SingaporeMotherhood | Parenting
December 2017
Super 7: Popular Tonics and Supplements for Pregnancy and Beyond
There are many tonics and supplements on the market that claim to support fertility, pregnancy, confinement and health in general. Here are seven you should know about
Throughout history, mums across Asia have trusted their health to traditional Chinese medicine and herbal liqueurs. Nowadays, we also have the benefit of Western-style supplements and superfoods. But one thing hasn’t changed – young mums of today continue to strive for a healthy pregnancy, confinement and beyond. We find out about seven tonics and supplements that are trusted by mothers the world over.
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1. Bénédictine D.O.M
It began in 1510, when a Benedictine monk created a secret elixir that was to become famous for years to come. A subtle blend of 27 plants and spices, Bénédictine D.O.M. is the choice of our mothers’ and grandmothers’ generations to aid in ‘warming’ the body after giving birth. They would add the French herbal liqueur to the black vinegar stews and other confinement foods. It contains 40 per cent alcohol, so breastfeeding mums might want to boil away the alcohol before taking it. $71.50 (750ml) at major supermarkets and medical halls
2. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a compound that helps generate energy in our cells. Also known as CoQ10, our bodies produce it naturally, but production decreases with age. That’s when CoQ10 supplements come in handy. While often used as an overall supplement and to combat heart conditions, it has also been shown to assist with fertility. The antioxidant properties of CoQ10 could help improve sperm quality and sperm count in men and reduce the decline in the number and quality of eggs in women. Popular brands include Blackmores, GNC and Ocean Health, available at major pharmacies and health stores
(See also: 12 Tips To Boost your Fertility and Get Pregnant Faster)
3. Eu Yan Sang Confinement Joy Bundle
For modern mums who don’t know much about Chinese herbs, Eu Yan Sang comes to the rescue with a newly launched Confinement Joy Bundle. Blending a collection of key herbs that aid in postpartum healing into healing tonics, supplements and even therapeutic bath soaks, it aims to nourish new mums from both inside and out. The bundle consists of Confinement Bath, Confinement Tonic, Black Sugar Cube with Red Date Longan and the 28-Day Essential Kit for New Mum, each of which are also available individually. The last is a collection of essential soup packs, supplements, tea packs and step-by-step guide and confinement planner. They thought of everything! $487.50 at all Eu Yan Sang outlets and online
4. Huiji Waist Tonic
Made of 100 per cent premium natural herbs comprising cordyceps, ginseng, du zhong, danggui, shou wu and red dates, alcohol-free Huiji Waist Tonic is a great health supplement for grandmas and mums. Many young mothers also use it to regain their strength after birth. It keeps fatigue at bay, helps alleviate aches and pains, improve blood circulation and nourish vital energy, among other benefits. $49.80 (700ml) at Bee’s Brand, major supermarkets, pharmacies, ZTP and leading medicine halls or online
(See also: Confinement Practices in Multiracial Singapore)
5. Superior Chia – My Miracle Life
Containing five most nutrient-rich types of chia seeds that have been micro-sliced for the best absorption of nutrients, Superior Chia contains more Omega 3 essential fatty acids than other food sources. Also high in protein, fibre, antioxidants and phytonutrients, it’s organic, gluten-free, trans-fat free, sugar-free, has no taste or smell and can be added to most any food or drink for an easy daily boost to Mum’s diet. It can even help with healthy weight loss after giving birth! $18 per pack or $85 for five packs at Finest Food
6. Tian Yuan Xiang 滴鸡精 (Chicken Essence)
Chicken essence is one of the most popular tonics taken by a new mum to replenish her strength during confinement. With Taiwan’s renowned Tian Yuan Xiang 滴鸡精 Chicken Essence now in Singapore, there’s a new way to enjoy even more benefits of chicken essence. The best part? It tastes like homemade chicken soup! Furthermore, taking it regularly can help boost your energy and maintain a healthy constitution. From $170 for 20 packets at #B1-24A United Square or online at Tian Yuan Xiang
(See also: New Star Tonic – Tian Yuan Xiang Chicken Essence (田原香滴鸡精) from Taiwan is finally here in Singapore!)
7. Yomeishu
A popular Japanese health tonic that has been around for centuries, Yomeishu relieves fatigue while boosting strength. Drinking Yomeishu also promotes blood circulation and blood flow, and the active medicinal ingredients penetrate the entire body to improve immunity and metabolism. While this benefits new mums, the liqueur (14 per cent alcohol) containing 14 different herbs can also be useful for anyone with weak digestive systems or recuperating from illnesses. The recommended dose is 20ml three times a day, before meals and at bedtime. $41.75 (700ml) at major supermarkets and medical halls
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