8 Treasures for the Summer meridians

In the summer, heat stresses Pericardium and Triple Burner channels.

5. Pericardium Meridian

Solar terms

• Grain in Ear (芒种, Jun 5–7)

• Summer Solstice (夏至, Jun 21–22)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Lotus seed

2. Lily bulb

3. Solomon’s seal

4. Goji berry

5. Red date

6. Foxnut

7. Chinese yam

8. Mung bean

Goal: Protects heart from summer heat.

6. Triple Burner (San Jiao) Meridian

Solar terms

• Minor Heat (小暑, Jul 6–8)

• Major Heat (大暑, Jul 22–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Mung bean

2. Coix seed

3. Adzuki bean

4. Lotus seed

5. Chinese yam

6. Foxnut

7. Goji berry

8. Red date

Focus: Helps regulate fluid metabolism and sweating.

Late Summer Meridians

Focus shifts to Spleen and Stomach channels.

7. Spleen Meridian

Solar terms

• Start of Autumn (立秋, Aug 7–9)

• End of Heat (处暑, Aug 22–24)

Eight Treasure Ingredients

1. Chinese yam

2. Lotus seed

3. Foxnut

4. Coix seed

5. Adzuki bean

6. Red date

7. Peanut

8. Goji berry

Goal: Strengthens digestion and qi production.

8. Stomach Meridian

Solar terms

• White Dew (白露, Sep 7–9)

• Autumn Equinox (秋分, Sep 22–24)

Eight Treasures

1. Chinese yam

2. Lotus seed

3. Foxnut

4. Coix seed

5. Peanut

6. Red date

7. Goji berry

8. Black sesame

Focus: Supports transformation of food into qi and blood.

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.