I like to share information that makes life more joyful and meaningful. My main interests are health and general wellness in body and mind.

What Is High Cholesterol?

High blood cholesterol is a common consequence of prolonged unhealthy eating. It is not a disease, but a negative health condition that may contribute to a variety of diseases, including cardiovascular disease.

High cholesterol is defined by a measurement of 200 mg/dL or greater. Similarly, LDL cholesterol levels greater than 130 mg/dL and HDL cholesterol levels less than 60 mg/dL are considered high or abnormal.

What Is Black Fungus?

The most potent food for reducing high blood cholesterol is black fungus. The technical name for black fungus is Auricularia polytricha or Hirneola polytricha. What a mouthful!

The Chinese call it “yun er” which means “cloud ear.” It is usually sold in dried form. There are actually two types: a thick variety, and a smaller, flakey variety. Here, we are referring to the thick type.

Thick black fungus measures around 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 inches), and is black on one side and grey on the other. It is very popular in Chinese cuisine. Although tasteless by itself, when cooked with other ingredients, it absorbs flavor while maintaining crunchiness. Black fungus is used in Chinese herbal medicine to increase blood fluidity and improve blood circulation, therefore, it can reduce high blood cholesterol.

Common Names for Black Fungus

Prepare Black Fungus to Reduce Cholesterol

Once you have acquired the fungus from a reputable source, you can prepare it as follows:

Ingredients:

• 40 grams dried black fungus (remember to get the thick variety)
• 2 slices of ginger
• 10 red dates (pitted)
• 1.2 liters water

Method:

1. Soak the fungus for 2 hours.

2. Drain the water and transfer the softened fungus to a slow cooker.

3. Add the ginger and red dates to the slow cooker.

3. Add 1.2 liters of hot water.

4. Set the slow cooker to high and boil for 8 hours.

5. Discard the ingredients and retain only the liquid. You should get about 2 cups.

Do this every day for 2 weeks. It is recommended that you prepare the drink in the evening and have it ready to serve just before breakfast the next morning.

Is Black Fungus Really Effective?

We have been led to believe that cholesterol is the main cause of many heart problems. New findings are cautioning this belief. Anti-cholesterol drugs may be more harmful than good.

I can vouch for the effectiveness of black fungus. Many of my relatives enjoy its benefits and vouch for its effectivity as well. Incorporating natural foods into your diet to strategically reduce harmful cholesterol levels is the best way to go. Other natural foods that can help reduce high cholesterol include:

• oatmeal or oats
• eggplant, aubergine, or brinjal
• black beans
• corn
• enoki mushroom (the Japanese needle mushroom)

Disclaimer

The purpose of this article is to inform readers that there are alternative remedies for all ailments. You are advised to consult a registered medical professional before proceeding with any recommendations.

Video: Food for Thought on Cholesterol

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and does not substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription, and/or dietary advice from a licensed health professional. Drugs, supplements, and natural remedies may have dangerous side effects. If pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified provider on an individual basis. Seek immediate help if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

© 2010 Justin Choo

Comments

sn on May 24, 2020:

may i drink the black fungus juice before meal eg lunch or dinner

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on April 10, 2019:

I don't think there is any harm.

May Louie on April 04, 2019:

Hi justin. Ur recipe helped me too! Thank you! Question: is eating grapefruit ok since black fungus is not a synthetic statin? Drs. say no grapefruit with statin medications. Dangerous they say....

Thank you very much!!!

May Louie on April 04, 2019:

Hi justin. Thank u for recipe. It helped me too. Question; is it ok to eat grapefruit since this is not a synthetic statin?

Leeyen on January 20, 2018:

Thank you Justin for sharing the black fungus soup remedy.

I went for a blood test on 23/12/17. My cholesterol reading was 6.4 mmol/L , ideally should be less than 5.2. LDL was 3.9 (ideal less than 2.58) and HDL was 2.23 (ideal more than 0.90)

I took this black fungus soup remedy as recommended for 10 consecutive days and went for a blood test after that on 18/1/2018.

The result - Total cholesterol 4.7, HDL 2.17 and LDL was 2.22.

Justin, wonder if drink this once or twice weekly to keep the level low, is it effective?

Once again thank you so much !

Agatha Lu on December 09, 2016:

I just took this black fungus recipe for only 10 days, checked my cholesterol level, every level came down to near level. Hope this will encourage the reader to try it out. Initially, like anyone, I do not believe it is so simple. It really works.

Murli Shukla on September 14, 2015:

I was able to reduce cholesterol in 15 days using ayurvedic procedure called "Basti". Pl see tab " Cholesterol Herbal Cure" in my website www.murlishukla.com

Also see tab " cloged arteries Natural Bypass" in website. All my arteries are 100% blocked but I survived without heart attack dur to collateral developed naturally.

susie on April 03, 2015:

I boiled black fungus for my mom too when she had high cholesterol.

It reduced her cholesterol.

What i want to share is that:

i. Take normal dose -1 cup in the morning

2. Can be kept and drink each morning

3. Drink for a week then repeat 4-5 weeks later.

4. Reduce gradually not drastically (one case just drink on weekends only)

God bless

Shikha on March 03, 2015:

Black fungus really works. My husband was suffering from high cholesterol from long time. We tried a lot of things but nothing was working. Doctors told that he has genetic cholesterol and it can not be reduced without medicines. But we tried the black fungus as a last remedy before starting the medicines. And it worked magically. In 3 weeks my husband's cholesterol was reduced to 215 from 265.

DON deBONBAR on July 07, 2014:

Thank you for posting this wonderfull cure: Ingredients:

* 40gm Dried thick black fungus (remember to get the thick variety)

* 2 slices of ginger

* 10 red dates (pitted)

* 1.2 liters water.

yet our version had

* 50gm meat (no fat) can be pork or beef

also the red dates is not the desert dates but hongzao (红枣)

is this correct or my question apparently this recipe went well w/o the meat ommitted.

khtan from Penang,Malaysia. on April 24, 2014:

Thanks for the information,

I bought 700 gm of Black Fungus , 500 gm Honey dates.

and started boiling

100 gm Black Fungus, 2 slices of Ginger, 50 gm Honey dates.

in a traditional charcoal chinese herbal pot for +-8 hours

I drank the black fungus liquid mix with 2 table spoon of ( 1 cup Apple cider vinegar + 1 cup garlic juice + 1 cup ginger juice + 1 cup lemon juice + 3 cup honey boil to 1 cup). At first I sweat a lot after drinking the mixture, some headache and minor palpitation maybe detoxication process which I drank full mug of boil water to helps the healing process. Next day my stools are black I'm going to continue till 40 days before going for my next blood test.

The Coolest Guy on March 20, 2014:

Hello Good Guy, I have a few questions and wondering if you may help.

1) Do you think it is safe to take Omega 3 vitamins while taking this tea? I am asking because I know this tea has a component in it that thins the blood.

2) When I make the tea it comes very dark and not very thick. Am I doing it right? Am I using too much water?

3) If I have left over that I wont be using for a while, can I store it in the refrigerator?

4) How long do you recommend I take it for lowering Triglycerides and over all Cholesterol?

Thanks in advance for your help!

help! on March 20, 2014:

Good Guy, Can this tea be taken with Omega 3 pills? Also, how thick does the tea have to be? Mine is dark but very thick.

help! on March 20, 2014:

Also, is it okay to put the left over tea in the fridge and reheat to drink?

help! on March 20, 2014:

I am trying this drink but the tea left over after 8 hours of cooking is dark but not very thick. Is it not right?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on November 30, 2013:

Good afternoon Orange,

A number of possible reasons:

1. heat too powerful or too high

2. mistake in measurements : water and/or fungus

Whatever reasons, I suggest you monitor the progress the next time, if everything is correct, and water level is still low, then add more water and lower the heat. Hope this helps.

Orange on November 29, 2013:

Hi, I have followed the instruction. However, after 8 hrs of boiling I get only 150ml left and the liquid is sticky. It there something wrong with my black fungus?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on August 05, 2013:

Hi Barry,

Partly a cleaning,soaking and softening process. The instruction says 2 hours, but I think you can shorten the time.

Barry on August 05, 2013:

Hi Good Guy,

Why must I soak the Black Fungus for 2 hours before cooking it ?

Please advise me.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on May 10, 2013:

Hi kennyvo423 ,

Why 2 cups? The instruction said

40gm Dried thick black fungus

kennyvo423 on May 09, 2013:

Hi Good Guy,

My cholestrol level is 365. I would like to try your method. Could you please tell me how much is 2 cups(how many oz per cup). Thank you very much in advance.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on April 06, 2013:

Hi Clara,

This is strange. Perhaps you may want to try again, and monitor the water level this time, and see what actually went wrong.

clara on April 06, 2013:

i followed your instruction. however, no liquid left

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on June 01, 2012:

Hi Need help,

Yes, you drink the 2 cups in all:

"5. Discard the ingredients and retain only the liquid. You should get about 2 cups.

It is recommended that you prepare the drink in the evening; ready to serve just before breakfast the next morning."

Need help on June 01, 2012:

First of all thank you for this article.

I am confused on how to drink the mixture. I made 2 cups this evening so I wake up next morning and drink both together ??

Please clarify.

Thank you.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on May 22, 2012:

Hi AC,

Yes the fungus will expand to a lot.

AC on May 22, 2012:

I prepared my first brew last nite for consumption this morning. I find that 40g if dried fungus expands to a huge mass after soaking. It practically filled up my whole crockpot. Is 40g a bit too excessive? Appreciate your comments. Thanks !!

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on May 17, 2012:

Hi Mrs Lee,

I suppose you can keep the extra in the fridge and drink it later.

As I wrote, my wife tried but it did not work for her.

mrs lee s h on May 17, 2012:

can i consume the black fungus juice after taking out from the fridge but to drink when it is at normal temperature. i have boiled extra to be kept in bottle.

pls let have yr comment.

my last reading for total cholestrol is 5.8. after that i took western medication for 3 wks. i came to know later about this black fungus. i stopped taking the medication and decided to drink black fungus juice. very diligently, i took for 2 wks but the reading did not show lower. I took a test after the 2 wks and the reading was 6.4. does that mean it does not work on me? i did follow the method of boiling the fungus correctly. what is yr comments? tq

sup mushlog on April 29, 2012:

Princess Jean?I don't think that to prove?the effect of black fungus on reducing the cholesterol level is?meaningful,unless?improvement and upgrading,for example,the black fungus and cordyceps together.Could you let me know about your school and you have financial support or have not for it.Contract me,y-163-y@163.com,I'm doing a kind of cordyceps.

SURJYA on April 15, 2012:

i m suffering with a regular basis on high tri-gleseride and uric acid, after alopathic medication it controlled but later than it's level again increase. plz suggested.

Princess Jean on February 11, 2012:

Hi,I'm a 3rd year medical student who is currently looking for a topic for minor thesis.And now I have just found a topic to do -The effect of Black fungus on reducing the cholesterol level-.I hope in my research I can prove the positive outcome. We let all of you know if the result is positive.

James on February 10, 2012:

Hi my mom recently had a heart attack and has been in hospital she found out she is diabetic and her surgeon is recommending a coronary bypass for one of her arteries upon doing some research i came across sites and blogs like this promoting Mok Yee (Wood Fungus) just wondering if anyone has any further info proving its effectiveness and if she can take it cos shes diabetic i am hoping 2 convince her and her surgeon to at least give it a trial so obviously the more i can find out about mok yee the better but i only have a few days so quick responses would be much appreciated

James

Scot Nyman from Indonesia on December 10, 2011:

I'm going to try but I haven't checked my cholesterol levels since arriving in China. That was 2 1/2 years ago. It was elevated when I was in the USA though, but Chinese food has taken off about 30 pounds already, so perhaps this is going to be more of a preventative medicine for me now. Thank you.

Chris on September 21, 2011:

Hi Everyone,

This prescription is bit troublesome, have to boil for Hoursssss. I used to drink fruit (apple) juices & longin tea. It helps a lot. I stop for a while and didn't watch my diet, so cholestrol went up very high 7.5. Now taking this black fungus juice and see how the result. Beside this, Hawthorn Fruit is also good for lowering cholestrol and high blood. I think for those whose cholestrol is very very high like me have to consume regulary, similar to those taking medicine, cannot stop all the way.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 07, 2011:

Hi Jass,

If I start again, I will just follow the standard instruction.

Jass on September 07, 2011:

Hi Good Guy,

If I stop for 2 weeks, when I start again, should I drink every day or alternate day based on TCM advice? Thanks in advance for your advice. I'm aware it's not scientifically proven or anything.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 07, 2011:

Hi Jass,

Just my way of gut-thinking. I won't dare to give you any "scientific" reason.

I read somewhere that the advice in TCM (traditional Chinese medicine)is that one should not continuously take the same medication for long period. Maybe the body system needs a rest too.

Jass on September 06, 2011:

Hi good guy,

Just wondering and want to understand why stop for 2 weeks? When start after 2 weeks break, should it be alternate day or everyday again?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 06, 2011:

Hi Jass,

I am happy you responded well with this recipe. I am always for moderation. Maybe you should stop for a while, say 2 weeks; then try again.

Jass on September 06, 2011:

Hi good guy,

I have been having the above drink for 3 weeks and after that alternate day, i went to check the cholesterol level had gone down but not to the standard 5.2. If I continue to drink do you think it will help further?

Jass on September 06, 2011:

Hi Good Guy,

I took this drink for over 3 weeks continuously and then alternate day after 3 weeks. I went to check my cholesterol level, it is lower than before but still not below the standard 5.2. Do you think i can continue drinking it until it reaches the standard level?

Maea on August 13, 2011:

Today I start taking black fungus with china date and wolf berry.I cooked for 4 hrs only and drink .I will test my calestrol after I finish taking 500 grm of bf.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on August 02, 2011:

Hi jimmwoo,

You know very well that this article is about cholesterol. There is nothing mentioned about diabetic.

Maybe you are trying to promote your site. It's ok.

jimmwoo on August 02, 2011:

Is this recipe effective for diabetic?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on July 27, 2011:

Hi Jass,

You can always try, and find out. I don't think there is any harm cooking for less or more than 8 hours.

Jass on July 26, 2011:

Hi Good Guy,

just curious to find out what will happen if it's cooked below 8 hours or more than 8 hours? does it affect the quality of the drink? thanks again

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on July 26, 2011:

Hi Jass,

I think we should follow the recommended instruction.

Jass on July 26, 2011:

Hi,

I read about your instruction, is it ok if I only cook for 5-6 hours instead of 8 hours?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on May 29, 2011:

Hi Bruce,

This is not the recipe I shared above. Your method is like a Chicken Soup with Black Fungus cuisine.

Bruce lie on May 27, 2011:

Hi,

I try the black fungus..actually I make my won recipe...i buy 1 can chicken soup and boiled siwh the mushrom until it boiled and just eat like that..i like the taste..in my op[inion..the msot important just eat the black mushrom..the recipe only to make it tasty what do you think..i will check my blood later on..

Granny's House from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time on March 28, 2011:

k, thank you

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on March 24, 2011:

Hi Granny's House ,

You should not have any problem getting the ingredients. Visit some Asian grocery stores.

Granny's House from Older and Hopefully Wiser Time on March 23, 2011:

Great comments. ill bookmark and try if I can find all the ingredients.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on March 23, 2011:

Hi Eva,

Usually there are variations in instructions. You may try both. There's no harm.

eva on March 22, 2011:

chinese medical hall told me to boil the black fungus with red dates for 1 hour and drink it for 1 week. But yours is for 8 hrs with slow cooker. I personally haven't try both considering the descrepancies in the timing to boil the fungus. Can I have your view/comment please. TQ.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on February 04, 2011:

Hi cktan,

Thanks for sharing your positive experience.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on February 04, 2011:

Hi Alice,

I think it is all right to continue with your medication.

cktan on February 03, 2011:

Hi, would like to share with you my own experience. I had my blood test in mid Nov last year and the the cholesterol level was not good (Surprised) TCL - 280 and other reading in my LDL/HDL ratio was 6.5. I was asked to change my diet and exercise and come back 5 months later. Well, I thought perhaps I should just reduce some weights and take some supplements. Somehow I was required in mid Jan by an insurance Co to submit my blood test result because I mentioned that I have high cholesterol. Instead of submitting my last report, I decided to go for another blood test. One week before my test, my wife started to 'force' me to drink up the black fungus that she brew for hours as I didn't think that it would help. In any case, I went ahead to drink it up. Well, my blood test results show a mark improvement, it has dropped to 170 and the ratio was down to about 4.9. I was surprised that just 5 days of drinking would result in such a mark improvement.

alice on February 03, 2011:

hello,how about for the person who taking medicine??

Is it to carry on the medicine with this or stop take the medicine for 2 week?

asher rankin on January 21, 2011:

Hello, this comment is directed at the women whose husbands blood would not clot.

Black fungus is a proven anticoagulant, it stops blood from clotting. This is the reason for your husbands experience with the nurse. However, I HIGHLY doubt it was the cause of hospital visit.

I also don't think much can be taken from just discarding the ingredients and drinking the liquid. You would want to eat the black fungus to receive it's maximum benefit.

I suggest the owner of this blog, post a chinese recipe that includes this ingredient, maybe hot pot, or fry with eggs, etc.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on January 15, 2011:

Hi gajanis786,

You're welcome.

gajanis from Pakistan on January 15, 2011:

Nice information....let me try these for my cholesterol problems....Thanks.

Gina Phan on November 22, 2010:

HI there

Thanks for the honest response. I heard of this black fungus recipe from my masseuse! Will definitely try it.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on November 22, 2010:

Hi Gina,

I honestly don't know. Just gut feeling; I think it should not affect uric acid.

Gina Phan on November 22, 2010:

Can you advise if taking black fungus will increase the uric acid level? If yes, we will have to balance out by reducing other food with high uric acid content.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on November 22, 2010:

Hi Gilbert,

Black sauce and black fungus are two very different things. You must follow the exact instructions as described.

Gilbert on November 22, 2010:

Do u really need to drink only the black fungus soup. How about if we cook with black sauce - will it be still giving the similar benefits?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on November 21, 2010:

Hi Mala,

Congratulations! That is good news.

MALA BHUSHANAM on November 21, 2010:

Hi I took the black fungus with other ingredients. It has got a marvelous effect. I tested by cholestrol before starting black fungus and after taking it for 15 days. I was very happy to know the decrease level when I did my test after 20 days.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on September 10, 2010:

fengshuiman,

Welcome to Hubpages.

And thanks for reading and commenting.

Please do update your progress here.

fengshuiman from British Columbia, Canada on September 10, 2010:

Very interesting find. Strangely, I have been eating blackfungus on & off when it's cook either at home or at the food court for all these yrs. Never knew the miraculous power of this food.But since I had to undergo angioplasty procedures recently, many of my colleagues recommended & reinforced the value of Black Fungus for colesterol management. I have decided to give it a try this morning as suggested, using my crockpot. Let's see what happens in 14 days & I'll do my best to update the findings on this forum.

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on August 13, 2010:

Agvulpes,

Actually this hub is about black fungus.

Yes, oats is also an effective cereal, but I don't really know how fast the result will come.

Peter from Australia on August 13, 2010:

Thanks for these great tips on lowering cholesterol.

I am going to change to having oats for breakfast, how long would I need to take it to see any result?

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on August 03, 2010:

Hi YH,

I suppose if you have no more problem with your cholesterol level, there is not a need to continue.

YH on August 03, 2010:

Hi,

After 2 weeks, do we have to continue taking it everyday?

My slow cooker can not "tahan"

Cheers,

YH

Justin Choo (author) from Malaysia on July 17, 2010:

Hi Rebecca,

I am not a doctor. This article is to share with the public of the proven benefits of taking the ingredients. However, if you think that your husband's condition may be caused by taking the ingredients, then I think he should stop it, and then monitor his condition. If the condition disappeared then probably his system is not compatible with the ingredients. Maybe just like some people who are allergic to certain substance.

Thanks for reading.

Rebecca Goh on July 17, 2010:

Hi, would like to find out if there are any side effects if you take black fungus daily for two weeks. My husband took black fungus drink daily for almost two weeks. He had been having pulpitation on and off. On Thursday, the pulpatation was so often and he felt numbness on his left arm. We rushed down to A&E at GH. The doctors did three blood test and he was put under eight hours observaion. He was then discharge as they could not detect anything. He was then given an appointment to visit the National Heart Ctr. When he was being discharge, the nurse took off the drip needle, the wound bleed and the blood took a while to clog up. The nurse asked if my husband took any blood thining medication. Please feed back. Thank you.

aunty oriole on June 25, 2010:

Yes, it works. I have tried it with effect.