Updated: July 15, 2025
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that affects individuals after childbirth. It involves persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, irritability, and difficulty bonding with the baby. Unlike the “baby blues,” which are mild and short-lived, postpartum depression lasts longer and can interfere with daily functioning and parenting.
It may develop within weeks of delivery or even months later. Treatment typically includes therapy, support groups, and sometimes medication.
Kampo Self-Check for Postpartum Depression
1. Blood Deficiency
2. Liver Qi Stagnation
3. Spleen Qi Deficiency
Kampo’s Perspectives on Postpartum Depression
In Kampo medicine, postpartum depression is understood as a disturbance in the body’s natural flow of Qi (energy) and Blood, especially affecting the Heart, Liver, and Spleen functions.
While Western medicine primarily treats postpartum depression with antidepressants, Kampo offers formulas that promote both emotional health and physical recovery. It emphasizes restoring holistic balance during the postpartum period, recognizing the close connection between body and mind.
1. Blood Deficiency
During childbirth, significant blood is lost, blood is responsible for nourishing not only the body’s tissues but also the mind. When blood is insufficient, the mind is poorly supported, leading to symptoms like emotional instability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, vivid dreams, insomnia, and a sense of sadness or emptiness.
- Western Medicine Link – In Western medicine, similar symptoms after childbirth may be caused by things like anemia (low iron), hormone changes, or postpartum depression. These are understood as physical and chemical changes in the body, such as low hemoglobin or shifting hormone levels.
Both systems recognize that stress affects both body and mind.
2. Liver Qi Stagnation
The Liver in Kampo theory controls the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and emotions. After childbirth, sudden lifestyle changes, physical exhaustion, and emotional stress (such as breastfeeding struggles, sleep deprivation, or feelings of isolation) can cause the Liver’s regulatory function to stagnate. This stagnation traps emotional energy, leading to irritability, anger, mood swings, and depressive feelings that feel “stuck” or “boiling inside.”
- Western Medicine Link– Emotional stress triggers the body’s “fight or flight” response, activating the sympathetic nervous system. Over time, this can lead to irritability, numbness, and depression, as stress hormones like serotonin and cortisol become unbalanced.
3. Spleen Qi Deficiency
In Kampo, the Spleen is responsible for producing Qi and Blood by transforming food and drink into energy. After childbirth, the strain of delivery, breastfeeding, irregular meals, and poor recovery can weaken the Spleen. This may lead to persistent fatigue, poor appetite, easy bruising, muscle weakness, and a sense of being mentally and physically worn out.
- Western medicine connection – After childbirth, poor nutrition, physical recovery, and fatigue can lead to symptoms similar to chronic fatigue syndrome. Issues like low blood sugar, iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, and disrupted energy metabolism may contribute to exhaustion and increase the risk of postpartum depression.
Tea Care for Postpartum Depression
Jujube & Goji Berry Tea helps calm the mind, support restful sleep, and gently restore energy after childbirth.
Jujube Tea is made from dried red dates and is often used after childbirth to nourish Blood, calm the mind, and ease emotional sensitivity. It supports recovery from fatigue and restlessness.
Magnolia Tea help ease chest tension, calm the mind, and support emotional balance. It may help with anxiety, irritability, and restlessness, especially after childbirth.
- Note: Magnolia is stronger than teas like chamomile or jujube. Use with care and consult a healthcare provider if breastfeeding.
Chamomile Tea is a gentle tea that helps calm the mind, ease anxiety, and improve sleep—making it helpful during the postpartum period. While not a traditional Kampo herb, its soothing effects align with Kampo’s goal of restoring emotional balance.
Kampo Therapy Q&A
Q: Can I take Kampo therapy for postpartum depression long-term?
Q: Can I take Kampo therapy during pregnancy?
Notice: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Instead of self-diagnosing, we encourage you to consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper guidance and care.
