discovered a gentle, yet powerful practice called lunar seed cycling. It’s something I’ve returned to many times throughout my life whenever my cycle felt irregular or out of sync - and now, as I move through perimenopause, it’s back on my radar in a new and meaningful way.

What Is Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is a natural dietary practice that supports hormonal balance by using specific seeds (or their oils) during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle. The idea is simple: each group of seeds provides nutrients and fatty acids that gently encourage the body’s natural hormone rhythms.

Here’s how it works:

• Follicular Phase (first half of your cycle): Flaxseed and/or pumpkin seeds
• Luteal Phase (second half of your cycle): Sunflower seeds and/or sesame seeds (or evening primrose oil as an alternative)

Personally, I’ve always preferred combining flaxseed with evening primrose oil - a pairing that has supported me beautifully over the years.

How to Practice Seed Cycling

You can approach seed cycling in two ways, depending on whether your cycle is regular or irregular:

• If your cycle is irregular:
• Begin flaxseed (capsules or ground) on the New Moon.
• Switch to evening primrose oil on the Full Moon.
• Continue alternating with the moon’s rhythm.
• If your cycle is regular:
• Start flaxseed on Day 1 of your period (the first day of bleeding).
• Continue for 14 days (the follicular phase).
• On Day 15, switch to evening primrose oil.
• Continue for the next 14 days (the luteal phase).

This simple rhythm of alternating seeds mirrors the natural ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone in the body, while also syncing with the lunar cycle.

Why It Matters

Our menstrual rhythm is meant to wax and wane with the moon. For centuries, women lived in close connection with nature and often menstruated with the New Moon and ovulated with the Full Moon. While modern life has pulled many of us away from that natural rhythm, seed cycling is a gentle way to reconnect to both your body and the moon above.

From my own experience, this practice has been a grounding force, bringing me back into balance time and time again. Whether it was smoothing out irregular cycles in my younger years or helping me navigate the shifts of perimenopause now, lunar seed cycling has been a steady, supportive ally.

Should You Try It?

If you’re experiencing irregular cycles, struggling with hormonal imbalance, or simply want to feel more attuned to the natural rhythm of the moon, I encourage you to give seed cycling a try. It’s a safe, simple, and nourishing practice that can offer subtle yet profound support for your body.