Seed Cycling
This was something I became aware of just before my hysterectomy but I continue to do it even now as it as brought me so much support.
So what is it?
Seed cycling is the ingesting of highly nutritional seeds that help to balance your hormones at different stages of your monthly cycle. This will offer you a greater level of nutritional support and is helpful if you are struggling with the following conditions.
Irregular or no period
Low progesterone production which results in a short luteal phase
PMS
Acne
Symptoms of menopause ( peri- menopause)
How to do it?
The seeds are rotated based on the follicular ( spring) and luteal ( autumn) phases. The follicular phase of your cycle starts with “Day 1,” which is the first day of your bleed, not spotting but actual bleed. The luteal phase begins with ovulation and extends to the time you bleed. There is no hard and fast rule but for most women, ovulation falls on or around day 14 or 15, but many women ovulate much sooner and some much later.
It is important to talk about the fact that there is no such thing as a standard 28 day cycle. Everyone is different. Some are longer some are shorter and will be unique to you, so it’s really important that you know your body’s rhythms and that you can read her signs. I suggest tracking your cycle first so that you can identify where you are.
In the follicular phase: Day 1 to Day 14, or until ovulation: or if you no longer bleed, then new moon to full moon. Take 1 tablespoon of freshly ground raw flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily. This will naturally and gently increase oestrogen levels
Luteal Phase: From Day 15 (about) to 28, or until you bleed: or if you no longer bleed from full moon to dark moon
1 tablespoon each freshly ground raw sunflower and sesame seeds daily.
It is important to mention that you may experience a change within the first month of seed cycling in your cycle but it can take from 4 – 6 cycles before there is any noticeable difference.
Handy Tips
Buy whole and not ground seeds if possible
Flax seeds need to be ground so that the body can absorb it, you can grind the other seeds or eat whole it is entirely up to you.
If you do grind your seeds you can keep them in the fridge to keep them fresh
You can add all seeds to smoothies or make nut butters but remember to chew well if you do not grind them
