Your Cycle With Seeds
The Magic of Seed Cycling for Women
(plus a nourishing recipe to try!)
Our hormones naturally rise and fall throughout the month, influencing everything from our mood and energy to skin and digestion. Seed cycling is a gentle, food-based practice that helps support these shifts by using specific seeds at different times in your cycle.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle has two main phases.
1. The Follicular Phase (Days 1–14)
This phase begins on the first day of your period. As your body sheds the uterine lining, hormone levels — especially estrogen and progesterone — are at their lowest. Soon after, estrogen starts to rise again, encouraging a new follicle (and egg) to develop.
2. The Luteal Phase (Days 15–28)
Around two weeks after your period begins, ovulation occurs — the release of an egg from the ovary. After ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, preparing the uterus in case of pregnancy. If conception doesn’t happen, progesterone and estrogen levels drop again, and the next cycle begins.
This natural rhythm is beautiful but delicate. Many women experience irregular cycles or hormonal imbalances because these fluctuations can be easily disrupted by stress, nutrition, or lifestyle factors.
How Seed Cycling Supports Hormonal Balance
Seed cycling is a simple, nourishing way to support your body’s hormonal rhythm. The idea is to eat certain seeds that naturally promote balance in each phase of your cycle:
Days 1–14 (Follicular Phase):
Focus on flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. These support estrogen metabolism. Flax seeds are rich in lignans that help your body eliminate excess estrogen, while pumpkin seeds provide zinc for healthy egg development.Days 15–28 (Luteal Phase):
Switch to sunflower and sesame seeds. These help boost progesterone levels and contain nutrients like selenium and vitamin E to support the luteal phase.
Even if your cycle isn’t perfectly regular, continue alternating the seed blends every two weeks. This isn’t a quick fix — it’s a long-term practice that gently encourages balance over time. Be patient and consistent, and your body will respond.
How to Store and Use Seeds
Seeds are delicate and can go rancid if stored improperly. Always buy them fresh, raw, and ideally unground. Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Flax seeds should be freshly ground before eating.
Pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds can be used raw, soaked, or lightly ground.
You can sprinkle them on smoothies, oatmeal, salads, soups, or add them into energy balls — like the one below!
🌿 Seed Cycling Energy Balls
Follicular Mix (Days 1–14)
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1 cup raw flaxseeds
1 tbsp chia seeds
¼ cup coconut flakes
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp honey
4 Medjool dates
Pinch of sea or Himalayan salt
Blend everything until sticky and roll into 14 balls — one per day. Store in the fridge or freezer.
Luteal Mix (Days 15–28)
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
½ cup raw sesame seeds
½ cup tahini
1 tbsp lemon zest
2 tbsp maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp coconut oil
Grind the seeds first, then combine with the wet ingredients. Roll into 14 balls and enjoy one daily through your luteal phase.
Other Ways to Enjoy Your Seeds
Sprinkle them over salads, blend into smoothies, make seed butters, or mix into dressings. Experiment — your body and your taste buds will thank you!
Hormonal Yoga Therapy (HYT)
Along with nutrition, movement and breath can deeply influence hormonal balance. Hormonal Yoga Therapy is a specialized yoga practice that helps restore hormonal health naturally.
It supports:
PMS, menstrual irregularities, or painful cycles
Ovarian cysts or fertility concerns
Thyroid imbalance
Osteoporosis or bone loss
Low energy, anxiety, or sleep difficulties
HYT reactivates endocrine glands through breath, movement, and energy work. It can help you reconnect with your body, reduce stress, and find greater balance emotionally and physically.
If you’d like to explore Hormonal Yoga Therapy or need help incorporating seed cycling into your routine, I’d be happy to guide you.
