8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the WINTER

For an empress in her 40s

In TCM, a woman’s menstrual cycle is viewed as a rhythmic flow of Qi and Blood. Supporting your phases with "warming" and "Essence-building" foods is vital to prevent stagnation and exhaustion.

Since it is Winter, we will focus on the "Black" and "Warm" ingredients from your list to protect your Kidney Jing (essence).

The recipes produce 2 servings.

Phase 1: Menstrual

Goal: Move Blood and Warm the Uterus. During this phase, you want to prevent stasis (cramps) and replenish what is lost. Adzuki beans are the star here as they "move" blood without being too cooling.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood tonic)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves Blood/Reduces bloating)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts with pink skin (Nourishes Blood)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Supports the Spleen/Digestion)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Gentle Liver support)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Keeps fluids balanced)

• 1 tbsp Black Sesame (Mineral support)

• 5 pieces Red Dates (Warmed/Sliced to release sweetness)

Phase 2: Follicular

Goal: Build Blood and Yin. After your period, your body is "empty." This is the time to load up on the most nutrient-dense "treasures" to rebuild your lining and energy.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Deep nourishment)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (High protein/Kidney tonic)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Builds Blood)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Nourishes Yin/Skin)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the Heart)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Healthy fats for hormones)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Astringent; keeps energy in)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Qi tonic)

Phase 3: Ovulation

Goal: Support Qi and Heart. Energy is at its highest, but in your 40s, we want to ensure this "fire" doesn't dry you out. We add "White" moistening ingredients to balance the "Black" tonics.

• 1 tbsp Black Rice (Stabilizing base)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Clears dampness/fluid retention)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deeply hydrating)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Moisturizing)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Connects Heart and Kidney)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Antioxidant support)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Brain/Cognitive boost)

• 1 tbsp Red Dates (Harmonizes the formula)

Phase 4: Luteal

Goal: Warm Yang and Move Qi. In the week before your period, the body needs warmth to ensure a smooth flow. This is the "Kidney Yang" phase. Walnuts and Black Sesame provide the warmth and oils needed to prevent PMS and constipation.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Grounding)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Warming Kidney Yang)

• 1 tbsp Black Sesame (Moisturizes intestines/Skin)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Hormonal balance)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Stabilizes mood/Spleen)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Strengthens the "Gate")

• 5 pieces Red Dates (Warming Qi)

• 1 tbsp Raw Peanuts (Blood precursor)

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.