Nourishing the mother through wholesome food, restorative rest, and a supportive environment is one of the most vital ways to enhance the quality and production of breast milk.

Yet nature also offers additional support. Herbs can serve as gentle allies, providing nourishment and promoting lactation naturally.

Galactagogues: Herbal Support for Milk Production

Galactagogues are herbs that help promote milk production, and there are some truly amazing ones to explore! Incorporating these herbs into teas, tinctures, and electuaries provides an effective and enjoyable way to support lactation naturally. Electuaries are particularly delicious and easy to take.

To make one:

1. Place powdered herbs in a bowl.

2. Pour honey over the herbs and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Transfer the mixture to a jar and store it in the fridge.

Take 1–2 teaspoons for a nourishing herbal treat that boosts lactation!

 

Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare:

•A sweet-tasting galactagogue that also helps soothe colic through breastfeeding.

• As a carminative, it eases digestive issues like bloating and gas.

• Contains compounds that support prolactin release, promoting milk flow.

•Works well as an electuary or tea—both tasty and effective!

 

Fenugreek, Trigonella foenum-graecum:

•Often paired with fennel, fenugreek is another flavorful galactagogue.

• Supports digestion as a warming bitter and aids the respiratory system as an expectorant, helping clear mucus.

• Can be taken as a tincture, tea, or electuary to enhance milk production.

 

Shatavari, Asparagus racemosus:

•Known as a deeply nourishing and restorative herb for women, Shatavari supports milk production while strengthening the immune, reproductive, and nervous systems.

• Ideal for mothers feeling physically depleted.

• Best taken as a decoction, tincture, or electuary for optimal benefits.

 

Blessed Thistle, Cnicus Benedictus:

•While not the most palatable herb, blessed thistle is highly effective.

• As a strong bitter, it supports liver function and hormonal balance by stimulating sluggish digestion.

• Promotes blood flow to the mammary glands, enhancing lactation.

• Works best as a tincture or combined with other herbs in a tea to soften its bitter edge.

 

Vervain, Verbena officinalis:

•Another bitter galactagogue, vervain, also acts as a nervine, soothing the nervous system.

• Particularly helpful for nervous tension, irritability, and spasmodic disorders like cramps and restless legs.

• Best taken as a tea or tincture—though the taste may call for pairing with sweeter herbs!

 

Milky Oats, Avena sativa:

•A gentle, nourishing nervine for the nervous system and milk production.

• For the full nervine effects, use fresh plant tincture made from milky oat tops.

• Oats also support lactation and nourishment when consumed as oatmeal

 

Nutritive Herbs

Nutritive herbs can be easily added to teas or meals to boost daily nutrient intake. Nettles, dandelion leaves, alfalfa, rosehips, and red raspberry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals and offer gentle support for energy, digestion, and overall wellness.

Moistening Herbs 

In addition to staying hydrated with water, moistening herbs like marshmallow root and slippery elm bark can help soothe and hydrate irritated breast tissue and mucous membranes throughout the body, relieving dryness caused by nursing. These herbs can be taken internally or applied topically to the breasts. Both can be used topically for mastitis, and echinacea is another herb worth considering for its supportive properties.

Check out our Nourished Mama Tea for a ready-to-brew tea that combines galactagogues, nutritive herbs, and moistening herbs!