Yesterday I started my period and had some pretty intense cramps. I cuddled up with my heating pad and went to bed at 9:30pm last night. This morning I felt better, but was still a little weak.

So I decided to make myself a special breakfast to nourish my body.

I learned this recipe from Dr. Maoshing Ni, one of the two brothers who founded Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where I study. This recipe is especially recommended for menopausal women, but is good for anyone who needs a little replenishment and nourishment in her cycles.

It’s very simple to make, and it has a delightful taste as well. My body and I both felt happy after the breakfast. So I wanted to share it with you.

Ingredients:

Walnuts, sunflower seeds, lotus seeds and rice.

I prefer whole walnuts, freshly cracked open from the shells. My mom used to crack walnuts and feed me the fresh meat of the nuts when I was a child in China. Cracking them myself this morning reminded me of her love. Maybe that’s why I like cracking walnuts so much. But the ones you get from the store, already prepared, will do just fine.

For the rice, I prefer sweet rice (brown or white). Sweet rice has a more nourishing effect. But if you don’t have sweet rice, normal rice will do the job.

For lotus seeds, you can get them at your local Chinese or other Asian market. If you can’t find any, let me know and I’ll see if I can put some up on the Cycle Harmony website.

Directions:

Put all of your ingredients into a pot and cover it with filtered water. You want to have enough water so the porridge is moist, but not too wet and not too dry. I usually use one and half cups of water for a half cup of rice.

Turn the heat up to high till the water boils. Then turn the heat to low and cook for about 5-10 minutes.

After that, have a taste and see if it’s to your liking. The porridge has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Quite delightful!

It was so nourishing that my body kept saying, “Yes, yes, and yes!”

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do…