To optimise the health benefits the specially prepared confinement meals bring to mothers, our chefs intricately choose the right herbs for the desired effects.
We take a brief look at some of the common herbs that go into our preparation:
Szechuan Lovage Root Chuan Xiong, 川芎
This herb helps to invigorate blood and move Qi. It is renowned to help gynecological disorders like irregular menses, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, difficult labor, postpartum abdominal pain and retained lochia.
It also helps to expel wind and relieve pain including headache and dizziness.
Semen Persicae Tao Ren, 桃仁
Tao Ren aids the heart, liver and large intestine.
It invigorates the blood and dispels blood stasis. It also moistens the intestines and aids in the movement of the bowels.
Chinese Angelica Root Dang Gui, 当归
Dang gui is widely used for women’s health and reputedly to aid cardiovascular conditions, osteoarthritis, inflammation, headache, infections, mild anaemia and hypertension.
Roasted Licorice Root Zhi Gan Cao, 炙甘草
Zhi Gan Chao helps in certain digestive complaints including stomach ulcers, heartburn, colic, and ongoing inflammation of the lining of the stomach or chronic gastritis.
Chinese Motherwort Yi Mu Cao, 益母草
Yi Mu Cao is classified as one of the 50 fundamental herbs used in TCM.
As the name implies, it is literally a beneficial herb for mothers. In China, it is being studied for its potential to prevent postpartum hemorrhage after caesarian section.
Chinese Wolfberry Qi Zi, 枸杞
The known benefits include the improvement of eyesight, strengthening of the immune system, good nourishment for the liver and kidney and improves blood circulation.
Dried Longan Long Yan Gan, 龙眼肉
A popular snack too, this helps to replenish blood, nourish the heart and spleen, improve overall complexion and well being.
It also aids in the digestive system and promotes a healthy mind.
Eucommia Bark Du Zhong, 杜仲
This herb nourishes the liver and kidneys, and also strengthens the muscles and bones.
It aids in calming the spirit, removing pain, prevent inflammation and improve the immune system.
Blast-fried Ginger Pao Jiang, 炮黑姜
Pao jiang aids in treating cold, warms the channels and stops pain too. It has a desired effect of helping cases of diarrhea, watery stool and even strengthen our limbs.
Carthamus Tinctorius Hong Hua, 红花
Studies have shown it brings positive benefits to the heart. In certain studies, some say it helps to reduce the body fat too.
Red dates Hong Zao, 红枣
It is highly nutritious and packed with fiber and antioxidants. Red dates help to tonify the spleen, replenish Qi, nourishes the blood and calms the mind.
Black Date Hei Zao, 黑枣
Hei zao helps to strengthen the stomach and spleen.
It is rich in nutrients and contain vitamins, calcium and iron.
This is a growing list of herbs that are commonly used. They are not exhaustive and we will be adding to it along the way.
“Hong Zao” Red Glutinous Rice, 红糟
It helps to lower bad cholesterol, strengthens the cardio and regulates menstruation. It also promotes better blood circulation and prevent blood clots.
Astragalus Root Huang Qi, 黄芪
Astragalus is used to treat the common cold and upper respiratory infections. It stimulates the spleen, liver, lungs, circulatory and urinary system.
Bulbus Lilii Bai He, 百合
Bai He nourishes Yin and moistens the lungs. It is used to treat chronic cough due to Yin deficiency and blood in sputum. It also clears heart heat and calms the spirit.
Black Bean 黑豆
Black beans are great for the body. Amongst others, they help to strengthen bones, lowers blood pressure, reduces the risks of heart disease, good for pregnancy by promoting secretion of breast milk and contain high antioxidants.
Burdock Root Niu Bang, 牛蒡
This root helps to purify the blood, strengthens the lymphatic system and a natural diuretic and skin healer. It improves arthritis, helps treat an enlarged spleen and fights tonsillitis.
Chinese Foxgloves Shu Di Huang, 熟地
It is reputed to nourish the Yin, remove heat from the blood and is a tonic for the liver. It is good for the treatment of hypertension, anemia, insomnia, constipation and fatigue too.
Codonopsis Root Dang Shen, 党参
It is a superb and potent Qi tonic. It invigorates the spleen and lung functions and it promotes the production of body fluids. It helps to improve the digestive system and blood deficiency too.
Cordyceps 虫草
It is a fungi that improves respiratory health, increase oxygen uptake, boost heart health, detox the body and helps to boost energy level and the immune system too.
Dioscorea Huai Shan, 准山
It is used for menstrual cramps and discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, stomach cramps and pain from gallstones. It also nourishes the heart, spleen, blood and calms the spirit.
Dioscorea Polystachya Chinese Yam, 山药
People with conditions related to the stomach, spleen, kidneys, lungs or skin may benefit from Chinese yam. It is also a remedy for hot flashes associated with menopause and post-menopausal vaginal dryness.
Gastrodia Tian Ma, 天麻
It helps to calm the liver wind and used to treat convulsions, tetanus and epilepsy, dizziness and headache. It also expels wind and alleviate pain.
Ginkgo 白果
Ginkgo contains high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Many believe it helps to boost memory aid too.
Lemon Grass 香茅
Lemongrass contains substances that can relieve pain and swelling, reduce fever, improve blood sugar level, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow.
Dried Longan Long Yan Gan, 龙眼肉
A popular snack too, this helps to replenish blood, nourish the heart and spleen, improve overall complexion and well being.
It also aids in the digestive system and promotes a healthy mind.
Lotus Root 莲藕
It is a great source of vitamin C and helps to boost the immune system to fight infections. It also helps the body in the production of red blood cells.
Lotus Seed 莲子
This is a rich source of phosphorus, protein, potassium and magnesium. It can improve the heart condition, diabetes, hypertension and treat obesity.
Polygonum He Shou Wu, 何首乌
Polygonum replenishes the liver and kidney functions with vital essence and blood. It strengthens the tendons and bones too.
Salvia Root Dan Shen, 丹参
Dan Shen helps to clear blood clots, alleviate pain, invigorates the blood and break up blood stasis. It also improves the heart, lower blood pressure and ease inflammation.
Solomonseal Rhizome Yu Zhu, 玉竹
It is used to treat lung disorders, reduce inflammation and skin conditions. It also nourishes the yin and moistens internal dryness.
White Peony Bai Shao, 白芍
Bai Shao improves the heart and is used for spasms, whooping cough, epilepsy, nerve pain and chronic fatigue. It also nourishes blood and activates better circulation.
White Peony Bai Shao, 白芍
Bai Shao improves the heart and is used for spasms, whooping cough, epilepsy, nerve pain and chronic fatigue. It also nourishes blood and activates better circulation.
