8 Treasures for your moon cycle in the Autumn

For an empress in her 50s

In TCM, Autumn is the season of the Metal element, which governs the Lungs and Large Intestine. For a woman in her 50s, Autumn is the "Dry Season." The decreasing humidity can trigger "Menopausal Dryness"—itchy skin, dry throat, and a more pronounced "Yin Deficiency" (night sweats).

The goal of these recipes is to Moisten the Lungs, Nourish the Skin, and Preserve Fluids.

New Moon / Menstrual Phase 

Autumn Focus: Warm the Blood & Prevent Dryness.

Cold winds start to pick up in Autumn. We need to keep the blood moving so it doesn't "freeze" or stagnate, while ensuring the body stays hydrated.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Nourishes Blood)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (The premier herb for moistening without being "greasy")

• 1 tbsp Red Dates (approx. 3-4) (Warms and circulates Qi)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts with pink skin (Nourishes the "Lung-Skin" connection)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Kidney support)

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Protects the digestive "Earth" that supports "Metal")

• 1 tsp Black Sesame (Lubricates the intestines)

• 1 tsp Goji Berries (Liver Blood)

Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase 

Autumn Focus: Deeply Nourish Lung & Kidney Yin.

As the moon grows, we focus on "building the reservoir." This blend is specifically designed to combat menopausal skin dryness and dry eyes.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Specific for moistening Lungs and calming "Dry Cough" or anxiety)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Lubricates the joints and skin)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Hydrates the Liver/Eyes)

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

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Provides a creamy, hydrating base)

• 1 tbsp Walnut (Moistens the Lungs and Brain)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Lung tonic)

Full Moon / Ovulation Phase 

Autumn Focus: Clear Dry-Heat & Stabilize the Mind.

When the moon is full in Autumn, the "Metal" energy can feel sharp or brittle. We use ingredients that soften the energy and clear any "Heat" caused by dryness.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Cools the "Heart-Fire" caused by dryness)

• 1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears any lingering internal heat)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Balances fluids so they don't stagnate)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Directly addresses "Yin Deficiency" heat)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Stabilizes the heart/sleep)

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Grounding)

• 2 tsp Goji Berries (Antioxidant support)

Waning Moon / Luteal Phase 

Autumn Focus: Secure the Essence & Lubricate the Body.

As we head toward winter, we focus on "closing the gates." We use seeds and nuts to provide the healthy fats needed for hormone production and to prevent constipation (a common Autumn/Metal issue).

• 2 tbsp Black Rice

• 1 tbsp Black Sesame (The "Black Treasure" for lubricating the bowels and skin)

• 1 tbsp Walnut (Warms the Kidneys and moistens the Lungs)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Prevents loss of fluids/essence)

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Strengthens the Spleen/Lung connection)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Circulates fluids to prevent pre-period heaviness)

• 1 tbsp Red Dates (Harmonizes mood)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Reinforces the foundation)

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.