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Home > Herbs > Herbs & Milk Supply > What is a galactagogue? Do I need one? > Herbal Remedies for Increasing Milk SupplyA - B · C - E · F - I · J - M · N - Z
The information in these pages is a compilation of information I have found on the use of herbs as galactagogues. My sources include lactation consultants, nursing mothers, lactation and herbal texts, and information on the traditional use of herbs. Thus far, there is practically no "scientific proof" (studies in peer-reviewed journals) that herbs are effective for increasing milk supply (see Fenugreek info for one such study) - evidence is drawn from case reports and traditional use. Note that the listed side effects are not side effects specific to the nursing mother/baby pair (these are usually unknown), but are side effects that might occur for anyone taking the herb. See Herbs and Breastfeeding: References for additional general information on each herb. I try to include all herbs that might be recommended to increase milk supply - note in my information that some of these herbs have not been reported to be helpful for increasing supply, and some are unsafe to use at all. Others have mixed reviews as to safety and/or efficacy. My intent is to present the information I have found to help others make an informed choice. What is a galactagogue? Do I need one? · Herbal safety for nursing moms
Nettle (Urtica dioica) is a well known galactagogue. It's sometimes found in mother's milk teas, and can also be found as nettle tea or as a tincture. MotherLove sells a tincture called More Milk, which contains tincture of blessed thistle, nettles and fennel seed. Nettle leaves are also a good source of iron, calcium and vitamin K. Other uses for nettle include easing leg cramps and other muscle spasms (since it is high in calcium) and preventing hemorrhage after birth (since it is high in Vitamin K and iron). Nettle tea can be made by pouring one cup boiling water over 2 teaspoons of herb and allowing it to seep for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day. This is recommended as a strengthening, nourishing tonic. More information on nettle (in general, not as a
galactagogue) can be found in this excerpt from Herbal
Medicines (
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These herbs are not galactagogues, but may provide vitamins/minerals helpful for good milk production: red raspberry leaf, marshmallow, red clover, chlorophyll, and essential fatty acids.
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Red Clover has been reported to "bring in rich milk." I believe that it's not a galactagogue, but may provide vitamins/minerals helpful for good milk production.
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Red Raspberry Leaf has been reported to "bring in rich milk." I believe that it's not a galactagogue (though some report it as such), but may provide vitamins/minerals helpful for good milk production. Prepare tea by pouring 1 cup (250 ml) boiling water over 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 grams) of the herb and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. References and additional informationRed raspberry (Rubus idaeus) by Sharol Tilgner, ND Literature review of fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle and raspberry leaf by Rachel Emma Westfall Red Raspberry HealthNotes info from MotherNature.com Brinker F. Herb Contradictions and Drug Interactions. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998. Wise Use of Herbs and Vitamins during Pregnancy by Linda B White MD Herbal tonics by Rachel Emma Westfall The amazing red raspberry leaf by Mechelle Turner, M.Ed., IBCLC, CCE, certified herbalist [top]
Rescue Remedy is a homeopathic tincture that has been very successfully used for calming and to facilitate a milk ejection reflex (let-down). One version contains a combination of five flowers: cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose, and star of Bethlehem. The two brands that I've heard of are Bach Flower Remedies and Healing Herbs Five Flower Formula. Homeopathic remedies are reportedly very safe for nursing moms, because the remedies (by definition of homeopathy) contain very dilute versions of the herbs, etc. used. As far as I know, there have been no studies to determine how much of this remedy passes into your milk. Here's one source for the Bach rescue remedy. Rescue remedy has some sedative properties, so watch yourself and baby for excessive sleepiness. There is also a homeopathic Distress Remedy that can also be useful. I believe that it's considered stronger than the Rescue Remedy. [top]
Vervain has traditionally been used to stimulate milk supply. Blue Vervain (Verbena hastata) is also known as Common vervain, American vervain, Wild hyssop, Indian hyssop, Simpler's joy, Traveler's joy, Purvain, or False vervain. The Chinese name is Ma-pien-ts'ao. European vervain (Verbena officinalis L.) is a European plant, possessing similar properties with the above, but much less active. Vervain has a bitter taste. It is one of the twelve original Bach Flower Remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are 'Strain', 'Stress', 'Tension' and 'Over-enthusiasm'. [top]
Disclaimer: Most herbal treatments have
not been thoroughly researched, particularly in regard to lactation.
Herbs are drugs, and some caution is necessary. I am presenting
this data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied,
and am not liable for its accuracy nor for any loss or damage caused
by a user's reliance on this information.
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Barnes et al, 2002).