Place the placenta into the colander to drain off any excess blood. Using a jug of warm water, gently rinse the placenta as throughly as possible, taking care to remove any blood clots, as they decay quickly. Pat dry and air for 24 hours.
You placenta is now ready for embalming preperation. You can salt the placenta on both sides in order to preserve it better. How much salt is up to you. Not everyone chooses to salt the placenta- and if you will be using it to plant a tree over, the less salt the better. Application of salt is repeated each day for a few days, depending on how quickly the placenta dries out. Lavender oil is used to stave off any unpleasant smell the placenta might make.
An alternative to salting is the use of powdered herbs. This is the Egyptian embalming method. Start by softly covering one side of the placenta with turmeric powder and then sprinkle the Himalayan crystal salt. Add the powdered Lavender and Rosemary, Goldenseal, Basil, and Tulsi (holy basil). if you can’t find Goldenseal add 5 drops of Goldenseal tincture. Then add 5 drops each of Frankincense and Myrrh. Repeat the process for the opposite side. The smells creates an awakening for the mind, body and spirit. The essential oils and dried herbs applied encourage drying, help neutralize the smell of decomposition, and are used for their antibacterial properties.
I use muslin cloths to wrap the placenta in as they are absorbent and allow the placenta to breath and can contain all the salts, herbs, spices or dried flowers that have been used to pack the placenta to aid the drying process. I then place the muslin cloth inside a Lotus bag which holds the placenta during the Lotus period
I recently made a patchwork placenta bag for a girlfriend of mine, now her little girl uses it as her comfort blanket! I used silk, velvet or corduroy, which are gentle against newborns skin
However you don't need to use a Lotus bag for your placenta. You can use old towels or cloth nappies, flannels even disposable nappies. It all a personal preference.
It is important to take care when moving your baby, so as not to pull at their belly with the cord. Also, keep placenta at the same level as the baby or slightly higher. In most cases, the placental cord will dry and separate from the baby's navel within three to seven days.
