8 Treasures for the Summer meridians

In the summer, heat stresses Pericardium and Triple Burner channels.

5. Pericardium Meridian

Solar terms

• Grain in Ear (芒种, Jun 5–7)

• Summer Solstice (夏至, Jun 21–22)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Lily bulb

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s seal

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Mung bean

Goal: Protects heart from summer heat.

6. Triple Burner (San Jiao) Meridian

Solar terms

• Minor Heat (小暑, Jul 6–8)

• Major Heat (大暑, Jul 22–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 Tbps Mung bean

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Adzuki bean

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

Focus: Helps regulate fluid metabolism and sweating.

Late Summer Meridians

Focus shifts to Spleen and Stomach channels.

7. Spleen Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Autumn (立秋, Aug 7–9)

• End of Heat (处暑, Aug 22–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Adzuki bean

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

• 1 Tbps of Peanuts

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

Goal: Strengthens digestion and qi production.

8. Stomach Meridian

Solar terms

• White Dew (白露, Sep 7–9)

• Autumn Equinox (秋分, Sep 22–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Foxnut

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps of Peanuts

• 3-6 pieces of Red date

• 1 Tbps Goji berry

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

Focus: Supports transformation of food into qi and blood.

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.