Is Barley Tea Good for Breastfeeding? A Complete Guide to Supply

Posted on May 16, 2026

Introduction
What is Barley Tea?
Is Barley Tea Good for Breastfeeding?
The Science of Barley and Lactation
Barley Tea vs. Beer: Debunking the Myth
Health Benefits Beyond Milk Supply
How to Prepare Barley Tea at Home
Important Safety Considerations
Maximizing Your Milk Supply: The Big Picture
Milky Mama’s Approach to Lactation
When to Seek Professional Help
Summary of Action Steps
Conclusion
FAQ

Introduction

If you're looking for natural tools to support your milk production, barley tea is likely on your radar. This staple of East Asian culture is frequently praised as a galactagogue—a substance that may help increase breast milk supply. Barley tea is a safe and supportive option for most breastfeeding parents because it provides vital hydration and contains specific nutrients that support the body's hormonal milk-making process.

This guide covers why it works, how to prepare it, and the safest ways to include it in your routine. For a deeper look at how production works, our How Does Breast Milk Supply Work? A Guide to Lactation is a helpful companion to this post.

Quick Answer: Barley tea is a safe, supportive option for most breastfeeding parents. While not a "magic fix" for low supply, its high beta-glucan content and hydration benefits make it a useful tool for supporting the hormones responsible for milk production.

What is Barley Tea?

Barley tea is an infusion, or tisane, made from roasted barley grains rather than the Camellia sinensis plant. Known as mugicha in Japan and boricha in Korea, it offers a toasty, nutty, and slightly bitter flavor.

Unlike many traditional teas, barley tea is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it an excellent choice for breastfeeding parents who want to stay hydrated without the stimulating effects of caffeine that can interfere with a baby’s sleep. It can be enjoyed hot in the winter or chilled during the summer, providing whole-grain nutritional benefits beyond basic hydration.

Is Barley Tea Good for Breastfeeding?

The short answer is yes. While not a "magic cure" for low milk supply, barley tea contains components that align with the biological process of lactation. Many cultures have used barley-based drinks for centuries to support parents in the postpartum period.

Beyond its chemical properties, barley tea is a fantastic hydration tool. Since breast milk is roughly 87% water, maintaining high fluid intake is vital. If plain water feels like a chore, this flavorful, sugar-free alternative can help you stay properly hydrated throughout the day.

The Science of Barley and Lactation

To understand why lactation professionals recommend barley tea, we look at its chemical makeup—specifically a complex sugar called beta-glucan.

Understanding Beta-Glucan

Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of grains like barley and oats. Research suggests that beta-glucan can stimulate the pituitary gland to release prolactin, the hormone responsible for telling mammary glands to produce milk. By supporting healthy prolactin levels, barley help the body maintain a consistent supply.

Barley vs. Oats

While oatmeal is a famous lactation food because it contains beta-glucan, barley actually contains a higher concentration of this polysaccharide.

Grain	Beta-Glucan Profile	Role in Lactation
Barley	Higher concentration	Potent support for prolactin and hormonal milk production.
Oats	Significant concentration	A common galactagogue found in rolled oats and oatmeal.

For a closer look at why oats get so much attention, see our guide: Are Rolled Oats Good for Breastfeeding? What You Need to Know.

Barley Tea vs. Beer: Debunking the Myth

The old myth that drinking dark beer helps "bring in the milk" has a tiny kernel of truth, but the advice is outdated. The barley and brewer’s yeast are what provide the potential benefits—not the alcohol.

The Problem with Alcohol

Alcohol can actually interfere with your milk supply by inhibiting the release of oxytocin. This hormone is responsible for the "let-down reflex" that allows milk to flow. If oxytocin is blocked, milk stays in the breast, which can lead to baby frustration and a decrease in supply over time.

The Non-Alcoholic Solution

Barley tea provides the benefits of the grain without the risks of alcohol. You get the prolactin-boosting beta-glucans and necessary hydration while keeping your oxytocin levels intact. For other easy-to-use options, our Lactation Drink Mixes collection is another convenient place to start.

Myth: Drinking dark beer helps increase milk supply because of the alcohol. Fact: The potential benefits come from the barley and brewer’s yeast, not the alcohol. Alcohol can actually inhibit the let-down reflex by blocking oxytocin, making it harder for milk to flow.

Health Benefits Beyond Milk Supply

Barley tea offers several health benefits that help a postpartum body recover and thrive:

Digestive Support: As a natural antacid, a warm cup can soothe heartburn and support healthy digestion.
Antioxidant Properties: It is rich in antioxidants that protect cells and support an immune system often taxed by early parenthood.
Improved Circulation: Studies suggest it can improve blood fluidity, which is essential for transporting nutrients and hormones.
Sleep Support: It contains trace amounts of melatonin and tryptophan, which may help you feel more relaxed between feedings.

Quick Summary:

What it is: A roasted barley infusion that is naturally caffeine-free.

Why it works: High in beta-glucan, which may stimulate prolactin for milk production.

Ease of use: Simple to prepare at home using tea bags or toasted grains.

Holistic health: Supports digestion, circulation, and relaxation.

Daily use: Best enjoyed as a gentle, consistent part of your daily hydration.

How to Prepare Barley Tea at Home

Barley tea is affordable and easy to make using pre-packaged bags or whole grains.

Using Tea Bags (The Simple Way)

Boil water: Bring about 2 liters of water to a boil.
Add tea: Add one or two large barley tea bags.
Simmer: Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes depending on your preferred strength.
Chill or serve: Remove the bags and let the tea cool. It can be stored in the fridge for a refreshing drink throughout the day.

From Scratch (The Traditional Way)

Toast grains: Take half a cup of raw, unhulled barley and toast in a dry skillet over medium heat until dark and nutty brown.
Boil: Add the toasted grains to 8 cups of boiling water.
Simmer: Simmer for 20 minutes, then strain out the grains.
Finish: Sweeten with honey or lemon if desired, though many prefer it plain.

Important Safety Considerations

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity

Barley is a gluten-containing grain. If you have Celiac disease or a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, you should avoid barley tea. Consuming it can cause inflammation and digestive distress.

Moderate Your Intake

Balance is key. Aim for 1–3 cups per day as part of a varied diet. If you notice any unusual changes in your baby’s digestion or behavior, pause your intake and consult with your pediatrician.

Maximizing Your Milk Supply: The Big Picture

No tea or supplement can replace the rule of supply and demand. Your body makes milk based on how much milk is removed.

The Supply and Demand Rule

Every time your baby nurses or you pump, you signal your brain to make more milk. To see the best results from galactagogues, you should:

Nurse or pump frequently: Aim for every 2–3 hours for newborns.
Ensure a deep latch: Follow a good latch breastfeeding guide to effectively empty the breast.
Practice skin-to-skin: This contact boosts the oxytocin needed for let-down.

Identifying a True Low Supply

Common changes, like "softer" breasts or "cluster feeding," don't always mean your supply is low. If your baby has 6+ wet diapers a day and is gaining weight, your supply is likely fine. If you need a clearer breakdown, our Understanding and Managing Low Milk Supply guide can help.

Key Takeaway: Breast milk production is primarily driven by frequent milk removal and an effective latch. Barley tea is a supportive hydration tool, but it should complement—not replace—regular nursing or pumping sessions.

Milky Mama’s Approach to Lactation

We believe in a holistic approach to breastfeeding. If you don't have time to toast grains, we offer various lactation supplements to support your journey.

Our herbal supplements, such as Pumping Queen, are crafted to support the hormones involved in milk production. We also offer treats like our Emergency Lactation Brownies, packed with oats and other supportive ingredients.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with your healthcare provider for medical advice.

We also offer virtual consultations and online classes like Breastfeeding 101. Often, the best way to increase supply is a professional adjustment to your pumping schedule or baby's latch.

When to Seek Professional Help

While home remedies are a great start, reach out to a Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) if:

Pain: Nursing is painful or causing nipple damage.
Weight: Your baby is not gaining weight according to their growth curve.
Infection: You see signs of a clogged duct or mastitis (pain, redness, fever).
Stress: You feel overwhelmed or discouraged.

Our Certified Lactation Consultant Breastfeeding Help page is available for personalized guidance.

Summary of Action Steps

Find Your Source: Purchase high-quality roasted barley or tea bags.
Stay Consistent: Drink 1–3 cups per day for a week to monitor the impact on your hydration and supply.
Prioritize Removal: Continue nursing or pumping regularly to maintain supply-and-demand signals.
Watch Your Baby: Monitor diapers and weight gain.
Listen to Your Body: If you feel more hydrated, the tea is working! For more support, explore our Lactation Snacks collection.

Conclusion

Barley tea is a time-tested, science-backed way to support your lactation journey. By using the power of beta-glucans to support prolactin levels, it offers a natural boost that fits a busy lifestyle. Every drop counts, and taking care of your hydration is one of the best things you can do for your baby.

"Breastfeeding is a journey of both the heart and the body. Giving yourself the grace to try new things and the support to overcome challenges is what makes you an amazing parent."

Whether you are sipping mugicha or enjoying a Milky Mama treat, know that you are doing an incredible job. We are here to support you every step of the way.

FAQ

Does barley tea contain caffeine?

No, pure roasted barley tea is naturally caffeine-free. This makes it a safe option for breastfeeding parents who want to stay hydrated without the stimulating effects of caffeine, which can sometimes make babies fussy or interfere with their sleep patterns.

How much barley tea should I drink to increase milk supply?

Most lactation experts suggest starting with 1 to 3 cups per day. While there is no "magic number," drinking it consistently as part of a well-balanced diet and staying properly hydrated is the best way to see a potential boost in your milk production.

Can I drink barley tea if I am pregnant?

While barley is a common food, some traditional practices suggest limiting concentrated barley drinks during pregnancy. It is always best to consult with your OB-GYN or midwife before introducing new herbal infusions or significant amounts of barley tea into your prenatal diet.

Will barley tea work if I have Celiac disease?

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