There are many products on the market that claim to help increase milk supply. So why would herbal tea be a good choice for breastfeeding mothers to ensure they have an abundance of milk.

Besides increasing milk supply, Lactation Teas also have additional benefits of hydration and relaxation, plus the therapeutic goodness of the herbs in the tea.

Does Lactation Tea Really Work? | Everything you need to know

Lactation Teas are made up of “galactagogues”.

A galactagogue is a substance that promotes or increases the production of breast milk in lactating women. These substances can be found in various forms, including herbal supplements, teas and foods.

Types of Galactagogues

Herbal Galactagogues: Many herbs are traditionally used to enhance lactation. Common examples include:

• Blessed Thistle: Often used in conjunction with fenugreek for its lactation-promoting properties.
• Fennel: Known for its phytoestrogen content, which can help boost milk production.

1. Food-Based Galactagogues: Certain foods are believed to help increase milk supply. These include:

• Oats: Rich in iron, which is thought to help with milk production.
• Brewer’s Yeast: Contains B vitamins and chromium, which can support lactation.
• Flaxseed: Contains omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens that may help with milk production.

Galactagogues generally work by stimulating the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production. Some, particularly herbal ones, may contain compounds that mimic estrogen, which can also help increase milk supply.

What is Lactation Tea?

While each blend will be unique, The Breastfeeding Tea Co has created a natural and organic blend of lactation tea that is fenugreek-free, caffeine-free, hand-blended and naturally free from gluten, soy, diary, and sugar. Using 4 specific herbs or galactagogues that support your body to produce breastmilk.

 Ingredients in our lactation tea include:

-   Goats rue – this natural ingredient is a key ingredient to increasing milk production and has been shown to increase milk supply by up to 50%. Goats rue has been used historically for lactation, and there is a great deal of research to show its benefits.

 -   Blessed thistle – a cure-all that has been used to boost the mother’s milk supply and oxytocin which releases milk in the female body. Blessed thistle works by increasing prolactin levels, which then works to promote the flow of breastmilk in a lactating mother’s body.

-   Nettle – with nourishing and balancing effects, nettle used in lactation tea works to boost energy after childbirth and support the mother’s body as lactation commences. The herb works to promote the flow of breastmilk and works with the nerves in the nipple to become activated.

 -   Vervain – working with the nervous system, this beneficial herb strengthens the nervous system and relaxes any tension in the body to allow for successful lactation and breastfeeding. Vervain works closely with the gut to ensure a positive boost to the digestive system.

-   Lemongrass – an ingredient that is commonly used to promote lymph flow, lemongrass is commonly used in anti-inflammation and to reduce stress. When the body is relaxed and calm, lactation is much easier for the body.

-   Hibiscus – packed with antioxidants, this hibiscus herb is nourished with vitamin c, antioxidants and minerals and can reduce stress and help with any issues a mother is experiencing with inflammation.

 -   Rosehip – working with the spleen and stomach, rosehip as a herbal ingredient in lactation tea is calming and packed with antioxidants and can work as an adrenal tonic. Helping the adrenals is essential after childbirth and during breastfeeding.

-   Rose – known for its calming benefits, rose is essential to help with viral infections, anxiety and to boost the clarity of the skin.

Combined together, these organic and herbal ingredients are blended to create a lactation tea that works to help mothers boost breastmilk supply. Lactation tea can be consumed from birth and the combination of four lactogenic ingredients are well known to provide an increase in breastmilk

Does Lactation Tea Actually work?

While every mother will experience different results coming galactagogues, here is what a few of our customers had to say:

“Lifesaver! This tea and hot chocolate have been my life saver! As a working mum I wanted to make sure that my milk supply remains high and the tea and hot chocolate have been and still my lifesaver! Thank you!!!”

- Neiry

“Amazing! I don't know what magic is in this tea but I have been trying this for less than a week and from day one there was an increase of milk that I didn't need to substitute (I'm usually 1 serving short). I'm not an oversupplied and usually have just enough for baby. It is nice that I now have 1 serving extra like i used to. In a day I get about 750mls total. I have just 1 cup of tea and a hot choc a day so wonder what output I will get if I have more. I have tested with just 1 tea and it is jist enough. This is the third brand ive used and this one has the most results. Look forward to purchasing more <3”

Here's a photo of 2 out of 5 pumps for the day. It is now satisfying to pour it all into the mason jar! “ -V

“It works for me. On top of a consistent schedule pumping routine, this tea has made it so possible for me to produce enough milk for each pump. I manage to get 260 from one breast! Don’t forget to empty and drain the breast to maintain the volume of your milk.. but the tea helps a lot to keep it up :) “- Mary

“Amazing tea! This tea really helps with my milk boost and it also tastes nice! Recommend!” Tijana

 Frequently asked questions about Lactation Tea

How much tea should I drink?

We recommend 1-3 cups a day. 3 cups a day for a maximum effect and 1 cup a day to maintain supply or enjoyment

Can you combine Lactation Tea with other galactagogues?

Yes, you can consume both Lactation Tea and other galactagogue foods such as Lactation Cookie, Lactation Hot Chocolates or oats

Can you drink Lactation Tea while pregnant?

No, the herbs in Lactation Teas are often specific and safe after only baby is born. For support for your milk supply during pregnancy, we suggest our Lactation Hot Chocolate with Collagen or Pregnancy Tea.

When can I start drinking Lactation Tea?

Lactation Tea can be drunk immediately from birth

Is Lactation Tea Safe?

Lactation tea from The Breastfeeding Tea Co is created using natural and organic ingredients. The tea is caffeine-free, hand-blended, Australian owned and made, and naturopath formulated.

You can have peace of mind you are purchasing a lactation tea that is free from gluten, soy, diary, fenugreek and sugar and expertly formulated as a natural and safe solution for lactation.

What other teas help with Lactation?

Our Colic Tea contains two milk boosting herbs, so if you baby has some wind or gas discomfort , the Colic Tea can support supply and help ease bubs symptoms.

Some other Lactation Teas contain fenugreek. While fenugreek is quite a good stimulator of milk production in mothers, it has some side effects that warrant its use with caution.

Still Not Sure? Check out the Science

If you’d like to see the research and science behind the ingredients that go into lactation tea, check out our references below for more information. There are some fantastic global resources gathered to keep consumers up to date on all the latest herbs and organic ingredients to help mother and baby on their breastfeeding journey.

References provided by our consulting naturopath and medical herbalist: 

Goats Rue - traditionally considered to be a potent galactagogue (increases milk production) and Goats Rue has a long history of use for this purpose.   It has been shown to increase milk output by up to 50% in some cases.

Ref:  1.  Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal  2.  Mediherb

Blessed Thistle - traditionally Blessed Thistle was seen as a cure-all for anything - it was highly valued.  It has a long history of use for gas, constipation and digestive problems.  It has been found to also possess some ant-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.  Today Blessed Thistle is primarily used for lactating mothers to improve milk supply and is considered to be one of the best herbs to do this. 

Ref: 1. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal   2. Wikipedia - Edibility and Medicinal Use

Nettle - traditionally used as a galactagogue for nursing mothers, Nettle was also used by herbalists for its strengthening and supporting role in the body thus making it useful as a tonic herb after childbirth.  It combines well with Goats Rue and Blessed Thistle to promote the flow of breast milk for lactating mothers.

Ref: 1.  Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal

Vervain - this herb is traditionally used as a nervous system tonic, helping the body cope with stress of all kinds, and is especially helpful where the digestive system is affected.  It also has a traditional history as a possible galactagogue.

Ref:  1. Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal   2.  Mediherb Prescriber  Reference 2nd Ed.

Lemongrass - traditional use to support milk flow and digestion.  Other traditional uses are to improve lymph flow, as an anti-inflammatory and to reduce stress.

Ref:  1.  ScienceDirect - Galactagogues

Hibiscus - a rich source of antioxidants which have numerous health benefits.

Ref:  1.  Dr Axe  2.  HealthLine

Rose - traditionally used to calm and relax and balance.

Ref:  1.  PDF for Essential Oils

Rosehip - a natural source of Vitamin C and traditionally used as a tonic where exhaustion is a factor.

Ref:  1.  Hoffman, The New Holistic Herbal

Check out our Lactation Tea here