8 Treasures for the Spring and early summer meridians

Spring emphasizes Liver and Gallbladder channels, which govern circulation of qi and blood.

1. Gallbladder Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Spring (立春, Feb 3–5)

• Rain Water (雨水, Feb 18–20)

Eight Treasures Ingredients

1. Chinese yam

2. Lotus seed

3. Foxnut

4. Adzuki bean

5. Goji berry

6. Red date

7. Peanut

8. Black sesame

Focus: Supports bile flow, qi movement, and blood nourishment.

2. Liver Meridian

Solar terms

• Awakening of Insects (惊蛰, Mar 5–7)

• Spring Equinox (春分, Mar 20–21)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Chinese yam

2. Lotus seed

3. Adzuki bean

4. Foxnut

5. Goji berry

6. Red date

7. Black sesame

8. Walnut

Focus: Liver blood and tendon nourishment.

Early Summer Meridians

Early summer emphasizes Heart and Small Intestine channels.

3. Heart Meridian

Solar terms

• Pure Brightness (清明, Apr 4–6)

• Grain Rain (谷雨, Apr 19–21)

Purpose: Calms Shen (spirit) and supports heart fluids.

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Lotus seed

2. Lily bulb

3. Solomon’s seal

4. Chinese yam

5. Goji berry

6. Red date

7. Foxnut

8. Mung bean

4. Small Intestine Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Summer (立夏, May 5–7)

• Grain Buds (小满, May 20–22)

Supports fluid regulation and digestion.

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Lotus seed

2. Chinese yam

3. Foxnut

4. Mung bean

5. Coix seed

6. Goji berry

7. Red date

8. Lily bulb

Cooking Instructions

1. Gather ingredients: Select the 8 the ingredients based on the 24 Solar Term. Add 2 Tablespoons of jasmine rice or black rice as a base.

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.