Malaysia's "Ancient Hidden National Treasure" is making its way back to the health world - the Tiger Milk Mushroom - also known as Lignosus Rhinocerus and Cendawan Susu Harimau. Although Tiger Milk Mushrooms have been used for more than 400 years by Traditional Malay & Chinese medicine practitioners and the orang asli community, it has recently taken the holistic health world by storm due to its powerful healing properties on more than a dozen of common medical conditions, especially respiratory and lung health issues.
While Tiger Milk Mushroom has been known as the go-to remedy of our indigenous tribe for centuries, to treat a variety of ailments including cough, asthma, bronchitis, allergies, inflammation, fever and joint pains, it hasn’t hit the mainstream market before. Partly due to high harvesting costs, overharvesting, deforestation, and its unique growth habits. This rare, ancient Malay treasure's life-transforming effects have, however, been proven for centuries.Curious what it's all about? From its history to its main benefits, let us walk you though.
The History of Tiger Milk Mushrooms
The history of usage for Tiger Milk Mushroom dates back to almost 400 years ago. No records of scientific studies were done back then due to the unavailability of sufficient samples. Even when there were samples collected from the wild, the supply and quality were inconsistent.With the advent of cultivation success of one of the most utilized species of Tiger Milk Mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) in 2009, scientific investigation was done to validate its traditional use and to investigate its safety for consumption and biochemical and bio pharmacological properties.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fung Shin Yee, who has published several research papers about Tiger Milk Mushrooms, shares that it was recorded to be used by the local communities to treat diseases that "druggist and physicians couldn't figure out.’”
The history of this mushroom has been that of a treasure hunt:
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1879: Cooke pioneered the scientific documentation of this fungus and named it as Polyporus rhinoceros using a specimen obtained from Penang Island, Malaysia
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1890, 1900; (Ridley and Curtis 1902): The mushroom (then referred to as Polystictus rhinocerotis) was mentioned to have an important economic value. In “A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula.”
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1966: Listed as one of the mushrooms that the Malays called Cendawan Susu Rimau. According to Malaysian folklore, it was believed that the Tiger Milk Mushroom grows where the mother tiger might have disgorged its milk during lactation. There were huge intervals between the historical mentions, presumably due to the difficulties of locating the mushrooms for use.
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2009: Successfully cultivated in Malaysia, first in the world - using an in house proprietary technology producing superior quality, similar in genetics to the wild type
- 2009 - current: Safety studies, bioactivities, preclinical studies, clinical trials. It now exists a lot of credible science that backs up the many benefits of Tiger Milk Mushrooms. We expect to see a lot more of this in the future, which also likely will boost the demand on the commercial market.
The Main Benefits of Tiger Milk Mushroom
1. Help With Respiratory Problems
Lignosus rhinocerus has been shown to be effective in reducing the body’s reaction to allergens due to its high anti-inflammatory properties. This helps to relieve respiratory symptoms such as asthma, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and coughing. It is also seen to be beneficial to people who are exposed to polluted environments or are heavy smokers.
It has bronchorelaxation effects and has the ability to relax the pre-contracted airways. A bronchus is an airway in the respiratory system. When you inhale, air travels down through the bronchial tubes and into your lungs.
2. High Anti Inflammatory Compounds
Tiger milk mushroom can also help to relieve joint pain and help support the body in healing inflammation. This helps to relieve unwanted aches and pains.
3. Revitalize Our Bodies
Studies have shown that the sclerotia of tiger milk mushroom can help one deal with the daily oxidative stress in the body. Due to these compounds, it’s been seen to ease the harsh effects of premature aging.
4. Boosts Immunity
Tiger milk mushroom has unique Glycan linkages, which can trigger an immune response to combat infections by stimulating the production of human immune cells. This has been proven to boost immune cells, which enhances the body’s ability to resist infection, eliminate unwanted toxins.
It has the ability to harmonize several cytokines and important anti-inflammatory properties in the body. Cytokines are small proteins that are essential in controlling the activity and growth of other immune system cells and blood cells. When released, they signal the immune system to do its job.
How to consume Tiger Milk Mushrooms
Unlike other edible mushrooms known where you consume all part of the mushroom, traditionally only the Sclerotium (the root-like structure found beneath the ground) is the part with medicinal value.
The sclerotium is grounded and consumed within drinks and beverages. One can also create a paste like consistency and apply it for topical use.
What are the downsides?
Through various toxicity studies, Tiger Milk Mushroom has not been known to be toxic or have any side effects.
What To Expect In The Future Of Tiger Milk Mushroom
Tiger milk mushroom has potential to be the superior superfood (nutraceutical) - and also has the potential to be further developed to be nutri cosmeceuticals. This strain of mushroom is the first in the world and Malaysia to be cultivated and mass produced.
Exciting News: Tiger Milk Mushrooms By PurelyB
YES! We'll soon be launching our brand new Tiger Milk Mushroom Traditional Asian Superfood product - which has been in R&D with leading scientists and traditional herbalists for the past 4 years with amazing transformation results - and we couldn't be more excited to make it's many powerful benefits available to you!
You'll soon be able to experience the potent medicinal properties of this ancient Malaysian herbal treasure just as our ancestors before, in an easy and delicious way.
It also can be paired perfectly with Pegaga superfood blend for even more health benefits!
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