Tremella and Solomon’s Seal Soup for Lung Comfort

Introduction to Medicinal Diet (Yaoshan)

Tremella fusciformis (Yin’er, Snow Fungus) and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu, Fragrant Solomon’s Seal) Clear-Moistening Soup is a classic medicinal cuisine derived from Lingnan’s traditional dietary culture, with a history traceable to the “Moistening and Nourishing Lung Formula” of the Qing Dynasty imperial cuisine. According to the Qing Palace Medical Records, the Imperial Academy of Medicine frequently combined Tremella with Polygonatum odoratum to help members of the royal family maintain respiratory comfort and fluid balance during the dry autumn season. This soup embodies the “clear and nourish” philosophy, merging the gelatinous smoothness of Tremella with the sweet, gentle nourishment of Polygonatum odoratum. It is often called “the commoner’s bird’s nest” and is especially suitable for modern individuals who experience temporary depletion of Yin fluids due to prolonged air-conditioned environments, late nights, and spicy dietary habits.

From a modern nutritional perspective, Tremella (Yiner) is rich in Tremella polysaccharides and dietary fiber, while Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) provides Polygonatum polysaccharides and various amino acids. Together, they form a unique “plant collagen” combination. This soup appears a pale amber color, with a sweet and smooth texture, and can be enjoyed as a dessert after meals or as a nourishing afternoon beverage. The preparation emphasizes “slow simmering over low heat,” allowing the active components to be fully released through prolonged cooking. The result is a balanced characteristic of “moistening without greasiness, cooling without chill.”

Benefits of Medicinal Cuisine

Tremella and Polygonatum (Snow Fungus and Solomon’s Seal) Clear-Moistening Soup supports overall health through two key aspects: nourishing Yin and moistening dryness, as well as supporting beauty and skin health. The polysaccharides in Tremella fuciformis (Snow Fungus) exhibit strong water-retention properties, helping to maintain moisture levels in the stratum corneum. Polygonatum odoratum (Yu Zhu) provides vitamin A and mucilage, which help support epidermal cell renewal. The synergistic effect of these two herbs helps maintain skin comfort, promotes a smooth appearance, and supports a healthy complexion. After consistent use for two weeks, many individuals experience a sensation of reduced morning dryness, smoother bowel movements, and softer skin texture.

In terms of respiratory health, this soup helps helps with occasional occasional throat dryness and discomfort. The yin-nourishing and fluid-producing properties of Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) support respiratory mucosal health, while Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) promotes respiratory comfort. Additionally, the dietary fiber and oligosaccharides in the soup support a healthy intestinal environment, indirectly supporting the Lung’s defensive functions through the TCM mechanism that “the Lung and Large Intestine are interior-exteriorly related.”

Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

supports the nourishment of yin fluids, moistening of the Lungs, and the clear descending function of the metal organ (Lung).

Based on the TCM understanding of the Lung’s physiological characteristic of “liking moisture and disliking dryness,” Yin’er Yuzhu Qingrun Tang (Tremella and Polygonatum Moistening Decoction) acts directly on the Lung Meridian through the method of “sweet-cold nourishing yin.” In this formula, Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, entering the Lung, Stomach, and Kidney Meridians. Its gelatinous substance helps support the essence of the internal organs and promotes skin hydration. Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) is sweet and slightly cold, specifically entering the Lung and Stomach Meridians, and excels at supporting yin nourishment in the Lung and stomach, as well as helping with occasional restlessness associated with internal heat. The combination of the two—one with a thick texture to support tangible yin, the other with a clear and penetrative quality to address intangible dryness—provides a synergistic effect that supports moisture balance without causing stagnation and promotes clarity without harming the body.

From the perspective of Qi, Blood, and Body Fluids, this soup primarily helps maintain a healthy balance of body fluids. Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) can “helps with occasional stiffness in the limbs and support comfort in the lower back and feet,” suggesting its role in promoting body fluid circulation and nourishing the sinews and meridians. Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er), through its function of “supporting intestinal comfort by fortifying Qi,” indirectly supports the Spleen’s ability to transport and transform fluids. For a common modern condition of “upper heat and lower cold” — blemishes on the face but cold hands and feet — this soup can help support a sense of balance and achieve a deep regulation of “leading fire back to its origin.”

Recommended For

The first suitable category includes individuals with a “Yin Deficiency constitution,” characterized by typical features such as a lean body type, heat sensation in the palms and soles, dry mouth and throat, red tongue with scant coating, and thin, rapid pulse. For these individuals, the combination of Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) can help maintain fluid balance and support overall vitality. This is especially beneficial for women during the menopausal transition who experience occasional hot flashes, night sweats, restlessness, and sleep disturbances related to hormonal changes. The second category includes those affected by “Dryness pathogen invasion,” such as office workers in air-conditioned environments, individuals with dry eyes from frequent electronic device use, and those with chapped lips or occasional nosebleeds in autumn and winter seasons, often associated with sensitive skin.

The third target group focuses on individuals seeking respiratory comfort, including those with occasional throat dryness, smokers, and residents in areas with heavy air pollution. The polysaccharides from Yuzhu (Polygonatum odoratum) in this soup help support throat comfort, while the gelatinous substances from Yin’er (Tremella fuciformis) assist in maintaining a comfortable respiratory environment. Additionally, post-surgery recovery patients, individuals needing gentle fluid support after medical treatments, and elderly people with reduced appetite can all benefit from this soup, as it gently provides nourishment without adding burden to the digestive tract.

Contraindicated Groups

Individuals with a Phlegm-Dampness Constitution should use this soup with caution. signs of imbalance such as a heavy sensation in the body, a thick and greasy tongue coating, sticky stools, and copious white phlegm with cough indicate that there is already an accumulation of fluids in the body. In such cases, consuming substances that nourish Yin may exacerbate Phlegm-Dampness. A common clinical example of inappropriate supplementation is during acute episodes of chronic bronchial discomfort: simply using Tremella and Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) soup may instead cause phlegm to become thick and difficult to expel, because its Yin-nourishing components may lock in the damp turbidity that should otherwise be metabolized. For such individuals, it is advisable to first regulate with dampness-resolving herbs and foods such as tangerine peel (Chenpi) and Poria (Fuling). Only after the tongue coating becomes thinner may they try a small amount of this soup.

Those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold and loose stools should also use caution. Although Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) is neutral in nature, its gelatinous substance may affect digestive comfort when consumed cold or in excess. The slightly cool nature of Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) requires special attention for those with Spleen Yang Deficiency—manifesting as abdominal discomfort after exposure to cold, loose stools, and cold extremities. Additionally, individuals who need to monitor blood sugar levels should omit rock sugar or substitute with xylitol, as cooked Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) may have a relatively higher impact on blood sugar. Those with fungal protein allergies should first try a small amount and observe for any digestive or skin discomfort.

Ingredient ratio in the formula

Main ingredient: Dried Tremella fuciformis (Yiner) 12 g (about half a flower), preferably from Fujian Gutian, log-cultivated, with 30% higher gelatin content than bag-cultivated. Supplementary ingredients: Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) 15 g, preferably from Shaodong, Hunan, or Haimen, Jiangsu; sliced evenly, light yellow in color, no traces of sulfur fumigation. Honey jujube (Mizao) 3 pieces (about 20 g), use Guangdong Zengcheng chicken-Heart jujubes, pitted before use. Lycium barbarum (Gouqi) 5 g, preferably from Ningxia Zhongning, large grains and bright red.

Detailed instructions for supplementary ingredients: 8g rock sugar (adjustable to 5-12g per taste); yellow rock sugar is recommended to enhance mineral flavor. 1g Chenpi (Citrus reticulata), approximately half a fingernail size; preferably 10-year Xinhui Chenpi, which helps support a balanced formula. Total water volume: 1200ml, reduced to approximately 800ml, can be divided into 2-3 portions. Children’s dosage: reduce Tremella fuciformis (Yin’er) to 8g, reduce Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) to 10g, remove Chenpi, and add half an apple cut into pieces to improve taste.

Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare the Tremella. Place the dried Tremella fuciformis (Silver Ear) in a deep bowl and add enough cold water to fully submerge it. Soak for 3–4 hours until completely rehydrated. Tear into small florets about 3 cm in size, and trim off the hard, dark-yellow base. Note: Do not use hot water for soaking, otherwise the gelatinous substance will not be fully released. Quickly rinse the Polygonatum odoratum (Jade Bamboo) under running water, then soak in 150 ml warm water for 30 minutes. Retain the soaking water for later use. Cut the honey dates in half. Rinse the Lycium barbarum (Goji Berries) under water and drain immediately.

Step 2: Simmer over low heat. Place the prepared Tremella fuciformis (Bai Mu Er), Polygonatum odoratum (Yuzhu) (along with the soaking water), jujube dates, and Citrus reticulata (Chenpi) 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 and maintain a gentle simmer, leaving a finger-width gap under the lid to helps maintain overflow. Continue simmering for 1.5 hours until the Tremella fully releases its gelatinous essence and the broth becomes thick enough to “hang” from a spoon when lifted. Stir 3–4 times in the same direction during simmering to helps maintain sticking to the bottom.

Step 3: Finishing and Seasoning. Ten minutes before turning off the heat, evenly sprinkle goji berries and rock sugar into the pot. Gently stir, then cover the lid and continue simmering. Turn off the heat once the rock sugar has fully dissolved and the soup turns a light amber color. Note that goji berries should not be cooked for too long to helps maintain a sour taste; keep them red in appearance to enhance visual appeal. Remove the dried tangerine peel before serving. Let the soup cool to approximately 40°C before pouring into cups—at this temperature, the absorption rate of the gelatinous active substances is highest.

Drinking Recommendations

The best time for consumption is on an empty stomach in the morning or during the Bladder Meridian (BL) peak period (3–5 PM). Drinking in the morning helps quickly replenish fluids lost overnight; drinking in the afternoon aligns with the body’s yang energy contraction rhythm, supporting yin-nourishing effects. It is recommended to take it continuously for 7–10 days as one cycle, then take a 3–5 day break before starting the next cycle, to avoid over-nourishing that may burden the digestive system.

2. Advanced Combination Regimen: If accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath and fatigue, add 3g of Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng) to the soup during cooking to help support the dual nourishment of Qi and Yin. If dry and discomfort in the throat is notable, combine with 6g of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) and 3g of Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuanshen) to create a modified Zengye Tang (Fluid-Increasing Decoction). Note: After adding ginseng-type herbs, extend the simmering time to 2 hours, and it is not recommended to consume in the evening to avoid affecting sleep.

3. Storage and Reheating of Leftover Soup: Any unfinished soup should have solid ingredients removed before being refrigerated, and should be stored for no more than 24 hours. When reheating, it is recommended to use the double-boiling method by placing the soup bowl in boiling water for 8–10 minutes. Avoid reheating directly in a microwave, as this may affect 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.