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10 Easy to Make Placenta Smoothie Recipes

During my surrogacy pregnancy, I went through the process of encapsulating my placenta after birth. This led me down a rabbit hole of discovery to see all the ways to consume your placenta (along with additional non-eating ways to reuse the placenta).

I came across several websites that posted placenta smoothie recipes, and I wanted to create a blog post where you could see them all at once. This makes it really easy to contrast and compare the flavors and ingredients, to find your own ideal combination of fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, etc.

Health Benefits to Eating Your Placenta

Eating the placenta, a practice known as placentophagy, is believed by some to offer health benefits, although scientific evidence is limited. Fans of placenta consumption claim that eating the placenta can help replenish essential nutrients, such as iron, lost during childbirth, which may aid in combating postpartum fatigue and anemia. It is also thought to support hormone balance, potentially reducing the risk of postpartum depression by restoring levels of hormones like oxytocin and progesterone. Additionally, some suggest it can boost milk production and improve overall recovery.

Postpartum Recovery Placenta Smoothies

Many people refer to placenta smoothies as postpartum recovery smoothies, because the goal and intention of drinking raw placenta is to help you both recover and thrive in the days and weeks after delivering a baby. Postnatal recovery placenta smoothies are a blend designed to support new mothers during the post-birth healing process by incorporating a small portion of the placenta, typically prepared and encapsulated or blended raw.

These smoothies often combine nutrient-dense ingredients like fruits, leafy greens, and protein-rich components to aid in recovery, while the placenta is included for its potential benefits, such as replenishing lost nutrients like iron, supporting hormonal balance, and reducing postpartum fatigue. The smoothie base usually includes fruits like berries or bananas, which provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins, while the placenta is added in a small, tasteless portion.

Eating Raw vs. Steam Cooked Placenta

Eating raw vs. steam-cooked placenta refers to two common methods of placenta consumption, each with its own potential benefits and considerations.

Eating Raw Placenta

Raw Placenta Consumption involves eating the placenta uncooked, often by blending small portions into smoothies or freezing it for later use. Advocates of the raw method believe it preserves the full range of nutrients, hormones, and enzymes, which could support faster postpartum recovery, energy replenishment, and hormone regulation. However, consuming raw placenta carries risks of bacterial contamination, which can potentially lead to infection or illness if the placenta isn’t handled properly.

Steam-Cooked Placenta

Steam-Cooked Placenta involves steaming the placenta before dehydration, encapsulation, or direct consumption. This method, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, is believed to make the placenta more digestible and gentle on the system, while still providing some benefits such as iron replenishment and hormonal support. Cooking the placenta may reduce the risk of bacterial contamination, making it a safer option compared to consuming it raw. However, some proponents of raw consumption argue that heat from cooking could destroy certain nutrients and enzymes.

Ultimately, the choice between raw and steam-cooked placenta comes down to personal preference and safety concerns.

Using Placenta Capsules in Your Smoothie

During my surrogacy pregnancy and delivery, I asked the advice from my own placenta specialist about the best way to make my placenta smoothies. She said using opened placenta capsules for smoothies totally works and is the safest way to have a placenta smoothie. Using frozen raw pieces can potentially be an unsafe practice since the placenta is exposed to bacteria during the birthing process, which is why she only prepares placentas using the Traditional Method where food safe times and temperatures are used for both steaming and dehydration. Her clients open capsules and put them in smoothies when they prefer to not swallow capsules. Having the placenta capped still allows for proper daily usage amounts as well.

Taking Your Placenta Home from the Hospital After Delivery

Taking your placenta home from the hospital after delivery is an option for mothers who wish to use it for personal purposes, such as placentophagy, encapsulation, or ceremonial planting. Many hospitals allow this, but it’s important to communicate your plans with the labor and delivery staff ahead of time.

Hospitals may have specific protocols, including proper storage and packaging of the placenta to ensure it remains safe for transport. Typically, the placenta is placed in a sealed container or bag and kept refrigerated or on ice until it can be prepared. In my own scenario, I had to purchase a small cooler and put the placenta on ice.

Some hospitals may require mothers to sign a release form, acknowledging that they are taking responsibility for the placenta’s handling. If you plan to consume or preserve it, ensure that you follow safe storage practices and consult with a professional who specializes in placenta preparation to minimize any health risks.

What Does Raw Placenta Taste Like?

The taste of raw placenta is often described as metallic or earthy, similar to the taste of blood or liver due to its high iron content. Some who have consumed it note a mild, slightly gamey flavor. However, because it’s usually blended with other ingredients in smoothies, like fruits, vegetables, or juices, the taste of raw placenta is often masked by the more dominant flavors in the mix. For many, the texture may be more of a consideration than the flavor, as it can be chewy or dense.

How Much Placenta Should I Put Into My Smoothie?

When adding placenta to a smoothie, it’s generally recommended to start with a small portion, typically around a one inch cube of raw placenta or a small, thumbnail-sized piece. This allows your body to gradually adjust to it and helps minimize any potential digestive issues. Some people may consume more over time, but starting small is considered safer. If the placenta has been encapsulated, one or two capsules can be opened and added to the smoothie.

Tips to Making a Healthy and Delicious Placenta Smoothie

A great placenta smoothie recipe balances nutritional benefits, taste, and ease of consumption, especially for postpartum recovery. Overall, a great placenta smoothie should be nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare, helping to nourish and rejuvenate new mothers during their postpartum recovery.

Here are key qualities that make for an ideal placenta smoothie:

Nutrient-Dense Ingredients

A good placenta smoothie includes nutrient-rich ingredients like leafy greens (spinach, kale), fruits (bananas, berries), and healthy fats (avocado, nut butter) to support postpartum healing, boost energy, and aid milk production. These ingredients also provide essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Balanced Flavor

Placenta has a mild, earthy flavor that can be masked with naturally sweet fruits like berries, bananas, or mangoes, along with flavor-enhancing add-ins like honey, vanilla, or cinnamon. This ensures the smoothie is palatable and enjoyable to drink, especially for new mothers who may be sensitive to strong tastes.

Smooth Texture

The smoothie should be blended until smooth and creamy, ensuring that the placenta is evenly incorporated and does not affect the texture. Adding ingredients like yogurt, almond milk, or coconut water can help achieve a creamy consistency while providing additional nutritional benefits.

Easy to Prepare

Postpartum moms need convenience, so a great placenta smoothie recipe should be quick and simple to make. Pre-prepped placenta portions, frozen fruits, or pre-washed greens can save time and effort, making it easy to whip up a smoothie without hassle.

Customizable

Flexibility is key, as each mother’s nutritional needs and taste preferences vary. A great recipe allows for substitutions—such as switching dairy milk for plant-based alternatives, or adjusting the sweetness and protein content according to personal preferences.

Top Placenta Smoothie Recipes to Try

Below I’ve listed some popular placenta smoothie recipes from experienced mothers who have consumed their placenta. In these recipes, they have selected their favorite nutrient rich ingredients to help heal a woman’s postpartum body.

Mango and Pineapple Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup pineapple, frozen
  • 1/2 cup mango, frozen
  • 1/4 cup blueberries, frozen
  • 1/4 cup blackberries, frozen
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed meal
  • 1 tablespoon dried quinoa
  • 1 inch cube raw placenta
  • 5+ ice cubes

Instructions:

Add ingredients into a blender and blend well until you’ve reached smoothie consistency.


Green Baby Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 or 2 chunks of placenta
  • Half cup of frozen mango
  • Half cup of fresh spinach
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • Half cup water
  • 1 teaspoon of lime juice
  • Half teaspoon spirulina powder
  • Couple ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and blend on high speed.


Baby’s Got the Blues Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 frozen blueberries
  • 1 spoon full raw honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon spirulina powder
  • 1 or 2 chunks of placenta
  • Couple ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and blend on high speed.


Chocolate Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 2 spoon fulls of peanut butter
  • 1 banana
  • 1 spoon full of raw honey
  • 1 and a 1/2 of coconut milk
  • 1 or 2 chunks of placenta
  • Chocolate chunks (my favorite is dark chocolate with sea salt)
  • Chocolate syrup if wanted
  • Couple ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and blend on high speed.


Banana Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 2 chunks of placenta
  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 water
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 spoon full raw honey
  • Couple ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine ingredients and blend on high speed.


Strawberry Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 2-3 inches of the fresh raw placenta
  • 1 cup of chopped fresh pineapple
  • 1/2 cup of strawberries (fresh or frozen)
  • Handful of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 1/2 cups of coconut or almond milk
  • ½ cup of OJ

Instructions:

Blend the above ingredients and enjoy!


Blackberry Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 handful of strawberries
  • 1 handful of blueberries
  • 1 handful of blackberries
  • 1 small ripe banana
  • Water/juice
  • Walnut size piece of placenta

Instructions:

Blend fruit with liquid, slowly adding more liquid until you get desired consistency.


Peanut Butter Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 frozen Banana
  • 1/2 cup of frozen organic blueberries
  • 1/2 cup of frozen organic strawberries or raspberries
  • 1 handful of fresh spinach
  • 1 heaping teaspoon natural peanut butter
  • 4 dried and pitted dates
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 3 or 4 frozen cubed chunks of your placenta

Instructions:

Blend thoroughly.


Spinach and Cucumber Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 walnut size piece of placenta
  • ½ cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup of frozen strawberries
  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 apple, cored
  • 2 tightly packed cups spinach
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Tablespoon of chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup – 1 cup of water.

Instructions:

While blending, add more or less liquid depending on the consistency you want.


Goji Berry Placenta Smoothie Ingredients List:

  • 1 walnut size pieces of placenta
  • 1 cup of organic strawberries
  • 1 cup of frozen raspberries
  • Small handful of rehydrated goji berries (soak berries for 5 minutes in boiled water, then drain)
  • 1/2 cup – 1 cup of water

Instructions:

While blending, add more or less liquid depending on the consistency you want.


In Conclusion

In conclusion, these 10 easy-to-make placenta smoothie recipes offer a convenient and nourishing way for new mothers to support their postpartum recovery. Each recipe is designed to incorporate the potential benefits of placentophagy, such as replenishing lost nutrients, balancing hormones, and boosting energy, while blending in delicious, nutrient-packed ingredients to ensure an enjoyable taste.

With simple preparation and customizable options, these smoothies provide a practical way to incorporate placenta into your diet. Whether you’re looking for something sweet, creamy, or packed with greens, there’s a recipe here to suit every preference, helping to make your postpartum journey a little smoother and more revitalizing.

A special thanks to That Mama Gretchen, Birthly, Brilliant Birth Academy and Rebirth for providing inspiration for this blog post.

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