Tremella Mushroom Health Benefits
Tremella, also known as the snow fungus mushroom, is a nutrient-rich medicinal mushroom which is famous for its ultra-nourishing and beautifying qualities. Along with other mighty medicinal mushrooms such as reishi and cordyceps, tremella has also long been prescribed in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
In recent years, word of tremella’s many health benefits has spread and it has become a superfood superstar in its own right. In fact, many of the large skincare brands have picked up on the incredible beautifying benefits of tremella mushroom and are starting to use it in their own high-end skin products. Tremella is a very versatile superfood, as not only can you add it to your drinks and foods, but you can also apply it directly onto your skin. Read on for the history, nutritional profile and benefits of this mushroom, as well for some of our favourite tremella recipes.
A Brief History of Tremella
Legend has it that one of the most beautiful women in the world used tremella mushroom in her daily beauty regime. Yang Guefei from the Tang Dynasty, has been immortalized in paintings and stories for her otherworldly beauty. It is said that her beauty secret for a radiant and youthful complexion was, in fact, the medicinal mushroom tremella.
Tremella has long been a favourite edible mushroom in parts of Asia, not only for its numerous health benefits but for its taste too. When cooked, tremella has a delicate flavour profile and a very tender, meaty texture, which makes it an excellent meat substitute. While in many parts of China it is used as a gourmet cooking ingredient, in the West it is often used as a supplement, and ingested for its health benefits.
Tremella Nutritional Information
Tremella is a nutrient-rich powerhouse as it contains high amounts of vitamin D - which is a vitamin that is hard to find in other plant-based foods. This makes tremella a particularly beneficial supplement for vegans who are often more prone to a Vitamin D deficiency. On top of this, tremella mushroom also contains high amounts of protein, polysaccharides, as well as a wealth of antioxidants and minerals. Tremella is also over 70% dietary fibre, which makes it a great digestive system aid (and excellent well enjoyed in a smoothie bowl first thing in the morning).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tremella mushroom is classed as a yin tonic, and often prescribed in order to help to nourish the lungs, as a natural way to soothe tickly or dry coughs, and in order to support immune health.
Tremella: A Truly Beautifying Superfood
You only have to take a look at any article about tremella and its benefits, and you will often see the main highlight is its beautifying qualities. Some day that tremella is one of the most beautifying and skin-nourishing superfoods on the planet.
This is because tremella is capable of stimulating the body's natural production of hyaluronic acid. It’s this hyaluronic acid which enables our skin to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, which results in a more plump and youthful complexion, and a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. On top of this, tremella also contains high levels of antioxidants which help to slow down the aging process and fight free radical damage.
Tremella Mushroom Health Benefits
• Digestion Aid: Dietary fibre helps to support the digestive system
• Anti-Inflammatory: Reduces inflammation in the body
• Beautifying: Promotes a radiant, youthful complexion
• Antioxidant: Fights free radical damage and reduces oxidation
• Anti-Ageing: Helps to slow down the aging process
• Lowers cholesterol: Fights high cholesterol levels
• Immune-Supporting: Supports and strengthens the immune system
• Vitamin D: A rare plant-based source of the sunshine vitamin
How to Choose the Best Tremella
In order to receive the highest quality tremella, you will need to choose your source carefully. Make sure that your tremella is completely natural and pure, and that it is minimally processed. Some tremella on the market is mixed with fillers, chemicals or preservatives, or even heavily processed which can damage much of the mushroom’s delicate nutritional profile. Choose to purchase tremella that is sustainably sourced too.
Our tremella concentrated extract powder is totally vegan, ethically-sourced and has no added fillers or nasties. It comes as a concentrated extract powder, which means you receive ten times the potency of the raw mushroom in each and every serving. Our tremella is carefully prepared and packed into an eco-friendly pouch for freshness and convenience.
Tremella Dose and Side Effects
Tremella is non-toxic and completely safe to use. We suggest adding 1/2 tsp to one tsp of the tremella concentrated extract powder to your smoothies, juices teas or foods and upping the dose to 1 tbsp per serving if required. Sometimes larger medicinal doses may be prescribed for certain health issues. Contact your doctor before taking turkey tail if you are pregnant or are suffering from a severe immune-related illness.
How to Use Tremella
Tremella has a really delicate and subtle flavour, which makes it excellent for use in both sweet treats and savoury dishes. Its uses are really only limited to your imagination; you can add it to everything from smoothies and juices, to salad dressings and soups.
In addition to using it as an ingredient, tremella can also be applied onto the skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. You can do this by adding a small amount of tremella to your favourite moisturiser or premade face mask, or by making your own simple and natural face mask by following the directions below.
Tremella Recipes
If you're stuck for a few recipe ideas then these tremella recipes will help to get you started:
Tremella Tea
The easiest and simplest way is to use your tremella concentrated extract powder is to turn it into a tea. Its mild flavour helps to make a lovely warming beverage which can be enjoyed any time of day.
To make your tea, simply dissolve 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp of your tremella concentrated extract powder into warm but not boiling water. Then stir until the powder is fully dissolved and enjoy. If you want to get a little creative, then you can add in additional ingredients such as nut mylks, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Add in a few additional mushroom superfoods or tonic herbs to turn your simple tea into a superfood elixir.
Tremella Berry Smoothie
If you really want to supercharge your tremella and mix it up with some skin-nourishing ingredients, then this beautifying smoothie is for you. You will need some of your favourite nut mylks (bonus points if you can make it from scratch) as well as a large ripe banana, frozen berries, spinach, and half an avocado. To create your beautifying smoothie, simply pop all of the ingredients into a blender and add a teaspoon of your tremella powder, then blend until everything is nice and smooth. Add more of your plant-based milk in order to achieve your desired smoothie consistency. If you need a touch more sweetness then you can add a date or two. Enjoy your smoothie immediately.
Top tip: if you want to save time when it comes to smoothie making - particularly in the morning - then you can actually make small ready-to-go packets of your smoothie ingredients and put them in the freezer. Then all you have to do is to place them into your blender, add the tremella, and you are good to go.
Tremella Face Mask
Some of the most famous beauty brands are adding tremella extract to their skincare ranges. Yet, these products often come at a high cost, and sadly often contain chemicals and other nasties. We believe whatever you put on your skin should be good enough to eat.
Our tremella face mask is super simple and only takes a minute to make. Just blend in some of our tremella concentrated extract powder with a small amount of water, and keep stirring until you form a thick paste. Then, apply to paste to fresh, clean skin and allow it to sit for 5 - 10 minutes before washing it off with water and patting it dry. We suggest following up with an all-natural moisturizer, such as coconut oil or argan oil.
Tremella Mushroom Overview
It’s easy to see why tremella has been causing waves on the health food scene. What’s not to love about a beautifying, immune-boosting, and nutrition-rich medicinal mushroom that also tastes great too? Tremella medicinal mushroom is a versatile superfood that will make a perfect addition to any pantry or beauty cupboard. Enjoy!