Traditional vs Holistic "Raw Start" Methods

I'm often asked what the difference is between the traditional method of placenta encapsulation and the holistic method (also known as the raw start method). It was finally time to make a blog post explaining the two. Clients often ask me if one is better than the other. The answer to me is - no. There is no "better" method. It can all be a matter of preference, health history and/or previous postpartum history. Both methods are great, but each method also offers a pro that you cannot get from the other.

Traditional Method - The placenta is cleaned of excess blood and blood clots, then steamed in ginger, lemon & jalapeño. These are known as warming herbs postpartum in Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine says the body's energy is too cold postpartum and needs the warming energy (and raw = cold energy). It also states that steaming it makes it easier for the body to assimilate. Then the placenta is dehydrated and ground into capsules. This method usually produces less capsules than the holistic one, and is generally something that builds up slower in the body, but is meant for longer term use. The capsules keep for a very long time (some say indefinitely if you store them in the freezer for later use in life - menopause, getting your period back, stressful life events).

Holistic Method - The placenta is cleaned, but not steamed at all. It gets dehydrated immediately from its raw form after I clean the excess blood and blood clots. Then it gets ground into capsules. It is not a full "raw" procedure overall, as the low temperature required in a legitimate raw foods diet is not safe for killing potential bacteria in a placenta (which is why this is called "raw start" vs "raw"). The effects can be pretty potent immediately (faster effects on energy and mood elevation, etc). They are not meant for the long term use like in the traditional method. This raw start pills usually have just 6 month shelf life if stored properly. These capsules are meant to be finished consuming faster than the traditional method. But they tend to yield more capsules since the placenta is not steamed first.