The Buzz About Goat’s Rue: Can It Really Boost Milk Supply AND Breast Tissue?

For many breastfeeding mothers, the journey comes with its share of anxieties, and near the top of the list is often: “Am I making enough milk?” This question can feel particularly heavy when you’ve faced challenges before. In this quest for lactation support, countless remedies, teas, and supplements are marketed to us. Among these, Goat’s Rue (Galega officinalis) stands out with a particularly intriguing reputation , especially when considering goats rue for lactation. It’s something I’m currently trying myself, hoping to encourage both mammary growth and increase milk supply.

My breastfeeding experiences both times have been anything BUT smooth sailing! My first son was born a bit early and ended up requiring a NICU stay which meant we were separated and missed the “golden hour.” He was sleepy and had a weak suck which meant we had latch difficulties from day 1. I turned to pumping to try make milk for him but this yielded barely 30ml a day. I gave up after just 2 weeks. With my second son, I was determined to have a better breastfeeding experience. I saw colostrum during pregnancy and we achieved a good latch initially but my supply hasn’t ramped up as hoped, hovering around 230ml daily at 8 weeks postpartum, with pumps yielding anywhere from 0.8oz to just under 3oz. I suspect Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT), recalling a surgeon mentioning hypoplastic breasts during a breast implant consultation years ago, and noticing that engorgement never quite feels ‘full’ across my entire breast. When you’re in this situation, diligently pumping around the clock and trying everything, the search for something – anything – that might help becomes intense.

Unlike many other galactagogues (substances believed to increase milk production) that focus solely on boosting output, Goat’s Rue carries the unique promise of doing more. It’s often whispered about not just for increasing the amount of milk, but also for potentially stimulating the growth of mammary tissue itself – a key reason many explore goats rue for milk supply. This dual claim makes it especially appealing to mothers who didn’t experience significant breast changes during pregnancy, suspect they have Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT), or have had breast surgery.

But does this centuries-old herb ³, once used to boost milk in dairy cows, live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what we know – from traditional use and proposed science to real-world user experiences and crucial safety considerations.

How Is Goat’s Rue Supposed to Work?

The allure of Goat’s Rue lies in its two-pronged approach:

1. Boosting Milk Production: Like other galactagogues, it’s believed to encourage your body to make more milk, a primary goal for those using goats rue for milk supply. How? Theories involve:
   • Hormonal Nudges: Some suggest it contains plant compounds (phytoestrogens) that might mimic estrogen, potentially boosting prolactin – the key milk-making hormone.¹
   • Insulin Sensitivity Link: Goat’s Rue contains galegine, the compound that inspired the diabetes drug metformin. Since breast tissue needs insulin to work properly, improving insulin sensitivity might indirectly help milk production, especially for moms with conditions like PCOS.
2. Building Breast Tissue: This is the claim that truly sets Goat’s Rue apart, the potential for goats rue breast growth. It’s often recommended specifically to help develop the actual milk-making glands (mammary tissue). The idea is that by increasing the capacity of the breast, milk supply can improve.⁶ The compound often credited here is genistein, another phytoestrogen.⁶

Here’s the Catch: While these mechanisms sound plausible, the scientific proof in humans is surprisingly thin.¹⁰ Rigorous studies are scarce. Furthermore, there’s a “genistein paradox”: while marketing often points to genistein for tissue growth ¹, some scientific analyses haven’t found significant amounts of it in Goat’s Rue. A study in rabbits did show improved mammary gland development and milk yield with Goat’s Rue extract ¹⁷, but translating that directly to humans is a leap.

What Are Moms Saying? Real Stories, Real Questions

Despite the scientific uncertainty, online forums and product reviews are filled with anecdotes. Sifting through these, we find stories that echo the dual-action promise, offering insights into goats rue for lactation experiences:

• One mom (“Luna”) reviewing a tincture felt her breasts got “noticeably bigger (not fuller, but bigger)” and felt she had more milk available when pumping, calling it a “huge part” of her supply increase.²⁰
• A Walmart reviewer using Motherlove capsules, suspecting IGT, noted a “breast size increase” alongside a documented rise in pumped output from very low to 24 oz per day over several months.²¹
• Another reviewer (“Lucy R.”) with suspected “mildly insufficient glandular tissue” reported “some breast growth and supply increase” with the same product.²¹
• User “Brittany F.” felt after a few days that her “boobs are growing and milk output is starting to slightly increase”.²²
• On the InfantRisk forum, user “froznrain” specifically mentioned having “experienced an increase in breast tissue using Goat’s Rue” while dealing with low supply.²³

Here’s a snapshot of some of these specific accounts:

Table 1: Selected User Reviews Reporting Both Mammary Growth & Increased Pumped Milk from Goat’s Rue

Source / User	Product (if specified)	Reported Breast Change	Reported Milk Increase	Dosage / Duration (if mentioned)	Reported Side Effects (Mother/Infant)
Rumina User “Luna” 20	Rumina Naturals Goat’s Rue (+ Milk Aplenty)	“Noticeably bigger (not fuller, but bigger)”; tissue development	“More milk to come out” during pumping; less worry about running out	Took ~1 week to see difference	Not mentioned
Walmart Reviewer 21	Motherlove Goat’s Rue Capsules	“Breast size increase” (suspected IGT)	Gradual increase from low supply to 24 oz/day by 15 wks pp; supply drops if missed	Started 2 wks pp; used for months. Another user: 4 caps/day 21	None mentioned for self or baby
Walmart Reviewer “Lucy R.” 21	Motherlove Goat’s Rue Capsules	“Some breast growth” (mild IGT suspected)	“Supply increase”	Not specified	Not mentioned
Walmart Reviewer “Brittany F.” 22	Motherlove Goat’s Rue Capsules	“Feels like my boobs are growing”	“Milk output is starting to slightly increase”	Started “a few days” prior	Not mentioned
InfantRisk User “froznrain” 23	Goat’s Rue (brand unspecified)	“Increase in breast tissue” (suspected IGT)	Mentioned low supply context, but output increase not quantified in snippet	Dosage/duration not specified	Not mentioned (asking about Metformin)
Reddit User “contact_nap” 24	Mother Love Goat’s Rue (+ Shatavari, Moringa)	Implied: “increase their glandular tissue” (context of PCOS)	Used regimen to establish “good supply”; tapered off once supply established (3-4 mos)	Dosage not specified; used for ~3-4 months	Not mentioned (regimen expensive)

Note: This table summarizes select reports explicitly mentioning both effects based on available snippets. It is not exhaustive and relies on subjective user interpretation.

But Remember: These are just anecdotes. Many other moms report only a supply increase, no change at all, or unpleasant side effects.²¹ It’s impossible to know from stories alone if Goat’s Rue was the true cause of the improvements. Was it the herb, the extra pumping sessions started at the same time ²⁴, the placebo effect ²⁸, or something else entirely? The strong marketing linking Goat’s Rue to tissue growth might also create an expectation bias.

Hold On, Is It Safe? Understanding Goats Rue Side Effects and Other Considerations

Before trying any supplement, especially while breastfeeding, safety is paramount. Here’s what to keep in mind about Goat’s Rue:

• Blood Sugar: Because of its potential link to metformin, it might lower blood sugar. Caution is crucial for diabetics or anyone on blood sugar medication.¹
• Tummy Troubles: Some moms report digestive issues like gas, bloating, or diarrhea for themselves or their babies.⁴ Fussiness or changes in baby’s stool have also been noted.²⁶
• Bleeding Risk: There’s a theoretical concern it might slow blood clotting, so avoid it if you have bleeding disorders or are heading into surgery.³⁰
• Allergies: It’s in the legume family, so be mindful if you have allergies to peas, peanuts, etc..⁴¹
• Pregnancy: Generally not recommended during pregnancy.³¹
• Fresh Plant: Never ingest the fresh plant – it’s toxic! Only use properly prepared supplements.¹
• Limited Infant Data: Very little is known about how much passes into breast milk or its long-term effects on babies. Safety is paramount, especially with goats rue breastfeeding.³³ A concerning case report linked excessive intake of a tea containing Goat’s Rue (and other herbs) to serious symptoms in two infants, though the exact cause wasn’t confirmed.³³

Goats Rue Dosage for Lactation

Determining an appropriate goats rue dosage for lactation is challenging due to the lack of standardization and robust clinical efficacy data.³¹ Recommendations vary wildly between tinctures, teas, and capsules ³⁰, and it might take 2-3 weeks of consistent use to see effects, especially for tissue changes.⁶ This wide variation in recommended dosages and timeframes reflects the absence of scientifically established parameters for goats rue dosage for lactation and underscores the largely empirical approach often taken when using this herb.

Dosages reported in literature and on product labels vary considerably.   

Examples of Reported Goats Rue Dosages:

• Tinctures/Extracts: Doses like 2-4 mL of a 1:10 tincture 3x/day, 1-2 mL of a 1:1 fluid extract 3x/day , or 1 mL (1 dropperful) 4-6 times daily have been suggested.   
• Herbal Tea/Infusion: 3-6 grams of dried herb daily as an infusion , 1 teaspoon (approx. 5 mL) steeped herb in 1 cup (240 mL) water twice daily , or simply drinking prepared teas 2-3 times daily (often in blends).   
• Capsules: Commercial capsule dosages vary. Recommendations often involve taking 1 capsule 4 times daily , or a total daily dose around 1000mg or 1200mg, sometimes split over the day. Others recommend a daily dosage of up to 3500mg per day. You should follow the advice of the package insert for your particular brand of Goats Rue or of your IBLC.

Recommended Products

If you’re considering trying Goat’s Rue after discussing it with your healthcare provider and lactation consultant, here are a few products available online, along with their typical dosages and descriptions:

• MotherLove Goat’s Rue Capsules
  • Dosage: 1 capsule, 4-6 times per day. Allow two weeks for full effect.   
  • Description: A single-herb Goat’s Rue supplement in liquid capsules, often recommended for those who didn’t experience breast changes during pregnancy or need supply support without fenugreek. Aims to build mammary tissue and optimize milk supply. Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher.   
• MotherLove Goat’s Rue Tincture
  • Dosage: 1 ml (1 dropperful), 4-6 times per day. Allow two weeks for full effect.   
  • Description: A traditional alcohol-based tincture featuring only Goat’s Rue. Like the capsules, it’s aimed at building mammary tissue and supporting milk supply, especially for those with IGT concerns or as a fenugreek alternative. USDA Organic, Vegan, Kosher. Note: Tinctures have a strong taste and are often mixed with liquid.   
• Herbamama Goat’s Rue Capsules
  • Dosage: 1200mg per serving (2 capsules). Recommended: 2 capsules, twice daily.   
  • Description: A simple, plant-based formula containing Goat’s Rue herb (Galega Officinalis) in a vegetable capsule. Designed for lactation support. Vegan, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, free from artificial additives.   
• MotherLove More Milk Special Blend Capsules
  • Dosage: 1 capsule, 4-6 times per day. Allow 2-3 weeks for Goat’s Rue effect.   
  • Description: A blend combining Goat’s Rue with fenugreek, blessed thistle, nettle, and fennel. Aims to support both milk supply and mammary tissue development. Often suggested for those who didn’t experience pregnancy breast changes or had surgery. Vegan, Non-GMO, Kosher. Contains fenugreek, so use caution if sensitive or have thyroid issues. (Tincture also available).   
• Legendairy Milk Liquid Gold Capsules
  • Dosage: Follow package directions (60 capsules per bottle).   
  • Description: A popular blend featuring organic Goat’s Rue, Milk Thistle, Shatavari, Fennel, Alfalfa, and Anise. Formulated to support milk production and potentially mammary gland growth. Fenugreek-free. Certified Organic, Vegan, Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO Project Verified.   
• Pure Co (Pure Mom) Organic Goat’s Rue Capsules
  • Dosage: 750mg per serving (2 capsules). Recommended: 2 capsules daily.   
  • Description: USDA Organic Goat’s Rue supplement designed to stimulate lactation, increase milk supply, and encourage mammary tissue development. Fenugreek-free, Vegan, Non-GMO. Made in a GMP-certified facility.   

(Product availability and formulations can change. Always check product labels for current ingredients and dosage instructions. Links provided are for informational purposes.)

The Bottom Line: Hope, Hype, and Help

Goat’s rue (Galega officinalis) holds a unique position among herbal galactagogues due to its traditional use and modern reputation for potentially offering a dual benefit: the ability to increase milk supply and stimulating mammary tissue development. This analysis sought to examine the user-reported experiences supporting this dual claim, specifically focusing on accounts mentioning both perceived breast growth and increased pumped milk output.

While some mothers’ experiences seem to align with this promise for goats rue for milk supply, the scientific jury is still very much out. The lack of strong clinical evidence, particularly for the tissue-building claim, means we’re relying heavily on tradition and anecdote.

So, what’s a hopeful parent to do?

1. Talk to the Pros FIRST: Before reaching for any galactagogue, consult your IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) and your doctor.¹ An IBCLC can troubleshoot underlying issues (latch, frequency, pump fit) which are always the first line of defense.²⁸ Your doctor can assess safety based on your health history.¹
2. Manage Expectations: It might help, it might not. And tissue growth? That’s the least proven part. Don’t expect overnight miracles.[13, 16-18, 20, 40, 70]
3. Focus on Fundamentals: Frequent, effective milk removal (nursing or pumping) is king.[6, 16, 26-28, 30, 31, 41, 80] Hydration, nutrition, and stress management matter too. Supplements are just that – supplementary.
4. Proceed with Caution: If you and your healthcare team decide to try it, start low, go slow, and monitor yourself and your baby closely for any side effects.²⁶
5. Choose Quality (If Possible): Look for reputable brands, ideally with third-party testing, but know this doesn’t guarantee safety or efficacy.³³

Goat’s Rue might feel like a potential lifeline when you’re struggling with milk supply. While the stories of success are compelling, approaching it with realistic expectations, prioritizing safety, and working closely with lactation and medical professionals is key. An informed decision regarding goats rue breastfeeding requires careful consideration of these factors and prioritization of evidence-based lactation management strategies under the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals. Your breastfeeding journey is unique, and finding the right support – whether herbal or otherwise – starts with informed choices.

---

Frequently Asked Questions