Seed Cycling Treats
Adapted and inspired by a seed cycling recipe created by Brittany Stamer, ND
Seed cycling is an “old school” naturopathic hormone balancing technique that uses food to support a woman’s menstrual cycle. It is the practice of eating specific seeds during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. Seed cycling is quite simple. You incorporate ~2 tbsps of pumpkin and flax seeds in your daily diet during the follicular phase of your cycle (new moon to full moon). Once you ovulate, you incorporate ~2 tbsps of sunflower and sesame seeds in your daily diet during the luteal phase of your cycle (full moon to new moon).
The menstrual cycle contains two dominant hormonal portions. Days 1-14 are known as the follicular phase and are characterized by higher estrogen levels. Days 15-28 are known as the luteal phase and are characterized by higher progesterone levels. It’s thought that the oils contained in the different seeds are precursors to the dominant hormones of the menstrual cycle (i.e., flax and pumpkin promote estrogen production in the first half of the cycle where estrogen is dominant, and sesame and sunflower seeds promote progesterone production in the second half of the cycle where progesterone is dominant). These seeds also contain healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The fiber in the seeds can help “bind up” any hormone breakdown products and remove them from the body via the stool.
Interestingly enough, a healthy menstrual cycle is approximately the length of the moon cycle - about 29 days. In pre-industrialized times, when humans lived outside and in tribes, many women naturally cycled with the moon. In many ancient healing traditions, women are considered to have a relationship with the moon (e.g., yin in Chinese medicine and the Medicine Woman in the Moon in Algonquin traditions). Therefore, cycling with the moon’s cycle is thought to be helpful for women’s natural rhythms and is a gentle way to get back in touch with nature. Even if this is not the case, cycling with the moon is simply convenient. If a new moon is approaching, you will likely menstruate soon. If a full moon is approaching, you are likely nearing ovulation.
This recipe will make 7 seed cycling treats. You can double this recipe to make 14 treats at once for ease. I suggest making them a week ahead of time, so they are fresher, but I appreciate the time saved by making them in bulk!
You can also simply add the seeds to smoothies, granola, oatmeal, salads, applesauce, or yogurt. But, this recipe is a great option to have a daily treat and your medicine all in one!
Seed Cycling Treats for Follicular Phase (from New Moon to Full Moon)
Makes 7 balls
Ingredients:
½ cup flax seeds
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup pitted dates
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon Himalayan salt
¼ cup almond butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
optional: unsweetened shredded coconut or cacao powder to roll the treats in after forming
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the seeds are pulverized and it creates a sticky dough. The seeds will still be visible. When you pinch the dough it should stick together. If it is dry, add another tablespoon of coconut oil.
Shape into balls. You can roll the treats in unsweetened coconut shreds or cacao powder as well for extra flavor and an adorable look!
Refrigerate and enjoy one each day of the week.
Seed Cycling Treats for Luteal Phase (Full Moon to New Moon)
Makes 7 balls
Ingredients:
½ cup sunflower seeds
½ cup sesame seeds
½ cup pitted dates
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon Himalayan salt
¼ cup almond butter
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
optional: unsweetened shredded coconut or cacao powder to roll the treats in after forming
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until the seeds are pulverized and it creates a sticky dough. The seeds will still be visible. When you pinch the dough it should stick together. If it is dry, add another tablespoon of coconut oil.
Shape into balls. You can roll the treats in unsweetened coconut shreds or cacao powder as well for extra flavor and an adorable look!
Refrigerate and enjoy one each day of the week.
