How to use this simple guide— To balance & regulate female hormones:

from menstruation to menopause & beyond

If you are experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, or heavy bleeds, you ovulate too early or too late in your cycle, you experience conditions such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids, this may well be a sign of unbalanced hormones. Similarly, if you are perimenopausal, menopausal or post menopause, you might still be experiencing things like sleep disturbance, hot flashes/flushes, or anxiety. Again, this may be linked to hormones dropping, as you would expect, but may be not as smoothly as you would wish. 

The great news is that seed cycling can be adopted as part of your self-care routine to support the first and second phase of your cycle ~ follicular (oestrogen driven) & luteal (progesterone). For the non-bleeding, you can link these phases to the moon cycle ~ new moon to full = follicular & full moon to new = luteal   

The Follicular Phase Day 1 to day 14 (or when you ovulate) 

In the first phase, oestrogen is the dominate hormone. Its role is to help build the lining of the womb after it has been shed during your bleed/moontime. It’s vital to experience a healthy first (and second) phase, especially when there also fertility issues.  

Seeds to use in the phase are Flax seed + Pumpkin seed.  

You need a tablespoon of each, per day, from day 1 (first day of “full” flow, not spotting) up to ovulation. In reality this could be from day 11 onwards, so it’s always good to know when you ovulate (check cervical mucous, position of cervix, basal body chart, ovulation test sticks, or chart your cycle). If you are no longer bleeding, for whatever reason, you can cycle with the moon phase. So, this first phase would be akin to the dark/new moon up until full moon. 

These seeds will help to ensure there is a balanced level of oestrogen, which will help to reduce symptoms & regulate your cycle and increase your flow if your bleed is light. 

The Luteal Phase Day 15 to day 28 (or until your next day 1) 

In this second phase, the dominate hormone is progesterone. This is the hormone which is responsible for thickening the lining of the womb. This is essential for creating an optimal depth of lining, thick & even enough for an embryo to attach, if you are wishing to conceive & for you to experience an optimal menstrual cycle. It will also assist if you have lighter bleeds and help to reduce PMS symptoms. It may also reduce hot flushes & sleep issues. 

Seeds to use in this phase are Sesame seed + Sunflower seed 

Again, you need a tablespoon of each, freshly ground each day, where possible (coffee grinder or Nurtibullet), per day from ovulation (full moon). On day 1 of your next bleed (or the next dark moon), begin the cycle again.  

You would expect to see a lengthening of a short cycle as well as a reduction in other symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance 

How to incorporate into your daily diet

1 tbsp of each seed (2 in total) per day throughout the cycle 

• In smoothies, freshly ground 

• In juices, freshly squeezed 

• Over your porridge or “greek style yoghurt” (high in protein - 9%) 

• Sprinkled over your salad/soup (unground)

• In “energy balls” ~ you can often modify recipes & substitute nuts and seeds for this purpose. These may include coconut oil, almond oil/almonds, chia seeds, dates, cacao etc 

My suggestion would be to incorporate this for 3 months or so & see what changes in your cycle you may have experienced.  

• Make a note of where you were and where you are now after the 3 months 

• Has the been a reduction/ change in symptoms?  

• Are there any other changes & tweaks your body is calling for? Yoni steaming? Castor oil packs, womb massage?  

• Remember that the menstrual cycle is a barometer of our emotional, physical & energetic health. Let your womb lead the way … Drop in & feel into how else your body is calling to be supported