Seed Cycling is a self-care practice that offers us an opportunity to use the powers of plants to modulate our cycles naturally. Through consumption of different seeds during each half of your cycle, you can essentially boost or balance estrogen levels in the first half and boost progesterone levels in the second half. If your periods are irregular, absent, scant or heavy, painful or symptomatic, if you suffer from PMS or you’re perimenopausal, this is a great practice for you to integrate into your lifestyle. For those who have struggled with fertility seed cycling can help support fertility.

Important Notes About Seeds

Always use raw un-roasted, unsalted un-seasoned seeds to ensure they have their medicinal and nutritional properties intact. Use organic seeds when available. Seeds are high in fats and oxidize when left in the sunlight and warmer temperatures. Try to keep seeds, dry and sealed in a cool, dark place – preferably the fridge.

Seeds begin to oxidize 15 minutes after they’re ground, so grinding fresh is best. You can get a coffee or spice grinder to process them fresh. If time is constrained, store pre-ground seeds in the freezer and take the portion out of the freezer as needed.

Seed cycling isn’t about stuffing handfuls of seeds down your throat, but enjoying them with meals and other foods, like smoothies, salads, salad dressings, soup, on the top of avocado toast or in a grain and greens bowl. When eating seeds with warm foods, remember to add them to the dish after cooking to avoid denaturing the nutrients.

Your Seed Cycling Supplementation is Divided into two phases. 

PHASE I – Follicular

Start phase 1 cycling on the first day of your period and continue for approximately 14 days, this is based on a 28 Day cycle. Not everyone ovulates on day 14. You may ovulate between days 13-21. If you’re practicing fertility awareness and know of your day of ovulation continue to consume the seeds until this day. Ovulation can be detected by increase in basal temperature and by testing your cervical mucus. If you aren’t currently bleeding start cycling on the new moon until the full moon – two weeks. This phase of the protocol is great for reducing heavy periods, reducing or eliminating clots, and eliminating acne.

Phase I Daily Protocol 

• Consume 2-4 tbsp of equal parts Flax and Pumpkin seeds – freshly ground
• Consume 1000mg of DHA/EPA – Needed liposomal powder 

Flax Seeds

• Rich in lignans to bind and block excess estrogen production
• Rich in omega 3s

Pumpkin Seeds

• Rich in zinc, which prepares the body for progesterone secretion in the next phase
• Rich in omega 3s

Algae

• Contains EPA and DHA
• Rich in lignans

PHASE II – Luteal

Begin phase 2 of cycling after ovulation or (days 15-28 on a 28-day cycle) after two weeks to balance hormones. If you have an irregular cycle or if you suffer from amenorrhea, start on the full moon up until the dark moon- 14 days. This phase of the protocol is helpful to reduce spotting between cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, breast tenderness, clotting, and heavy flow.

Phase II Daily Protocol 

• Consume 2-4 tbsp of equal parts Sesame seeds and Sunflower seeds – freshly ground
• Consume 1000mg of Evening Primrose Oil daily

Sesame Seeds

• Rich in lignans to modulate estrogen and progesterone levels
• Rich in omega 6 (which converts into GLA in the body)

Sunflower Seeds

• Rich in selenium, which supports liver function to prevent clogging from excess hormones, resulting in proper hormone excretion and detoxification
• Rich in omega 6 (which converts into GLA in the body)

Evening Primrose Oil

• Rich in gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and other important omega 6 fatty acids
• Boosts progesterone and reduces inflammation.

Interested in getting started? Visit the bulk section at your local health food store or Whole Foods Market. Remember to store everything in air sealed containers in the fridge. Too busy or not keen on starting from scratch. We love the WELLFLOWER company who makes special blends that you can blend into balls, add to cereals, stews, salads, smoothies and more.