Phase 3 · Inner summer · Full moon
Ovulatory phase
The fullest moment of your cycle. Your energy opens outwards, towards others and towards life.
What happens in your body
Around the middle of your cycle, oestrogen reaches its peak and the ovary releases an egg: that is ovulation. It is your fertile window, and many of us notice it in our discharge, which becomes clearer and stretchier.
It tends to be the summer of your cycle: more energy, more wish to communicate, to create and to be with others.
Plants and herbal teas
Plants that have traditionally accompanied this phase.
Calendula
A sunny, joyful flower, traditionally closely linked to the menstrual cycle.
Raspberry leaf
One of the plants most used in tradition to support the uterus.
Yarrow
A classic plant of herbalists, linked to the cycle since time immemorial.
Summer tea
Raspberry leaf, calendula and yarrow
- 1 teaspoon of raspberry leaf
- A few calendula flowers
- A pinch of yarrow
Pour over freshly boiled water, cover and leave to steep for 7 to 10 minutes. You can let it cool and drink it with ice.
Foods that support you
- Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale): they help your body balance oestrogen.
- Red and brightly coloured fruit: red berries, pomegranate, cherries.
- Fibre and raw food: big salads, quinoa, sautéed vegetables.
- Plenty of water and fresh herbal teas.
- If you eat fish: oily fish for its omega 3.
A vegetarian way of eating, with the option of including fish if you eat it.
Dishes for this phase
Simple ideas for cooking with what feels good these days.
Quinoa, broccoli and pomegranate bowl
Quinoa with sautéed broccoli and kale, pomegranate, avocado and a lemon dressing. If you eat fish, it goes very well with baked salmon.
Red berry bowl
Red berries, cherries and pomegranate with a little yoghurt and a few almonds. Fresh and full of colour.
Yoga poses
Move slowly, breathe, and stay in each pose for as long as it feels good.
Goddess pose (utkata konasana)
Legs wide, knees bent and arms up. It activates the legs and pelvis, and opens the hips with strength and presence.
Camel (ustrasana)
Kneeling, arch your back and rest your hands on your heels. It opens the chest and the whole front of the body. Move in and out of the pose slowly.
Bridge
Lying on your back with your feet on the floor, lift your hips. It strengthens the glutes and back and opens the chest.
Triangle (trikonasana)
Legs wide and straight, lean to one side with one arm reaching to the sky. It stretches the sides of the body and the legs.
Exercise and activities
Exercise
You can give it your all: intense workouts, dancing, team sports, long walks in nature.
Activities
Important conversations, gatherings, women's circles, sharing your work and celebrating.
Plants are powerful too: if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, check with a health professional first. This information is for learning and taking care of yourself; it does not replace a medical consultation.
A word you don't know? Have a look at the glossary.
Share your experience
How do you live this phase? I'd love to read you. With your permission, some experiences will be shared on the site.