8 Treasures for your menstrual cycle in the SPRING

For an empress in her 40s

In Spring, the Liver energy is most active.

TCM philosophy suggests that during this season, we should focus on expanding, moving, and lightening the body to match the rising energy of nature.

Spring is the best time to "clear the pipes"—meaning we use ingredients like Mung beans and Coix seeds to prevent stagnation, while still protecting the Blood.

Here are Spring-specific Eight Treasure variations for each menstrual phase.

Each recipe produces 2 servings.

Phase 1: Menstruation

Focus: Moving Liver Qi and Dispelling Dampness. Spring dampness can make period heaviness feel "sluggish." We want to move the blood without overheating it.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Blood base)

• 1 tbsp Adzuki Beans (Moves blood/reduces dampness)

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

• 5 pieces Red Dates (Circulates Qi)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Digestive support)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Liver blood support)

• 1 tsp Black Sesame (Kidney/Liver tonic)

1. 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Fluid balance)

Phase 2: Follicular

Focus: Nourishing Liver Blood and Yin. As the "Spring sprouts" grow, your body needs the building blocks for a new lining. We shift toward more "sweet" and "moistening" treasures.

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Rebuilding)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Hormonal support/Essence)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Nourishes Yin/Calms mind)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Brightens eyes/Liver)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Nourishes Spleen)

• 1 tbsp Foxnuts (Strengthens Kidneys)

• 1 tbsp Solomon’s Seal (Deep hydration)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Essential fatty acids)

Phase 3: Ovulation

Focus: Activating and Lightening. This is the "Summer within the Spring." We keep the ingredients light to ensure the energy moves upward and outward.

• 1 tbsp Mung Beans (Clears Spring heat)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Drains excess fluids/bloating)

• 1 tbsp Lily Buds (Clears Lung/Heart heat)

• 1 tbsp Lotus Seed (Calms the "Shen" or spirit)

• 1 tbsp Black Rice (Grounding)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Balances hormones)

• 1 tbsp Goji Berries (Antioxidant)

1. 3 pieces Red Dates (Gentle sweetness)

Phase 4: Luteal

Focus: Soothing the Liver and Regulating Qi. This is the most critical phase in Spring. If Liver Qi is blocked, PMS will be high. We use ingredients that "smooth" the edges.

• 1 tbsp Mung Beans (Prevents PMS breakouts/heat)

• 1 tbsp Walnuts (Softens Liver Qi/Brain health)

• 2 tbsp Black Rice (Stabilizing)

• 1 tbsp Coix Seed (Reduces pre-period water retention)

• 1-2 slices Chinese Yam (Stabilizes mood)

• 1 tbsp Black Soy Bean (Regulates estrogen)

• 5 pieces Red Dates (Moves Qi)

• 1 tsp Black Sesame (Eases digestion/constipation)

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.