- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions; cultivated in China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Mushroom · № 652
Tremella fuciformis
Mushroom · Asia
Snow fungus (bai mu er)
Tremella fuciformis
Traditionally attributed effects: a tonic for the yin energy and the lungs; supports breathing, energy and a balanced blood pressure.
Safety notes
Generally safe as food. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Very safe; can also be eaten as food.
Preparation
Dried, soaked until soft and without the hard core, in sweet and savoury soups.
Use in traditions
A classic ingredient of Chinese sweet soups.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese food therapy
Attributed effects
Strengthens yin and lungs, supports breathing and energy production and helps regulate blood pressure. The pigeon egg soup is traditionally given to regain strength after illness or an operation, to the elderly and in general weakness.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- sweet, bland, neutral
- Meridians
- lung, kidney, stomach
Attributed effects
Bai mu er nourishes the yin of lung and stomach in a warm feeling in palms, soles and chest ('heat of the five palms'), dry cough with or without blood and exhaustion.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. First soak and then cook in soup, or with rock sugar, lily bulb and sha shen into a sweet dessert.
Caution: Very safe; can also be eaten as food.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen