Written by Erin Smith, Clinical Herbalist and Ethnobotanist
Breastfeeding is a time that can be equally amazing and challenging. While at the forefront it allows for dedicated bonding time with your baby, you can also be constantly juggling a myriad of worries and concerns — too much milk, too little milk, sore and tender nipples, engorged breasts, and many more. Herbs are your breastfeeding ally and have played an important role in supporting healthy breast milk production and breastfeeding experiences for thousands of years.
Herbs for breastfeeding, known as galactagogues, are all excellent at their main job of helping milk production, but we also love it when they can do double and triple duty and help support other common postpartum needs, including adding essential nutrients, gentle energy, and digestive support.
Here are some of our favorite herbal allies for your breastfeeding journey:
BLESSED THISTLE (Centaurea benedicta)
This humble little thistle is a wonderful digestive galactagogue, supporting healthy milk production. But like many of its thistle cousins it has also been used for centuries to promote healthy digestion, flavor liqueurs, and gently support healthy liver function. In European herbalism, it was a favorite of midwives for breastfeeding support.
FENNEL SEED (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sometimes our common spices can be our best ally. Fennel is one of the oldest herbs used to support lactation and was praised by both Hippocrates and Dioscorides, as well as in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, for its ability to support healthy milk production. As a well-known digestive you get the added bonus that it may help soothe colic as well.
FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
This pebble shaped seed with its spicy maple flavor has been used for thousands of years in many cultures around the world to support healthy milk production. Like fennel it is also traditionally used as a digestive and can soothe digestive complaints in mom and baby. This one works best when in combination with other herbs.
GOAT'S RUE (Galega officinalis)
This one tells you exactly what it’s good for with its name. The scientific name Galega comes from Greek for “to bring on milk” and it was widely used to support milk production in animals and humans.
MORINGA (Moringa oleifera)
The leaves of this tree native to Asia and Africa are a nutritional powerhouse. Moringa is known as “mother’s best friend” for its ability to support healthy milk production, support postpartum recovery, gently boost energy levels, without heavy stimulants (something every new mother needs!), and provide essential nutrients to nursing mothers. Preliminary research has found that it influences prolactin levels.
NETTLES (Urtica dioica)
Another nutritional powerhouse, this common weed is packed full of essential vitamins and minerals. A gentle uterine tonic, it encourages healthy postpartum recovery and healthy milk production.
SHATAVARI (Asparagus racemosus)
This traditional Ayurvedic root is rich in nutrients and eases digestive discomforts. It has been used for thousands of years in India to support healthy milk production and postpartum recovery. As an adaptogen, it also offers deep support for a nursing mother’s overall immune system, energy, and stress management.
