How to Make Seeds for Seed Cycling: A Step-by-Step Guide

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to practitioners, seed cycling is an effective, natural method for balancing hormones that involves eating specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Preparing your own seed mixes for seed cycling can be a simple, rewarding process that ensures freshness and potency.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide on preparing fresh seed mixes for seed cycling. It covers the four essential seeds, proper grinding and storage techniques, and methods for integrating them into your diet.

Key Points

Freshly Grind Seeds: For optimal nutrient absorption and to prevent oxidation, grind seeds fresh just before or within a few days of use.
Follow the Cycle Phases: Use flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase (days 1-14) and sesame and sunflower seeds during the luteal phase (days 15-28).
Store Properly: Ground seeds should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and prevent rancidity.
Use Raw, Organic Seeds: To get the most nutrients, purchase raw, organic, and unsalted seeds, as heat can degrade delicate oils.
Track Your Progress: It may take 3-4 cycles to see significant improvements, so be consistent and consider keeping a journal to note any changes.
Incorporate Creatively: Add ground seeds to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or salads to easily integrate them into your daily routine.

Why Making Your Own Seed Mix Is Best

While pre-ground seed mixes are available, preparing your own at home offers significant benefits. The delicate oils in seeds, particularly flax, are prone to oxidation when exposed to air, light, and heat. Grinding your seeds fresh, just before or shortly before consumption, ensures you get the maximum nutritional value and benefit from their potent compounds.

Required Ingredients and Tools

To begin your DIY seed cycling journey, you will need the following:

Seeds: Purchase raw, organic, and unhulled seeds for the highest quality. You will need flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds.
Grinder: A spice grinder, coffee grinder, or high-speed blender is essential for creating a fine, flour-like consistency from the seeds.
Storage: Airtight glass jars are ideal for storing your ground seed mixes.

Preparing Your Phase 1 (Follicular) Seed Mix

This phase covers days 1 through 14 of your cycle, starting on the first day of your period. It is focused on supporting estrogen production with lignan-rich flax seeds and zinc-rich pumpkin seeds.

Measure and Combine: Measure 1 cup of raw pumpkin seeds and 1 cup of whole flax seeds.
Grind Thoroughly: Add the pumpkin seeds and flax seeds to your grinder. Pulse until they form a fine, flour-like consistency. Avoid over-processing, which can turn the mix into a paste.
Transfer and Store: Immediately transfer the ground mix to an airtight glass jar. Store it in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent oxidation and keep it fresh.

Preparing Your Phase 2 (Luteal) Seed Mix

This phase begins after ovulation, around day 15, and continues until your next period. It supports progesterone production with vitamin E-rich sunflower seeds and additional lignan-containing sesame seeds.

Measure and Combine: Measure 1 cup of raw sunflower seeds and 1 cup of sesame seeds.
Grind to a Fine Meal: Grind the sunflower and sesame seeds in your grinder until they reach a fine meal consistency.
Store for Freshness: Place the ground mix into a separate, clearly labeled airtight glass jar. Store this jar in the refrigerator or freezer, just like the follicular mix.

Incorporating Your Seed Mixes into Your Diet

Aim for one to two tablespoons of the relevant seed mix daily. The powdered seeds can be seamlessly incorporated into a variety of meals, making it easy to stay consistent.

Smoothies: Add the ground seeds to your morning smoothie for a nutrient boost.
Oatmeal and Yogurt: Stir the mix into your breakfast oats or a bowl of yogurt.
Toppings: Sprinkle over salads, soups, or avocado toast.
Baked Goods: Use in homemade energy balls, granola, or baked goods.

A Comparison of DIY vs. Pre-Made Seed Mixes


Feature	DIY Fresh-Ground Mixes	Pre-Made Seed Mixes
Freshness	Maximum freshness and potency.	Oils can oxidize over time, reducing potency.
Nutrient Value	Best absorption of vitamins and fatty acids.	Potential loss of heat-sensitive nutrients.
Customization	Full control over ingredients and quality.	Limited to what the brand offers.
Cost	More affordable per serving.	Higher cost due to processing and packaging.
Convenience	Requires preparation time for grinding and storage.	Ready to use, requires no extra steps.
Control	Ensured organic and raw quality from sourcing.	Dependent on the manufacturer's quality control.

Potential Benefits of Seed Cycling

Though scientific evidence is limited and still emerging, seed cycling is associated with numerous benefits by proponents and those who practice it. The practice is believed to support hormonal balance by providing specific nutrients that aid the body's natural processes. These potential benefits may include:

Regulating irregular periods
Easing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Supporting hormonal health for conditions like PCOS
Helping to ease symptoms of menopause
Promoting healthier skin by addressing hormonal acne

Conclusion

Making your own seeds for seed cycling is a straightforward process that provides greater control over the freshness and quality of your ingredients. By grinding seeds like flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower yourself and following a simple storage protocol, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of this natural wellness practice. Consistency is key, and integrating the freshly prepared mixes into your daily diet is easier than you think. While it may require a little extra effort, the peace of mind from knowing your seeds are as potent as possible is well worth the time. Be patient with your body and track your progress over a few cycles to notice the benefits.

[Disclaimer: It is important to note that scientific research on seed cycling is limited. Always consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a new dietary regimen, especially if you have an existing health condition.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, it is highly recommended to grind the seeds, especially flax and sesame, just before eating. This is because whole seeds can pass through your digestive system without allowing your body to absorb their full nutritional benefits.

While grinding fresh daily is ideal, you can grind enough for one phase (14 days) at a time. To preserve freshness, store the batch in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer immediately after grinding.

A typical dosage involves consuming one to two tablespoons of the designated ground seed mix each day during the appropriate cycle phase.

If you have an irregular cycle, you can align with the lunar calendar, starting the follicular phase on the new moon and switching to the luteal phase on the full moon. Alternatively, you can simply follow a 14-day schedule for each phase.

It is best to use raw seeds. The heat from roasting can damage the delicate omega fatty acids and other nutrients, reducing the potential benefits.

A dedicated spice grinder is the most efficient tool for grinding small batches of seeds. A coffee grinder or a high-speed blender can also be used effectively.

Most proponents suggest giving seed cycling at least three to four cycles before assessing its effectiveness. Consistency is more important than immediate results.