What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is the practice of eating specific ground seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Specifically, it refers to eating flax and pumpkin seeds during the first part of the cycle and sesame and sunflower seeds during the second part of the cycle.
Why Is Everyone Talking About Seed Cycling?
Proponents of seed cycling say it may help lessen PMS symptoms, trigger a period (for those with amenorrhea), and combat hormonal acne, abnormal bleeding, fatigue, infertility, sleep issues, and irregular periods associated with imbalanced hormones.
How Seed Cycling Works
- Menstrual + Follicular Phases (Day 1 of your period - ovulation): Flax contains a type of phytoestrogen called lignans, which support healthy production of estrogen needed to build the endometrial lining. Conveniently, these lignans also protect against building up too much estrogen, which is important in today's world given we are exposed to more environmental estrogen than ever before. Pumpkin seeds boost iron and zinc, which are critical for overall hormone health. Both flax and pumpkin are high in Omega 3, which has been shown to further support hormonal balance and to help reduce cramping during menstruation.
- Ovulatory + Luteal Phases (Ovulation - end of cycle): Sesame and sunflower seeds are abundant in vitamin e and zinc, both of which promote progesterone production, which is critical for the luteal phase of the ovulation cycle. The lignans in sesame will continue to balance estrogen and ensure it is not too high in relation to progesterone.
If you are not currently getting a period, you can start with seed cycling on any day, as the nutrients will start to support your body's natural rhythm.
For optimal bioavailability, the seeds need to be ground up before you eat them directly or add them to your food.
Who Can Benefit From Seed Cycling?
Anyone who gets a period (or hopes to get a period) can benefit from seed cycling. Ideally, seed cycling is completed for multiple cycles to support the body in reclaiming its natural rhythm.
How To Get Started With Seed Cycling?
You can buy the individual raw seeds at a grocery store. Make sure that you purchase raw seeds (not toasted) and if possible from an organic brand. Then you grind them up until they are as fine as powder and add them to your foods.
If you would like an easier way to get started, Agni's seed cycling seasonings were created by a Medical Advisory Board. For best bioavailability and absorption, the seeds are blended with additional healing ingredients to provide all of the nourishment your endocrine system needs to properly balance your hormone levels.
All you have to do is to add the seasonings to your meals.
- You can sprinkle 1TBS of Cinnamon Maca Seasoning over your food on days 1-14 of your cycle. It tastes amazing over oatmeal, nut or seed butter toast, yogurt bowls, or smoothies.
- For days 15-28, add 1TBS of Sesame Nori seasoning, which is delicious on avocado toast, rice and veggie bowls, eggs, and tacos.
Each of Agni’s seasoning boxes contains enough seasoning for two weeks of continuous 1 TBS/day use. So together, the two boxes have you covered for a month.
