8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the Late Summer
For an empress in her 30s
Late Summer highlights the Spleen, the Mother Earth element of the body. When weak, she creates obsessive worry, brain fog and fatigue.
The Soup’s Impact:
Chinese Yam and Foxnuts stabilize the Earth element.
These two sun drys are astringents and stops the "mental looping" and helps you feel physically and emotionally held.
Menstrual Phase
1 Tbps Adzuki beans
1 Tbps Mung bean
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Raw peanuts with pink skin
1 Tbps Goji berries
1 Tbps Foxnuts
Purpose: Move Blood while draining dampness.
Follicular Phase
1 Tbps Black rice
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 Tbps Foxnuts
1 Tbps Goji berries
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Raw peanuts
1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal
Purpose: Build Blood without creating dampness.
Ovulatory Phase
1 Tbps Mung beans
1 Tbps Adzuki beans
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Foxnuts
1 Tbps Goji berries
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal
Purpose: Balance fluids and dampness.
Luteal Phase
1 Tbps Black sesame
1 Tbps Walnut
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 Tbps Foxnuts
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Black soy bean
1 Tbps Goji berries
Purpose: Strengthen Kidney and Spleen before menstruation.
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, 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.
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.
