Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance
Many women look to aromatherapy as a natural way to support the body when dealing with PMS, hot flashes, and menopausal issues. In addition to aromatherapy, herbs, diet, exercise, and nutrition play a vital part in keeping the body running smoothly and supporting hormone balance.
As a certified aromatherapist and in my holistic healthcare practitioner studies the role of nutrition in supporting the health of the body is paramount. So I wasn't surprised when I learned that some experts suggest the use of seed cycling to help balance hormones. Often times focusing on including nutrient rich foods in our diet and avoiding "junk" can make a world of difference.
Seeds are nutritious, rich in fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. And there is some research that suggests that adding seeds to the diet can be beneficial for women in several ways. 1, 2
Anecdotal reports have favored seed cycling but truth be told its effects have not been documented by scientific research. There are some reports that suggest menstrual cycles may be indirectly affected by seed cycling and that some PMS and menopausal symptoms may be reduced. Flax seeds are the most researched.
Studies do show mixed results. Some report reduction in hot flashes and reduced risk of breast cancer. The good news is that including seeds in the diet is healthy and beneficial even if you aren't sure they are helping to regulate hormones.
What seed are used in seed cycling? Flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds. It is suggested you grind seeds to allow for better absorption of nutrients. Spice grinder or mortar and pestle would work.
How to seed cycle. You can cycle seeds based on your own cycle or the moon cycle. If basing on your cycle consume one tablespoon raw flax and pumpkin seeds daily on the day you begin to bleed. On day 14 switch to one tablespoon each raw sunflower and sesame seed daily. Continue until your next menses. To learn more visit: https://theherbalacademy.com/seed-cycling-for-hormonal-balance/
Often simple changes to our diet, exercise routine, sleep habits, or nudges from herbs, essential oils, or holistic support can help
If you have questions about aromatherapy, essential oils, herbs, or wellness contact Tricia.
Jesswein, L. (2012). Seed Cycling for Natural Hormonal Balance. Retrieved from http://naturalhealthperspectives.blogspot.com/2012/02/seed-cycling-for-natural-hormonal.html
Phipps, W.R., Martini, M.C., Lampe, J.W., Slavin, J.L., Kurzer, M.S. (1993). Effect of flax seed ingestion on the menstrual cycle. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 77(5):1215 – 1219
Goss, P.E., Li, T., Theriault, M., Pinto, S., Thompson, L.U. (2000). Effects of dietary flaxseed in women with cyclical mastalgia. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 64:49
Gossell-Williams, M., Hyde, C., Hunter, T., Simms-Stewart, D,. Fletcher, H., McGrowder, D., Walters, C.A. (2011). Improvement in HDL cholesterol in postmenopausal women supplemented with pumpkin seed oil: pilot study. Climacteric, 14(5):558-64.
Zaineddin, A.K., Buck, K., Vrieling, A., Heinz, J., Flesch-Janys, D., Linseisen, J., Chang-Claude, J. (2012). The association between dietary lignans, phytoestrogen-rich foods, and fiber intake and postmenopausal breast cancer risk: a German case-control study. Nutrition and Cancer, 64(5):652-65.
