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Emily Wolbers, ND

What Is Seed Cycling?


Are you curious about why seed cycling is so popular? Let's take a closer look so we can understand it better!


For generations, naturopathy has promoted seed cycling as a time-honored remedy for restoring hormonal balance. This practice involves eating certain kinds of seeds during each phase of the menstrual cycle.


Every day, our hormones fluctuate in a way that is essential for maintaining regular menstrual cycles. This cyclical change ensures that periods are healthy and consistent:

  • During phase 1, follicular phase (days 1-14 of your cycle), estrogen levels gradually rise to trigger ovulation on or around day 14.

  • During phase 2, luteal phase (days 15-28 of your cycle), progesterone levels peak around day 19-21. Luteal phase ends when the next period starts.

Seed cycling is the great way to keep estrogen and progesterone in balance by consuming different types of seeds during two distinct phases. During Phase 1, focus on eating seeds that help metabolize estrogen. Phase 2 focus on ones that are known for promoting progesterone production.


Like this:

  • Eat 1 tablespoon each per day of ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during phase 1.

  • Eat 1 tablespoon each per day of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during phase 2.



By consuming ground seeds, you can maximize your nutrient intake and gain the most health benefits!


Not only are seeds packed with beneficial essential fatty acids, but they also contain an abundance of minerals like zinc and other nutrients.


Many women have used seed cycling to help with their menstrual cycle, but there is not enough research to prove that it really works. Nonetheless, incorporating nutritional seeds is a great way to utilize food as medicine, and I often recommend it as a holistic way to maintain hormone balance. Especially for women seeking to improve their menstrual cycles!


Are you ready to give it a try? Check out my Instagram post to learn more!

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