8 Treasures for your moon cycle in the Summer
For an empress in her 50s
In Summer, we transition into the Fire element, which governs the Heart. For a woman in her 50s, Summer can be the most challenging season due to external heat compounding menopausal "flushing" or night sweats.
The goal of these Summer "Eight Treasure" variations is to Clear Heart Fire, Nourish Yin Fluids, and prevent the "Summer Heat" from exhausting your Qi.
New Moon/Menstruation
Summer Focus: Cool the Blood & Gently Circulate. While we usually want warmth during the period, Summer requires a balance so that "Heat" doesn't cause heavy bleeding or agitation.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Nourishes Blood)
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves blood and drains Summer dampness)
1 tbsp Red Dates (approx. 3) (Harmonizes the Heart and Spleen)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Blood tonic)
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Protects fluids from heat)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Stabilizes the center)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Kidney support)
Waxing Moon/Follicular
Summer Focus: Generate Fluids & Moisten Dryness. As the moon grows, we focus on replenishing the "Cooling System" of the body. Think of this as internal air conditioning.
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Excellent for clearing "Heart Heat" and anxiety)
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Directly generates body fluids/saliva)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the "Shen" or spirit)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Strengthens the Spleen to transform fluids)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Prevents Summer puffiness)
1 tbsp Goji Berries (Nourishes Yin)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Essence support)
Full Moon/Ovulation
Summer Focus: Clear Fire & Drain Dampness. Energy is at its peak, and Summer heat is at its highest. This blend is the most cooling and "cleansing" to prevent irritability and hot flashes.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Base)
1 tbsp Mung Beans (The ultimate TCM Summer cooling bean)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains damp-heat and helps with water retention)
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Cools the Heart-mind)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Clear Heat from the Heart)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Adds a touch of sweetness/Qi)
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Stabilizes energy so it doesn't "scatter" in the heat)
2 tsp Goji Berries (Vision/Liver support)
Waning moon/Luteal
Summer Focus: Calm the Spirit & Secure the Essence. As the moon wanes, Summer storms often bring humidity. We focus on calming the heart and ensuring the Spleen isn't overwhelmed by "Dampness."
2 tbsp Black Rice
1 tbsp Foxnuts (TCM uses these to "astringe"—preventing the loss of essence through excessive sweating)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Relaxes the nervous system)
1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Digestion support)
1 tbsp Walnut (Brain and Kidney vitality)
1 tbsp Black Sesame (Nourishes the "Deep Yin")
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves fluids to prevent PMS bloating)
1 tbsp Red Dates (Mood stabilizer)
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:
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.
