Description
Tiger Milk Mushroom, scientifically known as Lignosus rhinocerotis, has a long history of use in traditional medicine across Southeast Asia and China (particularly in Southern China). Hailed as the “Diamond of the Forest,” it is a highly prized medicinal fungus..
In TCM, the Tiger Milk Mushroom is revered as a gentle yet potent tonic for the Lung and Spleen systems. Its primary strength lies in its ability to address chronic respiratory weakness, resolve phlegm, and boost the body’s fundamental energy (Qi). While modern science is now confirming its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, TCM has long valued it for its ability to restore balance from a state of deficiency, particularly in the respiratory and digestive spheres.
Neutral to slightly warm in nature. Sweet and bland in taste. It enters the lungs, spleen and liver meridians.
Tiger Milk Mushroom is primarily used to support and strengthen respiratory health. It acts like a specialized repair crew for the lungs, which are vulnerable to external threats.
Health Benefits
· Boosting Immunity : Strengthens the Lung’s defensive Qi.
· Relieving Dryness & Irritation : Moistens the lungs to alleviate dry coughs, sore throats, and respiratory tract dryness.
· Resolving Phlegm and Congestion : Helps with chronic coughs, asthma, wheezing, nasal congestion, sneezing, and sinusitis by soothing airways and easing expectoration.
· Reducing Inflammation : Alleviates respiratory inflammation and can improve skin allergies.
· Supporting Overall Immunity : Balances and enhances the immune system’s response, while also strengthening the spleen and improving appetite.
Below are its main efficacies, verified by traditional use and modern scientific research :
I. Core Efficacy : Protecting the Lungs, Relieving Wheezing, Stopping Coughs, and Resolving Phlegm
This is the most well-known and core function of Tiger Milk Mushroom.
· For Chronic Respiratory Issues : It provides significant relief and has a regulatory effect on chronic bronchitis, asthma, persistent coughs (especially in children), emphysema, skin allergy, etc.
· Enhancing Lungs Function : It helps clear foreign particles and phlegm from deep within the lungs, moisturising them and thereby improving respiratory function.
· Suitable for Smokers and Residents in Polluted Environments : It aids in cleansing damage caused to the lungs by smoking or inhaling pollutants like dust.
II. Boosting Immunity, Regulating the Immune System
Tiger Milk Mushroom is an excellent natural immunomodulator. Enhances and balances the immune system’s response.
· Activates Immune Cells : Active components it contains, such as polysaccharides and β-glucans, can activate immune cells like macrophages and T-cells, enhancing the body’s ability to recognize and eliminate pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses).
· Bidirectional Regulation : It not only boosts immunity when it is low but also has a calming effect when the immune system overreacts (e.g., in allergies, autoimmune issues), helping to restore immune balance.
III. Anti-Fatigue, Enhancing Energy
As an adaptogen, Tiger Milk Mushroom helps the body adapt to various physiological and environmental stresses.
· Improves Energy Metabolism : It helps enhance the body’s energy production and utilisation, combating chronic fatigue.
· Increases Physical Strength and Endurance : Traditionally, it has been used to aid recovery after illness, childbirth, or physical exhaustion.
IV. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant
· Reduces Inflammation : Extracts of Tiger Milk Mushroom have been proven effective against various inflammation models, explaining its benefits for respiratory inflammation, particularly in the airways and other inflammation-related conditions.
· Combats Oxidative Stress : The antioxidants it contains can neutralise free radicals in the body, slowing cell damage and aging, and offering potential benefits for preventing chronic diseases.
V. Promotes Digestion and Gut Health
· Strengthens the Spleen and Nourishes the Stomach : In traditional medicine, it is used to treat poor appetite and indigestion.
· Prebiotic Effect : Its polysaccharide components can act as prebiotics, promoting the growth of beneficial gut flora, thereby maintaining intestinal health.
Ideal for individuals experiencing :
· weak immunity / recurrent illnesses : Frequent colds and flu due to weak Wei Qi (Defensive Qi)
· with or recovering from chronic respiratory issues : Such as flu, sinusitis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, or a chronic cough, weak lungs after an illness.
· smoking or living in polluted, dry, or smoky environments.
· to build resilience against new pathogens during seasonal changes
· looking to strengthen their respiratory system and immunity.
Precautions
Tiger Milk Mushroom has a mild nature, safe and gentle herbs. It is suitable for all ages.
· An Acute / Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Individuals allergic to fungi / mushroom should exercise caution. As a medicinal food fungus, its effects are significant but relatively gentle; it requires consistent use over a period to see optimal results.
· Pregnancy : Use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
Common Usage and Preparation
1. Tea / Decoction : Thinly slice or crush, steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
2. Culinary Use : Added to soups, broths, herbal tea.
3. Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Culinary Use in Soup Broths : Added to soups for a tonic effect. The most common method. Simmer 10-15 grams of dried slices with lean pork, chicken for 1-2 hours. The resulting soup is clear and slightly sweet, suitable for the whole family especially during the recovery from an illness or for children with weak lungs.
