5 TCM Herbal Teas for Relieving Pregnancy Edema

In the late stage of pregnancy, if a pregnant woman experiences mild edema in the ankles that gradually spreads to the external genitalia, lower abdomen, and face, it is referred to as pregnancy-related edema. If the edema occurs only below the ankle joints and is not accompanied by other uncomfortable signs of imbalance, it is considered a normal physiological phenomenon and will resolve on its own without the need for supports.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pregnancy-related edema is primarily attributed to Yang deficiency in the Spleen and Kidney. Patients with inherent Yang deficiency experience a concentration of Yin and blood to nourish the fetus during pregnancy, which impairs the warming transformation of Kidney Yang and the robust transportation of Spleen Yang. This leads to stagnation of water-dampness, resulting in widespread edema. Clinically, this condition most often arises from Spleen deficiency. Pregnant women with pre-existing Spleen and Stomach deficiency, or those who consume excessive cold-raw foods, may damage Spleen Yang and impair its ability to transform and transport water-dampness. This causes water-dampness accumulation, which flows to the limbs and causes swelling, or obstructs Qi transformation and leads to abdominal distension.

Spleen Deficiency with Accumulation of Dampness: During several months of pregnancy, there is edema in the face, limbs, or throughout the entire body. The skin appears shiny, the limbs are cold, there is shortness of breath and a reluctance to speak, poor appetite, a bland taste in the mouth, loose stools, a pale tongue, a thin, white, and moist tongue coating, and a slippery and weak pulse. The supports principle is to tonify the Spleen, replenish Qi, and promote the movement of water.

Kidney Yang Deficiency with Edema: During several months of pregnancy, facial and limb swelling, sore and weak lower back, pale tongue with moist coating, and deep, thin pulse. The supports principle is to warm Yang and transform water.

1.Wupi Qizhu Tea

Ingredients: Poria cocos (Fuling) peel 15 grams, Acanthopanax gracilistylus (Wujiapi) 6 grams, Areca catechu (Dafupi) 10 grams (or Benincasa hispida (Dongguapi) 15 grams), Mori alba (Sangbaipi) 6 grams, Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) peel 6 grams, Astragalus membranaceus (Shengqi) 10 grams, Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 10 grams.

Preparation Method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.

Functions: Helps strengthen Spleen Qi and supports healthy energy levels, supports the elimination of dampness and promotes the normal flow of water. Used to support individuals with Spleen deficiency-related edema during pregnancy.

2.Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Tea
(supports digestive health and promotes general well-being)

Ingredients: Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 15 grams, Citri reticulatae pericarpium (Chenpi), Poria (Fuling), and Areca catechu peel (Dafupi) 10 grams each.

Preparation Method: Coarsely grind the four ingredients together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.

Functions: Helps strengthen the Spleen and supplement Qi, supports healthy water metabolism to reduce swelling. Used for supporting normal fluid balance in cases of Spleen Qi Deficiency-related pregnancy-related edema.

3.Poria (Fuling) and Malva Verticillata Seed (Dongkuizi) Tea

Ingredients: Poria (Poria cocos) 10 g, Malva Verticillata Seed (Malva verticillata) 20 g.

Preparation Method: Grind the two ingredients above into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.

Function: helps maintain normal Spleen function and supports healthy moisture balance, supports healthy urine output to reduce swelling. Used for occasional edema during pregnancy due to Spleen deficiency.

4.Modified Baizhu Fuling Tea (a tea blend that supports digestive health and helps maintain a balanced internal environment)

Ingredients: Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 15 grams, Poria cocos (Fuling) 15 grams, Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) 12 grams, Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi) 6 grams, Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) 5 grams, Citri reticulatae pericarpium (Chenpi) 6 grams.

Preparation Method: Coarsely grind the above herbs together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then consume as a tea substitute. One dose per day.

Functions: Helps tonify Qi and warm the Kidneys, supports the elimination of dampness and promotes the movement of water. Used to support health in cases of gestational edema due to Kidney Yang Deficiency.

5.Tianxianteng Xiangfu Tea

Ingredients: Caulis Aristolochiae Manshuriensis (Tianxianteng) 9 g, Rhizoma Cyperi Preparata (Zhixiangfu) 12 g, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chenpi) 6 g, Perilla Leaf and Stem (Suyegeng) 6 g, Radix Linderae (Wuyao) 6 g, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu) 12 g, Fructus Chaenomelis (Mugua) 10 g.

Preparation Method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder together, place them in a vacuum flask, pour boiling water over them, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then use as a tea substitute. One dose per day.

Efficacy: Helps promote the movement of Qi and transform stagnation, supports healthy water metabolism to reduce swelling. Used for edema during pregnancy due to Qi Stagnation, characterized by swelling starting from the feet and gradually extending to the hands and legs, with unchanged skin color, swelling that subsides immediately upon pressure, reduced appetite, thin and greasy tongue coating, and wiry-slippery pulse.