8 Treasures and Autumn and Winter meridians

Autumn emphasizes Lung and Large Intestine channels.

9. Lung Meridian

Solar terms

• Cold Dew (寒露, Oct 8–9)

• Frost's Descent (霜降, Oct 23–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Lily bulb

2. Solomon’s seal

3. Lotus seed

4. Chinese yam

5. Foxnut

6. Goji berry

7. Red date

8. Black sesame

Moistens lungs and prevents dryness.

10. Large Intestine Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Winter (立冬, Nov 7–8)

• Minor Snow (小雪, Nov 22–23)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Black sesame

2. Walnut

3. Chinese yam

4. Lotus seed

5. Foxnut

6. Goji berry

7. Red date

8. Lily bulb

Supports bowel moisture and lung pairing.

Winter Meridians

Winter nourishes Kidney and Bladder channels.

11. Kidney Meridian

Solar terms

• Major Snow (大雪, Dec 7–8)

• Winter Solstice (冬至, Dec 21–23)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Black rice

2. Black soy bean

3. Black sesame

4. Walnut

5. Longan

6. Chinese yam

7. Goji berry

8. Red date

Strongest essence-building formula.

12. Bladder Meridian

Solar terms

• Minor Cold (小寒, Jan 5–7)

• Major Cold (大寒, Jan 20–21)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Black rice

2. Black soy bean

3. Black sesame

4. Walnut

5. Chinese yam

6. Lotus seed

7. Goji berry

8. Red date

Supports kidney-bladder water metabolism.

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.