Silver Ear/ Snow Fungus
This is Silver Ear a.k.a. Snow fungus a.k.a white wood ear is a medicinal mushroom that belongs to the Tremellaceae family. Latin name Tremellaceae Fuciformis. It has a translucent white to pale yellow colour, a soft, jelly-like texture and resembles underwater coral when it is hydrated.
Nutritional Benefits:
May improve skin complexion
Its polysaccharide content may improve skin hydration by reducing water and collagen losses in the skin after sun/ UV exposure (24). It can also be applied topically to the skin to form a transparent film that improves water retention. Thus, they may act as natural moisturizers that can prevent the formation of wrinkles. (Source).
May promote brain health
White fungus polysaccharides may also protect brain cells against nerve cell damage and degenerative diseases (Source) such as Alzheimer’s disease by reducing brain toxicity (Source, Source).
May help control blood sugar levels
White fungus polysaccharides may also help regulate blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity (Source).
May lower heart disease risk
Compounds in white fungus may also protect against heart disease (Source) by preventing LDL (bad) cholesterol oxidation and the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that causes atherosclerosis (Source and Source).
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it enters the lung, stomach and kidney channels to nourish dryness, which is why it is a herb that is often used to support beauty and longevity.
It is easily found in many ethnic grocery stores, or Chinese herbal stores and often cooked in porridges, and incorporated into delicious desserts along with other herbs such as goji berries, astragalus root, and fruit.
Sources:
Your Guide to Health with Foods & Herbs: Using the Wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhang & Yao, 2012)
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/white-fungus
Reach out if you want to know more, and click here to book with me at EQLYBRM Chinese Medicine or here for Acupuncture Collective!
