Seed cycling is a method of consuming certain types of seeds during certain times of your menstrual cycle in order to better support hormone health and function. Along with the necessary treatment, food and exercise changes one should make, seed cycling can help balance hormone levels, relieve PMS, stimulate menstruation if it’s absent (amenorrhea), increase fertility and support the body in healing more serious conditions like ovarian cysts, PCOS and endometriosis. Seed cycling is an incredibly natural and inexpensive way to support the female body, and it’s easy to do.

Cycling refers to the rotation of different seeds between our two main menstrual cycle phases (follicular and luteal). The cycling uses alternating seeds high in specific oils and nutrients to balance the hormones that are prevalent in each phase. Use this two-stage guide to support hormone balance and regulation.

Seeds contain lignans, which bind to estrogen receptors and help modulate estrogen production. Along with phytoestrogens, seeds that are high in omega 3s are beneficial, as omega 3 helps to reduce inflammation, regulate FSH levels and support reproductive membrane function.

How does Seed Cycling Work?

During the Follicular Phase: Pumpkin seeds and flax seeds are high in zinc and lignans, which naturally support estrogen production, help clear excess estrogen from the body, and prepare the body for progesterone secretion.

During the Luteal Phase: Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are high in selenium, lignans, and omega-6, which support liver function and proper hormone excretion, regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, and reduce inflammation. Also, sesame seeds are high in zinc and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, which both support progesterone production.

How to make Seed Cycling Mixes?

NOTE: Seeds must be pulsed into a fine meal using a small blender or food processor. This is an important step as some seeds are not easily digested, and we are unable to breakdown certain seeds i.e. flaxseeds and absorb their beneficial oils.

For FOLLICULAR MIX:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add ½ cup flaxseeds and ½ cup pumpkin seeds to a blender and pulse into a fine meal. Empty into glass jar. If you’d like, you can add the following in whole into the jar as well:
1/4 cup chia seeds ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1/2 cup desiccated coconut⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1/4 cup hemp seeds⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Mix all the ingredients together as shown in the picture above. Close jar with a secure lid and store in the fridge for up to 1 month.

For LUTEAL MIX substitute the flax and pumpkin for ½ cup sunflower seeds and ½ cup sesame seeds. Same procedure as above applies. 🌱 Have 2 Tbspns of your seed mix every day in the relevant phase.

Ways to have your seed mix:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to coconut yogurt with nut butter + fruit
Blend into a smoothie or smoothie bowl.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to a salad or breakfast salad.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to oats or overnight oats⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to avocado toast or nut butter toast.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to roasted sweet potatoes.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sprinkle on top of hummus.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Add to things like protein balls or energy bites.