Confinement Herbs

For people living in a Western country, finding herbs might be challenging. Dr. Kristal Lau, a physician and global healthcare professional with expertise in helping mothers thrive alongside their babies and families, offers guidance on the best ways to obtain all the necessary herbs, even if you’re miles away from home.

Where to Get Your Confinement Herbs in the West

Confinement is a conventional postpartum practice rooted in Chinese culture, known as Zuo Yue Zi or “sitting the month.” The practice centers around a period of rest and recovery for both mother and baby after childbirth, often supported by certain Confinement herbs designed to aid in healing and nourishment.

Let’s Begin by Explaining Confinement in Detail

Confinement, or Zuo Yue Zi, is a Chinese postpartum recovery practice that emphasizes rest, proper nutrition, and the use of specific herbs to help new mothers regain strength and balance after childbirth.

Dr Kristal Lau postpartum wellness consultant coach and specialist

In the book Postpartum 30, the term “Confinement” is used to describe that practice. As a third-generation Malaysian of Chinese heritage, Dr. Lau grew up with English as her first language, and “Confinement” was the term her family used. While the term might sound restrictive, it is meant to encapsulate the cultural and health-focused traditions that help mothers recover during the postpartum period.

The Challenge: Finding Confinement Herbs in the West

For those who have migrated to the West, whether as modern-day immigrants, expats, or second-plus-generation Asians, continuing the practice may be challenging. One of the main obstacles is finding quality Confinement herbs.

Factors Limiting The Distribution of Confinement Herbs in Western Countries

Confinement Herbs
  • Import Concerns: Many Western countries have strict regulations on the importation of herbs, especially from regions like Asia.
  • Location of Herbal Dispensaries: Herbal dispensaries and TCM clinics are often located in larger cities, where there is a higher concentration of expats and immigrants familiar with the remedies. People living in rural or suburban areas might need to travel to find a local dispensary.
  • Accessibility of TCM Practitioners: TCM practitioners are typically found in urban centers, where demand sustains their practice. It’s often more difficult for individuals far from a city to access the services.

How To Source The Herbs You Need

Despite challenges, there are still several ways to get Confinement herbs, regardless of location.

Confinement Herbs

Chinese Medicine Clinics

The first place to look for Confinement herbs is at a conventional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinic. The clinics often have an attached herbal dispensary, similar to how some Western clinics are connected to pharmacies. When visiting a TCM doctor, they will assess the patient’s health and provide a specific prescription tailored to their needs during the Confinement period.
At the clinics, there is an option to receive herbs in various forms. Patients might choose raw herbs to brew themselves or opt for more modern preparations, like granules that dissolve easily in hot water.

Even if there isn’t a TCM clinic nearby, it’s worth reaching out to one. Many clinics now offer phone consultations or telehealth services, making it easier to access care without traveling long distances.

For example, during Dr. Lau’s first Confinement experience, she was living in Alabama, far from any TCM clinics. However, when she traveled to New York to renew her passport, she took the opportunity to visit a TCM doctor there, returning home with a 30-day supply of herbs for her recovery.


Local Pharmacies with Herbalists or TCM Pharmacists

Confinement Herbs

Another option is to visit local pharmacies that have in-house herbalists or, even better, TCM pharmacists. In some Western countries, such as Germany, certain pharmacies employ TCM pharmacists who dispense herbal remedies based on prescriptions or provide general advice on self-prescribing herbs.
During her second Confinement, Dr. Lau was living in Germany and found a TCM pharmacist in a small village pharmacy in Munich. Using the prescription from her previous Confinement, the pharmacist was able to prepare the exact herbal preparation she needed. The herbs were provided in convenient granules, simplifying daily preparation.


That option is ideal for people already familiar with Confinement herbs and who know what they need. However, for anyone new to Confinement practices, you’re advised to consult a TCM doctor first so you use the correct herbs for your health needs.


Businesses and Services Offering Confinement Herb Packages

A third option for sourcing Confinement herbs is through businesses that specialize in Confinement herb packages. The services typically offer pre-packaged herbs for the entire Confinement period, making it easy to get everything needed in one order.

Confinement Herbs


The packages are especially convenient if access to a TCM clinic or herbalist is limited. Ordered online and they’ll be delivered directly to your home. However, as with the other options, consulting with a TCM doctor before making a purchase is a good idea, especially if there is any uncertainty about what to order.
One advantage of obtaining a prescription from a TCM doctor is that it may be reused for future Confinements, as long as health needs remain the same.

To Learn More about Confinement herbs

Confinement Herbs

For those seeking further guidance on postpartum recovery and wellness, the podcast The Postpartum Wellness Show by Dr. Kristal Lau offers valuable insights and expert advice. Dr. Lau is also the author of Postpartum 30. With her extensive experience and international speaking engagements, Dr. Lau focuses on empowering mothers and families during the postpartum period, helping them deal with the challenges of new parenthood while steering them toward optimal health and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Are there any dietary restrictions or foods to avoid while taking Confinement herbs?

A: Yes, there are certain dietary considerations to keep in mind while taking Confinement herbs. For instance, it is often recommended to avoid cold or raw foods during the Confinement period as they are believed to counteract the warming and nourishing effects of the herbs. Foods like ice cream, raw vegetables, and cold drinks should be minimized or avoided. Additionally, spicy foods, overly greasy meals, and excessively salty foods might interfere with the absorption and effectiveness of the herbs.

Q2: Can Confinement herbs be used if you had a C-section, and are there any special considerations?

A: Yes, Confinement herbs may be used if you’ve had a C-section, but there are some special considerations to keep in mind. After a C-section, the body undergoes surgical trauma, and specific herbs may be recommended to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. For instance, herbs like dang gui (Chinese angelica) may be used to support blood circulation and healing, but they should be used cautiously as they might also have blood-thinning properties.

Work closely with a TCM doctor who’ll tailor the herbal regimen to your recovery needs post-surgery, so that the herbs complement your body’s healing process and do not interfere with any prescribed medications.

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Dr. Kristal Lau | MPH, MBBS, BMedSc (Hons)

Dr. Kristal Lau [MPH, MBBS, BMedSc(Hons), Certified European Lifestyle Medicine Health Advisor by ELMO] is the leading authority in postpartum wellness and culturally sensitive postnatal care. She's the award-winning author of 'Postpartum 30', a mother of 2+2, and a former U.S. military spouse. Dr. Lau offers consulting and coaching services to help individuals and organizations create holistic postpartum wellness experiences that bridge modern health care and science with personal lifestyles and cultural practices. She also hosts The Postpartum Wellness Show on YouTube and podcast.

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