8 Treasures and Autumn and Winter meridians

Autumn emphasizes Lung and Large Intestine channels.

9. Lung Meridian

Solar terms

• Cold Dew (寒露, Oct 8–9)

• Frost's Descent (霜降, Oct 23–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

Goal: Moistens lungs and prevents dryness.

• 1 Tbps Lily bulb

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s seal

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

10. Large Intestine Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Winter (立冬, Nov 7–8)

• Minor Snow (小雪, Nov 22–23)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 Tbps Walnut

• 1-2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Black rice

Goal: Supports bowel moisture and lung pairing.

Winter Meridians

Winter nourishes Kidney and Bladder channels.

11. Kidney Meridian

Solar terms

• Major Snow (大雪, Dec 7–8)

• Winter Solstice (冬至, Dec 21–23)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Black soy bean

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 Tbps Walnut

• 1 Tbps Fox nut

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

Goal: Strongest essence-building formula.

12. Bladder Meridian

Solar terms

• Minor Cold (小寒, Jan 5–7)

• Major Cold (大寒, Jan 20–21)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

Goal: Supports kidney-bladder water metabolism.

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Black soy bean

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 Tbps Walnut

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

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 beans, 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.