Mushrooms have always had a multitude of uses aside from being a food source. Ancient cultures have harnessed the benefits of mushrooms such as lion’s mane, turkey tail, reishi, shiitake, and cordyceps to treat a variety of ailments, but one mushroom, in particular, has long been prized as for giving healthy, glowing skin—the tremella mushroom. 

The Tremella fuciformis is characterized by its white or yellowish, gelatinous, frond-like basidiocarps (fruiting bodies) that makes it look similar to a sea anemone, sea moss, or a jellyfish. This fungus typically grows on dead or fallen tree branches found in tropical regions in Southeast Asia, particularly in China, where it was first discovered. It is also known as snow mushroom, silver ear mushroom, snow fungus, or white jelly mushroom.

Benefits Of Tremella Mushroom

Tremella mushrooms were often used in Chinese herbal medicine and are believed to have many health benefits. They are rich in vitamin D, antioxidants, and minerals such as potassium and contain dietary fiber, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and organic acids.

Rejuvenates The Skin

Due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ultra-hydrating properties, the tremella mushrooms are especially known for their skin rejuvenating properties as it was considered the beauty superfood of Chinese and Japanese women.  They promote skin hydration and wrinkle reduction through their high levels of polysaccharides, which studies have shown to have anti-aging properties and antioxidant effects that prevent free radicals from causing cell damage. 

Reduces Inflammation

A study conducted in 2018 showed that consuming tremella mushrooms helped cut the risk of development and spread of inflammation in the body and could be a potential treatment for diseases caused by inflammation such as tumor growths, heart disease, and obesity.

Help Manage Cholesterol

Having high cholesterol levels can put your health at great risk. Studies on rats have discovered that tremella mushrooms, thanks to their high dietary fiber content, can reduce triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels and can be instrumental in preventing numerous health problems such as stroke and heart disease.

Prevents Neurodegeneration

Research suggests that polysaccharides have been found to promote synaptic growth of essential brain cells, and since tremella is rich in polysaccharides, it could prove to be therapeutic support for those who have Alzheimer’s disease as well as preventing the risk of similar neurodegenerative diseases.

Boosts The Immune System

The immune system plays a critical part in your health since it’s the body’s first line of defense against all infections and foreign substances that could put you at risk for diseases. One study found that beta-glucans, polysaccharides like those found in tremella, offer immune support as immunostimulating agents that help activate the complement system.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Tumor Properties

Tremella mushrooms may also play a role in preventing cancer due to their high concentration of polysaccharides and their role in helping boost the immune system. A study found that beta-glucans showed that these polysaccharides could inhibit tumor growth, stop oncogenesis, reduce tumor proliferation, and prevent tumor metastasis.

Prevents Oxidative Stress

A study found that the polysaccharides present in tremella mushrooms could help suppress human skin injuries caused by hydrogen peroxide, which could help relieve oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is caused by free radicals in the cells and can result in symptoms like fatigue, memory loss, brain fog, and body pains (joint and muscle).

Assorted Health Benefits

Tremella mushrooms are rich in vitamin D, which is essential in giving the mushrooms their skin-boosting benefits and help strengthen the teeth and the bones, making them more conducive to calcium absorption. It also provides added support to the immune system, regulates cell growth, and reduces the risk of getting autoimmune diseases.

Tremella Mushrooms vs. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a clear, gooey substance naturally produced by the body and can be found in large amounts in the skin, connective tissue, and eyes. It binds and retains water molecules which help the tissues stay lubricated and retain skin moisture, elasticity, and a more youthful appearance.

Unfortunately, the natural aging process and some lifestyle factors like diet, stress, and environment can dramatically reduce the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body. 

Similarly, tremella mushrooms can also draw and lock in moisture in the skin and improve the skin’s tone, texture, and elasticity. While both hydrate the skin well, research has found that tremella mushrooms provide moisture retention 5 times better than hyaluronic acid, as they hold more water weight, penetrating the skin more easily.

How To Use Tremella Mushrooms

Tremella mushrooms can be used in many ways, from food items to skincare products. While it’s recommendable to include actual whole tremella mushrooms in your diet, these aren’t easily available outside of southeast Asian countries. But don’t fret; here are other convenient ways you can enjoy their benefits:

Tremella mushroom powders

Perhaps the easiest and most common way to find tremella mushrooms products is in their ground powder form. The powder usually has a mild, subtly sweet flavor, and it’s highly recommendable to add a few scoops to your dishes, tea, coffee, smoothies, and even desserts.

Tremella mushroom extracts

If you’re not a fan of ground powders, certain brands offer actual liquid tremella mushroom extract that can be added to any food or beverage. To any possible strong side effects, start with a small serving of half a teaspoon of tremella extract into your daily diet and before gradually increasing the amount to one or two teaspoons a day. 

Skincare products

Beauty and cosmetic products containing tremella mushrooms have become popular. These come in the form of serums, day and night creams, lotions, masks, and mists. For maximum effect and skin safety, steer clear from products containing synthetic chemicals, parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sulfates, fragrances, and other ingredients that could dry out the skin or cause irritation.

Best Tremella Mushroom Supplement

Aside from eating, sometimes the best way of seeking nutrients is through taking supplements. Since availing fresh tremella mushrooms can be tricky, taking them in supplement form is the next best thing. One such supplement we have in mind is the Organic Tremella Extract Capsules by Real Mushrooms.

This supplement uses 100% organic tremella mushrooms and, unlike similar products, has no grains, mycelium, or fillers. It contains certified levels (10%) of beta-glucans, which is the most important compound found in all medicinal mushrooms, and all non-water soluble components. It’s also amenable to all diet types since it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, and vegan.

So far, the capsules have received many satisfied reviews from customers who have experienced the skin-rejuvenating benefits of tremella.  One verified review said:

“I was surprised to find out just how many benefits there are for Tremella mushroom (which I had never heard of). Among them, it being touted as enhancement of the skin and used for a youthful appearance. Believe it or not (and yes it was a gradual process over a few months), I (and others) notice a difference in my skin. Nice to know there are other benefits as well.”

The product costs $29.95, while signing up for a monthly subscription lets you enjoy a 15% discount ($25.95). Each pack contains about 120 capsules, which can last for about 2 months. 

Make sure to buy directly from the official website to ensure product authenticity and enjoy deals and promos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Word

Mushrooms have always been famed for their many uses, and thanks to modern science affirming their uses and discovering new properties, it’s bound to be a timeless remedy. 

The tremella mushrooms will certainly be one of them. Its proven and tested reputation for giving beautiful, youthful skin is gaining intense momentum, and we’re definitely hooked! Give them a shot and discover their benefits for yourself.