Skincare begins from within.
What manifests on our outermost layer is often a direct reflection of our internal physiological balance, particularly the health of our gut, immune system, and hydration levels. This principle has been central to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries, where a nourishing bowl of white fungus soup with goji berries, pear, and jujube dates is consumed not simply as a culinary treat, but as “edible skincare”.
In TCM, chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema (atopic dermatitis) are viewed as expressions of internal “dryness,” “heat,” and “dampness”. By combining these specific ingredients, the tonic works systemically to clear heat, nourish Yin (the body’s cooling, fluid-retaining energies), and build moisture from the inside out.
Today, modern dermatological and pharmacological sciences are validating this ancient wisdom. Research demonstrates that the combined bioactive compounds in these ingredients directly target the underlying mechanisms of eczema; specifically immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, and skin barrier dysfunction.
- Tremella Fuciformis (White Fungus): The foundational ingredient is rich in Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides (TFPS). Modern trials show that TFPS acts as a powerful immunomodulator and natural humectant—behaving similarly to hyaluronic acid by significantly reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and repairing a damaged epidermal barrier.
- Goji Berries & Jujube Dates: These components provide a concentrated dose of immunomodulating beta-glucans, phenolic acids, and flavonoids. These compounds downregulate pro-inflammatory Th2 cytokines (such as IL-4 and IL-13) which drive the intense itching and redness characteristic of eczema flares.
- Asian Pears: Packed with anti-inflammatory polyphenols and high water content, pears assist in cooling systemic inflammation and supporting metabolic waste elimination via the gut-skin axis.
When digested together, this synergistic blend transitions the body out of a pro-inflammatory state, calming overreactive immune pathways while fortifying the cellular matrix of the skin. Now, here’s how you prepare it.
Ingredients
- Dried snow fungus (Tremella): 25g to 30g (soaked over night or until soft)
- Asian pears: 2 medium (about 300g to 400g total), peeled, cored, and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- Dried and pitted jujube dates (Chinese red dates): 6 to 8 pieces, rinsed and optionally pitted or halved
- Goji berries: 2 tablespoons (about 15g), rinsed, and add only at the end for 2 minutes
- Filtered water: 6 to 10 cups (depending on how thick or soup-heavy you prefer it)
- [Optional] – Rock sugar: 20g (adjusted to taste) or 1 rock
Makes 4 serves, and I enjoy consuming it warm for breakfast as my first meal of the day.
Instructions
- Soak the Fungus: Submerge the dried snow fungus in a bowl of warm water for 20 to 30 minutes until fully expanded and translucent.
- Trim and Tear: Cut away the tough central yellow-brown root base of the rehydrated fungus. Tear or cut the remaining florets into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Simmer the Base: In a large pot, combine the prepared snow fungus, chopped Asian pears, jujube dates, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Gentle Cook: Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 to 40 minutes until the soup begins to thicken and the fungus softens into a gelatinous texture.
- Add Berries (and optional sweetener): Stir in the rock sugar and goji berries. Simmer uncovered or loosely covered for another 2 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves and the goji berries are plump. Do not over cook the goji berries, that is the residual heat’s job. Otherwise, the goji berries lose their medicinal properties.
- Serve: Enjoy this nourishing dessert soup warm or chilled.
References
- Chang, T., & Tang, H. (2022). Tremella fuciformis polysaccharides alleviate induced atopic dermatitis in mice by regulating immune response and gut microbiota. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, Article 944512. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36091780/
- Ma, X., Nam, Y. H., & Kim, M. K. (2023). The potential cutaneous benefits of Tremella fuciformis: A review of dermatological applications. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(4), 1152–1159. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36757441/
- Nowak, A., & Klimowicz, A. (2024). Macrofungal extracts as a source of bioactive compounds for skin health and barrier repair. Nutrients, 16(16), 2810. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/16/16/2810
- Sadowska, M., & Pasikowska-Piwko, M. (2023). Optimization of the composition of a cosmetic formulation containing Tremella fuciformis extract: Impact on transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Cosmetics, 10(3), 82. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/10/3/82
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