Tremella and Solomon’s Seal Clear-Moistening Soup

Introduction to Medicinal Diet

Tremella and Polygonatum Odoratum Moisturizing Soup (银耳玉竹清润汤) is a classic medicinal dietary remedy rooted in Lingnan traditional food therapy culture, with its origins traceable to the “Clear-Moisturizing Lung-Nourishing Formula” (清润养肺方) of the Qing Dynasty imperial cuisine. According to the *Medical Records of the Qing Palace* (《清宫医案》), the Imperial Academy of Medicine frequently used Tremella fuciformis (silver ear mushroom) combined with Polygonatum odoratum (fragrant solomonseal) to address dry cough and fluid deficiency (津亏) triggered by autumn dryness (秋燥) in royal family members. This soup embodies the principle of “clearing and nourishing” (清补), integrating the gelatinous lubrication of Tremella with the sweet, mild nourishment of Polygonatum odoratum. Acclaimed among the populace as the “poor man’s bird’s nest,” it is especially suited for modern individuals experiencing depletion of yin fluids (阴液耗损) due to prolonged exposure to air-conditioned environments, late nights, and spicy diets.

From a modern nutritional perspective, *Tremella fuciformis* (snow fungus) is rich in tremella polysaccharides and dietary fiber, while *Polygonatum odoratum* (fragrant Solomon’s seal) contains polygonatum polysaccharides and various amino acids. Their synergistic action forms a unique “plant-based collagen” combination. This soup presents a light amber color, with a sweet, smooth, and silky texture. It can be served as a dessert soup after meals or as a healthful beverage in the afternoon. The preparation technique emphasizes “slow simmering over gentle heat,” ensuring that the active constituents are fully extracted through prolonged boiling, ultimately achieving a balanced nature that is “moistening yet not greasy, cooling yet not cold.”

Medicinal Diet Efficacy

Tremella and Polygonatum Odoratum Moistening Decoction exerts its core effects through two major dimensions: “Nourishing Yin and Moistening Dryness” and “Beautifying the Skin.” The Tremella polysaccharides in Tremella fuciformis possess strong water-holding capacity, significantly increasing the water content of the stratum corneum. The vitamin A and mucilage contained in Polygonatum odoratum promote epidermal cell regeneration. Their synergistic action helps improve skin dryness, fine lines, and dullness. After two consecutive weeks of consumption, most individuals experience positive changes such as reduced morning dry mouth, smoother bowel movements, and a softer, more supple skin texture.

In terms of respiratory health, this soup effectively alleviates dry and itchy throat, dry cough with scant sputum caused by “Warm-Dryness Injuring the Lung” pattern. The yin-nourishing and fluid-generating effect of Polygonatum odoratum (Fragrant Solomonseal) helps repair damaged respiratory mucosa, while Tremella fuciformis (Snow Fungus) moistens the lung to thin sputum and attenuate the cough reflex. Furthermore, the dietary fiber and oligosaccharides in the soup regulate the intestinal flora, indirectly strengthening the lung’s defensive capabilities through the TCM mechanism of “the Lung and the Large Intestine being exteriorly-interiorly related,” thereby preventing seasonal influenza.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Nourish yin, moisten the Lung, and clear/purify the Metal organ.

Based on the physiological characteristic of the Lung in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which “prefers moisture and dislikes dryness,” the Tremella and Polygonatum Clear-Moistening Soup (银耳玉竹清润汤) directly addresses the Lung meridian (LU) through the method of “sweet-cold nourishing yin” (甘寒养阴). In this formula, Tremella (Tremella fuciformis, snow fungus) is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Lung (LU), Stomach (ST), and Kidney (KI) meridians. Its gelatinous substance can “fill the essence of the viscera and bowels, and moisten the dryness of the skin and hair.” Polygonatum odoratum (玉竹, fragrant Solomon’s seal) is sweet in flavor and slightly cold in nature, specifically entering the Lung (LU) and Stomach (ST) meridians. It excels at “nourishing the yin of the Lung and Stomach, and relieving vexation from deficiency-heat.” When combined, the first ingredient uses its dense texture to supplement tangible yin, while the second uses its clear, penetrating quality to resolve intangible dryness. Together, they create a synergistic effect of “moistening without causing stagnation, and clearing without damaging.”

From the perspective of qi, blood, and body fluids, this soup primarily regulates pathological states caused by “abnormal distribution of body fluids.” *Polygonatum odoratum* (Solomon’s Seal) can “relieve contracture of the four limbs and treat pain in the lower back and feet,” implying its effect of promoting fluid circulation and nourishing the sinews and vessels. *Tremella fuciformis* (Silver Ear Fungus), through its function of “supplementing qi and clearing the intestines,” indirectly enhances the spleen’s ability to transport and transform water-dampness. For the commonly seen “upper heat and lower cold” constitution in modern people—manifesting as facial acne yet cold hands and feet—this soup can clear deficient fire in the upper burner and nourish true yin in the lower burner, achieving the deep regulation of “guiding fire back to its origin.”

Indications

The first suitable group consists of individuals with “Yin deficiency constitution,” whose typical features include: thin body build, heat in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, red tongue with scanty coating, and thin rapid pulse. This group is in a long-term state of “insufficient yin fluid unable to restrain yang.” The combination of Tremella (Tremella fuciformis, snow fungus) and Polygonatum Odoratum (Polygonatum odoratum, Solomon’s seal) can effectively supplement body fluids, particularly benefiting menopausal women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, and insomnia due to estrogen fluctuations. The second group is those affected by “dryness evil invasion,” such as office workers in prolonged air-conditioned environments, individuals with dry eyes from frequent electronic device use, and those with allergic constitutions prone to cheilitis and epistaxis in autumn and winter.

The third category of suitable populations focuses on individuals susceptible to respiratory system issues, including patients with chronic pharyngitis, smokers, and residents of smog-affected areas. The Polygonatum odoratum polysaccharides in the soup can repair damaged throat mucosa, while the Tremella fuciformis colloid can encapsulate and facilitate the expulsion of inhaled particulate pollutants. Additionally, patients in postoperative recovery, those with fluid deficiency after radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and elderly individuals suffering from poor appetite due to reduced digestive secretions can all benefit from this soup, as it gently supplements nutrition without increasing gastrointestinal burden.

Contraindicated populations

Those with Phlegm-Dampness Excess pattern must use this decoction with caution. If the patient presents with heavy and sluggish body, thick greasy tongue coating, sticky stools, and cough with copious white sputum, it indicates that there is already water-dampness accumulation within the body. In such cases, further intake of yin-nourishing substances may aggravate phlegm-dampness. A common clinical example of mistaken tonification is in the acute exacerbation phase of chronic bronchitis: exclusive use of Tremella and Polygonatum Odoratum Decoction (Yín’ěr Yùzhú Tāng) may instead lead to phlegm becoming thick and difficult to expectorate, because its yin-nourishing components lock in dampness turbidity that should have been metabolized. For such patients, treatment should begin with dampness-resolving medicinal foods such as Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chénpí) and Poria (Fúlíng). Only after the tongue coating turns thin should the soup be attempted in small amounts.

Patients with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold and diarrhea should likewise avoid consumption. Although Tremella (Tremella fuciformis) is neutral in nature, its gelatinous substance may impair Spleen Yang transportation and transformation when taken cold or in excess. The mildly cold nature of Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) requires particular caution in those with Spleen Yang deficiency—manifesting as cold-induced abdominal pain, loose stools, and cold extremities. Additionally, diabetic patients should omit rock sugar or substitute xylitol, as cooked Tremella has a relatively high glycemic index. Those allergic to fungal proteins should start with a small test dose and monitor for rash or respiratory discomfort.

Food ingredient formula ratio

Main ingredient: 12g dried Tremella (Tremella fuciformis, about half a head), preferably from Gutian, Fujian, grown on cut logs, with 30% higher gelatin content than bag-cultivated Tremella. Supplementary ingredients: 15g Solomon’s Seal Rhizome (Polygonatum odoratum, Yuzhu), preferably from Shaodong, Hunan or Haimen, Jiangsu, sliced evenly, light yellow in color, with no sulfur fumigation traces. 3 honeyed jujubes (about 20g, Ziziphus jujuba), using Jixin dates from Zengcheng, Guangdong, pitted before use; 5g Goji berries (Lycium barbarum, Gouqizi), preferably from Zhongning, Ningxia, large and bright red in color.

Supplementary ingredients detailed instructions: 8 grams of rock sugar (adjustable to 5–12 grams per preference); yellow rock sugar is recommended to enhance mineral flavor. 1 gram of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, tangerine peel), roughly half a fingernail in size; 10-year aged Xinhui Chenpi is preferred to prevent the formula from becoming cloying during yin nourishment. Total water volume should be 1200 ml, reduced to approximately 800 ml for 2–3 servings. For children, reduce Tremella fuciformis (silver ear) to 8 grams and Polygonatum odoratum (fragrant Solomonseal) to 10 grams, omit the Chenpi, and add half an apple, cut into chunks, to improve flavor.

Cooking method

Step 1: Tremella Preparation. Place dried Tremella (Tremella fuciformis) in a deep bowl, add enough cold water to submerge completely, and soak for 3–4 hours until fully rehydrated. Tear into small florets about 3 cm in diameter and trim off the hard, dark yellowish base. Note: Do not use hot water for soaking, as this will prevent the mucilage from being fully released. Briefly rinse Polygonatum odoratum (Solomon’s seal) slices under running water, then soak in 150 ml of warm water for 30 minutes. Reserve the soaking water for later use. Halve the honeyed jujubes (Ziziphus jujuba). Rinse the goji berries (Lycium barbarum) under water and strain immediately.

Step 2: Simmer over low heat. Place the prepared Tremella fuciformis (silver ear fungus), Polygonatum odoratum (fragrant Solomon’s seal, including the soaking water), honeyed jujubes, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (dried tangerine peel) into a clay pot or ceramic pot. Add 1200 ml of purified water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce to the lowest heat, maintaining a gentle simmer with the lid slightly ajar (about one finger’s width) to prevent overflow. Continue simmering for 1.5 hours until the Tremella has fully released its gelatinous texture, resulting in a thick, rich broth that “hangs like a flag” when lifted with a spoon. During cooking, stir in the same direction 3–4 times to prevent sticking to the bottom.

Step Three: Finishing and Flavoring. Ten minutes before turning off the heat, evenly sprinkle Goji Berries (Fructus Lycii) and Rock Sugar into the pot. Stir gently, then continue simmering with the lid on. Once the rock sugar has fully dissolved and the soup has turned a light amber color, turn off the heat. Be careful not to cook the Goji Berries too long, as this may cause a sour taste to leach out; they should retain their red appearance to enhance appetite. Before serving, strain out the Tangerine Peel (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae). Allow the soup to cool to approximately 40°C before dividing into cups for consumption—at this temperature, the absorption rate of active gelatinous substances is at its highest.

Drinking Tips

The optimal consumption times are on an empty stomach in the morning or during the Bladder Meridian (BL) peak hours from 3-5 PM. Drinking it upon rising quickly replenishes body fluids lost overnight; afternoon consumption aligns with the body’s yang qi convergence rhythm, enhancing the yin-nourishing effect. A recommended continuous course is 7-10 days, followed by a 3-5 day interval before starting the next course, so as to avoid cloying and obstructing the Stomach.

2. Advanced Combination Protocol: If accompanied by symptoms of shortness of breath and fatigue, add 3g of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng) to the decoction to enhance the effect of supplementing both qi and yin. If there is pronounced dry and sore throat, combine 6g of Ophiopogon japonicus (dwarf lilyturf) and 3g of Scrophularia ningpoensis (figwort) to form a modified version of the Fluid-Increasing Decoction (Zeng Ye Tang). However, note: after adding ginseng-type herbs, extend the decoction time to 2 hours, and it is not recommended to consume in the evening to avoid affecting sleep.

3. Storage and reheating methods for leftover soup: Any uneaten soup should be strained to remove solid ingredients and then refrigerated, with a shelf life not exceeding 24 hours. For reheating, it is recommended to use the double-boiling method by placing the soup bowl in boiling water for 8–10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave oven for direct reheating, as this can destroy the molecular structure of Tremella polysaccharides. If the soup becomes too thick, a small amount of warm water can be added to adjust the consistency without affecting its efficacy.