Traditional Chinese Postpartum Care: Herbal Teas and Recipes for Breastfeeding and Mood

​The postpartum period is a crucial time for new mothers to recover, nourish their bodies, and nurture their mental well-being. In many cultures, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this time—often called “sitting the month” or zuo yuezi—is observed with special care involving rest, warming foods, and herbal therapies. Drawing from TCM traditions and insights from contemporary Chinese Medicine authors, and combining Western herbal options, here’s a guide to herbal teas and cooking herbs that can support breastfeeding and help ease postnatal mood challenges.

---

The Tradition of "Sitting the Month" (Zuo Yuezi)

In traditional Chinese culture, the first 30 to 40 days after birth are dedicated to restoring balance and strength. The new mother focuses on warming the body, replenishing blood and qi (energy), promoting breastmilk flow, and calming the spirit. This holistic approach helps prevent long-term health issues and supports emotional stability during this vulnerable time.

​Herbal Teas for Breastfeeding and Mood Support

Traditional Chinese Herbs

• Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis): Known as “female ginseng,” it nourishes blood and supports lactation.
• Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii): Encourages blood circulation and relieves postpartum discomfort.
• Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus): Boosts qi and immunity, helping mothers regain energy.
• Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus jujuba seed): Calms anxiety and promotes restful sleep.
• Long Yan Rou (Longan fruit): Nourishes heart and spleen, aiding emotional balance.
• Ginger & Red Dates: Warm the body and strengthen digestion, foundational for postpartum recovery.

​Western Herbal Tea Options

• Mother’s Milk® Tea: A blend containing fenugreek, fennel, anise, coriander, and sometimes blessed thistle, studied for safety and used to support milk supply.
• Fenugreek: Widely used as a galactagogue to increase milk production.
• Chamomile: Supports relaxation, improves sleep quality, and reduces anxiety.
• Lavender: Used aromatically or as a tea to calm the mind and reduce stress.
• Lemon Balm & Peppermint: Gentle calming herbs that may help with mild anxiety and digestion.

Simple Postpartum Herbal Tea Recipe (TCM Inspired)

Ingredients:

• 5g Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) slices
• 3g Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii) slices
• 3–5 slices fresh ginger (or 1g dried ginger)
• 5 dried red dates (Hong Zao), pitted and halved
• 10 longan fruits (Long Yan Rou), dried
• Optional: 5g Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus seed) for calming effect

Instructions:

1. Rinse all herbs briefly.
2. Place herbs and ginger in 1.5 liters of water.
3. Bring to boil, then simmer gently for 30–45 minutes.
4. Strain and drink warm throughout the day. Can be sweetened lightly with honey if preferred.

​Nourishing Foods for Recovery

Traditional Chinese postpartum meals emphasize warming, nutrient-dense foods that support milk production and energy restoration.

Bone Broth with Dang Gui and Ginger

​Ingredients:

• 1kg chicken bones or beef bones
• 10g Dang Gui slices
• 5 slices fresh ginger
• 5 dried red dates
• Water to cover bones (about 3–4 liters)

Instructions:

1. Blanch bones in boiling water for 5 minutes, then rinse to remove impurities.
2. Place bones, Dang Gui, ginger, red dates in a large pot and cover with water.
3. Simmer gently for at least 4 hours (longer for richer broth).
4. Strain and season lightly with salt if desired. Consume warm.

​Congee with Red Dates, Longan, and Goji Berries

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine or brown rice
• 8 cups water or bone broth
• 5 dried red dates, pitted
• 10 dried longan fruits
• 1 tbsp goji berries (wolfberries)

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice thoroughly.
2. Combine rice, water/broth, red dates, and longan fruits in a pot.
3. Bring to boil, then simmer gently for 1–1.5 hours until porridge is soft and creamy.
4. Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Serve warm; can add a little honey if desired.

​​Sesame Oil Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken or chicken pieces (500–700g)
• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 5 slices fresh ginger
• 5 dried red dates
• Water to cover

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pot; sauté ginger slices until fragrant.
2. Add chicken pieces and sear lightly on all sides.
3. Add red dates and enough water to cover ingredients.
4. Simmer gently for 1–2 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Season lightly with salt if desired; serve warm.

​​Insights from Contemporary Authors

• Daoshing Ni stresses the importance of warming herbs alongside rest to rebuild strength.
• Jenny Allison highlights calming herbs like Suan Zao Ren to support mood balance.
• Heng Ou integrates these herbs into everyday foods to naturally support lactation.
• Siatnee Chong emphasizes combining herbal traditions with balanced nutrition for mental health.
• Aviva Romm recommends combining Western calming herbs like chamomile with Chinese tonics for gentle mood support.

​Safety and Professional Guidance

While these herbs have long histories of use, it’s essential to consult qualified practitioners—such as registered TCM herbalists (like myself!) or your healthcare provider —before starting any new herbal regimen during breastfeeding. Quality sourcing is important to ensure safety.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating traditional Chinese herbal teas, nourishing foods, and safe Western herbal options into postpartum care can be a comforting way to support breastfeeding and emotional health. These practices honor the body’s need for warmth, rest, gentle nourishment, and mental calm during recovery.

References

1. Ni, Daoshing. The Tao of Nutrition. Healing Arts Press, 2003.
2. Allison, Jenny. Chinese Herbal Medicine for Postpartum Care. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 2017.
3. Ou, Heng. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother. Scribner, 2016.
4. Chong, Siatnee et al. “Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine Practices into Western Postpartum Care.” Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020.
5. Romm, Aviva. Herbal Medicine for Women. HarperOne, 2010.

You should be able to source the Chinese herbs mentioned in this blog post at your local Chinese grocery store, herbalist, or online. However if you would like assistance finding quality products or Australian suppliers of these herbs or teas, please feel free to ask!