8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the Autumn
For an empress in her 30s
Dryness in Autumn can lead to a sense of melancholy or inability to move past loss. The Lungs govern "letting go."
The Soup’s Impact:
Solomon’s Seal and Lily buds moisten the Lungs.
Move from grief to courage. By moistening the Lungs, you allow the body to "exhale" old emotions and find clarity.
Menstrual Phase
1 Tbsp each
Lily buds
Solomon’s Seal
Lotus seed
Goji berries
Red dates
Black rice
Raw peanuts
Foxnuts
Purpose: Restore Blood and moisture.
Follicular Phase
1 Tbsp each
Black rice
Goji berries
Solomon’s Seal
Chinese yam
Lotus seed
Foxnuts
Red dates
Lily buds
Purpose: Deep Yin nourishment
Ovulatory Phase
1 Tbsp each
Lily buds
Solomon’s Seal
Lotus seed
Goji berries
Foxnuts
Chinese yam
Red dates
Mung beans
Purpose: Prevent dryness and internal heat.
Luteal Phase
1 Tbsp each
Black sesame
Walnut
Black rice
Chinese yam
Lotus seed
Red dates
Longan
Goji berries
Purpose: Warm Blood and calm the spirit.
Cooking Instructions
Gather ingredients: Select the 8 ingredients based on your current Menstrual Phase.
Soak and Prep: * If it's a seed, nut, bean, or dried item (like Foxnuts, Coix seed, 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.
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.
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.
