Studies show that placenta is extremely nutrient rich, high in iron, protein, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6 and your own natural hormones, making it perfectly made for you, by you. Experts agree that the placenta retains hormones, and thus reintroducing them to your system may ease hormonal fluctuations.
 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method of Encapsulation

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used the placenta as a powerful medicine for thousands of years. It is used to increase energy, nourish the blood, and increase the kidney essence. What does that mean to you? Dried placenta is used to bring the postpartum mother’s body back into balance, replenishing what was used during childbirth.

Steaming the placenta is an integral part of the formation and action of the medicine. The placenta is gently steamed with organic herbs (Lemon, Ginger & Jalapeno), sliced thin and dehydrated. It is then ground into a powder and put into capsules. Adding heat to the placenta is part of what makes the TCM method of encapsulation unique. In Chinese medicine raw foods are generally considered cooling. Within the TCM framework, raw placenta is considered cooling and isn’t recommended, as a general rule, for the tonifying purposes of nourishing blood and restoring energy.

The standard recommendation is up to 2 capsules, 3 times a day for the first 2 weeks. After 2 weeks users can start to decrease down to 1 or 2 pills a day as needed.

 

Raw Placenta Encapsulation

Some women prefer to skip the steaming process and have their placenta encapsulated raw. Enzymes are lost when food is heated above 118 degrees and it is possible that the hormonal content is also reduced when cooking. For these capsules, the placenta is gently cleaned and slices into thin strips and then dehydrated at a low heat until dry, ground into a powder and encapsulated.Placenta that is dehydrated raw is very different then the TCM preparation. Women have called these capsules “happy pills” and report phenomenal energy levels while taking them. Raw placenta is extremely high in hormones such as progesterone and oxytocin. Midwives have traditionally used fresh placenta to stop bleeding immediately postpartum by tearing off a piece of the maternal side and having the mother put this between her cheek and gums. The high hormone levels cause the uterus to close down and bleeding is diminished.The typical recommendation is one capsule in the morning as needed if you wake up feeling "weepy" or low energy, followed by another capsule a few hours later if desired. It is also recommended that capsules prepared with raw placenta not be taken in the afternoon or evening as they may keep you from sleeping.

 

How many capsules will my placenta make?

Each placenta is different in size and substance so the amount of capsules it makes can vary from 90 to 150. The raw method yields more capsules.

How long do I use my capsules?

The first two weeks are the most important and effective time to be taking the placenta. You can taper off after that or continue to take them at the original dosage. Women are encouraged to follow their body’s cues and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Is there any time I should NOT take placenta capsules?

Placenta should not be taken if the body is fighting off a common cold, flu, or infection, such as mastitis (breast infection). If symptoms such as chills, fever, sneezing, aches, flushed cheeks, hot palms and feet or night sweats should occur, stop taking the capsules until the body has finished healing. The reason for this is because placenta is extremely tonifying in nature and can cause an illness/infection to grow stronger and go deeper into the body.

When does the encapsulation process begin?

The encapsulation process should begin within 72 hours after birth. The placenta will generally be suitable for consumption for 7 days (refrigerated the entire time) but the capsules will not be as potent as when the encapsulation process begins earlier. If it is not possible to begin the process within the first 72 hours, the placenta should be frozen within the first 24 hours. Double-bag the placenta in gallon sized zip-lock freezer bags. The placenta will be entirely thawed for TCM method of encapsulation, which takes about 24 hours in the refrigerator. It does not need to be thawed entirely to make the raw capsules.

How long does the process take?

This is a two-day process. On the first day, the placenta is prepared for dehydration. This takes about 2 hours. The length of dehydration will depend upon which method of encapsulation is chosen. TCM encapsulation typically takes 8 to 12 hours to dehydrate and the raw method takes a little bit longer. The second day is when the grinding and encapsulation takes place and will take about an hour or so depending upon which method of encapsulation has been chosen.

What do I need to provide?

Most of the time, placenta encapsulation is done in the client’s kitchen. In addition to your placenta, I will need access to counter space, your sink and stove (if wanting the TCM method). I bring all other necessary supplies for encapsulation and clean-up with me.

I would rather not have the encapsulation done in my kitchen - are there other options?

I can encapsulate the placenta in my home or in the home of a family member or friend but will require that a waiver be signed giving me permission to do so.

How do I store my capsules?

Placenta capsules should be stored in the refrigerator while being used. Keep capsules dry. Store any remaining capsules in the freezer for long-term use. If stored properly, placenta capsules will last at least 1 year and possibly longer

 

Tincture

This form of placenta medicine is not as well-known as the dried, encapsulated placenta. However, it is so easy to do and has so many potential benefits, that I always include it in my placenta preparation. I select a portion of the raw placenta, before I prepare the rest of it for encapsulation, and tincture it in alcohol (vodka). After steeping for 6 weeks, the placenta solids can be strained off to create a long lasting, pure placenta "mother" tincture which can have a multiplicity of uses.

 

This basic tincture can be used directly by the mother during times of transition, illness or stress after she has used all of her placenta capsules. From PMS, depression, or menopause, many women swear by it. The tincture can also be diluted in a bit of water and given to the child when he or she is getting sick or sick, weaning, first day of school, growth spurts, or in a time of physical or emotional transition. I don't know why it works but it seems to bring the child back to a state of physical and emotional balance. What a wonderful gift to be able to give to your child that can last their whole life!

 

Dosage: 7-10 drops directly under the tongue or between the cheek and gum is recommended, or if preferred, in liquid (water, juice, etc.) taken during times of stress or transition.

 

Child Dosage: 3-5 drops in water, juice etc. Rub on the gums when teething, getting sick or sick, weaning, first day of school, growth spurts, or in a time of physical or emotional transition.

 

Honoring the Placenta through Art: Placenta Prints and Cord Keepsakes

In addition to the medicinal uses, another way that I can bring back the tradition of honor and gratitude toward birth and the role of the placenta is to make artistically beautiful prints with it. I make your prints before I wash and prepare the placenta. They are printed with the natural placenta blood on acid-free artist’s paper. Some families frame them and display their prints as art or others choose to save them as personal keepsakes.

 

The prints are unique imprints that display the size, shape and general appearance of the placenta and also remind us why the placenta is often referred to as "The Tree of Life."

 

Costs:

Placenta Encapsulation $300.00  and Twins Placenta Encapsulation $400.00

Placenta Tincture $50.00

Prints $20.00

 

 

The information on this page has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The services offered by Nancy Nurturing Doula & Newborn Care Services are not clinical, pharmaceutical, and medical or intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Families who choose to utilize the services on this page take full responsibility of their own health and for researching and using the remedies.

 

Contact me in Bell, California, to learn more about my outstanding postpartum care for infants & mothers.