Does Tea Decrease Milk Supply? Herbs to Check and Avoid

By the Secrets of Tea team. Last updated October 31, 2026.

Most teas do not lower milk supply. The herbs people watch are sage, which is traditionally used to dry up milk, and large amounts of peppermint or parsley. Caffeine in moderate amounts is usually fine. How often milk is removed matters far more than any tea, so talk to a lactation consultant if supply drops.

Does tea decrease milk supply?

Most teas do not lower milk supply. The herbs people watch are sage, which is traditionally used to dry up milk, and large amounts of peppermint or parsley. Caffeine in moderate amounts is usually fine. How often milk is removed matters far more than any tea, so talk to a lactation consultant if supply drops.

Evidence is thin in both directions. The NIH LactMed database says sage is purported to reduce lactation but no studies were found, and that peppermint has been used to suppress lactation yet no clinical trials show it. Ordinary tea in ordinary amounts is not a known cause of low supply.

Which herbs are said to lower milk supply?

Sage is the herb most often named, followed by peppermint and parsley. These are traditionally used when a mother wants to wean or slow an oversupply, not while building supply.

A serving of peppermint tea now and then is unlikely to matter. The worry is strong peppermint several times a day, or concentrated forms such as peppermint oil. Sage and parsley as seasoning in food are not the concern either. If you are watching your supply, read the ingredient list of any blend and skip ones with sage, and go easy on peppermint.

Does caffeine in tea affect milk supply?

Caffeine in moderate amounts is generally not linked to lower supply. A commonly cited limit for breastfeeding parents is about 300 mg a day, and Healthline reviews the research. Black and green tea carry caffeine, so count them with coffee and soda.

Some babies get fussy or sleep less when a parent has a lot of caffeine. If you notice that, switch to a caffeine free herbal tea for a while and see what changes.

What matters more than tea for milk supply?

Milk supply follows demand, so the biggest levers are how often and how well milk is removed. Feeding on cue, a good latch, and pumping when you are away all count. Not drinking enough fluid, skipped feeds, stress, poor sleep and some medicines can also play a part.

Our guides on 10 reasons you may have a low milk supply and how to boost milk supply fast go through these in more detail. A lactation consultant can watch a feed and find what is actually going on.

Do lactation teas work to raise supply?

The research is limited. A 2020 Cochrane review of galactagogues found the evidence for herbal supplements too weak to draw firm conclusions. Lactation teas are best seen as a warm, hydrating routine beside frequent feeding, not a replacement for it.

Our honest guide to lactation tea and how long lactation tea takes to work explain what to expect.

How do you check a tea before you drink it?

Read the full ingredient list, not just the front of the box. Look for sage, large amounts of peppermint, parsley and any herb you do not recognize. Choose a caffeine free blend if you drink several servings a day, and start with one serving to see how you feel.

If your supply drops after you start any new herb, stop it and tell your doctor or lactation consultant. Ask them before you begin any herbal product if you take medicine or have a health condition.

Where does our Lemongrass Lactation Tea fit?

Our Lemongrass Lactation Tea is a caffeine free, USDA organic blend of 14 botanicals traditionally used by nursing mothers, with lemongrass as the lead flavor. The pack says to steep one tea bag in 8 oz of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes and enjoy 1 to 3 servings a day. Read the full ingredient list on the box or product page before you buy. See Lemongrass Lactation Tea.

It is a daily routine, not a medicine. Check with your doctor first if you take medication or have any health concern.

When should you see a lactation consultant?

See a lactation consultant or your doctor if your baby is not gaining weight, has fewer wet diapers than usual, seems hungry after every feed, or if feeding hurts. Those signs matter far more than anything in your teapot.

Support is available for free or low cost through many hospitals, WIC offices and La Leche League groups.

Frequently asked questions

Does peppermint tea decrease milk supply?

A serving now and then is unlikely to matter. Large amounts or peppermint oil are the concern, and LactMed notes no clinical trials show it lowers supply. If you are watching your supply, keep peppermint tea occasional.

Does sage tea decrease milk supply?

Sage is traditionally used to reduce milk, and LactMed says it is purported to lower lactation though no studies were found. Skip sage tea while you want to keep your supply.

Does green or black tea decrease milk supply?

Not in normal amounts. Caffeine is the main point to watch, with about 300 mg a day a commonly cited limit for breastfeeding parents.

Can a lactation tea lower my supply?

A blend is only a concern if it holds herbs such as sage or a lot of peppermint. Read the ingredient list and stop any product if you notice a drop.

How can I tell what is lowering my supply?

Look at feeding and pumping frequency first, then sleep, stress, fluids and medicines. A lactation consultant can assess a feed and give personal guidance.

Sources

• LactMed (NIH): peppermint and sage entries
• Cochrane review of galactagogues for breastfeeding (PMC)
• Healthline: caffeine and breastfeeding

General information, not medical advice. Check with your doctor or a lactation consultant before starting any new herbal product.