When I switched to living an Ayurveda life, I learned and experienced first hand how big the impact of foods is.
At the core of our health, resides the foundation of what we eat regularly.
And just as there are optimal foods for boosting the metabolism or improving the skin, there are foods that specifically focus on women’s hormones.
The Seed Cycling Moon Milk recipes you will find here can potentially balance your hormones, ease the symptoms of your period, and calm your emotions when you are most vulnerable.
I used to experience irregular and painful periods for most of my life. I think I have already mentioned here that once I quit the pill, I lost my period for several months, I broke out horribly, and was under such stress levels that I didn’t even want to get out of bed.
Things gradually went back to normal with Ayurveda.
And seed cycling.
Seed cycling adopts the essential concept of using nature for our benefit. It is basically adding certain seeds to your diet, based on the phase of your cycle to support hormonal health.
HOW SEED CYCLING WORKS
Women’s menstrual cycle has two main stages:
- Phase 1: Follicular Phase
- Phase 2: Luteal Phase
The phases, ideally work on a 14-day rotation and a 28-day cycle. However, a lifestyle disconnected from the natural clock and distanced from Mother Nature can lead to irregularities for lots of women.
In addition to including Seed Cycling Moon Milks to your repertoire of healing practices, make sure you practice Earthing, eat a balanced diet, and go to bed early. Also, be patient. Balancing your hormones is a rewarding but, often times slow, very slow, process.
Plus, don’t limit yourself to only including the wonderful seeds to your daily magic Seed Cycling Moon Milks. You can also sprinkle them on oatmeal, smoothies, or grains.
FOLLICULAR PHASE
The follicular phase begins with your period and lasts about 14 days. It goes from new to full moon.
In this phase, in order to promote ovulation and prepare your body for a possible pregnancy, estrogen levels increase gradually.
High estrogen levels means high LH (luteinizing hormone) while low estrogen levels release FSH (the follicle stimulating hormone)
The idea behind seed cycling is using seeds that contain phytoestrogens (plant-based sources of estrogen that adapt to the body’s estrogen levels) to keep estrogen, LH, and FSH balanced. Phytoestrogens reduce excess and increase estrogens when needed due to the lignans they have.
The seeds to eat in the follicular phase are:
Flax Seeds
Contain lignans that reduce excess estrogen
Contain omega 3s that decrease inflammation in the body
Pumpkin Seeds
Rich in zinc to prepare the body for progesterone secretion in the next stage
Contain omega 3s – balance FSH and facilitate reproductive membrane function
LUTEAL PHASE
The luteal phase starts after ovulation and goes from full to new moon.
It is characterized by a fall in estrogen, FSH, and LH. At this time of the cycle, progesterone levels start increasing. Progesterone regulates estrogen for reproductive and hormonal health.
It is recommended to add during this phase evening primrose oil which supports healthy progesterone levels, reduces inflammation, and regulates estrogen due to its high gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and other omega 6 fatty acids.
The seeds to be used are:
Sesame Seeds
Are high in lignans to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels
Have high levels of omega 6 that help reduce PMS pain
Sunflower Seeds
Contain selenium which helps regulate the balance of sex hormones
Has omega 6 which improves fertility
Follicular Phase Moon Milk Recipe
Follicular Phase Moon Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cups unsweetened soy milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- Pinch of saffron
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground flax seeds
- 1 teaspoon culinary grade lavender buds
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the soy milk with all ingredients, except the flax seeds.
- Soak them from 1-8 hours.
- In a high speed blender add soaked ingredients and blend for 10-20 seconds or until frothy.
- Heat the moon milk on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed throughout.
- Serve with the flax seeds on top and raw honey or maple syrup to taste.
Luteal Phase Moon Milk Recipe
Luteal Phase Moon Milk Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp goji berry powder
- 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon culinary grade rose petals 1 for decoration
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the almond milk with all ingredients.
- Soak them from 1-8 hours.
- In a high speed blender add soaked ingredients and blend for 10-20 seconds or until frothy.
- Heat the moon milk on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed throughout.
- Serve with the rose petals on top and maple syrup or raw honey to taste.
Happy Healing!
Monica Gisella
