta is to deliver vitamins B12 and B6 to the growing fetus in the womb. These vitamins are water soluble and used in the formation of red blood cells which provide oxygen to body tissue and are important for the metabolism and maintenance of the central nervous system. When the body runs low on B12 and B6, anemia, weakness, and fatigue can result as well as shortness of breath, loss of balance, and depression. After birth, placentas have been found to retain concentrations of B12 and B6 that far exceed the mother's own levels as she delivered sufficient amounts to the baby through the placenta. Consuming the placenta reintroduces these vitamins back into the mother's body. This is especially important for vegetarian or vegan mothers, as B12 is difficult to absorb from plant sources and is more readily available in animal ones. Lactating women require higher amounts of both these vitamins postpartum than before they were with child, and B6 is needed for the absorption of B12.
Hormone Stabilization Lowers Instances of Depression and Baby Blues The placenta acts as a temporary endocrine organ, secreting the hormones necessary for sustaining a pregnancy as well as taking over certain functions of the hypothalamus and ovaries which otherwise are responsible for regulating a portion of the general hormone production in a woman. Following birth, the mother experiences hormone fluctuation and decreased serotonin levels which can take months for a woman's body to stabilize and balance out the hormones she needs as the body transfers production back to the other organs. This instability is another factor which contributes to depressive symptoms and/or mood swings. Consuming the placenta, which still contains these hormones in it after birth, reintroduces them on a minimal, consistent basis and is thought to aid in leveling her hormones and moods, encouraging a more gentle transition, especially since hormones such as estrogen and progesterone immediately drop to signal labour come the end of term. Postpartum depression can be diagnosed any time within the first twelve months after giving birth, and current statistics show 80% of women experience the "baby blues", and 15-20% experience postpartum depression, with 50% at risk for developing it again in subsequent pregnancies. Many women turn to anti-depressants to provide relief during this time which often have frustrating side effects and/or can contaminate breast milk. The placenta can instead act as having medicinal value specifically tailored to the hormonal needs and body of the woman who created it by leveling hormonal shifts and minimizing the risk of depression. Oxytocin Enhances Bonding, Contracts Uterus, Reduces Bleeding, and Heals Wounds Oxytocin, which is usually considered the "feel good" or "love" hormone is produced by the pituitary gland during pregnancy. Oxytocin is retained in the placenta after birth which suggests to researchers that the placenta itself may also be a source of secreting this hormone. Some of its main functions include assisting let-down during lactation, facilitating bonding and maternal behaviour, and contracting the uterus. Postpartum contractions serve to return the uterus to its pre-pregnancy size as well as reduce bleeding and clot the point where the placenta attached to the uterine wall. Women are often given synthetic doses of oxytocin (usually in the form of Pitocin) after giving birth to prevent instances of postpartum hemorrhage, but consuming placenta itself is also quite common in producing the same effect, especially being used by midwives attending home births in order to prevent a hospital transfer to obtain the synthetic drug form. Ingesting the oxytocin-rich placenta during the postpartum period can continue to provide benefits by enhancing bonding, contracting the uterus, and reducing bleeding (easing the lochia phase), and since oxytocin has also been found to have significant positive effects on wound healing, placenta consumption could have many benefits especially in the realm not only of the placental site but in regard to perineal tearing/episiotomy or c-section incisions.
General Uses in TCM The use of dried human placenta throughout history, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is vast, with many claims documented based on the use and results continually experienced alongside continuing clinical research. The Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica is the authoritative herbal dictionary used within TCM practice, outlining the properties and appearance, "actions and indications, principle combinations, dosage and contraindications, and contains summaries of abstracts regarding modern pharmacological and clinical research. It is within this valuable volume that the nature and use of dried placenta is described as tonifying and giving energy, and it is used for back pain, infertility, emaciation, wheezing, coughs, night sweats, skin ulcers, asthma, enhancing lactation, healing wounds, etc. Placenta is also studied as a support to the immune system in preventing infection and disease, even in relieving a case of tuberculosis. It is considered a mild but effective herb and is sold/prescribed still in today's modern world. A couple other studies have also documented its use in regenerating liver injuries and preventing osteoporosis. It is also used in Chinese Medicine to relieve fatigue, halt vomiting, regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, treat gastrointestinal disorders, and many more. All of these varying qualities the placenta is known to provide for healing can be specifically targeted, but a new mother in need of multiple avenues of bodily regeneration after a birth can benefit from this wide range of "healing factors" that will lend themselves to her individualized needs. Whether she has a case of fatigue, depression, insufficient lactation, weakness, chills, depressed immune system, physical tears or wounds, nutrient loss, and/or is in need of just gentle, general support, placenta encapsulation can provide a unique and valuable asset to postpartum recovery unlike no other food, medicine, or supplement available.