Placenta encapsulation is the practice of processing a birthing person’s placenta into an ingestible form, typically dried and ground into a powder and placed into capsules. This process, known as maternal human placentophagy, has roots in traditional beliefs but has recently risen in popularity in modern Western culture. This article focuses on the practical steps and considerations necessary to ensure safety and sanitation during encapsulation.
Rationale for Encapsulation
The decision to encapsulate the placenta is often rooted in anecdotal claims and traditional beliefs regarding postpartum recovery. Many mammals instinctively consume their placenta after birth, which is believed to help with nutrient replenishment. In human traditions, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the placenta has been viewed as a powerful organ worthy of reintegration.
Proponents cite benefits such as boosting energy levels and replenishing iron stores after blood loss. They also believe ingesting the capsules can help stabilize mood, reduce postpartum depression symptoms, and enhance milk production. The placenta contains hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and oxytocin, and trace minerals, which are thought to contribute to these reported effects.
Mandatory Safety and Sanitation Protocols
The placenta is a biological material requiring strict handling protocols, similar to food safety, to prevent contamination and bacterial growth. Immediate post-birth handling is paramount: the placenta must be placed in a food-grade, leak-proof container and chilled promptly. It should be placed on ice or refrigerated within four hours of delivery, and not refrigerated for longer than four days before processing or freezing.
The preparation area must undergo a cleaning and sanitization regimen, typically involving soap and water followed by a chlorine bleach solution. All non-disposable equipment, such as stainless steel tools and dehydrator trays, must be dismantled and sanitized with a bleach solution between uses. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and an apron, should be worn to minimize the risk of transferring pathogens. Only one placenta should be processed in the workspace at any given time to avoid mixing biological materials.
Step-by-Step Preparation Methods
There are two primary methods for preparing the placenta for encapsulation: the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) method and the Raw method. Both require the placenta to be rinsed under cold running water to remove blood clots and membranes before processing begins. The organ is then sliced thinly into uniform pieces, approximately 0.5 centimeters thick, to ensure even dehydration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Method
The TCM method involves steaming the cleaned and sliced placenta prior to dehydration. The steaming process often incorporates warming ingredients like lemon and ginger, which are believed to infuse “yang” or warm energy according to TCM principles. Steaming also acts as a sanitization step, using heat to reduce the microbial count and eliminate potential pathogens. After steaming, the placenta slices are placed in a food dehydrator until they are completely dry and brittle.
Raw Method
The Raw method skips steaming, sending the cleaned, sliced placenta directly into the dehydrator. Proponents believe that avoiding high heat preserves more of the placenta’s hormones, nutrients, and enzymes, leading to a more potent final product. This method requires strict adherence to food-safe dehydration temperatures for a prolonged period to mitigate the risk of bacterial contamination. Once the slices are fully dehydrated, they are ground into a fine powder using a food-grade grinder and inserted into empty capsules.
Dosage, Storage, and Use Guidelines
Once prepared, the capsules should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. While some recommend refrigeration, a cool, dry cupboard is preferred to prevent condensation from affecting the capsule integrity. The typical placenta yields between 90 and 170 capsules, which can last for several months.
Dosage recommendations are based on a tapering schedule, starting with a higher amount, such as two to three capsules, three times a day during the first week postpartum. The dosage is gradually reduced over several weeks or as the individual feels their energy and mood stabilize. Use should be discontinued if signs of infection, such as fever or mastitis, occur, as the “warming” properties of the capsules could worsen the infection. Since placenta encapsulation is not regulated by government agencies, anyone considering it should consult with a healthcare provider.