What patterns does Zi He Che address?

Zi He Che addresses these TCM patterns of disharmony: Kidney Yang Deficiency, Lung and Kidney Yang Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency.

What conditions is Zi He Che used for?

Zi He Che is commonly used for: Infertility, Impotence, Asthma, Chronic Coughing, Insufficient Lactation, Anemia, Eye Fatigue, Night Sweats, Lower Back Pain, Premature Ejaculation. A TCM practitioner would consider this herb when these conditions arise from the specific patterns it addresses.

Ingredient Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

Zi He Che

Q: What are the TCM actions of Zi He Che?

The TCM actions of Zi He Che include: Warms the Kidneys and Secures Essence, Tonifies Qi, Nourishes Blood, Augments Lung Qi and aids the Kidneys in grasping Qi.

Human placenta · 紫河车

Homo sapiens Linnaeus · Placenta Hominis

Also known as: Placenta Hominis, Bāo Yī (胞衣), Rén Bāo (人胞), Tāi Yī (胎衣), Hùn Dùn Yī (混沌衣), Xiān Rén Yī (仙人衣), Hùn Yuán Dān (混元丹), Purple River Vehicle, Dried human placenta

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Zǐ Hé Chē (human placenta) is a powerful nourishing substance traditionally used in Chinese medicine to restore the body's deepest reserves of Essence, Qi, and Blood. It is considered especially valuable for severe exhaustion, infertility, chronic lung weakness with wheezing, and recovery from prolonged illness. Because it is a human-derived product, its use is now subject to significant ethical and regulatory restrictions in many regions, and animal placenta substitutes are often used instead.

Category Yang-tonifying herbs (补阳药)

Therapeutic focus Fertility Fatigue and Low Energy Respiratory Health Healthy Aging

TCM Properties

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Salty (咸 xián)

Channels entered

Lungs, Liver, Kidneys

Parts used

Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Ingredient Does

Every ingredient has a specific set of actions — here's what Zi He Che does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Zi He Che is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Fertility Fatigue and Low Energy Respiratory Health Healthy Aging

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Zi He Che performs to restore balance in the body:

Warms the Kidneys and Secures Essence Tonifies Qi Nourishes Blood Augments Lung Qi and aids the Kidneys in grasping Qi

How these actions work

'Warms the Kidneys and replenishes Essence (Jing)' means Zǐ Hé Chē restores the fundamental vital substance stored in the Kidneys that governs growth, reproduction, and development. In TCM, it is considered a 'flesh-and-blood' (血肉有情) substance, meaning it comes from a living being and can replenish the body's deepest reserves in a way that plant-based medicines typically cannot. This action is relevant for conditions such as impotence, infertility, premature aging, low back pain, and dizziness caused by Kidney Essence depletion.

'Tonifies Qi' refers to its ability to boost the body's overall vital force, addressing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, poor appetite, and general weakness. Unlike standard Qi-tonifying herbs such as Huáng Qí, Zǐ Hé Chē's Qi-building effect comes from its deep nourishment of the body's root constitution rather than surface-level supplementation.

'Nourishes Blood' means it helps replenish Blood, making it useful for conditions such as a sallow complexion, emaciation, postpartum insufficient lactation, and menstrual irregularities due to Blood Deficiency. Because it tonifies both Qi and Blood simultaneously, it is particularly effective for combined Qi-and-Blood deficiency patterns.

'Augments Lung Qi and aids the Kidneys in grasping Qi' addresses chronic cough and wheezing that arise when the Kidneys are too weak to 'grasp' or anchor the Qi sent down by the Lungs. In healthy physiology, Lung Qi descends and is received by the Kidneys. When Kidney Qi is deficient, this downward anchoring fails, leading to breathlessness on exertion, chronic wheezing, and shallow breathing. Zǐ Hé Chē strengthens both the Lungs and Kidneys to restore this dynamic.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Zi He Che is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Zi He Che addresses this pattern

Zǐ Hé Chē is warm in temperature and enters the Kidney channel, directly warming Kidney Yang and replenishing Kidney Essence. As a 'flesh-and-blood' substance (血肉有情之品), it possesses a deep nourishing quality that plant-based Yang tonics lack, making it especially effective for severe or longstanding Kidney Yang Deficiency where the Essence itself is depleted. Its sweet taste tonifies and its salty taste directs the medicinal action to the Kidneys. This addresses the root mechanism of Kidney Yang Deficiency: insufficient warmth and motive force in the lower body.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Impotence

Due to Kidney Yang failing to warm the Gate of Vitality

Infertility

Both male and female infertility from Essence depletion

Lower Back Pain

Sore and weak lower back, a hallmark of Kidney deficiency

Tinnitus

Buzzing or ringing in ears from Kidney weakness

Why Zi He Che addresses this pattern

Zǐ Hé Chē enters both the Lung and Kidney channels and has the specific ability to strengthen the Kidneys' function of 'grasping' or anchoring Qi. In TCM, the Lungs govern respiration and send Qi downward, while the Kidneys receive and hold that Qi. When both organs are depleted, breathing becomes shallow and labored, with wheezing that worsens on exertion. Zǐ Hé Chē simultaneously supplements the Lung Qi and fortifies the Kidney's root, restoring the Lung-Kidney axis of respiration.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Asthma

Chronic wheezing and dyspnea from deficiency

Chronic Coughing

Long-standing cough with scanty sputum

Shortness Of Breath

Worsened by exertion, indicating Kidney failing to grasp Qi

Why Zi He Che addresses this pattern

Zǐ Hé Chē's sweet taste tonifies both Qi and Blood, making it a comprehensive tonic for combined deficiency. It is classified as a Yang-tonifying herb but is considered unique in its ability to simultaneously nourish Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood. Classical texts describe it as being able to 'greatly supplement original Qi and nourish Blood.' This makes it particularly appropriate for severe depletion after chronic illness, postpartum weakness, or constitutional deficiency where both Qi and Blood are substantially diminished.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Eye Fatigue

Severe exhaustion with emaciation

Poor Appetite

Reduced food intake with weight loss

Insufficient Lactation

Postpartum milk deficiency from Qi and Blood depletion

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Zi He Che is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Kidney Yang Deficiency

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, the Kidneys store Essence (Jing), which is the material basis for reproduction. Infertility in both men and women is most often attributed to depletion of Kidney Essence or insufficient Kidney Yang failing to warm and activate the reproductive system. In women, this can manifest as a cold uterus, irregular cycles, or inability to conceive. In men, it may present as low sperm count, impotence, or seminal emission. The condition reflects a failure of the body's deepest constitutional reserves.

Why Zi He Che Helps

Zǐ Hé Chē is considered the premier substance for replenishing Kidney Essence because it is itself the product of Essence from both parents. Being a flesh-and-blood medicinal, it nourishes in a fundamentally different way from plant medicines. Its warm temperature revives Kidney Yang, its sweet taste builds Qi and Blood, and its salty taste directs its action to the Kidneys. Classical texts specifically list infertility (不孕) as one of its primary indications, and formulas like Dà Zào Wán feature it as the chief ingredient for this condition.

Also commonly used for

Impotence

Kidney Yang deficiency type

Chronic Coughing

Deficiency cough with bone-steaming and night sweats

Insufficient Lactation

Postpartum milk insufficiency from Qi-Blood depletion

Anemia

Chronic anemia with pallor and fatigue

Night Sweats

Bone-steaming with tidal fever and night sweats

Lower Back Pain

Kidney-type lower back weakness and soreness

Premature Ejaculation

With seminal emission from Kidney Essence insufficiency

Ingredient Properties

Every ingredient has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Warm

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Salty (咸 xián)

Channels Entered

Lungs Liver Kidneys

Parts Used

Animal — part (动物部分 dòng wù bù fèn)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Zi He Che — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

2-3g, ground into powder and swallowed (研末吞服)

Maximum dosage

Generally do not exceed 3g per day as powder. Fresh placenta may be used at up to half or one whole piece per dose when stewed, typically 1-2 times per week, but this is rarely practiced in modern clinical settings.

Dosage notes

Zi He Che is NOT used in standard decoctions. It is typically ground into fine powder and swallowed directly (研末吞服) at 2-3g per dose, or incorporated into pills and capsules. Fresh placenta can also be cooked and eaten directly. For postpartum insufficient lactation, powder doses of 0.5-1g three times daily have been used clinically. For chronic wasting conditions, it is often combined with other tonics in pill form (as in the classical Da Zao Wan). Wine-fried preparation (酒炒紫河车) is considered to enhance its warming and tonifying properties. Due to its strong fishy taste and odour, capsule form is generally preferred for patient compliance.

Preparation

Zi He Che is NOT decocted. It is ground into fine powder and taken orally, or incorporated into pill and capsule formulations. The raw dried material is crushed into small pieces or ground into powder. For the wine-fried form (酒炒紫河车), the dried pieces are mixed with rice wine until absorbed, then stir-fried over gentle heat until crisp. Classical processing involves first removing the amniotic membrane and umbilical cord from the fresh placenta, repeatedly washing to remove all blood, then steaming or briefly boiling (often in a decoction of Sichuan pepper and rice wine to reduce the strong fishy odour), and finally drying.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same ingredient can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Zi He Che does

Processing method

The cleaned, dried placenta is broken into small pieces, mixed with rice wine until absorbed, then stir-fried over low heat until crisp and dry, then ground into powder.

How it changes properties

Wine-frying reduces the strong unpleasant odour and taste of the raw placenta, making it more palatable. The warmth of the wine enhances the herb's ability to circulate through the channels and strengthens its Blood-nourishing action. The thermal nature remains warm. The powder form is easier to administer in capsules.

When to use this form

This is the most commonly used processed form. Preferred when the raw form's strong odour makes it difficult for the patient to tolerate, and when enhanced Blood circulation is desired.

Common Ingredient Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Zi He Che for enhanced therapeutic effect

Gui Ban 1 whole placenta : 60g Guī Bǎn

Zǐ Hé Chē warms Kidney Yang and replenishes Essence, while Guī Bǎn (tortoise plastron) nourishes Kidney Yin and anchors Yang. Together they address both Yin and Yang aspects of Kidney Deficiency, preventing the warming nature of Zǐ Hé Chē from becoming excessive while comprehensively restoring Kidney function.

When to use: Kidney Deficiency with both Yin and Yang depletion, presenting with symptoms such as impotence, infertility, lower back weakness, tidal fever with night sweats, and bone-steaming. This is the core pairing in the Dà Zào Wán formula.

Shu Di Huang 1:2 (e.g. Zǐ Hé Chē 100g : Shú Dì Huáng 200g, as in Hé Chē Dà Zào Wán)

Zǐ Hé Chē replenishes Essence and tonifies Qi, while Shú Dì Huáng deeply nourishes Yin and Blood. The pairing creates a powerful synergy for restoring both Essence and Blood, which are closely related in TCM theory. Shú Dì Huáng's rich Yin-nourishing quality complements the warm Yang-tonifying nature of Zǐ Hé Chē.

When to use: Severe Qi and Blood deficiency with emaciation, sallow complexion, menstrual irregularities, and general weakness. Also used for constitutional insufficiency with anemia.

Huang Qi 1 whole placenta : 45g Huáng Bǎi

Zǐ Hé Chē warms and tonifies Kidney Yang, while Huáng Bǎi (Phellodendron bark) is cold and clears Deficiency-Fire from the Kidneys. This pairing balances supplementation with clearing, allowing Zǐ Hé Chē to replenish Essence without generating pathological Heat. Huáng Bǎi also preserves true Yin.

When to use: Kidney Deficiency with signs of Deficiency-Heat such as bone-steaming tidal fever, night sweats, and afternoon flushing, where pure warming would be contraindicated. Classic pairing in Dà Zào Wán and Hé Chē Dà Zào Wán.

Ge Jie 1:1 by weight (both ground into powder)

Both substances are flesh-and-blood medicinals that enter the Lung and Kidney channels. Zǐ Hé Chē replenishes Kidney Essence and augments Lung Qi, while Gé Jiè (gecko) strongly aids the Kidneys in grasping Qi and calms wheezing. Together they form a potent combination for the Lung-Kidney axis of respiration.

When to use: Chronic wheezing and dyspnea from combined Lung and Kidney Deficiency, especially in elderly patients or those with long-standing respiratory disease where the Kidneys can no longer anchor Lung Qi.

Key Formulas

These well-known formulas feature Zi He Che in a prominent role

He Che Da Zao Wan 河車大造丸 King

The definitive formula showcasing Zǐ Hé Chē's properties. As the King herb, it provides the core action of replenishing Kidney Essence, tonifying Qi, and nourishing Blood. The formula treats Lung-Kidney Yin Deficiency with bone-steaming, night sweats, and chronic cough, pairing Zǐ Hé Chē with Guī Jiǎ and Huáng Bǎi to balance its warmth and clear Deficiency-Heat. This is the formula most immediately associated with this substance.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Zi He Che vs Lu Rong

Both Lù Róng (deer antler velvet) and Zǐ Hé Chē are Yang-tonifying, flesh-and-blood substances that replenish Kidney Essence. However, Lù Róng is stronger at warming Kidney Yang and invigorating the Governing Vessel (Dū Mài), making it better suited for pronounced cold symptoms and impotence. Zǐ Hé Chē is more balanced, tonifying Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang simultaneously, making it the better choice when the deficiency affects multiple vital substances rather than Yang alone. Zǐ Hé Chē also has a stronger action on the Lungs.

Zi He Che vs Dong Chong Xia Cao

Both Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo (cordyceps) and Zǐ Hé Chē enter the Lung and Kidney channels and are used for chronic cough from Lung-Kidney Deficiency. However, Dōng Chóng Xià Cǎo is milder, more neutral in temperature, and better tolerated by patients with mild Yin Deficiency. Zǐ Hé Chē is stronger and more comprehensive in its supplementation, particularly when Essence depletion is severe, but its warmth makes it less suitable for pure Yin Deficiency with Heat signs.

Zi He Che vs Ge Jie

Both enter the Lung and Kidney channels and help the Kidneys grasp Qi. However, Gé Jiè (gecko) focuses more narrowly on the respiratory axis and is the stronger choice specifically for wheezing and dyspnea. Zǐ Hé Chē has a much broader scope, simultaneously nourishing Blood, tonifying Qi, and replenishing Essence. When the primary complaint is respiratory, Gé Jiè may be preferred; when the deficiency is systemic, Zǐ Hé Chē is the better choice.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Zi He Che

Due to safety, ethical, and regulatory concerns (removal from the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia), human Zi He Che is increasingly replaced by animal placentas. Pig placenta and cattle placenta are the most common substitutes and share similar biochemical profiles. Sheep (lamb) placenta is also used, particularly in health supplement products, and is considered the closest substitute in structure and nutritional composition. For the clinical functions of Zi He Che, experts suggest that its Kidney-warming, Essence-supplementing actions can be replaced by herbs like Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche), Lu Rong (Deer Antler), and Jiu Cai Zi (Leek Seeds), while its Qi-and-Blood tonifying actions can be achieved with Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Angelica), E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), and Da Zao (Jujube). Fraudulent substitution with animal placentas sold as human placenta has been documented in the marketplace.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any ingredient.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Zi He Che

Non-toxic

Classical sources unanimously classify Zi He Che as non-toxic. However, modern experience has revealed several safety concerns. The placenta can harbour bloodborne pathogens including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV if obtained from an infected donor. Inadequate heat processing may fail to destroy these viruses. Allergic reactions to placental extract preparations (especially injections) have been reported, ranging from mild skin rash to rare anaphylactic shock. The substance contains multiple sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, gonadotropins) and renin-like pressor substances, which can cause endocrine disruption or blood pressure elevation with prolonged or excessive use. These safety concerns, rather than inherent toxicity of the substance itself, were the primary reason it was removed from the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Contraindications

Situations where Zi He Che should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

External pathogenic invasion (Wind-Heat or Warm-Heat diseases): Zi He Che is a strongly tonifying, warm substance. Using it during active external infections can trap the pathogen inside the body and worsen the condition.

Avoid

Excess Heat or internal Fire patterns (Shi Re): As a blood-and-flesh tonic, it is inappropriate for conditions involving excess Heat, Qi stagnation, or Blood stasis, as it can intensify pathological accumulation.

Avoid

Yin Deficiency with vigorous Fire (Yin Xu Huo Wang): The Ben Cao Jing Shu explicitly warns against use when Yin is depleted and Fire is blazing, manifesting as coughing with blood, bone-steaming fever, and night sweats. The warming, tonifying nature of this herb would further consume the already depleted Yin.

Caution

Stomach Fire toothache: Classical sources specifically caution against use when toothache arises from Stomach Fire, as the warming tonic nature would aggravate the condition.

Caution

Hypertension: Zi He Che contains renin-like pressor substances that can raise blood pressure. People with high blood pressure should avoid prolonged or large-dose use.

Avoid

Mastitis (breast inflammation): Due to its hormonal content, Zi He Che is contraindicated during active breast infection or inflammation.

Caution

Acne (severe): The sex hormone-like components may exacerbate hormonal acne. Classical sources list acne patients as a contraindicated group.

Caution

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness and poor appetite: The rich, greasy nature of this substance can further burden a weak Spleen and worsen Dampness accumulation and poor digestion.

Caution

Allergy history: Patients with a history of allergic reactions should use placental extract preparations (injections, tablets) with extreme caution. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated during pregnancy. Zi He Che contains significant quantities of sex hormones including oestrogen, progesterone, and gonadotropins. Exogenous hormonal exposure during pregnancy could disrupt the delicate hormonal balance required for normal fetal development. Additionally, placenta from unscreened donors carries the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission. Classical sources did not specifically address pregnancy use, but the substance's powerful tonifying and hormone-rich nature makes it inappropriate during gestation.

Breastfeeding

Traditionally, Zi He Che was actually used to promote lactation in cases of insufficient breast milk. Small clinical reports have documented its use postpartum for this purpose. However, the substance contains oestrogen, progesterone, and other hormones that could transfer through breast milk and potentially affect the nursing infant's endocrine system. The risk of pathogen transmission from unscreened placental sources is also a concern. If used at all during breastfeeding, it should only be from a verified healthy source and under professional supervision. Modern safer alternatives exist for promoting lactation.

Children

Zi He Che contains significant sex hormones (oestrogen, progesterone, gonadotropins) and should not be given to infants or young children due to the risk of precocious puberty (premature sexual development). Classical sources list infants and young children as a group that should not receive this substance in large or prolonged doses. For older children with severe deficiency conditions, it should only be used under strict professional supervision with very small doses and for limited duration.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Zi He Che

Hormone therapies: Zi He Che contains multiple sex hormones (oestrogen, oestradiol, oestriol, progesterone, testosterone) and gonadotropins. Concurrent use with hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, or anti-oestrogen medications (e.g. tamoxifen) may result in unpredictable hormonal effects.

Antihypertensive medications: The substance contains renin-like pressor substances that can elevate blood pressure, potentially counteracting the effects of blood pressure-lowering medications.

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs: Zi He Che contains blood coagulation-related factors (fibrin-stabilising factor, urokinase inhibitors). These may theoretically interact with warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet agents, though clinical data are limited.

Immunosuppressants: Placental extract has demonstrated immunomodulatory effects, potentially interfering with the intended action of immunosuppressive drugs used after organ transplantation or for autoimmune conditions.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Zi He Che

When taking Zi He Che, avoid cold and raw foods that could impair Spleen function and hinder absorption of this rich tonic. Avoid excessively spicy, greasy, or heating foods, as Zi He Che is already warm in nature and combining it with heating foods could lead to internal Heat symptoms such as mouth sores, dry throat, and irritability. Do not combine with alcohol in excess, though small amounts of warm rice wine are traditionally used as a vehicle to enhance its effects. Foods that support Spleen and Stomach function (cooked grains, congee, mild soups) are beneficial companions.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Zi He Che source animal

Zi He Che (紫河车, Placenta Hominis) is not a plant but the dried placenta of a healthy human birth. The human placenta is a temporary organ that develops during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus via the umbilical cord. It is a flat, disc-shaped organ roughly 15–20 cm in diameter and 2–3 cm thick, weighing approximately 500g when fresh.

In its raw state, the freshly delivered placenta is deep red. Upon standing it quickly turns purple, which is the origin of the name "purple river vehicle" (紫河车). One surface is rough and lobulated (the maternal side with its cotyledons), while the other (fetal side) is smoother, covered by the amniotic membrane, with the umbilical cord attached near its center. After processing (removal of membranes, thorough washing, steaming or brief boiling, and drying), the finished medicinal product becomes a hard, brittle, yellowish-brown to dark reddish-purple material with a characteristic fishy odour.

Important regulatory note: Zi He Che was removed from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (中国药典) beginning with the 2015 edition due to safety concerns (risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission from unscreened donors), ethical considerations, and supply issues. In modern practice, pig or cattle placentas are sometimes used as substitutes.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Zi He Che is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Collected year-round from healthy full-term births at hospitals and birthing facilities. There is no seasonal restriction.

Primary growing regions

Zi He Che is not a plant product and has no growing region. It is the processed dried placenta collected from healthy human births at hospitals and birthing facilities. Historically sourced throughout China wherever obstetric care was available, with no specific regional terroir concept. In modern times, due to the removal of Zi He Che from the 2015 Chinese Pharmacopoeia and ethical/safety concerns, animal placenta substitutes (pig, cattle, sheep) are increasingly used. In Korea, standardized human placental extract (Laennec) continues to be manufactured under pharmaceutical regulation.

Quality indicators

Good quality dried Zi He Che should be whole, intact, and disc-shaped (roughly 9-16 cm diameter). The colour should be uniformly yellow or yellowish-brown (some sources also accept purple-red). It should be clean with no residual blood visible inside the blood vessels. The texture should be hard and brittle. It has a characteristic fishy (腥) odour. Avoid specimens that are blackened, mouldy, foul-smelling, or have obvious residual blood clots, as these indicate either diseased source material or improper processing. The Ben Jing Feng Yuan advises selecting specimens that are "thick, small, and fresh-coloured" (厚小色鲜).

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Zi He Che and its therapeutic uses

《本草拾遗》(Ben Cao Shi Yi, Tang Dynasty)

主血气羸瘦，妇人劳损，面鼾皮黑，腹内诸病渐瘦悴者。

"Treats Qi and Blood depletion with emaciation, women's consumptive exhaustion, darkened and sallow complexion, and progressive wasting from internal diseases."

《本草纲目》(Ben Cao Gang Mu, Li Shizhen, Ming Dynasty)

治男女一切虚损劳极，癫痫失志恍惚，安神养血，益气补精。

"Treats all forms of consumptive depletion and extreme exhaustion in men and women, epilepsy, loss of mental clarity and confusion. It calms the spirit, nourishes the Blood, augments Qi, and supplements Essence."

《本草经疏》(Ben Cao Jing Shu)

人胞乃补阴阳两虚之药，有反本还元之功。然而阴虚精涸，水不制火，发为咳嗽吐血，骨蒸盗汗等证，此属阳盛阴虚，法当壮水之主，以制阳光，不宜服此并补之剂，以耗将竭之阴也。胃火齿痛，法亦忌之。

"The human placenta is a medicinal that supplements both Yin and Yang deficiency, with the power to return to the root and restore the original. However, when Yin is depleted and Essence exhausted, and Water fails to control Fire, manifesting as coughing with blood, bone-steaming fever, and night sweats, this belongs to Yang excess with Yin deficiency. The method should strengthen Water to control Yang brightness. One should not take this combined tonifying formula, lest it further consume the nearly exhausted Yin. Stomach Fire toothache is also contraindicated."

《本经逢原》(Ben Jing Feng Yuan)

紫河车禀受精血结孕之余液，得母之气血居多，故能峻补营血，用以治骨蒸羸瘦，喘嗽虚劳之疾，是补之以味也。

"Zi He Che receives the surplus fluid of Essence and Blood that formed the pregnancy, obtaining mostly the mother's Qi and Blood. Therefore it can powerfully tonify the nourishing Blood, and is used to treat bone-steaming with emaciation, wheezing, coughing, and consumptive diseases. This is tonifying through flavour."

熊笏《中风论》(Xiong Hu, Zhong Feng Lun)

中风日久，则卫气必衰……然诸药总不如紫河车之妙，其性得血气之余，既非草木可比，且又不寒不热，而为卫气生发之源。盖以血肉之属，为血肉之补，同气相求也。

"In long-standing Wind-stroke, the defensive Qi inevitably weakens... yet no medicine compares to the marvellous Zi He Che. Its nature, derived from the surplus of Blood and Qi, is beyond comparison with plants. Moreover, being neither cold nor hot, it is a source for generating defensive Qi. For flesh-and-blood [substances] provide flesh-and-blood nourishment, like seeking like."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Zi He Che's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Zi He Che has one of the most colourful etymologies in Chinese medicine. The name literally means "purple river vehicle." According to the Ben Cao Gang Mu, the "river vehicle" (河车) refers to the idea that the fetus rides upon the placenta like a vehicle across the celestial river of heaven. Upon delivery, the placenta quickly changes from red to purple, hence "purple river vehicle." The substance was first recorded as a medicine under the name Ren Bao (人胞, "human afterbirth") in the Tang Dynasty text Ben Cao Shi Yi by Chen Cangqi. Li Shizhen later gave it the more poetic name Zi He Che in the Ben Cao Gang Mu, where it was classified in Chapter 52 (the Human Section, 人部).

Zhu Danxi (朱丹溪), the great Jin-Yuan physician, recommended Zi He Che specifically for consumptive exhaustion (虚劳), advising that it be combined with bone-steaming medicines, Qi tonics, or Blood tonics depending on the pattern. The famous formula Da Zao Wan (大造丸) from Zhu Zheng Bian Yi (《诸证辨疑》) uses Zi He Che as its chief ingredient combined with Gui Ban, Huang Bai, Du Zhong, and other herbs for Kidney Essence deficiency with infertility. This formula became one of the most celebrated applications of placenta in the classical tradition.

In Chinese cultural practice, consuming the placenta after childbirth has ancient roots. Peng Cheng's Song Dynasty text Mo Ke Hui Xi records that women in Guilin would prepare the afterbirth as a celebratory dish shared among close relatives. Zi He Che was highly prized as a "flesh-and-blood tonic" (血肉有情之品), a category believed to be more potent than plant-based medicines for replenishing the body's fundamental substances. It was removed from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia in 2015 due to safety concerns about bloodborne pathogen transmission, ethical objections to the trade in human tissue, and difficulty standardising the source material.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Zi He Che

Placenta Hominis Protects Against Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats (Preclinical, 2006)

Chae HJ, Choi KH, Chae SW, Kim HM, Shin TK, Lee GY et al. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 2006;28(1):165-173.

This animal study investigated the protective effects of Placenta Hominis extract on bone loss in rats with surgically removed ovaries (a model of postmenopausal osteoporosis). The extract showed protective effects against bone density loss, supporting the traditional use of Zi He Che for Kidney Essence deficiency patterns that overlap with osteoporosis.

Growth-Promoting Activity of Hominis Placenta Extract on Regenerating Sciatic Nerve (Preclinical, 2006)

Seo TB, Han IS, Yoon JH, Seol IC, Kim YS, Jo HK et al. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2006;27(1):50-58.

This animal study examined whether human placental extract could promote nerve regeneration after sciatic nerve injury in rats. The extract demonstrated growth-promoting activity on regenerating nerve tissue, suggesting potential neurotrophic properties consistent with the classical concept of Zi He Che nourishing Essence and supporting recovery from wasting conditions.

Placenta and Placental Derivatives in Regenerative Therapies: Experimental Studies, History, and Prospects (Review, 2018)

Pogozhykh O, Pogozhykh D, Coupland SE, von Kaisenberg C, Groten T, Mueller T. Stem Cells International. 2018;2018:4837930.

A comprehensive review examining over 100 years of clinical and experimental data on placental preparations. The authors discuss the unique immunological tolerance properties of placental tissue, its rich biochemical composition, and the wide range of documented therapeutic effects including wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative applications across different preparation methods.

Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Human Placenta Extract (Preclinical, 2011)

Lee KH, Kim TH, Lee WC, Kim SH, Lee SY, Lee SM. Natural Product Research. 2011;25(11):1090-1100.

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of human placental extract using laboratory models. Results showed significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, providing pharmacological evidence for traditional clinical applications of placental preparations in conditions involving pain and inflammation.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.