New moms who must care for a newborn while their bodies recuperate from the rigours of childbirth may experience heightened stress during confinement. From a TCM standpoint, this is a crucial time for a mother’s body to be nourished and her energy restored to its ideal level. Traditional confinement techniques involve using herbs to boost a mother’s immune system and restore her ‘Qi,’ which was lost during labour. This is commonly used in Chinese confinement food, beverages, and even baths, as it is regarded as the most effective component for postpartum recovery.
This article discusses the confinement herbs that moms should drink and how it may be incorporated into their daily lives.
Red dates, Dang Shen, and wolfberries: Tea and Soup
It is believed that cold beverages have a “cooling” effect, which hinders a new mother’s recovery and may result in bad health. For this reason, women are instructed to consume only hot liquids, with traditional traditions advising hot teas and soups as part of a confinement diet. Adding wolfberries to teas and soups is helpful since they are rich in antioxidants and minerals that aid in the body’s detoxification. In addition to helping feed the liver and kidneys, it is also recognised for reducing stress and exhaustion.
Red dates and various additional herbs, such as longans, are frequently made as nutritious tea to restore the nutrients and blood a woman loses during childbirth. This is particularly beneficial since it is a high source of iron, which refills red blood cells and strengthens the immune system.
Dang Shen is often used in Chinese confinement cuisine to balance ‘Qi’ and enhance blood circulation to revitalise the body. In addition, it is believed to stimulate the appetite and strengthen the immune system.
Dang Gui, Bei Qi, Chinese Yam: Herbal soups
Herbal soups not only replenish a mother’s body’s warmth and vitality but also enhance her immunity. Dang Gui, also known as Angelica Sinesis, is commonly used in soups to enrich the blood, increase circulation, and regulate the body’s immune system – all of which are essential for the health restoration of new moms.
Bei Qi has anti-inflammatory qualities and safeguards the cardiovascular system. In addition to antioxidative and anti-aging properties, this plant also possesses antioxidative properties.
Chinese yam has been shown to help with digestion, replenish the blood, and strengthen the spleen. Furthermore, it includes antioxidants and characteristics that promote kidney and liver function.
Ginger and Lemongrass: Herbal Bath
Confinement herbal baths are historically utilised by Asian women after childbirth and are essential to the postnatal moms’ recovery. Ginger and lemongrass are the most frequent herbs, and they assist in evacuating wind, eliminating moisture, alleviating swelling, and relieving pain.
Black Date Teas
In soups and teas, black dates are a typical Chinese herb. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these herbs, which are more “heaty” than red dates, are particularly beneficial for women experiencing childbirth. In addition, black dates are commonly added to teas for their sweetness and to “tone” the spleen and stomach.
