Seed Cycling: A Comprehensive Guide

A Practical Guide to Seed Cycling

Understanding Irregular Cycles

Facing irregular or absent menstrual cycles? Seed cycling might offer a natural way to support hormonal balance. Instead of matching your cycle’s unpredictable shifts, consider syncing with the moon’s consistent cycle. It might sound unconventional, but there’s merit in exploring how natural rhythms can influence our bodies.

Dr. Alyssa DeSena, ND explains: “Seed cycling is a way to help support optimal hormone balance by prioritizing different seeds throughout the month based on where you are in your cycle. These are seeds like pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds. These seeds contain specific nutrients that can be helpful at supporting the natural rise of specific hormones and enhancing the detox of other hormones. During the follicular phase (day 1 to ovulation) you will prioritize chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. During the luteal phase (ovulation to the day before your period) you will prioritize sunflower and sesame seeds.”

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Seed Cycling: A Week-by-Week Breakdown

Week 1 (New Moon to First Quarter Moon):

• Seeds: Pumpkin and Flax
• Objective: Boost estrogen production for the follicular phase.
• Daily Intake: 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds.

Week 2 (First Quarter Moon to Full Moon):

• Continue with: Pumpkin and Flax
• Objective: Sustain estrogen levels as the body prepares for ovulation.
• Daily Intake: Maintain the same – 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seeds + 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds.

Week 3 (Full Moon to Last Quarter Moon):

• Seeds: Sunflower and Sesame
• Objective: Support progesterone production for the luteal phase.
• Daily Intake: 1 tablespoon ground sunflower seeds + 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds.

Week 4 (Last Quarter Moon to New Moon):

• Continue with: Sunflower and Sesame
• Objective: Maintain progesterone levels as the cycle concludes.
• Daily Intake: Keep consistent – 1 tablespoon ground sunflower seeds + 1 tablespoon ground sesame seeds.

Optimizing Seed Cycling:

• Grind Seeds: For better nutrient absorption, grind seeds before intake.
• Raw and Organic: Choose raw, unprocessed seeds, organic when possible, for best quality.
• Storage: Keep ground seeds refrigerated or frozen to preserve their nutritional value.

Why Consider the Moon?

The moon’s cycle closely parallels the average menstrual cycle, both running approximately 28 days. While it might seem far-fetched to some, aligning with the moon can be a helpful strategy for those with irregular cycles, offering a consistent rhythm to follow.

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Seed Cycling Tips

1. Grinding Seeds: Use a coffee grinder to break down flax and sesame seeds, making their nutrients more accessible. If you can’t grind them, consuming them whole still offers benefits.
2. Pre-mixed Options: If you prefer convenience, brands like Beeya offer pre-mixed seed blends tailored for each phase.
3. Choosing Raw Seeds: Opt for raw, organic seeds when possible to ensure you’re getting the most nutrients without added chemicals.
4. Storage: Keep your seeds in the fridge or freezer to maintain freshness and prevent rancidity.

Monitoring Your Cycle

Even as you sync with the moon, tracking your cycle can provide valuable insights. Techniques like monitoring your basal body temperature or using cycle tracking devices can help you understand your body’s patterns and how seed cycling might be impacting you.

Balancing Act

Remember, seed cycling is just one part of a holistic approach to wellness. Supporting your body means also focusing on sleep, stress management, a balanced diet, and hydration. Be mindful of your environment, especially when it comes to chemicals that might disrupt hormonal balance.

Getting Started with Seed Cycling

Ready to try seed cycling? It’s a straightforward method to potentially enhance hormonal balance through natural means. Just start incorporating the specific seeds into your diet according to the moon’s cycle. It’s a small step that could make a significant difference in how you feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Karissa Bollinger, a women’s hormone health coach and founder of Golden Teacher Wellness, offers answers to some frequently asked questions about seed cycling:

What if I don’t know where I am in my cycle?
Cycle by the moon! Begin your Day 1 on the New Moon

My period started before I got to Day 1, what do I do?
Keep cycling. You want your period to match up with the seeds to regulate, you don’t want to match the seeds to your period.

How long will it take before I notice improvements?
Give it 3-6 months of consistent use (daily) before you can expect to notice a change. You’re addressing potential nutrient deficiencies and trying to find a new biorhythm so it may take a while!

How do I incorporate them?
You can find recipes online for seed cycling balls, but can make magic happen with a little bit of almond butter + seeds. Other ways to incorporate them into your diet is in oatmeal, salads, smoothies, or homemade trail mix.