Herbs for Skin & Beauty

The three we reach for are Tremella, Schisandra and MSM. Tremella, the beauty mushroom, is traditionally used to hydrate the skin from within and is a classic Yin tonic for the Lungs, which govern the skin in Chinese medicine. Schisandra, the beauty berry, is traditionally used to support the Liver and the skin's radiance. MSM is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur, used for healthy hair, skin, nails and joints.

Choose Tremella if your skin feels dry, tight or dull, especially in winter or with air-conditioning. Choose Schisandra if your skin tends to show stress, late nights and a busy Liver. Many people take both, Tremella in the morning and Schisandra later in the day, since they work on different sides of the same picture.

Follow the serving size on the label. Tremella powder dissolves easily and has a mild taste, so most people stir it into a warm drink, a smoothie or their morning matcha. If you'd rather it's done for you, Tremella Matcha combines the two in one jar. Take it daily, since tonic herbs work through steady use.

Give it a couple of months of daily use. Skin renews slowly, and tonic herbs work from the inside out, so changes build gradually. Water, sleep and a diet with plenty of good fats make a real difference alongside the herbs.

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a naturally occurring form of organic sulphur, which is why it's known as the beauty mineral. Ours is 100% pure MSM, used for healthy hair, skin, nails and joints. It dissolves in water and pairs well with Tremella in the same daily drink.

They work in different ways. Collagen supplements are a protein, usually made from bovine or marine sources. Tremella is a plant-based mushroom, so it's vegan, and it's traditionally used in Chinese medicine to hydrate the skin from within. Some people take both. If you'd like to use these herbs on your skin as well, read our article on using Tremella, Schisandra and MSM topically.