8 Treasures for your moon cycle in the Spring
For an empress in her 50s
In TCM, Spring (March, April, May) is the season of the Liver and the Wood element. For a woman in her 50s, Spring can be a turbulent time because the "Rising Qi" of the season can clash with menopausal "Deficiency Heat," leading to irritability, headaches, or sleep issues.
The goal here is to Smooth the Liver Qi while still nourishing the Kidney essence.
1. New Moon / Menstrual Phase
Spring Focus: Smooth Liver Qi & Nourish Blood. Since Spring energy is expansive, we use ingredients that help "unclog" any stagnation from the winter.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood base)
1 tbsp Goji Berries (Directly tonifies Liver blood)
1 tbsp Red Dates (approx. 4) (Circulates Qi to prevent cramping)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts with pink skin (Nourishes the "Sea of Blood")
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Kidney support for the "Roots")
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Keeps the "Wood" moist so it doesn't become brittle)
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese Yam (Grounding)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Essence)
2. Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase
Spring Focus: Nourish Liver Yin & Brighten Vision. As the moon grows, we focus on "watering the plants." We want to build juicy Yin to prevent menopausal dryness (dry eyes/skin) which is common in Spring.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Specific for soothing the "Liver Fire")
1 tbsp Goji Berries (Brightens the eyes and skin)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the mind for the growing energy)
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deeply hydrating)
1 or 2 sticks of Chinese Yam (Provides the "Earth" to support the "Wood")
1 tbsp Walnut (Brain health/Omega-3s)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Gentle detox)
3. Full Moon / Ovulation Phase
Spring Focus: Clear Heat & Ascending Yang. In Spring, the Full Moon can feel intense. If you experience hot flashes or night sweats, this blend helps "cool" the blood without freezing the digestion.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears Liver heat and toxins)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains dampness and puffiness)
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Cools the Heart)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Stabilizes the spirit)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Harmonizes the formula)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Blood health)
2 tsp Goji Berries (Antioxidant support)
4. Waning Moon / Luteal Phase
Spring Focus: Harmonize Liver and Spleen. The "Wood" (Liver) often overpowers the "Earth" (Spleen/Digestion) during this phase, leading to bloating or mood swings. We focus on "securing" the center.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Strengthens the Spleen against Liver "attack")
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Astringent; holds the energy in)
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves Liver Qi and helps with water retention)
1 tbsp Walnut (Supports the Kidneys/Yang)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Stabilizes the mood)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Reinforces the foundation)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Nourishes the hair and bones)
Cooking Instructions
Gather ingredients: Select the 8 the ingredients based on your current 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 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.
