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A bizarre yet intriguing trend recently went viral on Douyin, where a user shared her experience of eating dumplings made with her own placenta. The post quickly sparked heated debates online, garnering over 10,000 comments and widespread attention.
In the now-viral video, the user recounted how her mother prepared what she initially thought were lamb dumplings. However, after some suspicion and subtle clues, she deduced that the filling was made from her own placenta. “I ate them without a second thought,” she said, describing the experience as calm and even satisfying.
The user later explained in follow-up comments that eating the placenta is believed to be beneficial for postnatal recovery. “It’s said to replenish blood and energy after childbirth,” she wrote, echoing a traditional belief shared by many in China and other cultures.
The practice of consuming placenta, also known as placentophagy, is not new. For centuries, it has been part of traditional Chinese medicine, where the placenta is believed to nourish the body, boost lactation, and aid recovery for new mothers. The tradition has also found modern adherents in the West, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian openly promoting it.
Kim Kardashian famously shared her experience of taking freeze-dried placenta capsules after childbirth. In a social media post, she credited the capsules with improving her mood and energy levels, and even preventing postpartum depression. Her endorsement brought the practice into mainstream awareness in the United States, turning it into a niche wellness trend.
The video ignited a wave of reactions, with comments ranging from support to shock.
One user shared a similar experience, writing: “My mother-in-law made soup with my placenta after childbirth. She said it was for my health.” Another chimed in: “We also make it into capsules or stew during postpartum recovery in my community.”
However, others found the practice unsettling. “I can’t imagine eating my own placenta, even if it’s considered healthy,” one commenter wrote. Some questioned the scientific basis of the health claims, pointing out the lack of conclusive medical evidence supporting placentophagy.
Advocates of placentophagy claim it offers numerous benefits, including enhanced postpartum recovery, improved milk production, and even a boost in skin health. Some proponents also believe it can help combat postpartum depression and increase energy levels. These claims, however, remain largely anecdotal.
Medical professionals have expressed mixed opinions. While some acknowledge the potential psychological benefits for mothers who feel empowered by the practice, others caution against it. Dr. Zhang Wei, a gynecologist in Beijing, stated, “There is no solid scientific evidence to support the purported benefits of eating placenta. In some cases, improper preparation can even pose health risks, such as infections.”
Placenta consumption is not confined to China or traditional practices. In recent years, it has gained traction in Western countries as a trendy wellness ritual. In addition to capsules, some mothers consume placenta in smoothies, stews, or even raw.
In the United States, companies offering placenta encapsulation services have sprung up, promising new mothers a natural way to recover after childbirth. While the practice is widely embraced in some circles, it remains controversial due to cultural taboos and medical skepticism.
Beyond health concerns, the practice also raises ethical and cultural questions. Critics argue that promoting placentophagy as a wellness trend can trivialize the cultural significance it holds in traditional practices. Others feel uneasy about the idea of consuming a human organ, no matter how normalized it has become in certain communities.
A social media user summed up the debate: “It’s fascinating how one person’s ancient tradition can become another person’s trendy health hack. But we should also be cautious about blindly following trends without understanding their roots.”
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