8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the SPRING

For an empress in her 30s

---

In the Spring, when Liver Qi stagnates you might feel irritability, PMS rage, and resentment.

• The Soup’s Impact in this season: Using Goji berries and Mung beans softens the Liver.

• Emotional Result: You move from frustration to kindness and flow. It allows you to navigate the Luteal phase without feeling like a "pressure cooker."

Phase 1:Menstrual

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Lily bulbs

• 1 Tbps Raw peanuts with pink skin

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

Goal

• Move and replenish Blood after menstruation

• Support Liver circulation

Phase 2: Follicular

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Raw peanuts with pink skin

Purpose: Build Blood and Yin for follicle growth.

Phase 3: Ovulatory

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Lily bulbs

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Mung beans

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

Purpose: Light cooling and fluid support.

Phase 4: Luteal

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 Tbps Walnut

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 Tbps Black rice

Purpose: Nourish Kidney and prepare for next cycle.

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather ingredients: Select the 8 ingredients based on your current Menstrual Phase.

2. Soak and Prep: * If it's a seed, nut, bean, or dried item (like Foxnuts, adzuki bean, or rice): Soak it overnight in a bowl of water to remove phytic acid and improve nutrient absorption. Drain and rinse before cooking.

   • If it's a goji berry: Don't soak it; these can be added directly to the pot after the pressure release, while the soup is still piping hot. They only need 2-3 minutes to soften. 

   • If it's a red date: Make sure you tear it in half (or slice it) to release its medicinal properties and natural sweetness into the broth.

3. Water Levels: Because the Instant Pot has very little evaporation, use a 1:3 ratio (1 part ingredients to 3 parts water) for a thicker congee, or 1:5 for a traditional "thin" medicinal soup. You can also use soy milk. I generally use about 2-3 cups. 

4. Cook:

   • High Pressure Method: Place all prepared ingredients and water into the Instant Pot. Place it on High Pressure for 30 minutes with a Natural Release of 10 minutes before performing a full manual release.

   • Slow Cook Method: If you prefer the slow cook setting, place all ingredients into the pot and Slow Cook for 60-90 mins.