8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the Winter
For an empress in her 30s
Winter requires nourishment, especially the Kidneys as they are the root of life. When Kidney Essence is low—it manifests as deep-seated fear, insecurity, or burnout.
The Soup’s Impact:
Black Beans, Black Sesame, and Walnuts fortify the Kidneys.
Move from fear to wisdom and willpower. It provides a foundation of emotional security, making you feel more resilient against life's stressors.
Menstrual Phase
1 Tbps Black rice
1 Tbps Goji berries
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal
1 Tbps Foxnuts
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Adzuki bean
Goal: Restore Blood after bleeding.
Follicular Phase
1 Tbps Black rice
1 Tbps Goji berries
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 Tbps Foxnuts
1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Black soy beans
Goal: Build deep Yin and Blood.
Ovulatory Phase
1 Tbps Goji berries
1 Tbps Lotus seed
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
1 Tbps Foxnuts
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Solomon’s Seal
1 Tbps Lily bulb
1 Tbps Black rice
Goal: Support fluid and Qi expansion.
Luteal Phase
1 Tbps Black sesame
1 Tbps Walnut
1 Tbps Black soy beans
1 Tbps Black rice
1 Tbps Goji berries
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese yam
3-6 pieces of Red dates
1 Tbps Raw Peanuts with pink skin
Purpose: Tonify Kidney Yang and essence.
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.
