Hailed as the National treasure of Malaysia, tiger milk mushroom scientifically known as Lignosus Rhinocerus is extensively found in tropical forests across South East Asia. It is most predominant in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Tiger milk mushroom supplement has now become a common healthcare condiment.
So, what’s a tiger milk mushroom? What does it do? And why is it in the limelight?
Let’s find out!
What Is Tiger Milk Mushroom?
In recent times, the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of respiratory health and protecting our lungs from harmful external elements, including particulate matter, toxic chemicals, and infectious microorganisms.
Respiratory illness, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lower respiratory tract infections, lung carcinomas, and tuberculosis, contributes to a significant global health burden.
Tiger milk mushroom is a medicinal mushroom species that has been used as a health supplement for its nutritional and medicinal values. The Tiger Milk Mushroom benefits are worth knowing to understand why Malaysian people love these mushrooms.
Traditionally, this mushroom is believed to treat more than 15 aliments. However, it has been clinically proven to have 6 respiratory healing properties.
History of Tiger Milk Mushroom
- The first documentation of tiger milk mushroom was found in 1879. MC Cooke extracted a specimen from Penang Island, Malaysia.
- In 1966, Tiger Milk Mushroom was listed in The Dictionary of the Economic Products with high economic importance.
- However, it wasn’t until 2002 that this medical mushroom got global recognition. At the International Biotechnology Convention, Tun Dr. Mahatir Mohamad (Former Prime Minister of Malaysia) mentioned Tiger Milk.
- The new era for commercial cultivation of this medicinal mushroom was initiated in 2016. Dr. Leo Teik Kee successfully created proprietary cultivation technology of Tiger Milk Mushroom.
Evidence Suggesting the Benefits of Tiger Milk Mushroom
- A study conducted in 2021 found that tiger milk mushroom supplement effectively enhances respiratory health, antioxidant status, and overall immunity.
- Another study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies revealed the L. rhinocerus species has the potential to manage the symptoms and incidence of acute asthma.
- Another study reviewing the bioactive activities of Tiger Milk Mushroom conducted in 2018 revealed that sclerotium of L. rhinocerotis demonstrated various potential therapeutic properties, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
6 Clinically Tested Healing Properties of Tiger Milk Mushroom
The healing properties of the tiger milk mushroom supplement are due to the biochemical composition. The mushroom contains proteins, carbohydrates, fats, calcium, potassium, sodium, alpha-glucans, and beta-glucans.
The beta-glucan is the active ingredient specifically found in the tuber of the mushroom. Several tests concluded that this ingredient effectively enhances the body’s immune system.
Anti-asthmatic
Tiger Milk Mushroom supplement can help alleviate respiratory inflammation, improve breathing, and soothe other asthma symptoms.
Immunomodulatory
The polysaccharides present in the Tiger Milk Mushroomthat are well-known for their immunoregulatory properties. They help in boosting the recovery of respiratory allergies.
Anti-Inflammatory
The beta-glucan has anti-inflammatory benefits that reduce the concentration of inflammatory biochemicals in your body, thus relaxing airway inflammation. This property makes the mushroom supplement a great intervention to boost respiratory wellness.
Antioxidant
Antioxidants minimize oxidative stress during an inflammatory response or infection. Enriched with antioxidants, Tiger Milk Mushroom supplement helps to combat free radicals in the body and treat cellular impairment in the respiratory system.
Immunity-Boosting
In-vitro studies have demonstrated that Tiger Milk Mushroom plays a vital role in enhancing and strengthening the body’s immune system.
Anti-microbial
The enhanced immunity shield of your lungs is effective against allergy-causing microbes, thus providing relief from common allergy conditions.
All these healing properties make this mushroom a great health supplement for relieving cough & phlegm, improving the sinus and respiratory system, and managing asthma symptoms.
Tiger milk mushroom supplementation combines the mushroom extracts, Vitamins, and other organic extracts (soya milk, organic, etc.)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Recommended Dosage for Tiger Milk Mushroom Supplementation?
For adults, the daily recommendation is 500 mg of tiger milk mushroom. For children, the advisable daily dosage is 250mg.
Who Can Benefit From Tiger Milk Mushroom?
Tiger milk mushroom is a generic supplement beneficial for everyone when consumed regularly. However, the supplement can be explicitly helpful for individuals with chronic smoking habits, sinus or rhinitis allergies, and asthma.
When Should You Consume The Supplement?
It is recommended to consume the supplement after meals in the morning, once a day, with adequate water. Ensure to keep yourself hydrated while taking the mushroom supplement.
Is Consuming Tiger Mushroom Supplement Safe With Other Medications?
There are no documented contraindications or side effects while consuming the mushroom supplement with other medications. However, for safety precautions, it is suggested that you discuss any interactions with your healthcare practitioner and give at least an hour gap after any medications.