Seed Cycling for Hormone Balancing

Hormone Balancing is such a major component to overall health and vitality. Like so many women, I too have had hormonal issues to heal over my life. The first time I really started to address this was when I was guided to come off of birth control at the age of 30. After using synthetic hormones for 10 years, my body was completely out of wack. I proceeded to lose my cycle for 3 years. I got it back, got pregnant, miscarried, got pregnant again, had my daughter Sage and then spiraled into another imbalance.

I have used many healing modalities and supplements over the years, and have been guided towards the right things at the right time, as the Universe always gives you what you need, when you need it. I had heard about seed cycling first from a complete stranger. She was pretty confident with the results of using this nature given resource of hormone balancing. I did some research, and then put it on the back shelf for a bit. A few months later, a dear friend said to me, “have you looked into seed cycling?” I have a rule that I only need to hear the message twice to begin to take action.

The concept is that you use seeds to get your hormones to get into balance. It is split into 2 parts. The first half of the cycle begins on the first day of your period. If you are not getting a period, as I was not, you can start on either a new or a full moon. This is also a great practice for menopause! The first half, you use 1.5 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds and 1.5 tablespoons of flax seeds per day. These seeds are estrogen dominant and balance our estrogen levels. The second half starts midway through your cycle, or, if you are using the moon, midway through the moon cycle. This half consists of 1.5 tablespoons of sesame and 1.5 tablespoons of sunflower seeds per day. These seeds are progesterone dominant and balance our progesterone levels.

Once I embarked on my seed cycling journey, within two weeks, I got my cycle back for the first time in 2 years. I have had a (like-clock-work cycle) ever since. It has been 7 months since I began, and my hormones feel completely in tune and I am back in the flow.

As a way to integrate this into my life, I have played with some different recipes. My favorite creation is my Mama-Nola, seed cycling granola recipe. It is a family staple now, as these seeds have benefits on the male hormonal system as well. A favorite way to prepare it is with some fresh, raw milk or coconut yogurt.

Mama-Nola Seed Cycling Granola Recipe:

1 cup raw organic pecans

1 cup raw organic almonds

1 cup raw organic pumpkin seed (1st half), 1 cup Sunflower seed (2nd cycle)

1 cup raw organic flax seed (1st half), 1 cup organic sesame (2nd half)

1 cup raw coconut flakes

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup raw local honey

sea salt to taste

Lightly pulse almonds and pecans in food processor and soak for 12 hours. Soak pumpkin/sunflower seeds for 12 hours. Strain through a nut milk bag. Heat oven at 220 degrees. In a pan, melt coconut oil, Add honey and salt. Mix in nuts ,seeds and coconut flakes. Spread on a parchment lined pan and bake for 4 hours.

Enjoy the benefits of this delicious, nutritious, way to supplement hormones naturally!! Seeds can also be used in smoothies, fat bombs, or however you decide is the easiest way for you to incorporate them into your regime.