8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the SPRING

For an empress in her 30s

Phase 1:Menstrual

1 Tbsp each

1. Goji berries

2. Red dates

3. Black rice

4. Lotus seed

5. Lily buds

6. Raw peanuts with pink skin

7. Solomon’s Seal

8. Chinese yam

Goal

• Move and replenish Blood after menstruation

• Support Liver circulation

Phase 2: Follicular

1 Tbsp each

1. Black rice

2. Goji berries

3. Chinese yam

4. Lotus seed

5. Foxnuts

6. Solomon’s Seal

7. Red dates

8. Raw peanuts with pink skin

Purpose: Build Blood and Yin for follicle growth.

Phase 3: Ovulatory

1 Tbsp each

1. Goji berries

2. Lotus seed

3. Lily buds

4. Chinese yam

5. Foxnuts

6. Red dates

7. Mung beans

8. Solomon’s Seal

Purpose: Light cooling and fluid support.

Phase 4: Luteal

1 Tbsp each

1. Black sesame

2. Walnut

3. Chinese yam

4. Lotus seed

5. Red dates

6. Foxnuts

7. Goji berries

8. Black rice

Purpose: Nourish Kidney and prepare for next cycle.

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:

   • 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 1 hour.