After giving birth, many new mothers in Singapore turn to confinement herbs to support their recovery, a practice deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These herbs, while beneficial when used correctly, can pose serious risks if misused.
This article shares a real-life story of a new mother, whose recovery nearly turned tragic when consuming off-the-shelf confinement herbs and why professional guidance matters.
Quick Takeaways:
- A real case shows how confinement herbs can cause severe postpartum complications
- Herbs that boost blood circulation, like Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong, may be dangerous right after a C-section
- Taking herbs at the appropriate recovery stage is crucial to support healing
- When in doubt, consult a qualified TCM practitioner to guide your recovery safely, especially during postpartum
When Confinement Herbs Go Wrong for a New Mother
A Gift of Care
Ms. Lin, a 33-year-old first-time mother, had just undergone a C-section to deliver her baby. After returning home, her mother gifted her a traditional confinement herbal package purchased from a local Chinese medical hall. Her confinement nanny began preparing meals and herbal decoctions using the herbs included in the package.
The first herbal decoction prepared was Sheng Hua Tang (生化汤), a common remedy in confinement packages designed to expel lochia and promote uterine healing.
This decoction typically includes Dang Gui (当归), Chuan Xiong (川芎), Tao Ren (桃仁), Pao Jiang (炮姜), and Gan Cao (甘草), used in postpartum care to support blood circulation and uterine healing.
The Crisis: Unexpected Bleeding Triggered by Herbs
Just 30 minutes after consuming Sheng Hua Tang, Ms. Lin felt dizzy and experienced severe abdominal cramping. She noticed heavy vaginal bleeding—far more than typical postpartum bleeding. Alarmed, her husband immediately called for an ambulance.
By the time she arrived at the hospital, Ms. Lin had lost consciousness from severe blood loss. Fortunately, the doctors stabilised her condition after several days in the ICU, but the experience left her physically and emotionally drained.
The Aftermath: Lingering Postpartum Struggles
Even after discharged, Ms. Lin struggled with extreme fatigue, dizziness, and insufficient milk production. The emotional trauma of the experience left her wary of all the herbs in the confinement package, fearing further harm. However, as she needed proper recovery, she sought professional help at Lao Niang TCM Clinic.
Her story is not uncommon. Many mothers unknowingly face similar risks when using herbs without proper guidance. To learn more, read our guide on The Hidden Risks of Confinement Herbs Every Mother Should Know.
How Lao Niang TCM Clinic Helped Ms. Lin Recover Safely
Diagnosing The Root Cause
When Ms. Lin came to Lao Niang TCM, we identified that Ms. Lin’s condition was exacerbated by the inappropriate use of Sheng Hua Tang. The strong blood-moving herbs in the decoction, particularly Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong, were too potent for her immediate post C-section state, hence leading to excessive uterine contractions and severe bleeding.
Personalised Recovery Plan
We designed a phased recovery plan tailored to her condition:
- Week 1-2 (Stabilising and Replenishing)
Gentle tonics with Atractylodes Macrocephala (Bai Zhu 白术), Cordyceps Flower, and Red Dates to support energy levels and blood recovery. The focus was on nourishing the spleen and stomach to build strength gradually, without overstimulating her body. - Week 3-4 (Strengthening and Rejuvenating)
After stabilising her condition, the next step was to strengthen her constitution. Herbs like American Ginseng and Polygonatum (Huang Jing黄精) were added to her regimen to boost vitality and improve her overall strength. Guidance on lifestyle adjustments, such as incorporating restorative practices like gentle exercises and breathing techniques, helped complement her herbal treatment. - Week 5-6 (Consolidating Recovery)
As her recovery progressed, we focus on long-term healing and preventing any relapse of symptoms. Herbs such as Rehmannia Root and Astragalus were used to nourish her blood and enhance her immunity, ensuring that her recovery was robust and complete.
Over six weeks, we are heartened to see Ms. Lin regain her strength, energy, and confidence.
Why Guidance Matters in Using Confinement Herbs
Ms. Lin’s journey shows that confinement herbs can aid recovery, but can also cause more harm than heal if taken at the wrong time or without proper guidance. With professional care, the same herbs can be beneficial for supporting recovery, restoring balance, and strengthening long-term health.
At Lao Niang TCM, every prescription is matched to a mother’s unique needs and body constitution — so recovery is safe, effective, and complete. If you’re preparing for postpartum recovery, schedule a consultation with us to receive a personalised plan designed for you and your baby’s well-being.
