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 Tbps Mung beans

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Lily bulbs

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

Purpose: Clear mild heat while restoring Blood.

Follicular Phase

• 1 Tbps Black rice

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Lily bulbs

Purpose: Moistening Yin and building Blood.

Ovulatory Phase

• 1 Tbps Mung beans

• 1 Tbps Lily bulbs

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

Goal: Protect fluids during peak heat.

Luteal Phase

• 1 Tbps Black sesame

• 1 TbpsWalnut

• 1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam

• 3-6 pieces of Red dates

• 1 Tbps Foxnuts

• 1 Tbps Lotus seed

• 1 Tbps Goji berries

• 1 Tbps 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, 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.