8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the Summer

For an empress in her 30s

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Summer is the season of the Heart and the element of Fire. Summer heat can exacerbate "Yin deficiency," leading to night sweats, irritability, or heavier periods. The goal during these months is to clear heat, drain dampness, and protect body fluids while still supporting your cycle.

Menstrual Phase

1 Tbsp each

1. Mung beans

2. Lotus seed

3. Lily buds

4. Solomon’s Seal

5. Goji berries

6. Red dates

7. Chinese yam (1-2 slices)

8. Foxnuts

Purpose: Clear mild heat while restoring Blood.

Follicular Phase

1 Tbsp each

1. Black rice

2. Goji berries

3. Lotus seed

4. Chinese yam (1-2 slices)

5. Foxnuts

6. Solomon’s Seal

7. Red dates

8. Lily buds

Purpose: Moistening Yin and building Blood.

Ovulatory Phase

1 Tbsp each

1. Mung beans

2. Lily buds

3. Lotus seed

4. Solomon’s Seal

5. Goji berries

6. Foxnuts

7. Chinese yam (1-2 slices)

8. Red dates

Goal: Protect fluids during peak heat.

Luteal Phase

1 Tbsp each

1. Black sesame

2. Walnut

3. Chinese yam (1-2 slices)

4. Red dates

5. Foxnuts

6. Lotus seed

7. Goji berries

8. Black rice

Goal: Prevent summer heat from weakening digestion.

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather ingredients: Select the 8 ingredients based on your current Menstrual Phase.

2. 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.

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.