Day 3: Sheng Hua Tang, the 300-Year-Old Chinese Postpartum Soup

For more than 300 years, Sheng Hua Tang (生化湯), meaning "Generate and Transform," has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support women during the earliest stage of postpartum recovery.

The formula is attributed to physician Fu Qingzhu (1607–1684) and documented in Fu Qingzhu's Gynecology, an influential Chinese medical text that is currently on display in the museum of the Forbidden Palace.. Today, Sheng Hua Tang remains part of traditional postpartum care in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and Chinese communities worldwide.

The First Phase of Postpartum Recovery: Clearing

In TCM, the first stage of postpartum recovery focuses on clearing blood stagnation, warming the body, and preparing for the subsequent stages of nourishment and restoration.

Following childbirth, the uterus naturally contracts and releases blood, mucus, and tissue through a discharge called lochia, which can continue for several weeks.

Sheng Hua Tang is traditionally used during the early postpartum period for specific patterns of blood stagnation. Its use is not determined solely by the presence of lochia.

How to Prepare FAMMá Sheng Hua Tang Herbal Soup

Makes: 4 generous servings, approximately 24 oz each
Cooking time: 45–90 minutes, depending on protein

Ingredients

• 1 packet FAMMá Sheng Hua Tang Herbal Soup Kit (Week 1 of FAMMá's Postpartum Soup Bundle)

• ½ to 1 whole chicken (bone-in), or 2 lbs boneless pork or 3 lbs bone-in pork

• 2 oz fresh ginger, sliced

• 1 daikon radish or other mild vegetables, chopped

• Approximately 96 oz (12 cups / 2.8 liters) water, plus extra as needed

• Rice wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, and salt to taste

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients. Place the chicken or pork into a large stockpot with the FAMMá Sheng Hua Tang herbal packet, sliced ginger, and daikon radish.

2. Add water and seasonings. Pour in approximately 12 cups (96 oz) of water. Add rice wine, soy sauce, fish sauce, and salt to taste. The seasonings are optional and can be adjusted to preference.

3. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for at least 45 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked and tender. Pork, particularly bone-in cuts, may require 60–90 minutes or longer.

4. Prepare for meal storage. Remove the herbal packet and cooked chicken or pork. Once cool enough to handle, remove bones and shred or portion the meat. Divide evenly among four meal-prep containers.

5. Portion the soup. Add broth and vegetables to each container, aiming for approximately 24 oz of finished soup per serving. Add hot water during cooking as needed to account for evaporation.

6. Serve and enjoy. Pair with steamed rice, blanched leafy greens such as bok choy or broccoli, and sweet Asian ginger-braised pork belly.

Chef Lando's Postpartum Nutrition Tip

Fresh ginger is one of the most valued ingredients in traditional Chinese postpartum cooking, particularly during the first few days after childbirth. In TCM, ginger is considered a warming ingredient and is traditionally used to support digestion and balance cold foods.

Adding generous amounts of fresh ginger to soups, broths, and braised dishes is a long-standing postpartum food tradition.

Meal Prep Tip: Refrigerate cooked soup promptly in shallow, airtight containers for up to 3–4 days, or freeze individual portions for longer storage. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Important: Sheng Hua Tang is not for consumption during pregnancy. Food-grade herbs can still have medicinal effects. Consult a qualified healthcare professional and licensed TCM practitioner before consuming this herbal formula during postpartum recovery or breastfeeding. This recipe is for educational purposes only.

What's Inside Sheng Hua Tang?

The classical formula contains five herbs:

• Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root): Traditionally used to nourish and invigorate Blood.

• Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage): Traditionally used to promote Qi and Blood circulation.

• Tao Ren (Peach Kernel): Traditionally used to address blood stagnation.

• Pao Jiang (Prepared Ginger): Valued for its warming properties.

• Zhi Gan Cao (Prepared Licorice Root): Traditionally used to harmonize the formula.

Some variations, like ours, also contain motherwort and safflower, herbs traditionally associated with promoting blood movement. Our herbal recipes were helped created by professional herbalists in Taiwan and Singapore.

Earthy, Woody, and Unapologetically Bitter!

Sheng Hua Tang has a distinctly earthy, woody, and bitter flavor. These characteristics come from the herbs themselves and are part of traditional herbal preparations.

To balance the bitterness, serve the soup with steamed rice, blanched leafy greens, and sweet Asian ginger-braised pork belly.

The richness of the pork belly and sweetness of brown sugar in the braising sauce help mellow the strong herbal flavors, making the meal much more palatable.

Brown sugar is also commonly used in traditional Asian postpartum cooking, particularly in warming ginger-based dishes, where it contributes sweetness and caramel-like depth.

Important Herbal Safety Information

Sheng Hua Tang must not be consumed during pregnancy.

Although FAMMá's herbs are food-grade, food-grade does not mean risk-free. Several herbs in Sheng Hua Tang, including peach kernel, motherwort, and safflower, are traditionally used to promote blood movement and may be inappropriate during pregnancy or for certain postpartum conditions.

Sheng Hua Tang is traditionally associated with the first days following childbirth, but it is not suitable for every new mother. It may be inappropriate for women experiencing excessive bleeding, taking blood-thinning medications, recovering from certain delivery complications, or managing other medical conditions. Safety during breastfeeding should also be reviewed individually.

All information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional and licensed TCM practitioner before using herbal formulas, particularly during pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or breastfeeding.

Nourishing Mothers Through Ancestral Wisdom

Traditional Chinese postpartum care recognizes that childbirth marks the beginning of a significant period of physical recovery.

FAMMá's 42-day postpartum nutrition philosophy honors these ancestral traditions through thoughtfully prepared foods, herbal soups, and nourishing meals that celebrate the importance of caring for new mothers.

Because the woman who just gave birth deserves to be nourished, too.

Mama eats first!