What Do You Need to Know About Herbs For Breastfeeding?

Herbs to affect breast milk supply – sounds a bit risky, don’t you think? What goes into the milk, goes into the baby.

There are definitely herbs that should be avoided while breastfeeding, but there are also herbs for breastfeeding that have documented effects on breast milk supply if used in the right amounts; both to increase and decrease milk supply.

Here you can learn which herbs that may increase or decrease milk supply, which herbs to avoid while breastfeeding and what myths there are on the topic.

Herbs to increase milk supply

Perhaps the most well known milk-increasing herbal remedy is fenugreek. Fenugreek is a plant grown primarily in the East, particularly China and India, but can also be found throughout some European countries. Many Moms are familiar with fenugreek as it’s a main component of store-bought curry powders. Studies have found that consuming fenugreek tea daily not only increases maternal milk supply but also helps newborns put on weight. In one study, babies whose Mothers consumed fenugreek tea generally lost less weight immediately following the birth and also regained this weight quicker than others.

Similarly, fennel has also been found to increase breast milk supply. Fennel is known for its aniseed-like flavor and, like fenugreek, is often added to Indian curries for a bit of flavor and spice. It’s thought that fennel helps to increase the milk supply because it contains phytoestrogens which are chemicals found in plants that mimic the actions of female sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Researchers suggest that phytoestrogens stimulate the milk glands, producing more milk.



To make fennel tea, crush 2 teaspoons of fennel seed and add 1 cup of boiling water.

A third helpful herb for breastfeeding milk supply is blessed thistle. This one is less well known than the others, but comes from the same family as milk thistle which is a common remedy for liver problems.

Blessed thistle, along with fenugreek, is one of the few herbs actually medically recognized as an aid to breastfeeding. Blessed thistle is consistently shown to work so well that it’s the recommended herb for inducing lactation in non-biological Mothers.