By Hilary Metcalfe
When I was breastfeeding, I remember searching for anything that would help keep my milk supply strong while also supporting my own recovery. I tried every recommendation—oatmeal, lactation cookies, drinking litres of water—but nothing made as much of a difference as herbal tea.
For centuries, women have turned to herbal infusions to support milk production, balance hormones, and replenish essential nutrients. But not all lactation teas are created equal. Some blends contain harsh or ineffective ingredients, while others rely on herbs that haven’t been studied for safety in postpartum women.
That’s why I formulated The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata with scientifically-backed, traditionally used ingredients that genuinely support breastfeeding mothers.
Let’s take a closer look at the best herbal ingredients for lactation support, including the ones we chose for our blend—and one commonly recommended herb that may not be right for every mum.
1. Fennel: The Milk-Boosting Digestive Soother
Fennel is one of the most well-researched galactagogues (herbs that support milk supply). A study published in the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition found that fennel not only increases milk volume but also enhances the fat content of breast milk, making it more nourishing for the baby.
Fennel works by containing phytoestrogens, plant compounds that mimic oestrogen in the body and naturally stimulate prolactin—the key hormone responsible for milk production.
Beyond its lactation benefits, fennel also:
-
Supports digestion for both mum and baby, reducing gas and bloating
-
Helps ease colic symptoms in newborns when passed through breast milk
-
Has natural anti-inflammatory properties, aiding postpartum healing
This is why fennel is one of the core ingredients in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—helping mothers not only produce more milk but also soothe their digestion and support their baby’s comfort.
2. Moringa: The Nutrient-Dense Lactation Superfood
Moringa has been used for centuries to support milk production, postpartum recovery, and overall nourishment. A 2013 study in the Philippine Journal of Pediatrics found that moringa significantly increased milk supply within five days, making it one of the most effective galactagogues available.
Moringa is also packed with:
-
Iron & Zinc – Essential for postpartum energy levels and immune function
-
Calcium & Magnesium – Key minerals for milk production and stress resilience
-
Plant-Based Protein – Helps support tissue repair and milk composition
Because of its high mineral content, moringa is an essential part of The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—ensuring that mums get the nutrients they need to sustain their energy while nursing.
3. Stinging Nettle: The Mineral-Rich Replenisher
Many breastfeeding mums experience postpartum depletion, especially when it comes to iron and minerals. Research in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests that nearly half of new mothers are iron deficient, which can contribute to low energy, hair thinning, and even a drop in milk supply.
Stinging nettle is one of the most mineral-dense herbs, providing:
-
Iron & Vitamin K – Supports postpartum recovery and blood circulation
-
Magnesium & Calcium – Helps balance hormones and support healthy milk production
-
Chlorophyll – A natural energy booster and detoxifier
By including nettle in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata, we help breastfeeding mums replenish what they’re losing through milk production, keeping both them and their baby well-nourished.
4. Fenugreek: A Controversial Galactagogue
Fenugreek is one of the most well-known herbs for increasing milk supply, but it’s not the right choice for every mother.
Studies in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine confirm that fenugreek can be effective in increasing milk production—but there are also concerns about its impact on digestion and hormones. Some women report:
-
Increased gas & bloating for both mum and baby
-
A strong maple-like scent in sweat and milk
-
Potential interference with thyroid function, especially for those with thyroid imbalances
While fenugreek works for some mothers, we chose not to include it in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata to ensure that our blend is gentle on digestion and safe for long-term use.
5. Oat Straw: The Stress-Relief & Hormone Balancer
Breastfeeding can feel physically exhausting, but it’s also mentally and emotionally demanding. Oat straw is a nervous system tonic, meaning it helps support relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance.
Research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology shows that oat straw can enhance cognitive function and improve mood stability, making it an excellent choice for postpartum mothers dealing with stress and hormonal fluctuations.
By including oat straw in The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata, we help breastfeeding mums feel calmer, more resilient, and less overwhelmed.
The Best Lactation Tea Is One That Nourishes Mum & Baby
Too often, lactation teas focus only on increasing milk supply without considering the mother’s overall well-being. The best herbal blends should:
-
Support milk production naturally
-
Replenish essential nutrients lost through breastfeeding
-
Soothe digestion for both mum and baby
-
Help balance stress hormones for emotional well-being
That’s why I created The SABI Breastfeeding Herbata—a science-backed, holistic approach to lactation support that nourishes both mother and baby, every step of the way.
HORMONAL & PROUD
Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI is changing the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and even, pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.
We invite you to get to know your body and its cycles better –– to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormones to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. We are here to help with the information, understanding and natural tools to support your body and the emotional process along with it.
