We believe every woman deserves to love their cycle or at least not hate it - like so many of us have done for decades (centuries even). We now know that you can naturally reduce menstrual symptoms without shutting off your hormones with the pill. Seed cycling is a gentle naturopathic protocol to support hormones naturally. With a record amount of women experiencing hormone imbalances, but also wanting natural solutions - seed cycling is rising in popularity as one of the most effective and easy ways to support hormone health. Let’s dive in.
Understanding Your Hormones
Your hormones (chemical messengers that tell parts of the body to do stuff) are part of a complex system that thrives on balance. Factors like diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and even environmental toxins can throw this balance off, leading to issues like irregular periods, acne, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and fatigue. That’s where seed cycling comes in—it offers a simple yet powerful way to naturally support your body’s hormonal needs. See the diagram below.
Tell me more about Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is the practice of eating specific seeds during the two primary phases of your menstrual cycle: the follicular and luteal phases. This practice helps regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, reducing PMS symptoms, boosting fertility, and even stimulating menstruation when it’s absent (amenorrhea). Though it’s not a cure-all, seed cycling works synergistically with other healthy habits to promote hormonal balance.
The Power of Seeds
The beauty of seed cycling lies in its simplicity. By eating 1-2 tablespoons of specific seeds daily, you provide your body with essential nutrients to support each phase of your cycle. Here's how it works:
- Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Consume 1-2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin and flax seeds daily (FOL blend). Flaxseeds have a nutrient called lignans that block or stimulate estrogen. Pumpkin seeds also have a nutrient called beta-sitosterol that will bind to excess estrogen and help to flush it out of the body.
- Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Switch to sunflower and sesame seeds (LUT blend). These seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, and zinc, all of which support progesterone production and help detoxify excess estrogen.
If Your Period is Irregular or Absent
Don’t worry if you have an irregular cycle or are dealing with amenorrhea. You can still enjoy the benefits of seed cycling by following the moon phases as a guide. Download our app to track your seed cycling with the moon phases or menstrual phases. From the new moon to the full moon, take your FOL blend and from the full moon to the new moon, switch to LUT blend. It may sound a bit mystical, but the connection between the moon’s cycle and your own can be a powerful, grounding practice.
Nutritional Benefits of Seed Cycling
The seeds used in seed cycling aren’t just hormone-friendly—they're nutritional powerhouses:
- Flax seeds: Rich in lignans, which help eliminate excess estrogen and support healthy estrogen production. They’re also full of omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy uterine function and boost progesterone production. They also keep you fuller for longer.
- Pumpkin seeds: High in zinc, which is crucial for progesterone production and overall hormonal health.
- Sesame seeds: Like flax, sesame seeds contain lignans, but they also help balance estrogen levels during the luteal phase. Plus, they're packed with zinc.
- Sunflower seeds: These seeds are loaded with vitamin E, which helps boost progesterone production, and selenium, which supports liver detoxification of excess estrogen. Sunflower seeds also have high levels of pantothenic acid, knowing for balancing brain chemistry (handy for those mood swings pre-period)
How to Incorporate Seed Cycling into Your Life
Adding Seed Cycle Blend to your routine is as easy as putting the seeds into what you’re already eating. You can mix them into smoothies, cereal, yogurt, oatmeal, salads, or soups, or use them in pesto, homemade seed butter, or granola. Anything with a bit of moisture is good.
For ultimate convenience, Seed Cycle Blend offers FOL and LUT mixes ready to go. Our freshly ground, organic blends combine pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds, making it effortless to incorporate this powerful practice into your daily routine.
AND, you can download our seed cycling app to help you stay consistent with your seed cycling - making it even easier.
How Long Before You See Results?
Seed cycling works with your body, and it can take up to three months to start noticing significant changes. Consistency is key, and tracking your symptoms can help you see the shifts over time. Whether you stick with seed cycling for a few months or make it a lifelong habit, it’s an empowering, gentle way to support your body’s natural rhythms.
Why Seed Cycle Blend?
At Seed Cycle Blend, we’re passionate about creating products that empower women to embrace their cycles. The seeds in our blends are 100% organic, non-GMO, gluten-free, and third-party tested to ensure the highest quality. We use home compostable packaging and offer a money back guarantee where if you don’t notice any changes in 90 days of consistent seed cycling - you’ll get your money back. By choosing Seed Cycle Blend, you’re choosing convenience, quality, and a holistic approach to hormone health.
Ready to Love Your Cycle?
Seed cycling is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to hormone balance. It's important to also focus on sleep, stress management, and a nutrient-rich diet. If you need personalised guidance, book one of our naturopath mini-consultations.
Balance hormones and love your cycle with Seed Cycle Blend and experience the power of nature’s healing foods!
