Galactagogues (Supplements that People Use to Try to Increase Milk Supply): A Physician’s Guide
- Colette Wiseman
- Aug 11
- 4 min read
By Dr. Colette Wiseman, MD, breastfeeding specialist
When parents tell me they’re worried about low milk supply, my first steps are always assessment and support: check the baby’s latch, feeding frequency, weight gain, pumping/hand-expression technique, and any medical issues (thyroid, prior breast surgery, retained placenta, medication effects). If those are optimized and the parent still wants to try a supplement, here’s a concise, evidence-based summary of commonly used herbs and supplements, what the science says, typical forms/doses used in studies, and safety considerations.
How to Take Herbal Galactagogues
Most herbal galactagogues in capsule or powdered form are taken three times per day, with many products recommending around 1–3 grams per dose. However, product potency can vary greatly, so always follow the dosage instructions on your specific supplement’s package and consult your healthcare provider before starting. Teas and tinctures are harder to standardize; use as directed and from reputable brands.
Torbangun (Coleus amboinicus / “bangun-bangun”)
What it is: A Southeast Asian herb used traditionally (especially in Indonesian/Batak communities) as a galactagogue.
Evidence summary: Small randomized trials have reported increases in milk volume compared to control products. One trial found greater increases in milk volume over 30 days in the torbangun group compared to fenugreek or control. Evidence is promising but limited to small populations.
References: Damanik 2001, LactMed summary, Open Access trial PDF
Typical form/dose: In studies, given as teas or leaf-based capsules; dose varies by preparation. Follow package directions.
Safety: No major adverse events in small trials, but long-term data are lacking.
Bottom line: Potentially helpful based on small studies; more research needed.
Moringa (Moringa oleifera)
What it is: A nutrient-rich leaf powder or capsule.
Evidence summary: Multiple RCTs and systematic reviews suggest modest increases in milk volume in the early postpartum period, especially when started soon after birth. References: Fungtammasan 2022, Systematic Review, LactMed summary
Typical form/dose: Leaf powder or capsules, commonly ~900 mg–3 g/day divided into 3 doses. Follow product labels.
Safety: Generally well tolerated; may interact with blood pressure or glucose-lowering medications.
Bottom line: Among herbal options, moringa has some of the stronger clinical evidence.
Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis)
What it is: A traditional European herb related to fenugreek.
Evidence summary: Historical use and small older studies suggest a possible effect, but modern high-quality RCTs are lacking.
References: LactMed summary, Review of herbal galactagogues, Scoping review
Typical form/dose: Usually capsules or teas; standardized doses are not well established, follow product directions.
Safety: May lower blood glucose; caution if you have diabetes.
Bottom line: Tradition supports its use, but evidence is thin.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
What it is: An adaptogen used in Ayurvedic medicine; sometimes taken postpartum for stress/fatigue.
Evidence summary: No robust trials in breastfeeding women showing increased milk supply. Some adult studies suggest stress reduction, which may indirectly help lactation.
References: LactMed entry, Review, Safety assessment
Typical form/dose: Extracts (root powder or standardized extract) often 250–600 mg/day in studies of non-lactating adults. No established lactation-specific dosing.
Safety: Insufficient safety data in breastfeeding; avoid unless cleared by a provider.
Bottom line: May help stress, but not proven to boost supply.
Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)
What it is: A Mediterranean herb, often paired with fenugreek.
Evidence summary: No valid clinical trials proving benefit for milk supply.
References: LactMed summary, Herbal review, Qualitative study
Typical form/dose: Teas or capsules, often in combination formulas. Follow the label.
Safety: May cause GI upset or allergic reactions.
Bottom line: Widely used, but not backed by strong science.
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
What it is: The most widely used herbal galactagogue in the U.S.
Evidence summary: Several small RCTs show increased milk volume for some mothers; others show no effect.
References: LactMed summary, Meta-analysis, RCT example
Typical form/dose: Commonly 1–2 g seed powder three times per day, or as per product label.
Safety: GI upset, maple syrup odor, possible blood sugar lowering; avoid in case of legume allergy.
Bottom line: Best-studied of the herbal galactagogues; may help, but not for everyone.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
What it is: A seed/plant used traditionally for digestion and milk production.
Evidence summary: A few small trials suggest benefit; evidence limited.
References: LactMed summary, RCT, Review
Typical form/dose: Often taken as tea or capsules; follow product label.
Safety: Contains phytoestrogens; avoid high doses in estrogen-sensitive conditions.
Bottom line: Possibly helpful, but research is small-scale.
Milk Thistle / Silymarin (Silybum marianum)
What it is: Traditionally for liver support; some trials tested its effect on lactation.
Evidence summary: Small studies suggest possible increased milk volume, but results need replication.
References: Review, RCT, LactMed entry
Typical form/dose: Extract capsules or tablets; dosing varies, follow label.
Safety: Limited safety data in breastfeeding.
Bottom line: Promising early data; use with clinician guidance.
Final Recommendations
Address fundamentals first: frequent, effective milk removal; correct latch; treat underlying medical issues.
Start low, monitor effects: Most herbal products are taken 3 times daily in the 1–3 g per dose range, but always follow the exact product directions.
Buy from reputable sources to avoid contamination and ensure potency.
Watch for side effects in both mother and baby.