8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in LATE SUMMER
For an empress in her 40s
In TCM, Late Summer (~late Jul, Aug) is the "Fifth Season." It belongs to the Earth Element and the Spleen/Stomach systems. This is the transition from the peak heat of Summer to the dry crispness of Autumn.
The climate is often characterized by "Damp-Heat"—it’s humid, sticky, and can make the body feel heavy, bloated, or "muddled." For a woman in her 40s, supporting the Spleen during Late Summer is crucial for transforming food into Qi and preventing the "heaviness" that can worsen PMS or sluggish periods.
We will focus on Chinese Yam, Coix Seed, and Foxnuts to "drain dampness" while strengthening the digestive center.
Phase 1: Menstruation
Goal: Resolve Dampness and Support Spleen Qi. Late Summer humidity can make periods feel "cloggy" or heavy. We use Coix seed to drain excess fluids and Adzuki beans to move the blood without overheating the body.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood base)
1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Removes damp/Moves blood)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains puffiness/bloating)
1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Strengthens the Spleen)
1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Nourishes blood)
3 pieces Red Dates (Harmonizes Qi)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Mineral support)
1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Hydrates)
Phase 2: Follicular
Goal: Build "Clean" Blood and Essence. After the period, we want to rebuild, but carefully. In Late Summer, we avoid overly "greasy" tonics that cause dampness. We use Foxnuts and Yam to create "clean" energy.
2 tbsp Black Rice (Foundation)
1-2 slices Chinese Yam (The "Earth" tonic)
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Strengthens Spleen/Kidney)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Hormonal essence)
1 tbsp Goji Berries (Liver blood support)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the mind)
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Moisturizes gently)
1 tbsp Walnuts (Brain/Hormone health)
Phase 3: Ovulation
Goal: Clear Damp-Heat and Stabilize. The "Damp-Heat" of Late Summer can cause mid-cycle breakouts or discharge. Mung beans and Coix seeds are the "cleaners" for this phase.
1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears damp-heat)
2 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains stagnant fluids)
1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Clears heart fire/anxiety)
1 tbsp Lily Buds (Cools the system)
1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Stabilizes the center)
1 tbsp Black Rice (Grounding energy)
1 tsp Goji Berries (Light tonic)
3 pieces Red Dates (Digestive harmony)
Phase 4: Luteal
Goal: Strengthen Spleen and Move Qi. This is when "Spleen Deficiency" shows up as sugar cravings, fatigue, and heavy limbs. We use Foxnuts and Yam to "hold" the energy and Walnuts to keep the mind sharp.
1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Major Spleen support)
1 tbsp Foxnuts (Prevents sagging energy/Qi)
1 tbsp Walnuts (Warming/Brain health)
1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Estrogen balance)
1 tbsp Coix Seed (Reduces pre-period water weight)
2 tbsp Black Rice (Stable fuel)
5 pieces Red Dates (Boosts Qi/Mood)
1 tsp Black Sesame (Lubricates digestion)
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.
