Seed Cycling for hormone balance

HealthCycles

3 Apr

Taking a cyclical approach to health

I have been focusing on taking a cyclical approach to health and the way I manage my work and life for over 2 years now, and I am always discovering ways to deepen my practices. Seed cycling is just that- it gives you different seed combinations to have for the 2 main parts of the cycle- the masculine ‘yang’ building energy and the feminine ‘yin’ declining energy.

The whole cyclical approach is about finding a sense of balance between the two energies and seed cycling can help with that physically – it is a gentle way to balance your hormones throughout the two phases of your menstrual cycle using the nutrients found in seeds. By boosting estrogen in the first phase and progesterone in the second phase, seed cycling can help relieve various symptoms related to the menstrual cycle. I especially find it helps with my symptoms of mild PCOS. It can be effective for women who are menstruating, pre-menopause, postpartum, and post-menopause.

It can also be used by people who don’t currently have a cycle simply by alining the two phases with the Moon Cycle

The menstrual cycle has these two phases:

THE FOLLICULAR PHASE
(Day 1-14 beginning on the first day of your period or New Moon)

THE LUTEAL PHASE
(Day 15-28 beginning right after ovulation)

Note: Your cycle does not need to align with the Moon- we go through various phases in life where it does align or where it can be opposite to the Moon, all giving a different flavour to our lives at the time- check out my Red Witch, White Witch Blog post about it here.

What to make

DURING THE FOLLICULAR PHASE CONSUME THESE DAILY:

+ 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
+ 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds
+ high-quality fish oil (optional)*

*Notes: Ideally, both seeds are consumed ground. However, while the flaxseeds must be ground, the pumpkin seeds can be eaten whole (hulled) if preferred.

To keep estrogen levels in balance, cycle with flax seeds that contain phytoestrogens that adapt to the body’s estrogen needs during this phase. If estrogen levels get too high, the lignans in the flaxseeds can bind to the excess so it can be eliminated from the body. We also cycle with pumpkin seeds, which are high in zinc to support progesterone production in the next phase.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial during this phase to reduce inflammation and support reproductive functions. Eating lots of high-quality fatty fish (wild!) or taking a high-quality fish oil supplement is encouraged during this phase. If you’re vegan, you can use this algae-based omega-3 supplement instead.

DURING THE LUTEAL PHASE CONSUME THESE DAILY:

+ 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds
+ 1 tablespoon ground sunflower seeds
+ evening primrose oil (optional)*

During this phase, cycle with sesame seeds, which are high in zinc and selenium and block excess estrogen, all essential for hormone balance. We also cycle with sunflower seeds, which are high in vitamin E to support progesterone levels.

Quality gamma-linolenic acids (GLAs) are also beneficial during this phase to boost progesterone and reduce inflammation. A high-quality evening primrose oil supplement can be taken during this phase as well for extra GLAs.

Disclaimer:

Please note I am not a dietician – please check any changes with your diet with your healthcare provider- this is me sharing my personal experiences with seed cycling.