Tea and Breastfeeding – The Best (and Worst) Teas to Drink

Many moms wonder about tea and breastfeeding. Can you enjoy a warm cup of tea while nursing? The answer is usually yes. But not all teas are safe. Some can boost your milk supply, while others may lower it. A few should be avoided completely.

Safe Tea for Breastfeeding Mothers

Do you enjoy drinking tea while breastfeeding? Most regular teas, like black or green, contain caffeine. Small amounts are usually fine, but too much caffeine can make your baby fussy or affect sleep. Most experts recommend no more than two or three cups a day.

Try drinking caffeinated tea right after nursing instead of before. That way, less caffeine passes into your milk. Once your baby is around six months old, you may be able to enjoy a little more.

The good news is that many herbal teas are naturally caffeine-free. Just be sure to read the label, since not all herbs are safe. Some herbal teas may even help with common breastfeeding issues, like low supply or digestion problems.

Herbal Breastfeeding Tea – Safety Tips

Herbal teas can act like medicine, so you need to be cautious. Always check with your doctor before trying a new herbal tea if you are breastfeeding.

Here are a few safety tips:

• Choose caffeine-free teas if you drink more than three cups a day.
• Make sure the specific herb is safe while nursing.
• Avoid herbs that lower milk supply, unless you have an oversupply.
• If you have allergies to plants or pollen, avoid teas made with related herbs.
• Buy teas with clear labeling and full ingredient lists.
• Skip teas with strong drug-like effects.
• When in doubt, ask your pediatrician.

Teas That Are Safe to Drink While Breastfeeding

Many teas are gentle and safe to enjoy while breastfeeding:

• Ginger tea – A soothing tea that helps ease nausea, calm an upset stomach, and improve circulation. Many moms also find it warming and energizing during postpartum recovery.
• Rosehip tea – Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This tea can give your immune system a natural boost while offering a light, fruity taste.
• Linden flower tea – Known for its calming properties. Often used to relax nerves and promote rest, which is especially helpful for sleep-deprived new moms.
• Orange peel or citrus peel teas – Refreshing and naturally zesty. These teas can aid digestion and give a gentle lift without caffeine.
• Raspberry teas – Different from raspberry leaf tea, these are fruit-based and caffeine-free. They have a sweet, tangy flavor and are a safe, hydrating choice.
• Chamomile tea while breastfeeding – A classic bedtime tea. When caffeine-free, it can help moms relax and may even soothe teething discomfort in babies when tiny amounts pass through breast milk.
• Chai tea – Usually black tea mixed with warming spices. It contains caffeine, so enjoy in small amounts. The spices (like cinnamon and cardamom) can make it feel comforting on cool days.
• Hibiscus tea – Tart and fruity. While there’s not much research on hibiscus and breastfeeding, small amounts are generally safe. Start with one cup and see how your baby responds.
• Turmeric tea – Anti-inflammatory and warming. It may help ease sore muscles and support healing after birth.
• Dandelion tea – A gentle detoxifying herb. Known to support liver and kidney function, while providing vitamins and minerals in a mild, earthy tea.
• Oat straw tea – Calming and nourishing. It’s rich in calcium and magnesium, which may help lower stress and support steady energy levels.

Always start with small amounts and watch how your baby responds.

Herbal Teas That May Increase Milk Supply

Do some teas increase breastmilk supply? Yes, some herbs, called galactagogues, have been used for centuries to support lactation. You’ll often see them in Herbal Breastfeeding Tea blends like Organic Mother’s Milk Tea.

• Organic Mother’s Milk Tea – A blend often made with fennel, anise, coriander, and fenugreek. These herbs work together to gently encourage milk flow and support digestion for both mom and baby.
• Fennel tea while breastfeeding – A classic choice for moms. It may ease baby’s gas and colic while also helping your body produce more milk.
• Fenugreek tea – One of the most well-known galactagogues. Many moms notice fuller breasts within days, though it should be used in small amounts since it can lower blood sugar.
• Blessed thistle tea – Often paired with fenugreek for stronger results. It may help increase supply while also supporting healthy digestion.
• Raspberry leaf tea breastfeeding – Packed with minerals like iron and magnesium. It supports overall uterine and reproductive health, making it a nourishing tea for new moms.
• Nettle tea breastfeeding – A nutrient powerhouse, rich in vitamins and minerals. Often included in lactation blends to support steady milk production and boost mom’s energy.
• Alfalfa breastfeeding tea – A natural source of vitamins A, C, E, and K. Some moms report their supply increasing by 50–100% with regular use.
• Milk thistle breastfeeding tea – A gentle liver-supporting herb that also works as a galactagogue. It may help improve milk quantity and overall breast health.
• Goat’s rue tea – Known for stimulating the growth of mammary tissue. Some moms find it especially helpful if they had a low supply at the start.
• Moringa tea – Called “malunggay” in Asia, moringa leaves are rich in nutrients and widely used to boost milk supply. Studies suggest it can increase production within days.
• Shatavari tea – An Ayurvedic herb long used for women’s health. Believed to balance hormones, improve milk flow, and support postpartum recovery.
• Anise / Anise seed tea – Sweet and aromatic. Helps ease indigestion and gas, while also gently encouraging more milk.
• Red Clover tea – Used for balancing female hormones. Some moms use it to support supply and overall reproductive health.
• Garlic tea – Surprisingly, garlic may help boost supply. Some babies don’t mind the flavor change, and a few even nurse more eagerly when mom drinks garlic tea.
• Hops flower tea – A calming herb that sometimes appears in lactation blends. Thought to help with relaxation, which may indirectly support milk flow.
• Brewer’s yeast tea / blends – Rich in B vitamins and minerals. Commonly used by moms who want to improve both milk volume and their own energy.

Teas That May Reduce Milk Supply

Some teas can lower your milk production. If you’re trying to boost supply, limit or avoid these:

• Peppermint tea and breastfeeding – Refreshing and soothing for digestion, peppermint is fine in small amounts. But larger amounts are often used to reduce milk, especially when moms are weaning.
• Spearmint tea – Similar to peppermint. A cup here and there is safe, but frequent use may slow down milk production.
• Oregano breastfeeding tea – Often used for flavoring food and traditional remedies. In tea form, oregano may reduce supply, so it’s best avoided if you’re trying to increase milk.
• Sage tea – Strong evidence shows sage decreases milk. Some moms actually use sage tea to help dry up their milk when they stop breastfeeding.
• Rosemary tea – A fragrant herb often enjoyed in cooking. While a little in food is fine, larger amounts in tea may lower your milk.
• Lemon Balm tea – Gentle and calming, often used for relaxation. But if taken in large amounts, it may have a mild effect on supply.
• Thyme tea – Another kitchen favorite. Small amounts in food are fine, but concentrated thyme tea may reduce milk over time.
• Yarrow tea – Traditionally used for women’s health, but some herbalists warn it may decrease supply.
• Black Walnut tea – Sometimes found in herbal blends. Known to reduce milk and not recommended during breastfeeding.

Teas That Breastfeeding Mothers Should Avoid

Some teas are unsafe because they can harm you or your baby. Avoid these completely:

• Aloe Vera tea – Sometimes used for digestion, but aloe can cause diarrhea and stomach cramps in babies. It may also affect your milk, so it’s best avoided.
• Borage tea – Contains chemicals that can damage the liver and may be toxic for both mom and baby.
• Comfrey tea – Often used in traditional remedies, but it contains harmful compounds that can hurt the liver and are unsafe during nursing.
• Ephedra (Ma Huang) tea – A strong stimulant that can raise blood pressure and cause heart problems. Dangerous for both mom and baby.
• Dong Quai (Angelica Root) tea – Used in Chinese medicine, but it has strong hormonal effects that may not be safe while nursing.
• Black Cohosh tea – Sometimes used for women’s health, but linked to liver issues and hormonal changes that make it risky for breastfeeding moms.
• Kava tea – Known for its calming effects, but it has been linked to serious liver damage. Not safe while breastfeeding.
• Valerian tea – Often used for sleep, but it can make babies extra drowsy or fussy if it passes into milk.
• Wormwood tea – Toxic and unsafe. It can cause seizures and other serious health problems.
• Chaparral tea – Marketed as a detox tea, but it can damage the liver. Unsafe during nursing.
• Senna tea – A strong laxative. It can upset your baby’s stomach and cause cramping or diarrhea.
• Bladderwrack tea – A seaweed tea high in iodine. Too much iodine can disrupt your baby’s thyroid function.
• Rue tea – A traditional herb that is considered toxic. It may cause nausea, vomiting, and harm to the liver.
• Coltsfoot tea – Contains dangerous alkaloids that can damage the liver. Best avoided completely.
• Ginkgo tea – Sometimes used for memory, but there’s little safety research for breastfeeding. It may cause bleeding problems.
• Licorice root tea – Can raise blood pressure and affect hormones. Strong forms should be avoided while nursing.

Specific Teas and Breastfeeding – Quick Guide

• Green tea and breastfeeding – Green tea does contain caffeine. One cup has less caffeine than coffee, but too much can still affect your baby’s sleep. Decaf green tea is a safer option if you love the flavor. Limit yourself to 1–2 cups per day.
• Chamomile tea for babies and mothers – Caffeine-free chamomile is gentle, calming, and often used before bedtime. It may also help soothe a teething or colicky baby when small amounts pass through breast milk. Always choose pure, organic chamomile without additives.
• Feverfew and breastfeeding – Some people use feverfew for headaches or migraines, but there isn’t enough safety research for breastfeeding moms. Since it may have strong effects, it’s best to avoid it.
• Echinacea breastfeeding immune support tea – Echinacea is often used to support the immune system. In small amounts (about one cup per day), it’s generally considered safe. But use only short-term and check with your doctor first.
• Ginger tea breastfeeding – Ginger is safe and soothing. It helps with digestion, nausea, and circulation, and can be enjoyed daily in moderate amounts.
• Oregano breastfeeding tea – While oregano is safe in food, oregano tea may lower your milk supply. If you’re trying to boost supply, this is one to avoid.

Quick Q&A

Can I drink Aloe Vera tea while breastfeeding?
No. Aloe Vera tea is not safe during breastfeeding. Look for a safer alternative.

Is Thai tea safe while breastfeeding?
Yes, in moderation. It does have caffeine, so limit to one cup and watch your baby’s sleep or fussiness.

Is Hibiscus tea safe while breastfeeding?
There’s little research, but many moms drink it without issues. Start small and monitor your baby.

Can chamomile tea calm babies?
Yes, chamomile tea for babies and mothers can be soothing. Use small, caffeine-free amounts.

Final Thoughts on Tea and Breastfeeding

Many teas are safe in moderation, and some may even support your milk supply. But certain herbs can reduce supply or harm your baby, so it’s best to check labels and talk with your doctor.

References

• A Review of Herbal and Pharmaceutical Galactagogues for Breastfeeding — AN Bazzano et al. 2016. PMC / NCBI. PMC
• Selection and Use of Galactagogues — La Leche League International article (2020) La Leche League International
• Herbs to avoid while breastfeeding — KellyMom IBCLC article KellyMom.com
• Use, Perceived Effectiveness and Safety of Herbal Galactagogues — TF Sim et al., MDPI (2015) MDPI
• ABM Clinical Protocol #9: Use of Galactogogues in Initiating or Augmenting Maternal Milk Production — Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (2018) ABM MemberClicks
• Use and experiences of galactagogues while breastfeeding — GM McBride et al. (2021) PMC