ANCIENT CULTURE 2: PLACENTA IN CHINA

China has a rich history of over 2,000 years association with placenta. A

classic medical text from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) said placenta – which lines the uterus and is key to the survival of the foetus – was “heavily nutritious” and “if taken for the longer term basis, longevity will be achieved”

Human placenta has also been an ingredient in some traditional Chinese medicines,[10] including using dried human placenta, known as “Ziheche” (simplified Chinese: 紫河车; traditional Chinese: 紫河車; pinyin: Zǐhéchē), to treat wasting diseases, infertility, impotence and other conditions.

Hence, placentophagy – the practice of eating one’s placenta after birth – is relatively common in China, where it is thought to have anti-ageing properties and other health benefits.

Qin Shihuang, the first emperor of a unified China, is said to have designated placenta as having health properties some 2,200 years ago, and during China’s last dynasty, Express Dowager was said to have eaten it to stay young.

Traditional Chinese medicine experts believe that placenta eating is the finest means of celebrating birth and contains all of the nutrients required to keep postnatal depression at bay, including replenishing insufficient milk and lactation.

In short, the Chinese believe the health benefits of placenta are quick recovery after childbirth, postpartum depression, insufficient lactation, achieving longevity and eliminating excessive fatigue and infertility.

In our next posting, we will explore ancient practices and beliefs of placenta by other countries in Asia.

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ANCIENT CULTURE 1: PLACENTA IN THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO

 

The including Malaysia and Indonesia has always been a region that has high regards to placenta. Placenta is considered as pure symbol of spirit, life and individuality.

The Indonesians believe placenta is the elder sibling or the twin of a newborn baby. For them, the placenta is there to serve as the baby’s guardian all through the baby’s life. Hence, according to the traditional beliefs of the Malay Indonesians, placentas need to be buried and not disposed other ways. As a matter of fact, prayers and rituals may even be conducted when burying the placenta. Before this, the placenta needs to be placed in a clean bowl and properly washed. If not, the baby will fall ill.

In Malaysia, the mother, baby and placenta have a special place in the Malay culture. The placenta must be handled with proper care and needs to be buried with the umbilical cord together at the doorway of the child’s house. Prior to this, both the placenta and the umbilical cord will be cleansed thoroughly and then placed in the clothe with several spices, salt, tamarind, onions and even needles, books and pencils! This is done to ensure the child will grow up to be a hardworking and smart person.

The burial must be conducted before or after the 12 noon mark. If these items are buried at 12 noon sharp, tradition holds that the new born baby will grow up to be very stubborn. On the other hand, the placenta must not be buried too deep as burying it deep within the ground will delay the child’s speech learning.

In our next posting, we will share the ancient culture of China regarding the treatment of placenta.

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MAINTAINING A BALANCED DIET WITH PLACENTA


Many people tend to think eat less fatty foods and have a healthy habit like exercising is good enough to stay healthy. But the truth is you need more than that – a balanced diet.

A balanced diet focuses on providing all the key nutrients your body needs such as macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates and fat along with micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Each nutrient has a different role in maintaining the various body functions.

Top up your day with placenta is one of the good ways to complement a balanced diet. Placenta is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, iron and protein which is vital for maintaining good health and beauty. It has the wholesome goodness of vital stem cells which is good for the protection and recovery of cardiovascular health.

Other nutritional properties include nucleic acids, amino acids, mucopolysaccharides and multivitamins like Vitamin A, B, E and K. Each vitamin has its own key functions. For instance, Vitamin A is fat-soluble property and good for vision, skin and bone. Vitamin B helps ease stress and memory. Vitamin E is strong in antioxidant which helps remove free radicals while Vitamin K reduces blood clotting and prevents osteoporosis. In short, placenta with its rich nutrients is perfect as a health supplement for a balanced diet.

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