Confinement herbs in Singapore: what dang gui, ginseng, red dates and other tonics are used for, and when to be careful

Confinement herbs in Singapore are mostly Chinese tonics, such as dang gui (Chinese angelica), ginseng, red dates, bird's nest and pre-packed herbal soups, taken in the month after birth to "warm" the body and rebuild strength. Singapore's health sources take a careful line. HealthHub says most confinement practices "often have little or no solid scientific basis" and asks breastfeeding mothers to "consult a registered TCM physician before consuming any" herbal preparation. KKH's lactation advice goes further: avoid traditional or herbal remedies while breastfeeding, because your baby's immature system may be sensitive to them. Three cautions matter most: dang gui may not suit you if you're bleeding heavily, rice wine and tonic wines pass into breast milk, and herbs containing berberine, such as huang lian, should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers and babies with G6PD deficiency.

Common confinement herbs and tonics, and what Singapore sources say

The traditional uses below are as described by SingHealth's TCM content on HealthXchange and by HealthHub. They are traditional uses, not proven medical effects.

Our confinement soup recipes use red dates, wolfberries and ginger in everyday amounts, and foods to avoid during confinement covers which food taboos Singapore doctors back.

If you're breastfeeding: the main caution

Almost everything you eat or drink reaches your baby in small amounts, and herbs are no exception. HealthXchange's confinement myths article, written with KKH, notes that alcohol and other substances can pass into breast milk, may affect your baby's liver and "worsen jaundice in the newborn if it is already present", and that there are "various substances present in the herbs that we are not fully aware of".

Singapore's official advice comes in three strengths:

1. KKH's lactation team (SingHealth breastfeeding FAQ): avoid traditional or herbal remedies while breastfeeding.
2. KKH's going-home advice: consult a doctor if you wish to take any traditional or complementary medicine.
3. HealthHub: if you're keen to take herbal preparations, consult a registered TCM physician first, take herbs and spices in moderation, and get advice before any herbal product or supplement "as they may not always be safe or effective".

In practice: if your baby has jaundice, was born early or is unwell, hold off on herbal tonics until your baby's doctor says it's fine. If your baby is well and you want the herbs, see a registered TCM physician who knows you're breastfeeding, and tell your own doctor. Our guide to newborn jaundice explains why the first two weeks need extra care.

Bleeding, medicines and other cautions

Alcohol in tonics and confinement cooking

Rice wine, tonic wines and herbal wines are common in confinement. Singapore sources differ on how strict to be. HealthHub says alcohol isn't essential to recovery and nursing mothers "should avoid alcohol altogether", and that if you eat a dish cooked with rice wine, you should wait at least three hours before breastfeeding or expressing. HealthXchange's dietitians advise avoiding alcohol in the first week while your supply is establishing, then no more than 30ml a day from the second week, still waiting three hours. The stricter HealthHub line is the safer default, especially with a newborn. Our guide to foods to avoid during confinement has the full alcohol and caffeine rules.

Buying confinement herbs safely

Herbs for traditional use are lightly regulated in Singapore. HSA says Chinese herbs for traditional medicinal use "are not subject to pre-market approval and licensing" for import and sale, and MOH says TCM herbal products are not regulated like pharmaceutical medicines. Ready-made Chinese proprietary medicines (pills, capsules and bottled tonics) are stricter: HSA requires a product listing, English labels, and no Poisons Act substances, western medicines, or heavy metals and microbes above set limits.

HSA has repeatedly found "herbal" products with hidden drugs, including one labelled with ginseng and cordyceps that contained a steroid and a diuretic. Its advice is simple: buy from registered clinics and pharmacies. For confinement herbs, that means:

• Get herbal packs from a TCM clinic or an established medical hall, not unlabelled bags from overseas or social media sellers
• Check that bottled tonics and capsules have English labels
• See a TCM physician registered with the TCM Practitioners Board, whose register is public
• Tell your confinement nanny or caterer which herbs you're avoiding, especially if you're breastfeeding

If a product makes you feel unwell, HSA says to see a doctor and bring the product with you. Our guide to confinement food delivery covers what caterers put in their soups, and hiring a confinement nanny covers what to agree before she starts.

Frequently asked questions

Are confinement herbs safe while breastfeeding?

KKH's lactation team advises avoiding traditional or herbal remedies while breastfeeding, because your baby may be sensitive to them. HealthHub says to consult a registered TCM physician before taking any herbal preparation. If your baby has jaundice or G6PD deficiency, check with the baby's doctor first.

What is dang gui used for after birth?

HealthXchange describes dang gui as an important postpartum herb, traditionally used to build blood and improve circulation. It may not suit women with heavy bleeding, and large doses can affect blood pressure, heart and breathing.

Can I drink red date tea during confinement?

Yes, in moderation. HealthHub lists red date tea as a traditional confinement drink but says sweetened versions are high in sugar, so keep to about a glass a day and drink plain water as your main drink.

Is ginseng good for new mothers?

HealthXchange says ginseng is traditionally used to restore strength and appetite after birth, but it isn't suitable for mothers with hot flushes or rashes, or with high caffeine. Check with a registered TCM physician, especially if you're breastfeeding.

Which herbs should I avoid if my baby has G6PD deficiency?

HSA says herbs containing berberine, such as huang lian and huang bai, should be avoided in infants, G6PD-deficient people and breastfeeding mothers. Tell your TCM physician about your baby's G6PD status.