4 Herbal Teas for Postpartum Healing and Lactation

Who doesn’t love a good cup of herbal tea? There are several herbal teas that support postpartum healing and lactation. While they should not be used as a substitute for intervention from a doctor or lactation consultant when issues arise, herbs are our allies in postpartum. The four listed below are curated with postpartum wellness in mind.

1.      Nettle Tea

Rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins, nettle is a postpartum powerhouse. It acts as a mild laxative to keep movements regular and supports a healthy milk supply. Traditional knowledge suggests that it helps reduce postpartum bleeding, but this has not been thoroughly studied.

2.      Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

Not only does red raspberry leaf strengthen the uterus before labor, but it also helps to restore the uterus in postpartum. It contains calcium, zinc, magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, iron, and B vitamins to promote sustained energy and nutrient restoration. Consuming red raspberry leaf may help in wound healing and may reduce the chance of experiencing excessive bleeding postpartum.

3.      Alfalfa Tea

Alfalfa tea is a great ally for those concerned about milk production. As a phytoestrogen, it mimics estrogen in the body by stimulating prolactin, which is the hormone that promotes milk production. It also contains vitamin K, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium that support in healing, restoration, and stable energy.

4.      Ginger Tea

Ginger tea is commonly used to reduce nausea, but did you know that there is evidence that it can promote milk supply as well? Ginger tea can promote increased milk flow rate and has a long history of use during lactation for that purpose, especially in the first three days postpartum.