Healing Mushrooms: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Medicinal Mushrooms by Press Barton

Author:Press, Barton [Press, Barton]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3, pdf
Published: 2020-12-07T16:00:00+00:00

Tremella fuciformis, commonly known as snow fungus, snow ear, silver ear fungus, and white jelly mushroom, produces gelatinous, jelly-like fruiting bodies. It is found in tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, as well as a few parts of North America. T. fuciformis is closely associated and always found alongside another fungus, Annulohypoxylon spp . Mycologists have not determined whether T. fuciformis is parasitic upon the fungus, or if it forms a symbiotic relationship. The fruiting bodies of T. fuciformis are translucent white and can grow to around 3 inches across and 2 inches high.

In traditional Chinese medicine, T. fuciformis was used as a beauty product for its anti-aging effects. One of the polysaccharides found in T. fuciformis has outstanding water retention abilities and can hold around 500 times its weight in water. This is much more than similar compounds used in modern beauty products, such as glycerin and hyaluronic. The white jelly mushroom has been applied topically by combining powdered extract of the mushroom with a carrier oil or lotion, such as coconut oil. Not only does the species promote soft and beautiful skin, but it promotes greater production of superoxide dismutase. This is an enzyme already created by the body and skin which serves as an antioxidant that can defend the skin from invading free radicals. T. fuciformis also contains significant levels of kojic acid, which can be used to smooth out inconsistencies in skin, such as freckles or dark spots.

Traditional Chinese medicine also used T. fuciformis in cough syrups and to treat respiratory illnesses. The water retention and hydrating abilities of the fungus make it useful for a variety of ailments. Studies have shown T. fuciformis to be beneficial to bone marrow regeneration, such as when bone marrow is damaged through cancer treatments. In addition, it is a potent source of Vitamin D, antioxidants, and fiber.

In one 2007 study published by the Cambridge University Press, polysaccharides derived from T. fuciformis were found to have a variety of benefits. These include stimulating the growth of immune organs such as the spleen and thymus, increasing the number and activities of many different cell types, and enhancing T-cell immune response. These effects have potential benefits in humans, but the study also outlined the possible uses in farming and livestock. The bioactive components of T. fuciformis and other mushrooms are hypothesized to improve productive performance and immune responses in chickens.

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