Does Lactation Tea Work? What the Evidence Really Says
By the Secrets of Tea team | Last updated 2026-10-12
Does lactation tea work? The research is small and not conclusive. A 2020 Cochrane review found only low certainty evidence that herbal teas and other oral galactagogues raise milk supply. Many mothers enjoy them as a warm, hydrating routine, but a tea cannot replace frequent feeding or a latch check.
Key takeaways
- Studies on lactation teas and herbs are few and small, so the honest answer is "not proven".
- Milk supply mostly follows how often and how well milk is removed.
- Herbs commonly named in these teas include fennel, nettle, blessed thistle, lemongrass and fenugreek.
- Always ask your doctor or a lactation consultant before adding a new herb, especially with medication.
What is in a lactation tea?
Lactation teas are blends of herbs that have been traditionally used by nursing mothers. The names you will see most often are fennel, fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle, moringa and lemongrass. Blends differ a lot, so read the ingredient list on the pack, not just the front label.
Our Lemongrass Lactation Tea is a USDA organic, caffeine free blend of 14 botanicals traditionally used by nursing mothers, led by lemongrass.
What does the research say?
The best evidence summary we have is the 2020 Cochrane review of oral galactagogues. It looked at 41 studies of drugs and natural options such as fennel, fenugreek, ginger, moringa and dates, and rated the evidence as low certainty.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine protocol on galactogogues does not recommend any specific one, and points out that low supply is often linked to how milk is removed, such as feeding patterns or latch.
The NIH LactMed entry for fenugreek lists reported side effects and a medicine interaction, a good reminder that "natural" does not mean risk free.
When should you start lactation tea?
Most mothers start once the baby has arrived and feeding is established, and many begin in the first weeks. If you are pregnant, speak to your doctor or midwife first, since some herbs are not meant for pregnancy.
How many servings a day, and how to brew it?
Use the directions on your pack. For our blend: steep one tea bag in 8 oz of hot water for 5 to 7 minutes and enjoy 1 to 3 servings a day. Spreading them through the day is simple and keeps you drinking enough fluid.
What can lactation tea not do?
- It cannot replace feeding or pumping often. Milk supply follows milk removal.
- It cannot correct a poor latch or a tongue tie.
- It is not a substitute for medical advice if your baby is not gaining weight.
If you are worried about supply, a lactation consultant is the most useful next step. Many hospitals and WIC offices offer one free. Our guide to ways to support milk supply covers the basics, and you can read how lemongrass itself is viewed in Is Lemongrass Tea Safe While Breastfeeding?
Which teas should you be careful with while nursing?
Sage, peppermint and parsley are commonly flagged because they may lower supply for some mothers. Teas with caffeine, such as black or green tea, pass small amounts into milk, so count them with your coffee and soda. Mother and Baby also notes that herbs are not regulated like medicines, so buy from a brand that is clear about its ingredients (source).
Who should check with a doctor first?
Ask your doctor or lactation consultant before starting any herbal tea if you take medication, have a health condition, were advised to avoid certain herbs, or your baby was born early. Providence also advises checking with your provider before using herbs while nursing (source).
Frequently asked questions
Does lactation tea really increase milk supply?
Research on lactation teas is small and not conclusive. The largest review of oral galactagogues found only low certainty evidence, so a tea should be seen as a warm, hydrating part of your day, not an answer to low supply.
When should I start drinking lactation tea?
Many mothers wait until after the baby is born and feeding is under way. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor or midwife first, because some herbs are not meant for pregnancy.
How many servings of lactation tea a day is normal?
Follow the directions on the pack. For Lemongrass Lactation Tea 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.
Is lactation tea safe for every nursing mother?
Not always. Herbs can interact with medicines, and some people react to certain plants. Check with your doctor or a lactation consultant, especially if you take medication or have a health condition.
What should I do if I think my supply is low?
See a lactation consultant. Low supply is often linked to how well milk is removed, such as latch, feeding frequency or pumping, and tea cannot change that on its own.
Does Lemongrass Lactation Tea contain caffeine?
No. It is a caffeine free, USDA organic blend of 14 botanicals traditionally used by nursing mothers.
General information, not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Ask your doctor or lactation consultant before using any herbal product.
