Snow fungus is a Chinese mushroom known for its ability to beautify skin and boost immunity. Also known as tremella, white jelly mushroom, or silver ear mushroom, this traditional Chinese delicacy was the secret weapon of famed Tang Dynasty beauty Yang Guifei who was widely admired for her radiant skin.
Snow fungus is packed with polysaccharides and antioxidants, aids in the production of collagen, and has more hydration power than hyaluronic acid.
Snow fungus from Zhang Zhou is the best for improving skin--it has the highest amount of collagen, and has a better texture than snow fungus from other sources. Ours is also wild grown. These are high quality “baby” snow fungus, unbleached and with tight flowers.
Use it to make a delicious beauty tonic with pears, goji berries, and lotus seeds that you can have for breakfast or dessert! Separate herb pack is also available for purchase (recipe available here).
It can also be used in a variety of savory dishes.
Modern biomedical studies show that compounds in snow fungus can stimulate immune system defense cells. A 2014 study concluded that one of its protein stimulates macrophage activity — a type of white blood cell that kills bacteria and eliminates damaged tissue. And a 2014 animal study showed that its polysaccharides can help regulate the immune response and reduce infection-related mortality.
A 2015 study showed snow fungus’ polysaccharides can improve skin hydration by reducing water and collagen loss, and ameliorated skin structure damage from UV exposure.
A 2016 study also showed snow fungus has neuroprotective effects. Its polysaccharides protect brain cells against cell damage and degenerative diseases, and a 2022 study found that snow fungus extract may reduce brain toxicity caused by beta-amyloid — a protein that in high amounts has been linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Similarly, a 2007 animal study showed that snow fungus significantly reversed drug-induced memory loss.
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