8 Treasures for your moon cycle in the Late Summer
For an empress in her 50s
In TCM, Late Summer is the "Fifth Season," associated with the Earth element and the Spleen/Stomach systems. For a woman in her 50s, this is the season of Dampness. If your Spleen is weak, you may feel heavy, bloated, or experience "brain fog."
The goal of these recipes is to Transform Dampness and Harmonize the Center to prepare the body for the dryness of Autumn.
New Moon / Menstrual Phase
Late Summer Focus: Drain Dampness & Circulate Blood. Humidity in Late Summer can make the period feel "stagnant" or heavy. We use ingredients that move water and blood simultaneously.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood base)
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Excellent for draining "Damp-Heat" and moving blood)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains puffiness and lower-body heaviness)
1 tbsp Red Dates (3-4 pieces) (Protects the Spleen Qi during the release)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Nourishes blood)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Grounds the digestion)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Kidney support)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Essence)
Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase
Late Summer Focus: Strengthen the Spleen & Build Yin. As the moon grows, we focus on the "Earth" providing nutrients to the rest of the body. We want to build blood without creating "cloying" dampness.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (The ultimate "Earth" tonic for hormones)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the mind and strengthens digestion)
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Yin support that isn't too "heavy")
1 tbsp Goji Berries (Liver/Kidney nourishment)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Keeps the formula light and digestible)
1 tbsp Walnut (Brain health)
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Clears lingering summer heat)
Full Moon / Ovulation Phase
Late Summer Focus: Clear Damp-Heat & Stabilize Qi. At the peak of the lunar cycle, internal heat can combine with external humidity to cause "Damp-Heat" (skin breakouts or irritability). This blend is stabilizing.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears the last of the Summer heat)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (The star for clearing dampness)
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Strengthens the Spleen and "locks" in the energy)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Regulates the Heart/Spleen connection)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (The digestive anchor)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Harmonizes the ingredients)
2 tsp Goji Berries (Antioxidant boost)
Waning Moon / Luteal Phase
Late Summer Focus: Warm the Center & Prevent Heaviness. As the moon wanes, the Spleen often feels tired. We use "Astringent" ingredients to prevent energy from leaking and to reduce pre-cycle bloating.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Specifically prevents "leaking" of fluids and Qi)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Provides consistent energy)
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Drains water retention/bloating)
1 tbsp Walnut (Warms the Kidney to support the Spleen)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Reinforces the foundation)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Stabilizes the mood)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Nourishes the "Jing")
Cooking Instructions
Gather ingredients: Select the 8 ingredients based on your current Moon/Menstrual Phase.
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.
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 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.
