Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Placenta has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, placenta—often processed and referred to as "zi he che"—is believed to nourish the blood, support vitality, and aid recovery after illness or childbirth, which is conceptually linked to convalescence. Historical texts and materia medica describe its use for people who are weak, fatigued, or recovering from chronic disease. Placenta is thought to replenish "qi" (vital energy) and restore bodily strength. However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. Modern research on human or animal placenta for convalescence is sparse, and high-quality clinical trials are lacking. Some studies suggest that placenta contains bioactive substances such as growth factors, hormones, and nutrients, which could theoretically support tissue repair and recovery. Nonetheless, these findings are preliminary and do not provide robust evidence for efficacy in convalescence. Safety concerns regarding infection, immune reactions, and transmission of disease also exist. In summary, while traditional use is well documented, scientific support for the use of placenta in convalescence is minimal. The evidence rating reflects the predominance of historical over clinical data and the absence of rigorous scientific validation.

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