Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition that has likely affected women for thousands of years, even if it wasn’t named or diagnosed as it is today. In ancient cultures, communities recognized the unique needs of new mothers and employed natural remedies, rituals, and support systems to help them recover both physically and emotionally after childbirth. These traditional remedies focused on balancing the mind, body, and spirit, aiming to ease the transition into motherhood.
Here, we’ll explore some of the traditional practices from various ancient cultures that were believed to support mothers facing postpartum depression and emotional challenges after childbirth.
1. Ayurveda (Ancient India)
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is one of the world’s oldest healing sciences, dating back over 5,000 years. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on holistic well-being, especially during the postpartum period. It believes that new mothers are particularly vulnerable to physical and emotional imbalances and need special care to restore equilibrium.
Herbal Remedies: Key Ayurvedic herbs used for postpartum mental health included ashwagandha, brahmi, and shatavari. Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, helped the body cope with stress and anxiety. Brahmi, known for enhancing mental clarity and reducing stress, was often recommended to stabilize mood. Shatavari was used to nourish the reproductive system, aiding overall hormonal balance.
Dietary Focus: In Ayurveda, food is considered medicine, and the postpartum diet was designed to support mental health. Warm, nourishing foods like soups and stews were recommended to aid digestion and provide comfort. Spices like turmeric and ginger, known for their anti-inflammatory properties, were added to meals to promote healing and balance.
Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Ayurvedic oil massage, or abhyanga, was a key practice for postpartum mothers. The massage was believed to calm the nervous system, alleviate anxiety, and support the release of toxins. Warm sesame or coconut oil would be massaged over the body, relaxing both muscles and the mind.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (China)
In ancient China, the postpartum period was called “zuo yuezi,” which translates to “doing the month.” This traditional practice recognized the importance of a mother’s mental and physical recovery after childbirth and provided a structured period of rest and nourishment.
Herbal Tinctures and Teas: Chinese medicine often used herbal teas and tinctures to support emotional well-being. Herbs like ginseng and dong quai were used for their mood-boosting and hormone-regulating properties. These herbs helped to replenish energy and stabilize emotions, supporting a smoother recovery.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is another cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Practitioners used it to help balance energy (qi) within the body, particularly focusing on points associated with stress relief, anxiety, and depression. This practice was believed to support the release of endorphins, improving mood naturally.
Warm Foods and Rest: In TCM, warmth was considered essential to postpartum recovery. New mothers were encouraged to consume warm, easily digestible foods like bone broths and rice porridge to nourish the body. Physical warmth was also emphasized, with women encouraged to stay warm and avoid cold environments, as it was believed this would help prevent postpartum mood disorders.
3. Indigenous Practices (Native American Tribes)
Native American tribes had a deep respect for the emotional and physical journey of childbirth and the postpartum period. Their communities developed unique practices to support new mothers through this transition.
Healing Circles and Community Support: In many Native American tribes, healing circles were an important ritual. These gatherings allowed women to share their experiences, find empathy, and feel supported by their community. Elders and other mothers would provide advice, spiritual guidance, and emotional support, creating a strong support network for new mothers.
Herbal Smudging: Smudging is a sacred practice that uses smoke from burning herbs such as sage, cedar, and sweetgrass to cleanse and purify. For postpartum mothers, smudging was believed to cleanse any negative energy, promote positive emotions, and create a calm, supportive environment.
Herbal Remedies: Indigenous herbal knowledge played a significant role in postpartum care. Plants like black cohosh, raspberry leaf, and blue vervain were used for their calming effects and hormone-regulating properties. These herbs helped to reduce anxiety, support hormonal balance, and aid the overall recovery process.
4. Ancient Egyptian Practices
Ancient Egypt had a well-developed understanding of herbal medicine and healing rituals, and new mothers received specific care to support their mental and emotional well-being.
Aromatic Oils and Perfumes: Egyptians valued the use of essential oils and perfumes for healing and mood enhancement. Oils like frankincense, myrrh, and rose were used to calm the senses, reduce anxiety, and elevate mood. These oils were often applied during massages, creating a sense of relaxation and mental clarity for the new mother.
Milk and Honey Baths: The Egyptians used milk and honey for both skin care and mental relaxation. These baths were believed to soothe the body and provide a sense of tranquility. Milk contains lactic acid, which relaxes muscles, while honey’s natural antibacterial properties were thought to purify and cleanse, promoting both physical and emotional healing.
Supportive Deities and Rituals: Ancient Egyptians had deities associated with childbirth and motherhood, such as Hathor, the goddess of love, motherhood, and joy. Mothers were encouraged to pray or offer to these deities, seeking emotional and spiritual comfort, which helped them feel supported and protected.
5. African Traditional Practices
In various African cultures, childbirth and postpartum care were surrounded by rituals and herbal remedies aimed at providing emotional and physical support for the new mother.
Postpartum Seclusion and Ritual Cleansing: In some African communities, new mothers underwent a period of seclusion, where they were relieved from household duties to focus on healing. During this time, she would be cared for by female relatives who provided food, comfort, and companionship. This seclusion allowed her to recover emotionally without societal pressures.
Calming Herbs and Teas: African traditional medicine relied on local plants for healing. Herbs such as kinkeliba, baobab leaf, and hibiscus were used to make calming teas that helped manage stress and anxiety. These herbs were also nutrient-rich, supporting the body’s recovery and providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Dance and Movement Therapy: Dance has always held spiritual significance in African cultures and was also used as a form of emotional release. Gentle dancing and rhythmic movements were thought to help new mothers reconnect with their bodies, reduce stress, and experience joy.
6. European Folk Remedies
In medieval Europe, the understanding of postpartum mental health was limited, yet various folk remedies were passed down to help women recover from the stresses of childbirth.
Healing Herbs and Flowers: European folk medicine relied on herbs like St. John’s Wort, lavender, and chamomile, which were known for their mood-lifting and calming properties. St. John’s Wort, in particular, was used for its natural antidepressant qualities. These herbs were consumed as teas or used in infusions for baths.
Postpartum Ritual Baths: Baths infused with rose petals, rosemary, and lavender were commonly used to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. These ingredients had calming properties that were thought to soothe the nerves and provide a peaceful environment for healing.
Folk Prayers and Blessings: In many European cultures, blessings and prayers were essential parts of postpartum rituals. Mothers received blessings for protection, health, and peace, which were thought to offer spiritual comfort and reduce feelings of loneliness or sadness.
7. Indigenous Australian Practices
Indigenous Australian communities also had traditional practices that supported new mothers in their emotional and physical recovery after childbirth.
Smoke Ceremonies: Similar to smudging in Native American culture, Indigenous Australians used smoke ceremonies for healing and emotional support. Leaves from native plants like eucalyptus were burned to create smoke, which was believed to cleanse and bring peace to the mind, body, and spirit.
Bush Medicine: Indigenous Australians relied on the land for natural remedies. Plants like kangaroo apple and wattle were used for their calming effects. These plants were consumed in teas or used topically to alleviate stress and anxiety, helping mothers feel more centered.
Connection to the Land: The strong connection Indigenous Australians have to their land played a vital role in mental and emotional well-being. Mothers would spend time in nature, grounding themselves and finding peace through connection to the earth, which was believed to stabilize emotions and support mental clarity.