Zǐ Hé Chē (紫河车) — placenta (human)
Information only — not used or prescribed at this clinic. This page documents a traditional animal-derived substance for reference and education. I do not use or prescribe any animal products. Every formula I prescribe is built entirely from plant and mineral herbs.
This is a human-derived substance and is not permitted in UK herbal practice.
Plant and mineral alternatives I use instead include Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Huang Qi and Gou Qi Zi.
On this page
1. Overview
Zǐ Hé Chē (紫河车) — placenta (human) (Hominis Placenta) — is a traditional animal-derived substance of the Chinese Materia Medica, historically placed in the category of herbs that tonify. It is described here for information and reference only. I do not use or prescribe Zǐ Hé Chē or any other animal product; I prescribe plant and mineral herbs in their place, matched to each patient's TCM pattern.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Zǐ Hé Chē |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 紫河车 |
| Source | placenta (human) (Hominis Placenta) |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Sweet, salty |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver, Kidney |
| Traditional category | Tonify |
3. Traditional actions and indications
In classical Chinese herbal texts, Zǐ Hé Chē was traditionally described as follows. This is historical and educational information, not a recommendation to use it.
Traditional actions
- Tonifies the Qi, Blood and Essence
- Assists the Kidneys and Lungs
Traditional indications
- Severe deficiency and exhaustion
- Deficiency wheezing
- Insufficient lactation
4. Plant and mineral alternatives
In my practice I use plant and mineral herbs in place of Zǐ Hé Chē, chosen to achieve the same clinical aim within a balanced formula. Commonly used alternatives include Dang Gui, Shu Di Huang, Huang Qi and Gou Qi Zi. The right choice always depends on the individual TCM pattern identified in consultation. Read more about Chinese herbal medicine or book an online herbal consultation.
5. Why it is not prescribed
Zǐ Hé Chē is a human-derived substance and is not permitted in UK herbal practice. All Chinese herbs should be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM), which prohibits the use of endangered species. Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council and does not use animal products of any kind.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
