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Table 3 Examples of ethno medicine / healing foods used by women during the perinatal period

From: Eating soup with nails of pig: thematic synthesis of the qualitative literature on cultural practices and beliefs influencing perinatal nutrition in low and middle income countries

Author

Region

Food substances

Effect

Adams [43]

Tibet

Butter ingested by newborn

In order for child to have a clear mind and well-developed senses

Chang warm barley beer ingested by mothers

Ayiasi [34]

Uganda

Waragi local alcohol

Generally therapeutic, keeps infant’s skin clear

Farnes [38]

Ghana

Local herbs ingested by mothers

Prevents sunsumyare (spiritual sickness), promotes maternal, fetal health, prevents complications

Hadwiger [50]

Philippines

Ginger, carried

Protect unborn baby from aswang (evil spirits)

Lundberg [49]

Vietnam

Pig’s trotter with papaya or red bean and potato, meat and eggs

Enrich blood, help recovery, encourage expulsion of the lochia, stimulate lactation

Maimbola [41]

Zambia

Traditional medicine applied to vagina

Prepare and widen the birth canal in pregnant women

Ngomane [83]

S Africa

Mbita, Ritlangi, Mpundulo

Strengthen and preserve pregnancy

Induction, management of labour and management of pain

Mbheswana, roots of Xirhakarhani, boiled Dinda

Radoff [103]

Guatemala

Teas and baths from grasses and trees, cypress, pine, oak, pear, eucalyptus

Stimulate labour, reduce postpartum bleeding

Raven [48]

China

Ginger and wine

Enrich blood, help recovery, encourage expulsion of the lochia, stimulate lactation

Meat and eggs

Sein [39]

Myanmar

Turmeric, ingested or applied on skin

Prevent muscle pain and to prevent newborn from abdominal pain

Thapa [52]

Nepal

Mustard oil, turmeric, eggs ingested

Regain energy post-partum, make womb strong, relieve pain

Theroux [58]

Ghana

Bitter leaf, dandelion, prekos, maringa, nim tree, and kontosi

Treat minor illness and maintain/improve pregnancy

Fou-fou pounding

Prepare for labour

Wulandari [44]

Bali

Tamarind, turmeric, cinnamon, clove, coconut

Improve maternal and infant health

Herbal medicines