Yin-Nourishing Tremella Soup for Health & Beauty
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tremella ( also known as snow fungus) is prized for its yin-nourishing, fluid-building, beautifying abilities. Think dewy skin, soft hair, and that rested, hydrated glow that suggests 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep. Ah, what a dream.
A Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective on food, herbs, and hormonal balance
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), many menopausal symptoms are understood as a decline in yin, the body’s cooling, moistening, and grounding system. When yin becomes depleted, heat rises and fluids dry out. The result can look like hot flashes, dryness, anxiety/depression, and sleep issues. Many of these symptoms are felt in the peri-menopausal years as well. One of the most gentle and effective ways TCM supports menopause and peri-menopause is through food therapy, especially yin-nourishing soups. Among the most beloved ingredients is tremella, also known as snow fungus.
Why Tremella Is Ideal for Hormone in Austin’s Climate
Tremella (yin er, 银耳) has been used in Chinese medicine kitchens for centuries to nourish Lung and Stomach yin, support fluids, and promote healthy skin.
From a TCM perspective:
The Lungs govern the skin
Yin supports hydration, elasticity, and cooling
Heat plus yin deficiency can worsen menopausal symptoms, especially in Texas weather
Tremella is particularly helpful during menopause because it:
Nourishes yin without being heavy or greasy
Supports dry skin, dry mouth, and vaginal dryness
Helps anchor heat and calm restlessness
Is gentle enough for long-term use
Think of it as internal hydration that works alongside acupuncture and herbal medicine.
How Often to Use Food Therapy for Menopause
For menopausal support, tremella soups are typically enjoyed 2–3 times per week, especially if you’re experiencing:
Hot flashes or night sweats
Dry or thinning skin
Poor sleep or anxiety
Worsening symptoms in hot weather
Evening is an ideal time, when yin naturally restores itself.
Yin-Nourishing Tremella Soup Recipes for Menopause
🌸 Tremella, Red Date & Goji Yin-Nourishing Soup
TCM focus: Nourishes yin and blood, supports skin and hormonal balance
Helpful for: Dry skin, fatigue, mild hot flashes
Ingredients
1 small handful dried tremella, soaked and trimmed
6–8 red dates (jujube), pitted
1 tablespoon goji berries
Rock sugar or honey (optional)
Instructions
Soak tremella for 20–30 minutes, then tear into small pieces.
Simmer tremella and red dates in 6–8 cups of water for 45–60 minutes, until silky and lightly thickened.
Add goji berries during the final 10 minutes.
Sweeten gently if desired.
Herbal talking point for patients
“This soup gently nourishes yin and blood. In the clinic, we often pair this approach with herbs that support Liver and Kidney yin to help reduce hot flashes and improve skin hydration.”
🍐 Tremella & Asian Pear Lung-Moistening Soup
TCM focus: Moistens Lung yin, clears dryness and heat
Helpful for: Dry skin, thirst, dry cough, redness
Ingredients
Soaked tremella
1 Asian pear, peeled and cubed
6 red dates
Optional: dried lily bulb (bai he)
Instructions
Simmer tremella and red dates for 40–50 minutes.
Add pear (and lily bulb if using) and cook another 15–20 minutes.
Serve warm or room temperature.
Herbal talking point for patients
“When Lung yin is supported, skin texture often improves. Herbal formulas that nourish Lung and Kidney yin can amplify this effect, especially for patients with dryness and heat.”
🌙 Tremella, Longan & Red Date Blood-Glow Soup
TCM focus: Nourishes blood and yin, calms the shen
Helpful for: Anxiety, poor sleep, dull complexion
Ingredients
Soaked tremella
6–8 red dates
1–2 tablespoons dried longan fruit
Optional: small handful of goji berries
Instructions
Simmer tremella and red dates for 45 minutes.
Add longan (and goji) during the last 10–15 minutes.
Sweeten lightly if desired.
Herbal talking point for patients
“This soup supports blood and spirit. In practice, we often combine this with calming yin-nourishing herbs to help improve sleep and emotional balance during menopause.”
How Acupuncture, Herbs & Food Work Together for Menopause
In a TCM menopause treatment plan, food therapy is never used alone. It works best alongside:
Acupuncture to regulate heat, support Kidney yin, and calm the nervous system
Chinese herbal medicine to more deeply nourish yin, clear deficiency heat, and stabilize hormones
Lifestyle guidance tailored to Austin’s climate and stress levels
Food builds slowly. Herbs go deeper. Acupuncture helps the body respond.
Together, they create steadier, more sustainable relief.
A Gentle Perspective on Menopause
Menopause isn’t something to push through or suppress. In TCM, it’s viewed as a natural transition that asks for deeper nourishment.
Warm soups, slow cooking, consistent care, and individualized treatment can make this phase feel more supported and less overwhelming.
Sometimes, the most powerful medicine starts in the kitchen.
If you’re interested in learning more about herbal medicine for menopause and peri-menopause click here!