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Last summer, I searched extensively for a way to balance my hormones and my cycles. I came across the term “seed cycling” and figured I would try it out. Unfortunately, I discovered an issue with seeds and nuts, so I discontinued seed cycling after about a month. I had not seen any improvements yet (it can take about 3 months to see changes).
Then again this spring I revisited this idea as I desperately longed for a solution for my cycles. Although my health has significantly improved thanks to GAPS, eating nutrient dense, fertility promoting foods has not been enough for my cycles to normalize.
Of course I still needed to limit my seeds, so I sought an alternative way to support cycling. There is Lunaception, which I think is a fantastic idea! I would love to do it, but my living situation makes it difficult to practice.
It hit me while listening to a webinar on supporting hormones with essential oils: I could use them in the same way that seed cycling in used!
Many essential oils support general hormone balance, and others contain either phytoestrogens or pytoprogesterones. I also dug a little deeper, and found this post from Holistic Health Herbalist about which essential oils can help for certain concerns.
Using the information I found, I created two blends of essential oils for myself: a follicular blend and a luteal blend. And I really have seen a difference! The first month I used the follicular blend, I was well into a cycle with no sign of ovulation.
Almost immediately, I started to produce cervical mucus and ovulated right around the full moon. After switching to the luteal blend, my luteal phase was lengthened by a single day. While this might not seem like much, my luteal phases had been shrinking over the past several months. Any lengthening is significant!
The next round of essential oil cycling happened without anything happening, which made me worry that the first round had just been a coincidence. However, as soon as I switched back to the follicular blend for a third round, the mucus showed up and soon I ovulated! My luteal phase was even longer this time.
Essential oil cycling is really working for me. Reproductive hormones are a fickle thing, and it can take several months to notice a difference when you are working to support healthy levels and cycles. But it is possible!
Goals of Essential Oils Cycling
Both blends contained essential oils to help balance hormones levels: geranium, frankincense, and ylang ylang.
The follicular blend also contains oils that support the production of estrogen: clary sage, fennel, and coriander. In my personal blend, I also include oil that support cervical mucus and ovarian health. This past year my cervical mucus has been mediocre, and I either ovulate late or not at all. Therefore, these are very important functions for me to support! Someone with relatively healthy cycles may do find with just the base blend. This blend supports the body as it prepares for ovulation.
The luteal blend supports the production of progesterone with thyme and marjoram. I also included one of the ovarian health support oils. I avoided the oils that support cervical mucus production since mucus should dry up during this phase. This blend supports a healthy luteal phase – whether you are looking to sustain a pregnancy or have a longer safe period when trying to avoid pregnancy with NFP.
During the first half of the cycle, the follicular blend is used, and the luteal blend is used during the second half of the cycle. As I will detail later, the cycling can also follow the moon for those with very irregular cycles.
Learn more about reproductive hormones and their cycles here.
Base Oils for Essential Oil Cycling
Geranium – Supports hormonal balance and function; supports the effects of other oils
Frankincense – Has a calming effect, and generally supports cellular function; supports the effects of other oils
Ylang Ylang – Energizes reproductive organs and supports natural hormone balance
Clary Sage – Promotes natural estrogen production
Fennel – One of the most effective pytoestrogenic oils
Coriander Seed – Contains pytoestrogens and supports vaginal lubrication
Thyme – Contains phytoprogesterones
Marjoram – Contains pytoprogesterones
Supporting Oils
Basil and Rosemary – Support ovarian health
Cardamom and Cedarwood – Support detox pathways and help promote healthy cervical mucus
Melaleuca, Myrrh, and Lemon – Support uterine health
Essential Oils Cycling Recipes
Follicular Blend:
25 Clary Sage
15 Fennel
15 Geranium
10 Frankincense
10 Coriander Seed
5 Ylang Ylang
Luteal Blend
25 Thyme
25 Marjoram
15 Geranium
10 Frankincense
5 Ylang Ylang
Place the given number of drops of each essential oil in a 10mL roller bottle. Add in 5-10 drops each of any supporting oils. Top off with fractionated coconut oil.
Learn about essential oils and where to purchase them here.
How to Essential Oil Cycle
Apply the blends by massaging into the bottoms of the feet twice daily. One of these applications could be substituted by rolling the blend onto the abdomen before doing Self Fertility Massage. These blends are safe to use when trying to conceive.
For those with regular cycles: Use the follicular blend starting the first day of your period. After ovulation, switch to the luteal blend.
For those with irregular cycles: Sync your essential oil cycling with the moon. Begin using the follicular blend on the new moon, and continue it until the full moon. Switch to the luteal phase starting on the full moon until the next new moon.
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Thank you for this! I’ve just started researching essential oils for fertility. Silly question… does it matter where I purchase my essential oils? DoTerra is hella expensive. If I purchase the oils you recommend from them that will be around $350!!! I know they have quality EO’s so I’m not knocking them. Do you have a brand of essential oil you would recommend without breaking the bank? Thank you!
Unfortunately, if you are buying all these oils at once, it will be expensive no matter who you buy them from. It is very important that the essential oils are therapeutic grade, and the brands I am familiar with seem to be around same price. With a wholesale account, you can save a lot of money, but it will definitely require an investment. I bought a lot of these with product points I had saved up. Luckily, they last a very long time. Feel free to do your own research.
What is the reason for limiting seeds and nuts
Most elimination diets eliminate seeds and/or nuts because they can cause various problems for people if they are sensitive. For me, I personally found that they trigger overeating, so I try not to have them in the house.
Look into seed cycling. Certain seeds can help and support the different phases in your cycle.
Jennifer, I realize this is a two year old post, however the information can be helpful to someone else. I’ve done extensive reasearch on MLM oil companies and their oils aren’t up to par as they claim. I’ve found Plant Therapy, Rockey Mountain Oils, and Aromatics International to be very reasonably priced and high quality. I recommned looking into them.
Did you do research specifically on Doterra? Can you explain in more detail the research you did?
Eden’s Garden is also a really good brand and not nearly as expensive as Doterra and Young Living. I also like Plant Therapy. Both companies employee real aromatherapist also.
I’m afraid that sourcing, testing, packaging essential oils is not easy! It took years to find pure unadulterated oils. Doterra is the largest and fasted growing company for a reason. Did you know that because of consistency over the years some of doTerra’s oils are recognized by FDA and insurance companies now accept
Look into Rose Mountain Herbs. This is the only trusted oils I use outside of branded products I found. I was a doterra user for years but it was expensive. Rose Mountain Herbs products are quality with a fraction of the price. And the farm is in the U.S.
Young living oil are the best
This sounds AMAZING!! I have recently heard about seed cycling as well but found out I have a lot of food allergies. I LOVE my oils and this would be perfect to do! I have a question, I do not need to worry about being fertile, but do you think it will help regulate your hormones regardless? Thank you!!
Yes! I am trying to avoid pregnancy, so I use this method just to regulate my hormones. It has worked wonders for me and I hope it helps you, too.
What size of roll on bottles did you use? 5 or 10ml? This is a great article by the way!!
Thanks! I use 10mL bottles. I’ll add that into the instructions.
Thank-you for this! Very helpful info! I have PCOS and no periods… What blend would you suggest and at what times? I’m not trying to get pregnant I just want to regulate my hormones and hopefully have normal periods. Thanks!
I would suggest using the two blends in time with the lunar cycle, as stated in the instructions for irregular cycles. Adding basil or rosemary may help support ovarian health as well.
Which blend would you add the basil or rosemary to in order to support ovarian health
I would either add it to the follicular blend or to both blends.
Hi brilliant article, I have been using your 2 blends and managed to fall pregnant after 2 cycles :))), I sadly miscarried at 5 weeks (my 3rd miscarriage in 17 years) I have suspected endometriosis, any suggestions of an EO that I can add to help this?
I’m glad they helped, but I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I unfortunately do not know much about endometriosis and therefore cannot help in that regard. I have heard of many women with endometriosis who have been greatly helped by working with a NaPro doctor and/or natural remedies.
According to Dr Robert Tisserand’s dilution chart, these are very high amounts of EOs especially since you are using such potent, high quality essential oils. May I ask how you came up with that amount?
I used amounts and ratios that I have frequently seen in other roller blends. I find that it works very well for me. However, if anyone is concerned about the dilution, you can always dilute it further.
Would this help someone who doesn’t get a period/ovulate on their own? I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 2 years now
It may. I had very long cycles and it helped shorten them and lengthen my luteal phase. However, it is really just a support measure, so it might not be enough to bring back your cycles.
Hi! I just became pregnant.. would you suggest continuing the luteal phase oil.. I Have still been using it… and didn’t want to stop and have progesterone production slow down.
When I got pregnant I stopped because I didn’t know enough about EOs and pregnancy. I still don’t know enough to feel comfortable making a recommendation. However, I didn’t have any issues with stopping.
Thank you for the insight! There is a ton of conflicting info out there.. so it can be a bit overwhelming. I’ve read plenty about not using any oils for the first trimester…it’s taken us 5 years to get pregnant so I don’t want to do anything to mess it up! Thank you for replying!
I’m currently in my luteal phase and trying to get pregnant, wondering what I should do after I find out I’m pregnant as well. Curious what you ended up doing Amber.
You can continue to use the luteal phase blend to support progesterone production if you wish, but I would increase the dilution. However, I must caution that I have not done much research on essential oils and pregnancy, so you will want to do that yourself. I stopped using the luteal phase blend a few weeks after finding out I was pregnant.
after researching essential oils and their safety during pregnancy, I went ahead and kept using the luteal blend the first trimester and beyond. I had no big issues and my son was born heathy and strong.
most info I found said that if you already use essential oils, your body is used to them. and that makes it safe to use some of them during pregnancy (there are many that are not recommended or abortificant that are to be avoided during pregnancy–myrrh, cardamom, and others, but there are plenty of oils safe for pregnancy if your body is already used to them. talk to your healthcare professional and they can tell you which ones are safe, which to avoid.)
Do what you feel comfortable doing. I personally continued the luteal blend for at least the first trimester and anytime I felt it was needed to keep baby where he needed to be until he was full term. My son is a healthy 10 month old. I felt more comfortable to keep using it just to make sure my progesterone kept high.
Do you keep switching blends at every new moon/full moon or do you take breaks in betweem?
I switched every new and full moon. I didn’t take breaks.
Could you please post the formulation that includes mucus support
If you need extra support, I would simply add 5 drops of cardamom and/or cedarwood to the follicular blend.
I just started using the mix the other day. You had stated to use it on the bottom of your feet. Is there a certain area of the feet you apply it to, or all over the bottom of your feet? Thanks!! I cant wait to see what happens!
Stefani
I generally apply it to the entire underside of my foot. If you do reflexology at all, you can massage it into the pressure points you are targeting.
So glad I came across your blog. I saved it and sat on it for a long while before reaching out to a dear friend who is into Doterra. In the wait I was going through fertility treatments and had dizziness and presyncope events in addition to EKG changes. My husband and I decided to invest in the oils and give this a try with my PCOS. I was coming off the pill and conveniently synced the oils with the moon too. I have know had periods every 30 days which is amazing as well as positive opks. I finally feel so in tune with my body for once in my life. Again thank you! The oils have changed our lives!
I love stories like this! I’m so happy that the oils helped you!
I’ve suffered with acne for a decade now..this may be the saving grace for those who have issues with their hormones& ovaries. Seriously. Granted that eating well& staying active play a role..this is working like magic. Fingers crossed.
Since steering clear of synthetics balancing my body the last three years- the pill, I have not been able to tame my skin. You name it& I’ve tried it. I’m one of those individuals that is willing to try anything to help my skin. Constantly reading& searching. I have a lot of acne scars that have accumulated over the years- I’m not the typical “I have acne, ugh!” meaning three pimples a month type of gal.
Anyhow. Made both blends for this months cycle & my skin has been glowing!
Usually I break out on my chin& jawline in painful, inflamed pimples two weeks prior to my menstrual cycle. In comparison to the breakouts I anticipate getting every month, it’s improved about 90%
I’ve been rubbing the blends on my inner wrists& ankles (ovarian pressure points) twice a day& also consuming “golden milk” for internal inflammation.
Give it a try ladies!
There’s hope& going the natural way is the best way!
Thank you SO much for this wonderful post<3
Thank you for sharing! I’m so happy to hear it worked well for you!
i am struggling with hormonal acne and it really takes a toll on my confidence 🙁 i’ve finally pin pointed it to be worse mid cycle just before ovulation. cystic type acne. i’ve read that this means low estrogen and too much testosterone during this part of the cycle?? however, i’m not actively trying to get pregnant but not wanting to avoid it as my husband and i would like to start a family in the near future. would both of these blends help me with my situation ? thank you for your time and sharing this blog post 🙂 xx
Hi Kayla,
I haven’t used this for acne myself, but if you find that it is related to hormones and your cycle, it is certainly possible that these blends will help you by helping to balance your hormones. If they do, please report back! They can also help prepare your body for pregnancy.
hi! ?
i suffer from terrible hormonal acne and i’ve finally pinpointed it to mid cycle (where i’ve read this means low estrogen and high progesterone). will these blends be helpful for balancing this out for me ??
I have regular periods but the are extremely heavy and last 7 to 10 days. I also have very bad cramping. I am hoping and praying this will give me relief. Do you suggest I follow the instructions for the regular cycle?
If your cycles are regular the instructions for the regular cycle should be fine and probably will be the most beneficial.
I have a regular cycle but my period is very heavy. And my cramps are terrible. I was told I need ablation surgery but am trying to avoid this. I am 38. Should I use the regular cycle blends?
Also I currently is Young Living progessence plus. Should I continue this? Thanks for the help.
I would start with the regular cycle blends and see how it goes. You can always add more if you feel you need.
I don’t have any experience with Progessence Plus, so I can’t speak to that. If you feel like it is helping you right now, you can probably leave it as part of your routine if you want.
I am 47 and was wondering if these blends would be helpful for hormone balance associated with peri menopause?
I honestly can’t say, since I’m not there myself and I haven’t heard from anyone who has used them for menopause. However, I would imagine that since they support your body’s natural hormone regulation, that they could certainly help.
Thank you so much for replying to my question.
I have been using this for 6-9 months now and I find it amazing! My cycle is normal around 28 days, my period lasts from 4-5 days. I have endometriosis so my cycle was anywhere from 21 days to 35 with my period lasting up to 10days. I do use this in combination with a blend I use once a week to treat the endometriosis. I once mixed up the oils and my cycle went mental!! Thanks you so much for documenting and sharing this 😀
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m so happy to hear how well it is working for you!
Can you share the endometriosis once a week blend you used? Thanks! 🙂
What is the blend you used for endometriosis?
I’m really sorry but this was so long ago I don’t remember – I got it off some site and it was a blend I squirted up my V before bed.
I’ve discovered over the last 2 years if I do a 3 day water only fast once a month my period is lower pain and on schedule.
Yes I would love to hear what blend you used for endometriosis. Please share.
I’m really sorry but this was so long ago I don’t remember – I got it off some site and it was a blend I squirted up my V before bed.
I’ve discovered over the last 2 years if I do a 3 day water only fast once a month my period is lower pain and on schedule.
I know it’s been a while since you wrote this – are you still doing this or has your body figured out what it’s supposed to do by itself now?
Also would melrose work in conjunction with either of these? I had seen it suggested for ovarian cysts.
Also, are the supporting oils to be mixed with either blend or are certain supporting oils for certain phases?
Thanks, can’t wait to try this… I have to get more oils … I only have the 3 base oils.
Hi Nicole,
I got pregnant after about 6 months of using the oils and haven’t had a cycle since (yay breastfeeding!), so I don’t have an answer for you. Sorry!
You can mix the supporting oils into any blend, but some may make more sense to add to one or the other. For example, supporting cervical mucus should be done during the follicular phase,
After only ovulating once on my own over the course of a year, my doctor put me on Clomid. However, I stopped after two months due to horrible side effects and not ovulating at all the second month. I was desperate to find something that could balance out my hormones and get me back on track. These blends have helped me ovulate for the past two months on my own! I tell everyone I can about these oils! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing this!
That’s so wonderful, Jessica! Thank you for sharing!
I would like to rub in the bottom of my feet but I work full time so I have been rubbing your blend on my forearms and the side of my ankles. How long does it take for the essential oils to absorb when you put it on the bottom of your feet?
Not too long, usually. I would always put socks over my feet after letting it soak in a bit, so I didn’t have to worry too much.
I would like to try this, and I’ve ordered all of the oils and accompaniments.
I have always been regular, but this year (since December) I haven’t been ovulating or getting my period. The doctor has given me medicine to help me and to see if my body will allow a cycle with help. I did ovulate this month (because of the medicine), and I’m due to get my period 6/1. I’m wondering if I should still start this on the new moon this week, or if I should wait until the first day after the artificially brought on period. I am trying to get pregnant currently, so I want to do what’s best for the cycle to remain as regular as possible. I’m worried if I do the oils this week, it will throw off my period on 6/1. (Although in truth I’m [obviously] hoping with the fact that I’ve ovulated this month, there is no period due to pregnancy).
Wondering your thoughts on this since you’ve done a lot of research and used the method yourself.
Thanks in advance!!
I think because you have always been regular before and you know you have a period coming up, it would be fine to start on the first day of the period. You can always switch to using the moon phases if it doesn’t seem to be working for you.
Thanks, this is what i have been looking for. Thanks for explaining which essential oils to use in each phase, i’m currently following the woman code protocol to regulate my PCOS and hopefully conceive. I believe essential oils really do hold a lot of healing properties.
Would you suggest not using clary sage through all cycle phases? I’m a bit obsessed with it at the moment, and also what are your thoughts on other oils like peppermint, lemon, vanilla etc, could i still use these whenever i wanted?
Thanks you
Since clary sage helps promote estrogen production, it is best to limit it to just the follicular phase – at least at first. After a few cycles you can use it during the luteal phase if you want and see if it affects things or not. Oils not listed in the post should be fine at any time.
Hi! I did seed cycling with ttc for our first baby and it did help but not the extent I needed. Got pregnant after 3 months on vitex 🙂
Anyways…..really wanting baby #2. I am still breastfeeding 3-4 times a day, can I use this blend while nursing? Got first period back at 10 months pp. Cycles are wack still. Ovulated on CD 26.
I know lots of those oils are ok for use while breastfeeding. But haven’t researched all of them. Just thought I’d ask in case you know!
Thanks!
I don’t know off the top of my head, sorry, and I don’t have my book to tell me which ones are. I know peppermint isn’t recommended, but I think these will be fine. Dilute it more if you’re concerned.
Hi there! I am 39 years old and have 2 children. I was diagnosed with PCOS a few years back though blood work that my OB/GYN ordered. I have a monthly period but I have been dealing with the imbalance of hormones as well as higher androgen/testosterone levels. The hormone imbalance has been creating hormonal cystic acne on my chin right before I ovulate and sometimes afterwards until my cycle starts. I also have been losing tons of hair and even have some bald spots now. Would using these oils in the correct cycling fashion help balance out all my hormones and lower the higher levels I’m dealing with as well? Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!!
Using the oils in a cyclical fashion may help balance your hormones. But with so much going on, I of course can’t guarantee anything. I don’t have experience with PCOS, but I would say it is definitely worth a try.
Hello! I have possible PCOS issues. Do you know of anyone who has used this cycling and it has helped with their PCOS? I am going to lose weight and I want to use this in conjunction… I made my blends in dec. 2016 and used it for a month or so, but I haven’t used it since. I still have my little rollers and so I was wondering if you have any insight?
Also, the full moon just passed so I am wondering if I should just start the luteal blend until my period comes back?
Thanks 🙂
I’m not sure; I haven’t heard from anyone who has PCOS. But it is certainly worth a try!
If I become pregnant, would I stop the luteal phase Blend or continue?
You can continue if you wish. I personally did not, but if you are concerned about progesterone production it could help support that.
For the follicular phase you mention using an extra oil for ovarian support. Doesn’t it make more sense to use an extra oil for uterine support? I’m trying to get pregnant so it makes more sense to add an oil for uterine support to help the implantation.
During the follicular phase, some women will want ovarian support to help with ovulation. Uterine support can be helpful for the whole cycle, but implantation does not occur until the luteal phase.
I came across your article while doing some research, I went off birth control in June of 2017 and my menstrual cycles have been 40+ days, I have experience with essential oils and was taking the LLV vitamins but stopped and started taking a prenatal instead in hopes of helping conception. I want to start using your blends, it seems like my follicular phase is the “normal” amount of time and I got a positive ovulation predictor test on day 13 but my luteal phase is much longer than it should be, do you think this will help regulate my cycles? Should I do the lunar phases as you suggest or wait until my next cycle begins?
Sorry for the late reply! To me it sounds like your body might be trying to ovulate, but not succeeding on the first try. It should not be possible for you to have a 40+ day cycle if you ovulate on Day 13. Are you confirming ovulation with temperatures or a doctor visit?
With such long cycles, I would try using the lunar phases.
I know this article is quite old but I used the oils you recommended and got pregnant with my son shortly after, we are now looking to start trying for baby #2 and I was wondering if the roller bottles I made 2 1/2 years ago are still potent and strong enough or if I should make new roller bottles? I don’t know if oils lose their potency after sitting for a while. Thank you!!
As far as I know, essential oils do not lose anything, keep well for years if kept in dark bottles, closed and in a cool, dark place. I keep mine in a drawer in my bedroom. I also used my blends to pregnant and am using again about 19 months later.
I have a question. After a year of not having a period. I decided to give EO a chance. And I’m glad I did! But I’m a little confused about when I should be having a period. Should it be during the follicular blend or luteal blend?
During the follicular blend. Ideally, you would start using the follicular blend the first day of your period.
I don’t have thyme or coriander seed. Is there anything else you would recommend in place of those oils…I have a ton of other oils, but I’m just impatient to have to order & wait for them before making the blend.
I would replace the coriander seed with more fennel oil, and the thyme with more marjoram oil.
For those with irregular cycles: Sync your essential oil cycling with the moon. Begin using the follicular blend on the new moon, and continue it until the full moon. Switch to the luteal phase starting on the full moon until the next new moon.
Please could you explain what you mean by full moon and next new moon
Use a calendar to determine when the new moon and full moon are. On the day of the new moon, start using the follicular blend. On the day of the full moon, start using the luteal blend. Then again on the day of the new moon, begin using the follicular blend again.
I am using an IUD…. i don’t know if it is connected to what is going on with my cycle. After my period, I still have some spotting before it completely stops then days to my next period I also start spotting till the period starts!
What do you suggest to balance this out.
Is it a copper IUD or a hormonal IUD?
I do now have any experience with IUDs, so I am not sure what the best course of action would be. If you have a copper IUD, you could try to follow the plan I laid out and see if it helps.
Which Thyme do you recommend? (Linalool or thymol?) Which Frank? (Carteri, Serrata, or Frereana?) Thanks!
Yes, very interested to know if it’s Red Thyme or Linalool that you use.
I used Thymus vulgaris and the Frank looks like it was a blend of types. To be honest, I just used what I had on hand for those two; I didn’t research if a specific type would be better.
Hi! Is it okay to use geranium during the luteal phase ? Sometimes my cycles are 45 days and sometime 20.
Yes, that is fine.