Natural Rhythms

When we start to truly understand ourselves and our bodies, we realize how much we are intimately connected to nature. Through the natural medicine food provides, we can engage in a synergistic relationship with Earth's gifts to heal ourselves. 

Whether you have PMS, painful periods, irregular cycles, fertility issues, or even if you desire natural contraception, this protocol can be helpful for you as you become more connected with your own internal rhythm and learn how it relates to the natural rhythms all around you. 

It's best to connect this protocol with the lunar cycle, but it isn't necessary. Our bodies are meant to cycle with the moon, with ovulation happening during the full moon when the light is bright and our flow happening when the moon is dark. I will discuss the seeds protocol in relation to this rhythm. 

Follicular Phase

The first half of the protocol is to support our follicular phase. This phase begins on the new moon and it's the first day of our menstrual flow, or Moontime. This phase lasts 14 days, and during this time we want to support estrogen production and absorption. The seeds we consume during this cycle do just that. Around day 14 it will be the full moon and this is when we ovulate. If you record your basal body temperature, this is when your temperature rises. 

Luteal Phase

After ovulation we enter into the luteal phase where we want to support progesterone. The seeds and oils during this phase support this important hormone which is needed if we ever want to conceive. If this hormone is low, it can often lead to recurrent miscarriages. It's important for those mother-to-be's to be aware of this important fertility hormone. 

Soaking

It's best to soak your seeds to remove some of the lignans, phytic acids, tannins, and goitrogens. These are natural compounds that the seeds use to protect themselves, but they also can wreak havoc on our digestive tracts. It isn't 100% necessary to soak your seeds, but if you notice issues with your digestion when you eat nuts and seeds, soaking them may be the answer you have been looking for! 

Soaking Protocol

Soak your seeds in clean water with a tbsp of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon and let them sit overnight, a minimum of 7 hours. In the morning, rinse and strain, dehydrate them in a dehydrator or the oven (<115 degrees) and place in the fridge for a few days.  

Adding the seeds

You can add the following seeds and oils into your diet however you like; be creative! Keeping them at a temperature under 115 degrees helps maintain their nutrients. Add them to your salads, oatmeals, yogurt, or soups, make crackers like the recipes below, or create custom seed blends with dried fruit or nuts to have on the go. 

It may take some time to get used to this habit but know it will become easier with practice. It's a beautiful way to stay connected to your body and your feminine nature! Remember to be patient; our bodies shift slowly. In my medical practice I usually give hormonal protocols 3 months before we evaluate if there have been any shifts. 

Phase 1: Day 1-14

1 tsp soaked ground flax seeds OR 1 tbsp whole flax seeds

1 tsp soaked ground pumpkin seeds OR 1 tbsp whole pumpkin seeds

Flax Oil 

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Cracker Recipe

1 cup raw soaked pumpkin seeds

1 cup soaked flax seeds

1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

2 tsp sea salt

Spice to taste (e.g. rosemary, garlic, pepper, curry powder)

Water or vegetable broth to blend

INSTRUCTIONs  

1. Add to a blender and blend into a pulp

2. Spread in a dehydrator 1/4 inch thick and dehydrate on <115 degrees

3. If you don't have a dehydrator, put them in the oven on the lowest setting with the door slightly cracked for 1-2 hours or until they are dried out

4. Score with a knife halfway through the drying process

5. Dehydrate until chewy or crispy, depending on your preference

Phase 2: Day 15-28

1 tsp soaked ground sunflower seeds OR 1 tbsp whole sunflower seeds

1 tsp soaked ground sesame seeds OR 1 tbsp whole sesame seeds OR tahini

Evening Primrose Oil

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Cracker Recipe

1 cup raw soaked sesame seeds

1 cup raw soaked sunflower seeds

3 tbsp chia seeds (for binding)

1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

2 tsp sea salt

Spice to taste (e.g. rosemary, garlic, pepper, curry powder)

Water or vegetable broth to blend

INSTRUCTIONS  

1. Add to a blender and blend into a pulp

2. Spread in a dehydrator 1/4 inch thick and dehydrate on <115 degrees

3. If you don't have a dehydrator, put them in the oven on the lowest setting with the door slightly cracked

4. Score with a knife halfway through the drying process

5. Dehydrate until chewy or crispy, depending on your preference

   

Seed and nut blend

For a quick snack, consider making a blend with the appropriate seeds + almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, or cashews, dried cranberries, and a few dark chocolate chips. Carry it around in a jar with a lid so you have it with you on the go no matter where you are! 

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If you would like additional guidance on balancing your hormones or feel like specialized testing may be appropriate for you, feel free to reach out and schedule a Free 15-min Introductory Session to see if working with me would be a good fit. 

Happy Hormone Balancing

- Dr. Gordon

Thank you Dr. Koperski, ND for the recipe inspirations and for being an inspiration to me.