8 Treasures for the Spring and early summer meridians

Spring emphasizes Liver and Gallbladder channels, which govern circulation of qi and blood.

1. Gallbladder Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Spring (立春, Feb 3–5)

• Rain Water (雨水, Feb 18–20)

Eight Treasures Ingredients

• 1-2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Adzuki bean

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces Red dates

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

Focus: Supports bile flow, qi movement, and blood nourishment.

2. Liver Meridian

Solar terms

• Awakening of Insects (惊蛰, Mar 5–7)

• Spring Equinox (春分, Mar 20–21)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Adzuki bean

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 Tbps Black rice

Focus: Liver blood and tendon nourishment.

Early Summer Meridians

Early summer emphasizes Heart and Small Intestine channels.

3. Heart Meridian

Solar terms

• Pure Brightness (清明, Apr 4–6)

• Grain Rain (谷雨, Apr 19–21)

Purpose: Calms Shen (spirit) and supports heart fluids.

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Lily bulb

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces Red date

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Mung bean

4. Small Intestine Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Summer (立夏, May 5–7)

• Grain Buds (小满, May 20–22)

Supports fluid regulation and digestion.

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1-2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Mung bean

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Lily bulb

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather ingredients: Select the 8 ingredients based on the 24 Solar Term.

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.