8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the AUTUMN

For an empress in her 40s

In TCM, Autumn(September, October, November) is the season of Dryness, governed by the Lungs. This dryness can manifest as parched skin, a scratchy throat, or even "internal dryness" (dry skin, vaginal dryness or constipation).

The goal for Autumn is to Nourish Yin and Lubricate the Body. We use ingredients like Lily buds, Chinese Yam, and Solomon’s Seal to act as internal moisturizers.

Phase 1: Menstrual

Goal: Warm the Blood and Prevent Dry Stagnation.

Even in dry weather, the blood must move. We use Adzuki and Peanuts to ensure flow, while Solomon’s Seal prevents the "Blood Dryness" that can lead to lighter, stop-and-go periods.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood base)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves blood/Drains damp)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts with pink skin (Nourishes blood)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Moisturizes during the flow)

• 5 pieces Red Dates (Circulates Qi)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Protects digestion)

• 1 tsp Black Sesame (Lubricates the system)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Liver/Kidney support)

Phase 2: Follicular

Goal: Deep Lubrication and Essence Building.

This is the "Golden Time" in Autumn to rebuild your fluids. Think of this as an internal "moisturizing mask" for your organs.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Rebuilding)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Major Lung/Skin moisturizer)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Generates body fluids)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Tones the Spleen/Lungs)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Hormonal essence)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Prevents fluid leakage)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Blood tonic)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Healthy oils for skin)

Phase 3: Ovulation

Goal: Balance Moisture and Clear Mild Heat.

As the body "heats up" for ovulation, Autumn dryness can make you feel "fried" or irritable. We use Lotus seeds and Lily buds to keep the Heart cool and the Lungs moist.

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Clears heat/Moisturizes)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the Heart/Shen)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Prevents "Damp-Heat" bloating)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deep hydration)

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Grounding)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Hormone balance)

• 1 tsp Black Sesame (Internal lubrication)

1. 3 pieces Red Dates (Harmonizer)

Phase 4: Luteal

Goal: Support the Kidneys and Soften the Liver.

Dryness in the Luteal phase often leads to "dry constipation" or brittle mood. We use Walnuts and Black Sesame to provide the healthy fats needed to "grease the wheels" for the upcoming period.

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Warms the Kidney/Brain health)

• 1 tbsp Black Sesame (Relieves dry constipation/Skin)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Kidney tonic)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Stabilizes mood)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Strengthens the "Gate")

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Moisturizes the Liver)

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Stable energy)

1. 5 pieces Red Dates (Warming Qi)

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather ingredients: Select the 8 the 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:

   • Pressure Cook 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 1 hour.