8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the SUMMER

For an empress in her 40s

In TCM, Summer is the season of the Heart and the element of Fire. Summer heat can exacerbate "Yin deficiency," leading to night sweats, irritability, or heavier periods. The goal during these months is to clear heat, drain dampness, and protect body fluids while still supporting your cycle.

Here are your Summer-specific Eight Treasure variations, focusing on lighter, more "cooling" (Yin-supporting) ingredients.

Phase 1: Menstruation

Focus: Cooling the Blood and Moving Stagnation. Summer heat can make the blood "reckless" (heavier flow). We use Mung beans and Coix seeds to keep the body cool while Red Dates ensure the Qi keeps moving.

• 1 tbsp Mung beans (Clears summer heat)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki beans (Moves blood/Drains damp)

• 1 tbsp Raw peanuts with pink skin (Blood tonic)

• 2 tbsp Black rice (Foundation)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Protects the Spleen)

• 3 pieces Red dates (Circulates Qi)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Hydrates)

• 1 tsp Black sesame (Mineral support)

Phase 2: Follicular

Focus: Replenishing Fluids and Blood. Sweating in summer depletes "Jin Ye" (body fluids). We focus on "moistening" treasures to rebuild the uterine lining without trapping heat.

• 2 tbsp Black rice (Rebuilding base)

• 1 tbsp Lily buds (Nourishes Yin/Calms Heart)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deep hydration)

• 1 tbsp Black soy bean (Kidney/Hormonal essence)

• 1 tbsp Goji berries (Brightens Liver/Eyes)

• 1 tbsp Lotus seed (Spleen support)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Astringent; holds in fluids)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Qi tonic)

Phase 3: Ovulation

Focus: Balancing Fire and Clearing Damp. During ovulation, internal heat peaks. We use Coix seed and Mung beans to ensure that "Summer Damp" doesn't interfere with a clear cycle.

• 2 tbsp Coix seed (Major damp-drainer/Skin clearing)

• 1 tbsp Mung beans (Cools the system)

• 1 tbsp Lotus seed (Clears Heart fire/Anxiety)

• 1 tbsp Lily buds (Soothes the spirit)

• 1 tbsp Black rice (Grounding)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Hormone balance)

• 1 tsp Goji berries (Light antioxidant)

• 3 pieces Red dates (Harmonizer)

Phase 4: Luteal

Focus: Calming the "Shen" (Spirit) and Reducing Bloat. Summer PMS often manifests as "Heart Fire"—anxiety, insomnia, or mouth sores. We prioritize the calming properties of Lily and Lotus.

• 1 tbsp Mung beans (Prevents "PMS Heat" and acne)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Healthy fats for brain/mood)

• 1 tbsp Black soy bean (Regulates estrogen)

• 2 tbsp Black rice (Stable energy)

• 1 tbsp Coix seed (Anti-bloating)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Moisturizes the Liver)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam  (Stabilizes the "Center")

• 5 pieces Red dates (Sweetens the mood)

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:

• 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.