Chamomile Tea for Increased Milk Supply – And Extra Special Benefits

Many moms use chamomile tea because it’s believed to have galactagogue effects. That means it may help your body make more milk. While studies on chamomile tea for milk supply are limited, many moms find it calming and helpful during this stage.

So, can Chamomile Tea Really Help with Milk Supply?

Chamomile has been used for centuries as a calming herb, and some believe it has galactagogue properties—meaning it could help increase milk production.

ResearchGate – A Portuguese mom noted increased milk output (from about 60ml to ~90ml in pump volumes) after drinking a chamomile infusion daily over several months.

While there’s no strong clinical evidence, Anecdotal sources, like a 2021 FirstCry Parenting article, mention increases of up to 20% in some cases. That said, results can vary from person to person. If you’re considering using chamomile tea for boosting your milk supply, it’s a gentle option worth trying—especially for its calming benefits.

Is it Safe to Drink Chamomile Tea while Nursing?

For most moms, yes—it’s generally considered safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists chamomile as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) when used in typical amounts, like in tea. So far, there’s no solid evidence showing harmful effects on breastfed babies. That said, if you have allergies to plants in the daisy family—like ragweed or marigold—you may want to skip it. As always, it’s a good idea to check with your healthcare provider before adding chamomile tea for milk supply to your routine.

Additional Benefits of Chamomile Tea When Lactating

Chamomile tea isn’t just soothing—it comes with a handful of extra benefits for breastfeeding moms.

Stress and Anxiety

It can help ease stress and anxiety, which are known to affect milk production. Chamomile contains apigenin, a natural compound that works by calming the nervous system. That makes it especially helpful during those overwhelming early weeks of motherhood.

Better Sleep

Better sleep is another bonus. A study published in Nutrition & Food Science found that German chamomile may improve sleep quality and ease mild postpartum depression. And let’s be real—more rest can make everything feel a little more manageable when you’re nursing.

Better Digestion

Chamomile tea may also support your digestion and help boost your immune system. That’s a win, because when you’re feeling your best, it’s easier to stay consistent with breastfeeding.

So while the research on chamomile for tea for milk supply is still growing, it can be a gentle, holistic way to support your body during this time.

Can Chamomile Tea Help with Colic in Breastfed Babies?

While moms often drink chamomile tea for breast milk support, babies can also benefit—especially if they’re struggling with colic. Colic causes long periods of crying or fussiness in otherwise healthy infants, and it can be tough on everyone.

Giving Baby Chamomile Tea

Some studies suggest that small amounts of chamomile tea may ease colic symptoms like gas and abdominal discomfort. A study published in Global Pediatric Health showed that herbal teas containing chamomile helped reduce daily crying in infants by easing digestion and soothing their tummies.  After the age of 6 months, if your baby is colicky, giving them chamomile tea might aid their digestion and soothe their stomach. It’s also recommended that you consult with your doctor first.

PMC – Given to babies as colic – This trial found that herbal teas containing chamomile, among other herbs, helped reduce abdominal discomfort and crying in infants with colic.

You can also talk to a lactation consultant, since they’re trained to support breastfeeding and can offer personalized guidance.

Bottom line: before trying chamomile tea for milk supply or giving it to your baby, get advice from someone qualified. That way, you’ll feel confident it’s safe and right for your body and your baby.

Precautions and Choosing the Right Tea

While chamomile tea for milk supply is generally safe, it’s still important to be mindful of what you’re drinking. Not all chamomile teas are pure. Some are blends that may contain other herbs or ingredients your baby might not tolerate through breast milk.

• Chamomile mixed with green tea isn’t ideal—green tea contains caffeine, which can affect your baby’s sleep and mood. Other blends, like those with valerian root, should also be avoided while nursing. Valerian can cause side effects in young children, including headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
• Always read the label. Look for pure chamomile, and steer clear of blends with herbs like star anise, buckthorn bark, comfrey, or senna. These additives can trigger allergic reactions or cause digestive issues in babies.
• If you want something cleaner, choose a tea labeled USDA-certified organic. That means the ingredients are grown without synthetic pesticides or additives. And try to stick with factory-sealed tea bags instead of loose leaf. Tea bags are less likely to carry spores or contaminants that could cause a reaction in you or your baby.

References and Resources

• NCBI – Generally recognised as safe
• PMC – This review describes several clinical trials and studies covering chamomile’s effects on colic, diarrhea, and soothing GI distress in infants.