Stewed Chicken with Placenta Hominis

Introduction to Chicken Stewed with Placenta Hominis (Zi He Che) as a Medicinal Food

Introduction to Medicinal Cuisine

The dish of stewed chicken with human placenta (Placenta Hominis) is a traditional and precious TCM medicinal food. It is prepared using a healthy hen as the main ingredient, combined with human placenta (i.e., the placenta of a healthy postpartum woman), which is revered as a “substance of flesh and blood with sentient qualities” (a category of animal-based tonics). In Chinese traditional food therapy culture, human placenta has long been regarded as a supreme medicinal substance for supplementing primordial Qi (yuan qi), replenishing essence (jing), and nourishing blood. It is especially suitable for individuals with postpartum deficiency, convalescence from prolonged illness, or senile weakness.

This medicinal diet skillfully combines the warming and nourishing properties of Placenta Hominis (human placenta) with the savory nutrition of chicken, resulting in a clear broth with a rich, mellow flavor. It not only preserves the original taste of the ingredients but also embodies the profound wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pharmacology. Numerous classical TCM texts document the efficacy of Placenta Hominis in tonifying deficiency and restoring frailty (bu xu fu lei). The stewing method further enhances the absorption of its active components, making this dish a representative example of the integration of food and therapy.

Efficacy of Medicinal Food

The core therapeutic effects of Zi He Che (Placenta Hominis, human placenta) stewed chicken are to greatly tonify primordial Qi, replenish essence and nourish blood, and warm the Kidney and assist Yang. It significantly improves symptoms such as sallow complexion, shortness of breath and fatigue, dizziness and palpitations, as well as insomnia and excessive dreaming caused by Qi and blood deficiency. Additionally, it enhances immune function, boosts disease resistance, and accelerates the recovery process after childbirth or surgery.

Moreover, this medicinal diet has regulating effects on gynecological issues such as irregular menstruation, infertility due to uterine cold, and postpartum lactation deficiency. For men with kidney essence deficiency presenting as soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, impotence, premature ejaculation, and oligospermia with infertility, appropriate consumption may also bring improvement. Modern nutritional studies have found that human placenta (Placenta Hominis) contains multiple hormones, enzymes, immune factors, and trace elements, which synergize with the high-quality protein and vitamins in chicken meat to collectively nourish and strengthen the body.

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the unique value of Placenta Hominis (Ziheche)

Placenta Hominis (human placenta) is sweet and salty in flavor, warm in nature, and enters the Lung (LU), Liver (LR), and Kidney (KI) meridians. According to TCM theory, it is “a substance of flesh and blood with deep affections, capable of greatly replenishing qi and blood, and especially effective in treating all types of consumptive diseases and extreme deficiency.” It both supplements the congenital essence (Kidney) and benefits the acquired qi (Spleen and Lung), thereby consolidating the root and fortifying the foundation, prolonging life and promoting longevity. Chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) is also warm in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the Spleen (SP) and Stomach (ST) meridians. It has the effects of warming the middle and supplementing qi, and replenishing essence and marrow. When used together, they complement each other perfectly.

Functions of Traditional Chinese Medicine

In clinical TCM application, Ziheche (dried human placenta) stewed chicken exerts three main actions: first, it supplements the kidney and replenishes essence, used for kidney yang deficiency and essence-blood depletion presenting with soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, aversion to cold with cold extremities, and listlessness; second, it boosts qi and nourishes blood, addressing dual deficiency of qi and blood manifested as a lusterless complexion, palpitations and anxiety, insomnia and forgetfulness, and postpartum scant lactation; third, it supplements the lung and calms panting, applied in lung-kidney deficiency with failure of reception leading to chronic cough with deficient dyspnea exacerbated by exertion.

From the perspective of medicinal property compatibility, Zi He Che (Placenta Hominis) and chicken meat are both warm-tonifying substances. Their combination can make the nourishing effect more concentrated and prolonged. The savory flavor of chicken can neutralize the distinctive odor of Zi He Che, making it more palatable. Additionally, the stewing method allows for full extraction of water-soluble active ingredients from the medicinal substance, which then synergize with the amino acids and peptides in chicken meat, thereby enhancing the overall therapeutic efficacy.

Indications

This medicinal diet is particularly suitable for the following groups of people: those with severe depletion of qi and blood and extreme bodily weakness after childbirth or surgery, who can accelerate recovery through its tonifying effects; elderly individuals with weak constitution, declining vitality, and premature graying of hair and beard, who may benefit from delayed aging and improved physical strength; and those suffering from chronic consumptive diseases (such as pulmonary tuberculosis, anemia, or neurasthenia) resulting in emaciation, as it helps improve nutritional status and enhance quality of life.

In addition, for both men and women preparing for pregnancy—especially those experiencing infertility, habitual miscarriage, or other issues due to Kidney Essence Deficiency—moderate consumption under a physician’s guidance can help regulate the body and improve the success rate of conception. This restorative medicinal diet is also beneficial for sub-healthy individuals whose vitality has been depleted by excessive academic or work-related stress and prolonged sleep deprivation, aiding in the recovery of vitality and alleviating fatigue.

Contraindicated Populations

Although stewed chicken with Placenta Hominis is a nourishing delicacy, it is not suitable for everyone. The following individuals should use caution or avoid consumption: patients with excess heat patterns such as externally-contracted fever and coughing with yellow phlegm, as well as those with internal damp-heat or phlegm-fire, may experience exacerbation of their condition after consumption; individuals with a constitution of yin deficiency with effulgent fire, presenting as heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, night sweats, and malar flush, will find that consuming warming tonics is like “adding fuel to the fire” and may cause discomfort.

Additionally, it is not recommended for consumption during early pregnancy (within the first 12 weeks), as Hominis Placenta (human placenta) contains hormonal components that may affect fetal development. For children and adolescents without obvious deficiency patterns, blind supplementation is also not advised, as it may lead to precocious puberty or endocrine disorders. Individuals with severe liver disease, kidney disease, or immune system disorders should consult a professional physician before deciding whether to consume it, so as to ensure safety.

Ingredient Formula Proportions

The classic recipe for Placenta Hominis (Human Placenta) Stewed Chicken is as follows: 1 healthy hen (approximately 1000g); 15g fresh or dried Placenta Hominis (Human Placenta) (30g if fresh); 20g Astragali Radix (Astragalus), 10g Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Chinese Angelica), 15g Lycii Fructus (Goji Berry), 8 pieces of Jujubae Fructus (Red Date), 5 slices of Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Fresh Ginger), 2 sections of Allii Fistulosi Bulbus (Scallion), 20ml yellow wine (rice wine), and appropriate salt (added at the end for seasoning). The above quantities are for 3-4 servings and can be adjusted proportionally according to the number of people.

Among them, *Placenta Hominis* (human placenta) is the core ingredient; it is recommended to purchase dried, strictly inspected, and properly processed products from a reputable pharmacy to ensure safety and efficacy. *Astragalus membranaceus* (Astragalus) and *Angelica sinensis* (Dong Quai) are combined following the principle of “Danggui Buxue Tang” (Angelica Blood-Supplementing Decoction) to enhance the effects of supplementing *qi* (vital energy) and generating blood. *Lycium barbarum* (Goji Berry) nourishes the liver and kidneys; *Ziziphus jujuba* (Jujube) strengthens the spleen and nourishes the blood; *Zingiber officinale* (Ginger) and *Allium fistulosum* (Scallion) remove any unpleasant odors, improve flavor, warm the middle *jiao* (middle burner), and dispel cold, making the overall medicinal dish more balanced and gentle in nature.

Preparation method

Step 1: Process the main ingredients. Kill and dress the chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), remove feathers and internal organs, chop off the claws, rinse thoroughly, and cut into moderately sized pieces. If using dried human placenta (Placenta Hominis, Zi He Che), soak it in warm water until softened, then cut into small slices. For fresh placenta, soak in clean water for half an hour, changing the water two to three times to remove residual blood and impurities, then cut into pieces and set aside.

Step two: Blanch to remove fishy odor. Add enough cold water to a pot, add the chicken pieces, along with two slices of fresh ginger (Zingiber officinale) and a small amount of yellow rice wine (Shaoxing wine). Bring to a boil over high heat, skim off the foam, and continue boiling for 2–3 minutes. Remove the chicken pieces, rinse thoroughly with warm water, and drain well. This step effectively removes the fishy odor and blood from the chicken, ensuring the broth is clear and not cloudy.

Step 3: Simmer the medicinal stew. Place a clay pot or double-boiled stewing jar on the stove. Add the parboiled chicken pieces, sliced Placenta Hominis (human placenta), Radix Astragali mongholici (milk vetch root), Radix Angelicae sinensis (Chinese angelica root), Fructus Jujubae (jujube dates), Rhizoma Zingiberis officinalis (ginger), and segments of Caulis Allii fistulosi (green onion). Pour in enough purified water to submerge the ingredients by about 3–4 cm, then drizzle in the remaining Huangjiu (fermented rice wine). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a low flame, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and the broth is rich and full-bodied.

Step 4: Seasoning and serving. Ten minutes before turning off the heat, remove the scallion segments and ginger slices, add Goji berries (Lycium barbarum) and an appropriate amount of salt, and continue simmering until the berries become plump. Note that salt should not be added too early, as it may hinder the extraction of proteins from the chicken and affect the freshness of the broth. When serving into a soup bowl, sprinkle with a little chopped scallion or coriander as garnish. Best consumed while hot.

Drinking Tips

1. Suggested frequency of consumption: As a tonic medicinal diet, it is recommended to take it 1 to 2 times per week. A treatment course lasts 4 to 6 consecutive weeks; overconsumption should be avoided. Placenta Hominis (Human Placenta) is warm and tonifying in nature. Excessive intake may lead to internal heat or indigestion, while taking small amounts more frequently better enhances its nourishing effects.

2. Optimal consumption time: It is recommended to consume during the morning or midday when Yang Qi is more abundant, facilitating digestion and absorption. Avoid consumption in the evening to prevent increased burden on the Spleen and Stomach or disturbance of sleep due to excessive warming and tonifying. Taking on an empty stomach yields better results, but those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency may first eat a small amount of staple food to line the stomach.

3. Individual Variation Caution: First-time users should start with a small amount to observe bodily reactions. If no discomfort occurs, gradually increase the dosage. If symptoms of heat (such as dry mouth, sore throat, or constipation) appear during consumption, discontinue or reduce the dosage of Zi He Che (Placenta Hominis) and accompany it with light, cooling, and moistening foods such as pear and water chestnut (Eleocharis dulcis).

4. Compatibility Contraindications: When consuming Ziheche (Placenta Hominis, Human Placenta) stewed with chicken, it is inadvisable to simultaneously take Chinese medicinal herbs such as Lí Lú (Veratrum nigrum, Black False Hellebore) and Wǔ Líng Zhī (Trogopterus Dung, Flying Squirrel Dung), as interactions may occur. Additionally, it should not be consumed together with strong tea, coffee, or spicy, greasy, and oily foods, as this may affect the absorption of the medicinal effects or increase the burden on the body.