Seed cycling is a method of eating specific seeds at different times of the month to help balance female hormones and promote fertility and reduce pms and menopausal symptoms.

A woman’s cycle is composed of two phases. The first phase is the follicular phase, from the first day of a woman’s period to ovulation (typically 14 days, but not always.) This phase is oestrogen dominant as the body prepares to release an egg. The second phase is the luteal phase, from ovulation until her period starts (typically 14 days.) This phase of a woman’s cycle is progesterone dominant, as her body prepares to nurture a potential offspring. Seed cycling seeks to provide oestrogen and progesterone supporting nutrients in their respective phases in hopes to help boost production when in each is needed.

There are many benefits to seed cycling. The seeds used are incredibly nutritious, rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, protein, and healthy fats. Also, for some, they may see more regular cycles, improved fertility, or decreasing menopause symptoms.

I think the best part of seed cycling is there is a minimal downside. The consumption of all of these seeds is very safe. The seeds used are packed full of nutrients, so even if it doesn’t work, the worst that happens is you get extra nutrients. That’s a win!

You may notice a benefit in as little as 30 days, but it can take up to 90 days for you to see any difference. If fertility is your goal, remember it can take three months for an egg to fully mature, so you want to give it at least 3-6 months.

Flax seeds and sesame seeds can be grounded, because the hard outer shells aren’t digestible to humans unless they are ground, coffee grinder can be used to grind seeds. Other seeds that are often used in seed cycling can be just chewed that is sunflower, and pumpkin.

This technique can be used by anyone who is experiencing irregular periods, heavy flows, substantial PMS, and even women going through peri-menopause and menopause. The technique described here is based on a 30-day cycle, though most women’s cycles tend to run between 25 and 36 days. Only 10 to 15% of women have cycles that are exactly 28 to 30 days. Day 1 is counted as the first day of a period.

If you do not have a cycle either because you are not menstruating or because you have entered peri-menopause, menopause and you are in post-menopause, seed rotation can still help. If you are pre-menopausal and not cycling, start the seed cycle any time you like and do two weeks of each seed rotation. If you have already entered menopause, you can start applying seed rotation any time you like and keep each seed combination (like flax seed and pumpkin) for one to two weeks, then switch to the other combination (like sunflower and sesame seeds).

From Day 1 to Day 14 (or the middle of the cycle), we need more oestrogen in order to build up our endometrium (uterus lining). This is called the follicular phase. With seeds such as flaxseed and pumpkin seeds, we can naturally increase our oestrogen levels. From Day 15 to Day 30, or the second part of the cycle (also known as the luteal phase), the corpus luteum begins to release progesterone. This sex hormone will help thicken the uterus lining and prepare it for implantation. The high contents of zinc in sesame seeds and vitamin E in sunflower seeds have been shown to stimulate progesterone production (see references below). By adding two tablespoons of sesame and sunflower seeds per day in the luteal phase, we can naturally support the body to produce more progesterone, a sex hormone of which many women experience low levels.

Eat 1-2 table spoon any time of the day. These roasted seeds mix can be consumed directly in the form of a snack or can be sprinkled on soups and salads. It can also be used in a powdered form in your breakfast cereal as a topping, smoothies, yogurts, etc