Black Fungus Supports Heart, Gut, and Skin Health

From preventing anemia and treating constipation to managing cardiovascular issues, black fungus is a simple food with deep healing properties.

Black fungus supports vascular health and may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. wisely/Shutterstock

Black fungus is widely regarded for its potential to support vascular health and may play a role in the prevention and management of certain cardiovascular conditions.

In addition to these recognized benefits, it may also aid in managing keloids—a stubborn and difficult-to-treat dermatological condition.

Health Benefits of Black Fungus

Black fungus, also known as wood ear mushroom or tree ear mushroom, is the fruiting body of a fungus belonging to the Auriculariaceae family. It is a saprophytic fungus that thrives in moist environments, growing naturally on the decaying wood of broadleaf trees.

As one of the most widely eaten edible fungi, black fungus has been cultivated since ancient times, with a history spanning more than a thousand years. It holds a prominent place in traditional Chinese diets and is sometimes referred to as “the meat of vegetables” due to its rich texture and nutritional value.

Aids in Anemia Prevention

Black fungus is rich in essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. Notably, it contains a high level of iron, making it a valuable dietary option for preventing and managing iron-deficiency anemia.

Moisturizes and Nourishes the Body

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), foods and herbs are classified by their energetic properties—such as cold, warm, or neutral—and by the five basic flavors of sour, bitter, sweet, pungent (spicy), and salty. These characteristics are believed to influence the body’s internal organs and physiological functions.

Black fungus is neutral in nature, sweet in taste, and enters the meridians of the stomach and large intestine when consumed, thereby supporting their functions. Traditionally, it is used to nourish the body, moisten internal dryness, and support the health of the lungs and digestive system.

Promotes Circulation and Stops Bleeding

Black fungus is also believed to nourish the blood and stomach, improve circulation, and help stop bleeding.

According to TCM, poor blood circulation can lead to blood stasis, which in turn may worsen bleeding. For instance, heavy menstrual bleeding caused by an overly thick endometrial lining is often linked to stagnant blood that has not been properly discharged.

In such cases, improving blood flow and resolving stasis—sometimes through herbal formulas such as Shenghua Tang—can stimulate uterine contractions and help eliminate the retained blood.

As a medicinal food, black fungus can help circulate blood and disperse blood stasis. While this dual action of promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding may seem paradoxical, it exemplifies the holistic and nuanced approach of TCM to blood-related disorders.

Cleanses the Digestive Tract

The gelatinous texture of black fungus allows it to bind to dust and other residual impurities in the digestive tract, facilitating their elimination from the body.

Additionally, black fungus can aid digestion and is often recommended for people who are regularly exposed to airborne pollutants—such as workers in mining, chemical, or textile industries—due to its potential detoxifying effects.

Therapeutic Uses of Black Fungus

Anemia and General Weakness

Black fungus has traditionally been used to support the treatment of anemia, fatigue from chronic illness, weakness in the lower back and legs, and numbness in the limbs.

Bleeding Disorders

Due to its dual action of promoting circulation and helping to stop bleeding, black fungus is used in TCM to manage conditions such as excessive menstrual bleeding, metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding), hemorrhoidal bleeding, hematuria (blood in the urine), external injuries, and retinal hemorrhages.

Constipation

Black fungus may help alleviate dry and difficult bowel movements due to its natural moistening properties.

A 2022 study found that polysaccharides extracted from black fungus can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and enhance microbial diversity in the intestinal flora.

Cardiovascular Conditions

Black fungus may contribute to the prevention and management of cardiovascular issues such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), and hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol).

Studies suggest that black fungus may function as a natural anticoagulant, supporting cardiovascular health by promoting circulation and reducing the formation of blood clots.

Black Fungus and Digestive Comfort

Some people believe that black fungus is hard to digest. However, when properly prepared—by soaking, shredding, and cooking it thoroughly—its naturally soft, non-sticky texture makes it much easier for the body to process.

Even when not fully digested, the softened black fungus can move smoothly through the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the risk of bloating or discomfort.

Precautions for Eating Black Fungus

Avoid in Cases of Loose Stools

Black fungus has moistening properties that promote bowel movements. Therefore, it is not recommended for people with frequent loose or unformed stools, as it may aggravate the condition.

Avoid Fresh Black Fungus

Black fungus contains naturally occurring compounds that may trigger photosensitive dermatitis—a skin reaction caused by sunlight exposure. As a precaution, it should not be eaten raw or in its fresh form. Always ensure it is properly dried and thoroughly cooked before eating.

Practical Uses of Black Fungus

Managing Coronary Artery Blockage

Ingredients

• 30 grams dried black fungus
• 60 grams lean pork
• 5 red dates
• 2 slices of mature ginger
• 1,500 milliliters water

Preparation

1. Soak the dried black fungus in water until fully rehydrated.
2. Add all ingredients to a pot with the water and simmer over low heat for at least two hours, until the liquid is reduced to approximately 500 milliliters.

Usage: Drink on an empty stomach before meals. Take one serving daily for 30 consecutive days. For optimal effect, it is recommended to drink in the early morning on an empty stomach.

Clinical Insights and Case Observations

the effectiveness of this dietary remedy and its reported outcomes may be difficult for some believe. However, based on my clinical experience, this approach has demonstrated promising potential.

In one case, a patient shared that his friend had been diagnosed with coronary artery blockage by a medical practitioner. While the condition had not progressed to an acute stage involving loss of consciousness, diagnostic tests revealed partial arterial obstruction. After following the black fungus dietary regimen for one month, the patient underwent a follow-up examination, which showed marked improvement in cardiovascular function.

In another case, a woman in her seventies presented with similar coronary symptoms, including chest tightness and discomfort due to partial arterial blockage. Although her physician had recommended further treatment after three months, she chose to begin acupuncture and herbal therapy under the guidance of TCM. Over time, she experienced noticeable improvement in her symptoms. After adding the black fungus dietary remedy to her routine, she reported even greater relief, particularly in the chest and heart area.

These examples suggest that black fungus may offer complementary support for people with cardiovascular issues. Notably, follow-up medical evaluations in both cases indicated measurable improvements, surprising even the attending physicians.

While further clinical research is necessary to validate these outcomes, such cases highlight the potential value of this dietary approach. Patients are encouraged to consult their health care providers before integrating traditional food therapies, particularly as a complementary strategy for promoting cardiovascular health and enhancing overall well-being.

Precautions

Symptoms of acute myocardial infarction (heart attack) may include chest pain or pressure on the left side of the chest, often described as a squeezing or constricting sensation. The pain may radiate to the back, neck, shoulders, inner left arm, or jaw. It typically lasts for several minutes and may resemble the feeling of heartburn.

Other possible symptoms include shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness, cold sweats, or unusual fatigue.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt diagnosis and treatment by a cardiologist are critical—timely intervention can be life-saving in the event of a heart attack.

Managing Arteriosclerosis

Ingredients

• 10 grams dried black fungus
• 10 grams dried snow fungus
• Water, as needed

Preparation

1. Soak black fungus and snow fungus in warm water until fully softened, then rinse thoroughly with cold water.
2. Place in a bowl and add an appropriate amount of water.
3. Steam for one hour.

Usage: Divide into one or two servings and take throughout the day.

Managing Hypertension

Ingredients

• 15 grams dried black fungus
• Rock sugar, to taste
• Pear juice, to taste
• Water, as needed

Preparation

1. Soak dried black fungus in clean water overnight.
2. Steam the softened fungus for 30 minutes.
3. Add rock sugar and pear juice in appropriate amounts.

Usage: Take before bedtime. Continue daily for several days to up to two weeks.

Managing Hemorrhoidal Bleeding

Ingredients

• 6 grams dried black fungus
• Rice water or rice wine, as needed

Preparation

1. Grind dried black fungus into a fine powder.
2. Mix the powder with rice water or rice wine until well combined, and take orally.

Managing Keloids

Instructions:

1. Crush fresh black fungus into a paste.
2. Apply paste directly to affected area.
3. Cover with gauze or a clean dressing.
4. Remove before bathing each day. After bathing, reapply a fresh layer of the paste. Continue daily for several days.

A New Approach to Managing Keloids

In my clinical practice, I have worked with three patients who achieved promising results using this unique method for managing keloids. One patient reported a remarkable reduction in swelling—nearly 50 percent—after just one week of application. The speed and extent of improvement were remarkable and suggest the potential effectiveness of this remedy.

In conventional medicine, keloids are often viewed as a stubborn and difficult-to-treat condition. However, this simple, low-cost approach has yielded outcomes that are both encouraging and noteworthy.

Given its simplicity and visible results, this method presents a compelling complementary option that may offer meaningful relief for people struggling with keloids.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.