Herbs safe for breastfeeding — PlantSage
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Herbs safe for breastfeeding
— Breastfeeding-safe herbs, galactagogues, and herbs that suppress milk supply.
While breastfeeding, herbs fall into three practical categories: those that promote milk supply (galactagogues), those that suppress supply, and those whose constituents transfer to breast milk in ways relevant to the infant. This page covers the most common herbal questions during the postpartum period. Always consult an IBCLC or clinician before adjusting your herbal regimen.
Always consult a qualified clinician, veterinarian, IBCLC, or midwife before introducing any herbal preparation. If toxic exposure is suspected, contact the appropriate poison control hotline immediately.
I
Generally safe
Tolerated by breastfeeding parents at typical doses. Always start low.
Fennel
Foeniculum vulgare
Fennel — mild galactagogue, traditional postpartum herb.
Fenugreek
Trigonella foenum-graecum
Fenugreek — most-studied galactagogue, ~500mg 3x daily typical.
Goat's Rue
Galega officinalis
Goat's rue — strong galactagogue, often combined with fenugreek.
Milk Thistle
Silybum marianum
Milk thistle — galactagogue, also supports postpartum liver.
Oats
Avena sativa
Oats + oat straw — mineral-rich, nervine support for new parents.
Stinging nettle
Urtica dioica
Nettle — restores minerals depleted in pregnancy. Galactagogue effect.
II
Use with caution
Context-dependent. Reduce dose, watch for reactions, or use only under practitioner guidance.
Matricaria Chamomilla
Generally safe but rare cases of infant sensitivity reported.
Common Ginger
Zingiber officinale
Culinary OK. High-dose supplements may pass to milk.
Curcuma Longa
Culinary OK. Therapeutic dose effects on infant unclear.
Hypericum Perforatum
St John's Wort — limited data on infant exposure. Avoid if possible.
III
Avoid entirely
Known toxic or strongly contraindicated for breastfeeding parents.
Sage
Salvia officinalis
Sage — actively suppresses milk supply. Avoid medicinal doses.
Mentha Piperita
Peppermint — large amounts can reduce supply.
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum
Parsley — high doses suppress milk.
Ma Huang
Ephedra sinica
Ma huang — cardiovascular risks, transfers to milk.
Barberry
Berberis vulgaris
Barberry — berberine can cause infant jaundice.
Hydrastis Canadensis
Goldenseal — same berberine concern as barberry.
Comfrey
Symphytum officinale
Comfrey — pyrrolizidine alkaloids hepatotoxic.
IV
Source references
Verdicts on this page curated against LactMed (NIH) + Botanical Safety Handbook. See also the PlantSage methodology page for how we vet safety claims.
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