When it comes to postpartum recovery, more mothers are seeking natural ways to feel supported, nourished, and empowered after birth. One of the most talked-about—and deeply rooted—options is placenta encapsulation.

While it may seem like a modern trend on social media, the practice of consuming the placenta for its potential benefits has been around for thousands of years. From Traditional Chinese Medicine to Indigenous ceremonies, the placenta has long been honored as a source of life and healing. Today, encapsulation offers a modern, accessible way for new moms to incorporate this ancient wisdom into their postpartum journey.

In this post, we’re diving into the origins of placenta encapsulation, why it’s gaining popularity again, and how it’s supporting maternal wellness in a whole new way.

A Sacred Tradition Across Cultures

The placenta has always been seen as more than just an organ. Across cultures, it’s viewed as a vital, life-giving force that deserves care, reverence, and sometimes even ritualistic consumption or burial.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

In TCM, placenta (zi he che) has been used for thousands of years in dried or powdered form. It’s believed to restore Qi (life energy), improve blood circulation, and help balance postpartum hormones. Consuming placenta is thought to nourish the body, increase energy, and improve recovery after childbirth.

Indigenous and Tribal Rituals

• In New Zealand, Māori communities bury the placenta in sacred locations to symbolize the child’s connection to the land and lineage.
• In parts of Africa and South America, placenta burial is often a spiritual act, while some cultures consume a portion of it to restore strength and promote healing.
• Some Native American tribes perform ceremonies with the placenta to honor the baby’s transition into the physical world.

Though methods and meanings vary, the placenta is almost universally treated with spiritual and physical respect.

Modern Placenta Encapsulation: Where Did It Begin?

Placenta encapsulation, as we know it today—where the placenta is steamed, dehydrated, ground into powder, and placed into capsules—emerged in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s, as part of the growing natural birth movement.

Women seeking holistic birth and postpartum options started looking for ways to reconnect with ancestral practices. Encapsulation was developed as a convenient and hygienic way to experience the benefits of placenta consumption—without having to prepare or consume it raw.

At NuHealth Placenta, we use this time-tested encapsulation method in a lab-based, CDC-compliant facility, combining traditional care with modern safety standards.

What Are the Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation?

While scientific research is still catching up, thousands of women worldwide report noticeable benefits after taking placenta capsules, including:

• Improved mood and reduced postpartum depression symptoms
• Increased milk supply
• Faster energy recovery after birth
• Balanced hormones and fewer mood swings
• Reduced postpartum hair loss

Many of these benefits reflect the placenta’s natural concentration of iron, hormones like oxytocin and progesterone, and essential nutrients that mothers lose during labor and delivery. You can explore more in our blog on the Top 6 Benefits of Placenta Encapsulation.

Placenta encapsulation is not a cure-all, but for many new moms, it’s a meaningful and supportive addition to their postpartum care plan.

Why It’s Growing in Popularity Today

In the U.S., postpartum care is often limited to a single six-week follow-up appointment. That leaves many mothers feeling unsupported and overwhelmed during a time of intense physical and emotional adjustment.

With rising awareness of maternal mental health and the importance of postpartum hormone support, more women are turning to natural postpartum remedies like placenta encapsulation. It’s a way to feel proactive, supported, and in tune with your body’s unique needs.

Social media, podcasts, and celebrity advocates have also played a role in spreading the word—helping normalize and celebrate placenta encapsulation as a valid, empowering choice.

A Return to What Our Ancestors Already Knew

The growing interest in placenta encapsulation isn’t just about wellness—it’s about reclaiming autonomy and tradition in postpartum care.

At NuHealth Placenta, we’re proud to continue this legacy with modern safety, transparency, and compassion. Our process is designed to make placenta encapsulation safe, simple, and supportive, whether you choose direct pickup in Southern California or Chicagoland, or use our nationwide SimpleShip option.

Curious About Placenta Encapsulation?

Placenta encapsulation might seem new, but it’s rooted in ancient tradition and maternal wisdom. If you’re looking for a natural way to support your recovery, placenta capsules can be a beautiful part of your postpartum journey.

Want to learn more?

Visit our How It Works page or check out our FAQs to discover if placenta encapsulation is right for you. Our team is here to answer questions, guide you through the process, and help you feel supported every step of the way.

NuHealth Placenta | Supporting mothers through postpartum—naturally.