We are so excited to finally share that we have two new blends coming soon, one of which is called NURTURE. This formula combines classical Taoist herbs traditionally enlisted to support women’s vitality, nourish the blood, and help maintain robust feminine health, especially after giving birth. Featuring potent herbal extracts exclusively, this proprietary blend is comprised of: He Shou Wu, Angelica Root, Prepared Rehmannia, Black Sesame, Jujube Fruit, Salvia Root, Cornus Officinalis, and Orange Peel. In TCM, we believe that after the delivery of a baby, the mother's physical health may become susceptible to two states of imbalance: 1) a deficiency of Blood and Yin, and 2) Blood stagnation.
The loss of blood during childbirth injures a mother’s Blood/Yin, which if left uncorrected can lead to more imbalances down the line. Featuring a variety of Blood tonics, like Prepared Rehmannia, Angelica, and He Shou Wu, this blend functions as a restorative blood-builder that promotes the production of healthy blood, including by facilitating the utilization of nutrients. As a primary carrier channel for distributing Qi (vital energy), nutrients, hormones, and immune cells throughout the body, the Blood is intimately involved with the entire body’s activities and therefore foundational to our felt sense of wellness.
A baby’s delivery requires an immense expenditure of Qi from the mother, which points to the crucial role of the Qi tonics included in this formula, like Jujube Fruit and Black Sesame (both are also Blood tonics). These tonic herbs help us extract Qi from the food we eat and the air we breathe, and govern both the transformation and distribution of all Qi. Where Qi flows, Blood follows, and so the combination of Qi and Blood tonics supports the abundant restoration of these life-giving elements. The inclusion of circulation-supporting herbs like Salvia Root and Orange Peel further promotes their unobstructed flow, contributing to the comprehensive replenishment and rebalancing promoted by this blend.
In TCM, we believe that the loss of energy and blood inherent to the process of building and birthing new life can lead to Heart Blood deficiency. The Heart houses our Shen or “Spirit” so when there is Heart Blood deficiency, the mind and spirit can become displaced, often leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. Salvia and Jujube are particularly supportive of Shen, but all of the Blood tonics, due to their supply of adequate, healthy blood to the Heart nourish our capacities for emotional balance, mental clarity, and spiritual connection.
Each herb brings such a multitude of benefits to this blend, so below please find a few of the specific actions that might help you understand just how inspired we are to share this well-rounded formula with you!
Prepared Rehmannia- A premier Yin Jing and Blood tonic. Yin Jing is stored in the five primary organs, so ensuring its robustness allows all of these organs to function optimally, and is considered the foundation of both reproductive health and overall vitality. It’s also essential for burnout prevention. This herb greatly supports women’s reproductive function, including for those with fertility issues or painful periods, and benefits sexual function in both men and women. It’s a primary longevity herb with potent rejuvenating properties.
Angelica- Considered a supreme Blood tonic, its mastery in rebuilding red blood cells and enhancing blood volume is basically unparalleled. It is therefore a beloved ally after acute incidents like surgery, birth, illness, or injury, as well as for more regular use in replenishing blood lost during menstruation. Angelica is arguably TCM’s most important gynecological herb, with a bi-directional and regulating action on the uterus. It also brings the benefit of a soothing effect on the nerves and emotions to this blend.
He Shou Wu- Another superior Yin Jing and Blood tonic. Both energizing and calming, blood purifying and building, hormone balancing and organ tonifying, He Shou Wu is an ideal postpartum ally. It supports the body in producing longevity-promoting substances, including the most powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase – a potent free radical scavenger. As the most revered Jing tonic in TCM, He Shou Wu offers support on the most essential, fundamental level.
Jujube- Qi and Blood tonic and mild Shen stabilizer. This traditional food is having a resurgence in postpartum wellness – and with good reason. Supporting enhanced energy levels, nourishing the blood, promoting emotional balance, and soothing the nervous system, this red date is an extremely nutrient-dense food that brings a lot to the table in terms of promoting recovery promoting lactation.
Cornus- A mild Yin tonic that helps in the conservation of Jing, this herb has an amplifying action on other herbs, supporting the potency of this formula and adding its own benefits. It is warm in nature, which is not common for a Yin herb, but makes it a welcome addition for the postpartum period. Cornus is tonifying to the uterus and promotes urogenital organ health specifically in the postpartum period, supporting involution and minimizing frequent urination.
Salvia- As a blood circulation promoter, Salvia is enlisted to support the Heart, and remediate blood stagnation or even stasis, which is believed in TCM to be a common factor in postpartum discomfort and complications. By encouraging the smooth flow of blood, Salvia is helpful in alleviating pain, promoting recovery, and preventing further complications. Also known as Chinese Sage, Salvia has a calming and uplifting effect.
Black Sesame – As a Qi and Blood tonic, black sesame is another food medicine that is highly valued in TCM during the postpartum period for its capacity to remedy deficiency, replenish nutrients, nourish Yin, support lactation, and promote optimal digestive function.
Orange Peel- By stimulating spleen Qi, orange peel aids in the absorption and assimilation of nutrients from food for Qi enhancement and regulation. It is also warming and promotes the circulation of blood and the increase of milk production.
