Tremella fuciformis
What is Tremella?
Tremella, also known as the snow fungus, silver ear mushroom, or white jelly mushroom, is a shimmering, translucent fungus that has been treasured in traditional Chinese medicine and beauty rituals for over 2,000 years. Resembling a delicate white coral, Tremella is not only a visual wonder — it is a nutritional and medicinal powerhouse.
Unlike many medicinal mushrooms, Tremella does not grow on trees alone. It’s parasitic — meaning it feeds off other fungi (typically Hypoxylon species) to grow. This unique relationship produces one of the most hydrating natural ingredients known to modern skin science — and a remarkable internal ally for immune function, skin elasticity, gut integrity, and brain performance.
Nutritional Profile (per 100g dry powder)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | ~350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 65–70 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 15–20 g |
| Protein | 7–9 g |
| Fat | <1 g |
| Polysaccharides | 25–30 g |
| Beta-glucans | 10–12 g |
| Iron | 2.5–4 mg |
| Potassium | 300–500 mg |
| Calcium | 100–150 mg |
| Vitamin D | Trace amounts |
Health Benefits – What Can Tremella Help With?
Tremella is not just “good for your skin.” It supports whole-body vitality, and research shows it may play a role in managing or preventing the following:
- Skin aging: Tremella polysaccharides are known to retain moisture better than hyaluronic acid
- ADHD: By supporting brain hydration and reducing oxidative stress
- Leaky gut syndrome: Helps repair the mucosal lining and supports gut flora
- Type 2 diabetes: May help regulate blood sugar through polysaccharide activity
- Insulin resistance: Enhances cellular hydration and insulin sensitivity
- Immune deficiency: Boosts T-cell and NK-cell activity
- Chronic inflammation: Tremella has natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Respiratory health: Soothes lungs and mucus membranes
- Cognitive fatigue: Supports memory and brain fluid balance
How to Use Tremella – Culinary, Medicinal, Cosmetic, Garden
In the kitchen:
Tremella has a subtle flavor and a jelly-like texture when rehydrated.
Use it in:
- Soups (especially sweet Chinese-style desserts)
- Broths with goji berries and dates
- Smoothies, jellies, or hydration gels
- Overnight “fungal pudding” with chia and plant milk
In herbalism:
Used for lung yin deficiency, dry coughs, throat irritation, and post-illness recovery. Helps moisten dryness in the lungs, intestines, and skin. It’s often paired with astragalus or licorice in traditional formulas.
In cosmetics:
Tremella is now a star in the beauty world:
- Boosts skin moisture retention
- Improves elasticity
- Reduces fine lines
- Naturally brightens skin tone
- Used in serums, creams, and hydrating face masks
In gardening:
While Tremella is not your average garden mushroom, it’s part of forest ecology. Its fungal host makes it a bioindicator of healthy wood decay cycles. In permaculture, fungal diversity including jelly fungi supports soil microbiota.
Best Pairings – What to Combine It With
To boost Tremella’s effects, combine it with:
- Goji berries → Antioxidant synergy and blood tonification
- Licorice root → Gut and respiratory support
- Collagen peptides or bone broth → Skin and connective tissue regeneration
- Vitamin C-rich fruits (like sea buckthorn or acerola) → Enhanced skin glow and immune function
- Adaptogens (ashwagandha, reishi, or schisandra) → Stress resilience and hormonal balance
- Chia or flax seeds → Hydration, fiber, and omega synergy
Did You Know…?
- Tremella holds up to 500 times its weight in water — outperforming hyaluronic acid
- Yang Guifei, a legendary beauty of ancient China, ate Tremella daily for skin youthfulness
- NASA is exploring fungal polysaccharides like those in Tremella for deep-space hydration systems
- It’s called “white tree jellyfish” in some cultures because of its ocean-like appearance
Recipe: Radiance Dessert Soup
Ingredients:
– 5 g dried Tremella, soaked overnight
– 10 dried goji berries
– 2 pitted red dates
– 1 tsp raw honey (optional)
– 2 cups water
– A dash of cinnamon or ginger
Preparation:
Simmer soaked Tremella with dates and goji berries for 45 minutes until gelatinous. Add honey after cooling slightly. Serve warm or chilled.
How to Eat It & Daily Dose
Take 1–3 teaspoons of powder per day, or use 3–5 g dried mushrooms in recipes. Can be combined with warm plant milk or soups. For best effects, consume regularly for 4+ weeks.
Where It Grows
Tremella thrives in warm, humid forests across Asia, especially China, Taiwan, and Japan — but is now cultivated organically around the world for culinary and cosmetic use.
Question for You
Would you try a mushroom that’s more hydrating than hyaluronic acid — and supports not just your skin, but your gut, brain, and hormones?
Tremella is nature’s moisturizer from the inside out.
