How to Make a Homemade Lactation Tea to Support Milk Supply

There are many tips and tricks online for improving milk supply – and one of those is to use a lactation tea. These are over-the-counter blends that you can buy on Amazon, at Walmart or Target, etc. and typically contain Fenugreek.

While they may have a mild impact, the amount of herbs in these teas is usually not strong enough to have a major impact on milk supply. Instead, it can be better to make your own tea. While nothing can replace appropriate stimulation to the breast, sometimes a nice, warm cup of tea can increase your oxytocin and give you a little boost to your supply – especially when you are intentional about your ingredients.

Today, I’m sharing a simple way to make your own homemade lactation tea. It’s important to know that not all herbs are created equally, and I recommend working with a lactation consultant to determine which blend would be best for your needs. If you’re just looking for an overall option, this one should do the job!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make a strong tea infusion that can support lactation and hydration.

What You’ll Need:

• A quart-size mason jar
• 2–3 inches of your chosen herbs at the bottom of the jar (make sure you source from a reputable source)
• Boiling water

Directions:

1. Add 2–3 inches of dried herbs to the bottom of your mason jar.
2. Pour boiling hot water over the herbs until the jar is full.
3. Cover loosely and let it steep on the counter for 4–6 hours. (This longer steep time creates a strong medicinal infusion—perfect for lactation support!)
4. Strain out the herbs.
5. Sip throughout the day. Store in the fridge when you’re not drinking it.
6. Use within 3 days for freshness and safety.

This method gives you a potent, nutrient-rich drink beyond a typical tea bag you’d buy on Amazon.

Safety Tips

While herbal teas are generally gentle, it’s important to use them mindfully:

• Start slow: Begin with 1 cup a day and observe how you feel. Some moms notice an increase in milk supply quickly, while others may need to try different blends.
• One new herb at a time: If you’re new to herbal remedies, introduce one at a time to check for reactions in you or your baby.
• Stay hydrated overall: This tea is hydrating, but be sure you’re still drinking water throughout the day.
• Don’t overdo it: More isn’t always better. Herbal teas should complement your milk supply strategy—not replace it.

Lactation Herbs to Consider

There are tons of herbs that you can try, and it’s important to choose ones that have a high safety profile for lactating moms. Each of these herbs can offer different benefits, and the best choice depends on your individual needs. I always give individualized recommendations based on what my client needs, but I’ve found this to be a good entry-level option. You can start with just 1-2 of these herbs and build from there.

• Nettle – Rich in minerals and iron, supports overall wellness
• Marshmallow root – Soothing to the digestive system and throat
• Milk thistle – Known for liver support and possible galactagogue effects
• Raspberry leaf – Uterine toner and general women’s health herb
• Alfalfa – Nutrient-dense and traditionally used to support lactation

Try using equal parts of each herb for a well-rounded blend

Sipping a homemade galactagogue tea can feel like a warm, comforting hug in a cup. It’s not a magic fix, but it can be a helpful tool in your overall breastfeeding journey—especially when paired with proper latch, frequent milk removal, and support from a knowledgeable lactation consultant.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by low supply, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. There are tools and strategies that work, and I’d love to help you find the right fit for your body and your baby. You can click here to request a consult with a member of my team to work through your supply concerns.

If you enjoyed this, try our protein-packed lactation cookie recipe next!

Other articles you may enjoy:

• Top Signs of Low Milk Supply To Worry About
• What Does Breastfeeding Do To Your Breasts?
• 22 Low Milk Supply Causes You May Not Know About