Did you know that there are herbs that increase milk supply? In this post, you’ll learn the herbs to increase milk supply/galactagogues, the best milk supply herbs, and “how long do herbs stay in breastmilk?”
Times you may benefit from herbs that increase milk supply include:
- Relactation
- Induced lactation to breastfeed an adopted baby
- If you have insufficient glandular tissue in one or both breasts
- A previous breast surgery that impacted your ability to make breastmilk (most do not these days)
- If you had a premature baby and need help getting your milk in
- You’re recovering from a symptom of decreased milk supply due to a bad latch, poor breastfeeding positioning, or adverse effects of prolonged nipple shield use
If you have a breastfeeding problem, including experiencing any pain during or after nursing, or notice a decrease in your milk supply, or absence of breastmilk coming in 2-3 days postpartum (this can vary depending on if you had an induced labor or a cesarean), always see a lactation consultant to determine and fix (if possible) the root cause of the supply issue.
Most often, a supply issue is due to a bad latch or poor positioning at the breast as an anatomical issue like insufficient glandular tissue is very rare.
What Are Galactogogues?
“Galactogogues are synthetic, or plant molecules used to induce, maintain, and increase milk production [1], which mediate complex processes involving interaction between physical and physiological factors. Among the most important factors are hormones such as prolactin (PRL)” [2].
A galactagogue can be a pharmaceutical or an herb. Again, addressing adequate breast stimulation (nursing, expressing breastmilk) and evaluating other potential medical concerns should be addressed before beginning a galactagogue.
Research on both pharmaceutical and herbal galactagogues is still inconclusive, and all agents (herbs and pharmaceuticals) have potential adverse effects [3]. It’s recommended to discuss the known risks of any galactagogue before use with an IBCLC and your healthcare practitioner to document the discussion, using the lowest possible doses and for the shortest period of time.
Herbs to Increase Your Milk Supply
13 of the most popular milk supply herbs/galactagogues include:
1. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Goats Rue
I’m going to start with the most fascinating galactagogue herb to me thus far. Goat’s rue, also known as Galega officinalis, is popular in France and other European countries.
The dried leaves of the goat’s rue plant are thought to be a galactagogue used to stimulate the growth of breast tissue. So, this herb in particular, may be helpful for women who wish to breastfeed after a breast surgery that impacted their ability to make breastmilk, or for those who plan to breastfeed an adopted child.
The typical recommended dosing for lactation is 1,050 mg 4 times per day.
Check out these Goat’s Rue Liquid Capsules or this Goat’s Rue Traditional Tincture from Motherlove and save 15% with code: KATELYN15.
2. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Fenugreek
Now jumping to a lesser favorite of mine in the galactogogue family, fenugreek has major compunds including diosgenin, apigenin, and luteolin which stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to enhance milk production.
Fenugreek is generally safe but potential side effects may include:
- Lowering of cholesterol and blood sugar in mothers is dosages of about 25 grams or more daily (typical dosages used to increase milk supply are 1-6 grams daily) [4]
- Worsening asthma, diarrhea, and perspiration [4]
- Cross-reaction with chickpeas, peanuts, and other legumes is possible [4]
- Fenugreek can also interact with warfarin (an anticoagulant medication) causing bleeding. Caution should be used in giving high dosages to women with diabetes mellitus or those taking warfarin or another anticoagulant medication [4].
- And perhaps the most unusual side effect is an odor of maple syrup to the urine, sweat, feces, and possibly breastmilk by the sotolon component in fenugreek [4]
In a survey of nursing mothers in the United States, 85 had used fenugreek as a galactogogue and 45% reported having experienced an adverse reaction from the supplement [5].
Interestingly, in some places like Thailand, fenugreek is used in combination with turmeric and ginger. A study from 2018 reported mothers receiving mixed herbal supplements of fenugreek, ginger, and turmeric 3 capsules per day for 4 weeks had a 49% increase in milk volume at week 2 and a 103% increase at week 4 [6].
Check out the More Milk Special Blend Capsules, which includes fenugreek, goat’s rue, nettle, fennel seed, and blessed thistle from Motherlove and save 15% with code: KATELYN15.
3. Milk Thistle:
Milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum has been used historically throughout Europe, but there are no randomized controlled trials to validate its use. The plant is still commonly known as St. Mary’s thistle in honor of the Virgin Mary. Early Christians believed that the white-colored veins in the leaves were symbolic of her milk.
In one study, taken as a tea, milk thistle significantly increased milk production compared with a placebo [7].
4. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Moringa
Moringa, also known as Malunggay or Drumstick, is a plant that is native to areas in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It is also grown in tropical areas. The leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, and root are used to make medicine.
The leaves are rich in calcium, protein, potassium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, B, and C. Additionally, moringa is thought to be an antioxidant.
Taking 1000 mg 3x per day may increase prolactin and increase milk production, as some mothers have found. However, like other green vegetables, moringa can affect anticoagulant medications and cause minor gastrointestinal upset or a rash.
Check out these More Milk Moringa (Fenugreek-Free) Liquid Capsules from Motherlove and save 15% with code: KATELYN15
5. Fennel Seed
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed is a sweet, licorice-flavored herb found on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This aromatic herb has both culinary and medicinal uses, as it has been used to treat various health conditions, including digestive problems and menstrual issues. It is also believed to help increase milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Fennel seed has been safely and effectively used alone and with other herbs in infants for the treatment of colic, [5] so the smaller amounts in breastmilk are likely not to be harmful with usual maternal doses.
If you’re interested in my favorite lactation tea filled with herbal galactagogues, check out Fairhaven Health’s Nursing Time Tea. This tea is fenugreek-free and contains fennel seed, goat’s rue, blessed thistle, alfalfa, anise seed, and lemon verbena to boost your milk supply and provide digestive relief to colicky or “gassy” infants.
If you’re struggling with a gassy infant, check out: How to Relieve Baby Gas Pain.
Furthermore, when I drink the Fairhaven Health Nursing Time Tea, I love adding 1-2 tsp of raw honey! Check out the benefits of raw honey and the evidence on using raw honey while pregnant or breastfeeding!
6. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Blessed Thistle
Blessed thistle (Cnicus benedictus, Carduus benedictus, Cardui benedicti) is known as a galactagogue that helps some mothers increase their milk supply!
Blessed thistle is often included in lactation teas and capsules; however, there is currently no other research to support its use [9].
7. Alfalfa
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) leaves, and sprouts contain saponins, estrogenic isoflavonoids (e.g., daidzein, genistein), vitamin K, and the amino acid L-canavanine. Alfalfa is a purported galactagogue and is included in some proprietary mixtures promoted to increase milk supply; however, no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use [10].
This herb is one of the oldest and most cultivated crops in history. It is full of vitamins and minerals, rich in antioxidants, low in saturated fat, and high in protein and fiber.
As I mentioned in 8 Foods You Need to Avoid During Pregnancy; sprouts are grown in warm, moist environments, which are the perfect conditions for bacteria growth. Therefore, alfalfa sprouts are sometimes associated with outbreaks of food-borne illnesses such as salmonella.
If you’d like to enjoy raw alfalfa sprouts, it’s recommended to wash them thoroughly before consuming them and consider cooking them!
8. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Anise Seed
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) seeds contain anethole, which is a phytoestrogen. Anise is known as a galactagogue that helps some mothers increase their milk supply!
Blessed thistle is often included in lactation teas and capsules; however, there is currently no other research to support its use [11].
Side effects for mothers taking anise seed may include an odor to breastmilk, possibly because anethole (the phytoestrogen mentioned above) is excreted into the breastmilk [11].
9. Brewer’s Yeast
The dead yeast cells of brewer’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) are high in B vitamins and used as a dietary supplement to enhance milk production [12].
Although studies somewhat indicate that brewer’s yeast might increase milk supply, there aren’t any scientifically valid studies on humans yet to prove an established effect of brewer’s yeast on milk supply. [12]
10. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Shatavari
Shatavari, also known as wild asparagus, or Asparagus recemosus root is a different species from the asparagus commonly used as a food (Asparagus officinalis). “Wild asparagus, called Shatavari, has a long history of use as a galactagogue in India and is included in the official ayurvedic pharmacopeia for this use” [13].
The current results of Shatavari as a galactagogue are mixed and inadequate [13]. Nevertheless, when used for lactation, the recommended dosage is 1,000 mg 3x a day.
Additionally, the safety of wild asparagus has not been rigorously studied, but 2 small clinical studies found no adverse effects in mothers or their nursing infants [13]. However, other studies and mothers’ experiences have found:
- A decrease in breastmilk production
- Headache
- Adverse drug reactions with lithium
11. Marshmallow Root
Topical marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) root preparations have been used for treating sore, cracked nipples and breast pain [14].
Orally, some use marshmallow root as a galactagogue. However, there aren’t any scientifically valid studies on humans yet to prove an established effect of brewer’s yeast on milk supply [14].
“Marshmallow is generally well tolerated in adults, with allergic reactions reported rarely. Marshmallow is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in amounts found in foods by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Although no data exist on the safety of marshmallow root during breastfeeding, it is unlikely to be harmful to the breastfed infant” [14].
12. Herbs That Increase Milk Supply: Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica and Urtica urens) have been used in breastfeeding mothers as a tonic for treating anemia [15]. It has also been used as a galactagogue by mothers.
“Hypothetically, a galactagogue effect might be due to the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin by polar extracts of Urtica dioica causing elevated serum estrogen levels, by histamine-induced prolactin release, or by serotonin-induced release of thyrotropin-releasing hormone.[8] However, no scientifically valid clinical trials support the safety or efficacy in nursing mothers or infants for any use” [15].
“Although stinging nettle is generally well tolerated in adults, topical use can cause urticaria when applied topically, and application on one mother’s nipple resulted in allergic skin rash in her breastfed infant. It is probably best not to apply stinging nettle topically to the breast while breastfeeding” [15].
13. Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) seeds contain essential oil rich in carvone and limonene, in addition to phenolics, such as trans-anethole, and flavonoids [16]. Dill is often included in lactation teas and capsules; however, there is currently no other research to support its use [16].
“Two studies found small but measurable amounts of d-carvone in the milk of mothers given the chemical experimentally. Dill is “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) as a food by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is generally well tolerated, but occasional allergic skin reactions have been reported, especially after contact with fresh dill. In two studies, nursing mothers were given d-carvone. No adverse effects were noted in the mothers or infants” [16].
How Long Do Herbs Stay in Breastmilk?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a standard time that each herb stays in your breastmilk. Each herb and medication have its own molecular weight. If the molecular weight is high (greater than 800 Daltons), then it cannot easily move into breastmilk. However, if the molecular weight is low, it can more easily move into breastmilk.
A high molecular weight example is insulin, which is 6,000 Daltons, and heparin which is 40,000 Daltons.
A low molecular weight example is alcohol which is 200 Daltons, and caffeine which is 194 Daltons.
Most herbs, drugs, or medications do not stay in your breastmilk for long. We can measure this by measuring the amounts in the plasma (because breastmilk is made from your blood!). Learn more about this in: Does Your Diet Really Affect Your Breastmilk Quality and Supply?
So, let’s take the research we have on marijuana and breastfeeding thus far: Although marijuana is stored in adipose tissue (fat) for about 40 days after a mom stops taking or smoking marijuana, her plasma levels are exceedingly low, starting at about 40 minutes after smoking marijuana. And from what we understand so far, edibles last a bit longer than smoking.
So, from what we know, for most herbs and medications, within about a day of not taking the herb or medication, in most cases, the levels in your breastmilk should already be very low. Therefore, we can say that most herbs do not stay in your breastmilk for long. But we don’t have research on every herbal galactagogue in this post to have answers on exactly how much gets into your breastmilk and how long it stays.
Prescription Pharmaceutical Galactagogues
For these pharmaceutical galactagogues you will need a prescription from your practitioner if you’re interested in trying one of them.
Currently, all available pharmaceutical galactagogues are dopamine antagonists, meaning they block or reduce the effectiveness of dopamine in your body, which, therefore, increases prolactin levels via this mechanism.
Metoclopraminde (Brand Name: Reglan)
Metoclopramide and Domperidone (see next) are medications indicated for gastrointestinal purposes. Both decrease nausea and vomiting and improve gut motility, although they are also commonly used off-label for lactation to increase milk production.
Both medications raise the prolactin level by clocking dopamine receptors, thereby releasing more prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland (part of the brain). And increasing prolactin can increase milk production in many breastfeeding mothers.
Using Metoclopramide/Reglan for lactation is an “off-label” use of this drug. Nevertheless, the typically prescribed dosage of Reglan for lactation is 10-15 mg 2-4 times per day.
Some side effects for mothers may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Worsened fatigue
- Agitated depression *if depression is reported, it’s recommended to stop the drug immediately*
Reglan is contraindicated with a history of psychological/neurological illness.
Domperidone (Brand Name: Motilium)
Again, “Metoclopramide and Domperidone are medications indicated for gastrointestinal purposes. Both decrease nausea and vomiting and improve gut motility, although they are also commonly used off-label for lactation to increase milk production.
Both medications raise the prolactin level by clocking dopamine receptors, thereby releasing more prolactin from the anterior pituitary gland (part of the brain). And increasing prolactin can increase milk production in many breastfeeding mothers.”
The typically prescribed dosage of Domperidone for increasing prolactin levels is 10 mg 3-4 times per day.
Risks may include:
- Sudden cardiac death
- Depression
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Drug interactions with antifungals, anticholinergics, erythromycin, and lithium
- Doses of 90mg-150mg were associated with psychiatric side effects (including when withdrawing from Domperidone) vs. the manufacturer’s recommended dose of 30mg-40mg a day [18]
Domperidone is contraindicated with a history of psychological/neurological illness.
Glucophage (Brand Name: Metformin)
Metformin is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes.
The typically prescribed dosage for lactation is an extended-release 500-1000 mg daily.
Potential side effects of Metformin include gastrointestinal distress/diarrhea.
Herbs and Pharmaceuticals that Reduce Milk Supply:
- Sage, peppermint, spearmint, menthol (keep in mind, this only occurs in large quantities of these herbs)
- Pseudoephedrine (found in Sudafed and certain over-the-counter medications bought to lessen cold symptoms)
- Antihistamines like Benadryl
- Bromocriptine
- Certain birth control preparations – learn about how specific birth controls have evidence of affecting breastmilk supply and determine the best one for you as a breastfeeding mother with The Balanced Breastfeeding Course!
In The Balanced Breastfeeding Course, you will learn the use of other medications, herbs, and drugs while breastfeeding, plus 17 other comprehensive chapters to give you the information you need to conquer the witching hour, know if your baby is getting enough breastmilk, poop charts, example feeding schedules, and so much more! If you’re interested, be sure to check out The Balanced Breastfeeding Course today!
If you have any comments or questions, please leave them below!👇🏻 You got this, mama. Talk soon! ~ Katelyn Lauren
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References:
[1] Mortel M, Mehta SD. Systematic review of the efficacy of herbal galactogogues. Journal of Human Lactation. 2013;29(2):154–162.
[2] Penagos Tabares F, Bedoya Jaramillo JV, Ruiz-Cortés ZT. Pharmacological overview of galactogogues. Vet Med Int. 2014;2014:602894. doi: 10.1155/2014/602894. Epub 2014 Aug 31. PMID: 25254141; PMCID: PMC4165197.
[4] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Fenugreek. [Updated 2022 Aug 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501779/
[5] Bazzano AN, Cenac L, Brandt AJ, et al. Maternal experiences with and sources of information on galactagogues to support lactation: A cross-sectional study. Int J Womens Health. 2017;9:105–13.
6] Bumrungpert A, Somboonpanyakul P, Pavadhgul P, Thaninthranon S. Effects of Fenugreek, Ginger, and Turmeric Supplementation on Human Milk Volume and Nutrient Content in Breastfeeding Mothers: A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial. Breastfeed Med. 2018 Nov 9. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2018.0159. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 30411974.
[7] Di Pierro F, Callegari A, Carotenuto D, Tapia MM. Clinical efficacy, safety and tolerability of BIO-C (micronized Silymarin) as a galactagogue. Acta Biomed. 2008 Dec;79(3):205-10. PMID: 19260380.
[8] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Fennel. [Updated 2022 Mar 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501793/
More references:
[9] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Blessed Thistle. [Updated 2022 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501775/
[10] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Alfalfa. [Updated 2021 Jun 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501830/
[11] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Anise. [Updated 2022 Mar 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501776/
[12] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Brewer’s Yeast. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572248/
[13] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Wild Asparagus. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501813/
[14] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Marshmallow. [Updated 2021 Feb 15]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501839/
[15] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Stinging Nettle. [Updated 2021 Dec 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501777/
[16] Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Dill. [Updated 2022 Mar 21]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501877/
[17] Rx List: Reglan
More references:
[18] Majdinasab E, Haque S, Stark A, Krutsch K, Hale TW. Psychiatric Manifestations of Withdrawal Following Domperidone Used as a Galactagogue. Breastfeed Med. 2022 Dec;17(12):1018-1024. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2022.0190. Epub 2022 Nov 11. PMID: 36367713.
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