Evidence supporting the use of: Placenta
For the health condition: Bedwetting
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Placenta, particularly processed human or animal placenta, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) under the name "Zi He Che" for a variety of conditions, including developmental disorders, fatigue, and some forms of enuresis (bedwetting). In TCM, bedwetting is often conceptualized as a weakness in the Kidney Qi or Yang, and placenta is thought to "tonify" the Kidneys and support overall vitality. Historical texts and some modern TCM practitioners occasionally mention its use for pediatric enuresis, though this is not among the most common applications.
However, the scientific evidence supporting the use of placenta for bedwetting is extremely limited. There are no high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies demonstrating efficacy or elucidating a plausible mechanism for this use. The rationale in traditional practice is based on energetic or organ-strengthening theories rather than empirical biomedical evidence. Safety concerns, including the risk of disease transmission and ethical considerations, also limit its modern clinical application.
In summary, while placenta has a minor traditional basis for use in bedwetting within TCM, this is poorly substantiated and not widely endorsed in contemporary practice. There is no robust scientific validation for this use.