Herbs and Breastfeeding – Powerful Aids – Boost Supply & More

From milk supply struggles to oversupply stress or weaning worries, breastfeeding can feel overwhelming—leading many parents to ask if herbs might offer a solution.

This guide breaks down the most trusted herbs used during breastfeeding, from boosting supply to drying up milk, with science-backed info and safety tips to help you make informed, confident choices.

Herbs and Your Milk Production

Before diving into the herb world, it’s good to understand how milk production actually works. It’s mostly about demand: the more your baby nurses (or the more you pump), the more milk your body is signaled to make.

Hormones like prolactin and oxytocin do the behind-the-scenes work. If baby isn’t nursing effectively or milk isn’t being removed often enough, even the best herbs won’t do much. Think of herbs as supportive teammates—they can help, but they can’t carry the whole breastfeeding game.

Top Lactogenic (Milk Supply Boosting) Herbs

These are the MVPs of the herbal galactagogue world (“galactagogue” = something that helps increase milk production). Here’s what they do, how they’re used, and what to watch for.

1. Fenugreek

Probably the most well-known lactation herb. Some moms swear by it; others say it did nothing or caused side effects.

• How it’s used: Tea, capsules, or tinctures
• Science says: Small studies show it may increase milk volume
• Watch out for: Gas, low blood sugar, maple-syrup-scented sweat (!), and avoid if you have thyroid or blood sugar issues

2. Moringa (aka Malunggay)

Popular in Southeast Asia and Africa, moringa is packed with nutrients and has promising lactation-boosting potential.

• How it’s used: Capsules or dried leaves in food
• Science says: A few solid studies show increased milk volume
• Watch out for: It’s generally safe, but quality varies between brands

3. Blessed Thistle

Often paired with fenugreek in lactation herb blends.

• How it’s used: Capsules or tea
• Science says: Not a ton of studies, but commonly used in practice
• Watch out for: Can cause digestive upset; avoid during pregnancy

4. Fennel

Besides tasting nice, fennel has been used for centuries to support milk production.

• How this herb is used: Tea (often in breastfeeding blends)
• Science says: May help increase milk fat content and supply
• Watch out for: High doses may affect hormones—moderation is key

5. Other Honorable Mentions

• Goat’s Rue: Supports mammary tissue growth
• Alfalfa: Nutrient-rich and often used with fenugreek
• Anise Seed: Subtle flavor and traditionally used in milk-boosting blends
• Brewer’s Yeast: High in B-vitamins and often used in lactation cookies
• Marshmallow Root: Soothing and helpful for digestion and milk production
• Raspberry Leaf: Subtle and used for uterine health and gentle lactation support
• Hops Flowers: Calming and also linked to increased supply

Are Herbal Remedies Safe While Breastfeeding?

Most herbs used for lactation have a long history of traditional use, but that doesn’t mean they’re risk-free. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Less is more: Start with one herb at a time so you can track its effects
• Forms matter: Teas are gentle; capsules and tinctures are more concentrated
• Check for interactions: Especially if you’re on medications or have underlying conditions
• Watch baby: Monitor for gas, rash, fussiness, or any odd symptoms
• Ask a pro: Talk to your lactation consultant or healthcare provider

Herbs to Avoid While Breastfeeding

These herbs may be harmful through breast milk or reduce supply. Avoid unless approved by a healthcare provider:

• Dangerous or possibly harmful: Rhubarb root, Star anise, Ginseng, Kava, Ephedra, Senna, Coltsfoot, Valerian, Wormwood, Chaparral, Petasites root
• Milk-reducing herbs (for weaning or oversupply): Sage, Oregano, Parsley, Peppermint (large amounts), Spearmint, Sorrel, Thyme, Chickweed, Periwinkle, Cocoa

When to Use Herbs for Milk Supply

• You’ve ruled out latch or feeding issues
• You’re pumping often but still seeing low supply
• You want to supplement conventional methods with natural support

Tip: If herbs don’t help after 7–10 days, it’s worth re-evaluating with a lactation consultant.

Herbs to Help With Weaning or Oversupply

Just like some herbs can help increase milk, others may help reduce it—great if you’re weaning or dealing with too much milk.

1. Sage

• How it’s used: Tea or capsules
• Effect: Gently suppresses milk supply
• Watch out for: Blood sugar effects, dizziness

2. Peppermint, Parsley, Oregano, Thyme, Cocoa, Sorrel, Chickweed

• How used: Usually as tea, in food, or essential oils
• Effect: May reduce supply in larger quantities
• Watch out for: Avoid excessive intake unless you want to wean

3. Herb Robert, Garden Mint, Periwinkle

• Traditional use: To ease weaning and relieve engorgement

Herbs for Mastitis & Infections

These herbs support healing and boost immune response during mastitis or infection:

• Cleavers: Reduces swelling; take 40 drops in warm water every 3 hours
• Calendula: Supports lymph drainage; also great as a nipple cream
• Echinacea Root: Natural immune booster
• Phytolacca Decandra: Used traditionally for deep breast infections
• Prickly Ash: Increases resistance to infection

Herbs to Support Mental Health While Breastfeeding

Some mothers experience baby blues or postpartum depression. While herbs are not a replacement for professional care, some may offer gentle support:

• St. John’s Wort: Mood-lifting but do not combine with antidepressants
• Motherwort: Calming and emotionally grounding
• Evening Primrose Oil: May help balance hormones
• Nettle Leaf: Nourishing and energizing

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re trying to get your milk flowing or gently close the breastfeeding chapter, herbs can offer a gentle hand. But they’re not miracle cures. The most powerful remedy? Good information, support, and knowing you’re doing your best.

You’ve got this.

And if you ever feel unsure, reach out to a lactation consultant or provider who knows your story. Because every drop of milk—and every choice you make for you and your baby—matters.

Resources

• Find a breastfeeding support group near you.
• Milkology Breastfeeding Class – Affordable, video-based online course to help you master breastfeeding at your own pace.

References

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine. Clinical Protocol #9: Use of galactogogues in initiating or augmenting the rate of maternal milk synthesis.

Turkyılmaz, C., Onal, E., Hirfanoglu, I.M., Turan, O., Koç, E., Ergenekon, E., & Atalay, Y. (2011). The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on breast milk production and short-term catch-up of birth weight in the first week of life. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Estrella, M.C., Mantaring, J.B., & David, G.Z. (2000). A double-blind, randomized controlled trial on the use of Malunggay (Moringa oleifera) for increasing breast milk production of mothers with term infants. Philippine Journal of Pediatrics.

Zapantis, A., Steinberg, J.G., & Schilit, L. (2012). Use of herbals as galactagogues. Journal of Pharmacy Practice.

Reeder, J., & Joyce, T. (2009). Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) use during breastfeeding: An overview. Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health.

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Herbs at a Glance: Safety for Breastfeeding.

Weed, S. (1989). Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year. Woodstock, NY: Ash Tree Publishing.

U.S. National Library of Medicine – LactMed Database. (2023). St. John’s Wort.

Traditional Medicinals. (2023). Mother’s Milk® Herbal Tea Product Overview.