8 Treasures for your moon cycle in the Winter

For an empress in her mid 50s and beyond

In TCM and lunar-based wellness, the winter season represents the maximum Yin (cold, stillness, storage). For a woman in her 50s, syncing these recipes with the lunar cycle (since the menstrual cycle often mirrors the moon during/after menopause) helps stabilize hormones and preserve Jing (essence).

The New Moon corresponds to the Menstrual Phase, while the Full Moon corresponds to Ovulation.

1. New Moon / Menstrual Phase 

TCM Focus: Move Blood and Warm the Uterus. During the winter "New Moon," the body is at its most Yin. You need to prevent "Cold Uterus" symptoms (cramping or stagnation).

1. 2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood tonic)

2. 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Warms the Kidney)

3. 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts with pink skin (Nourishes Blood)

4. 1 tbsp Red Dates (approx. 4, sliced) (Moves Qi)

5. 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Supports Spleen)

6. 1 tsp Black Sesame (Enriches Essence)

7. 1 tsp Goji Berries (Liver Blood)

8. 1/2 tsp Cinnamon or Ginger (Optional add-on for winter warmth)

2. Waxing Moon / Follicular Phase 

TCM Focus: Nourish Yin and Blood. This is the "Spring" of your internal cycle. We focus on replenishing the fluids and blood lost during the previous phase to prepare for the energy of the month.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Base)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deeply hydrating Yin tonic)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Tonifies Blood)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Moistens and calms)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Builds Spleen)

• 1 tbsp Walnut (Brain and Kidney support)

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Qi stabilizer)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Clears any lingering dampness)

3. Full Moon / Ovulation Phase

TCM Focus: Invigorate Qi and Heart Fire. Energy is at its highest. Even in winter, we want to ensure Qi flows smoothly to prevent irritability or "Full Moon" insomnia.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice

• 1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears excess internal heat/inflammation)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains fluids/bloating)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Heart-soothing)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the Spirit)

• 1 tbsp Red Dates (Circulates Qi)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Blood health)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Brightens energy)

4. Waning Moon / Luteal Phase

TCM Focus: Support Yang and Warm the Spleen. In the week before the New Moon, progesterone-like energy requires warmth. In winter, this is when you may feel the most fatigued or sensitive to cold.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice

• 1 tbsp Walnut (Essential for Yang/Warmth)

• 1 tbsp Black Sesame (Deep Kidney nourishment)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Astringent; prevents energy leakage)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves water, reduces pre-period bloating)

• 1 tbsp Chinese Yam (Digestive support)

• 1 tbsp Red Dates (Stabilizes mood)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Reinforces the "Water" element)

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.