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.
