Mahathir Mohamad has been an unstoppable force in Malaysian politics for generations. Serving as Prime Minister for an impressive 22 years, from 1981 to 2003, he is often hailed as the architect behind Malaysia’s rapid economic rise. Then, in a move that stunned the world, he returned to office in 2018 at the age of 92, toppling former Prime Minister Najib Razak and setting a record as the oldest serving state leader at 92 years and 141 days. Breaking tradition, Mahathir became the first Prime Minister of Malaysia to not represent UMNO, and remains the only leader to have been sworn in twice.
But here’s something many might not know—Tun Dr. Mahathir once struggled with a persistent chronic cough. In an interview with the Sunday Times, he candidly revealed, ““I am not completely healthy. I had heart problems, I had some pneumonia at one time and I have periods when I get bad coughs when the lungs get infected.” But how did he cure his persistent chronic cough which resulted from pneumonia?
During the International Convention on Biotechnology in 2002, Tun Dr. Mahathir revealed that he overcame his persistent chronic cough with the help of traditional Chinese medicine. “Persuaded by a Chinese friend, I took some Chinese medicine and the cough stopped. When I had another attack, I tried the medicine again, and again it worked. I tried to find out what medicine is made of.” he recounted in his keynote speech. Curious about the remedy, he investigated further and discovered that the key ingredient was the traditional CHINESE mushroom.
So what's this traditional CHINESE mushroom?
Short answer: Tiger Milk Mushroom (虎乳芝)
What is Tiger Milk Mushroom (虎乳芝)?
Tiger milk mushroom, scientifically known as Lignosus rhinocerus, is a rare medicinal fungus celebrated for its numerous health benefits, particularly in traditional medicine. Its intriguing name comes from folklore, which claims it grows in spots where a tigress drips her milk while nursing her cubs. This mushroom flourishes in tropical rainforests and is distinguished by its sclerotium (tuber), where most of its healing properties are concentrated. It’s primarily found in South China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea.
In Malaysia, tiger milk mushroom is commonly referred to as "Cendawan Susu Rimau." It has long been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as colds, chronic coughs, asthma, and more. Among the Orang Asli, it is also used to treat breast cancer, further enhancing its reputation as a powerful natural remedy.
How does it treat chronic coughs?
Tiger milk mushroom (Lignosus rhinocerus) may help alleviate coughs through several mechanisms:
- Anti-inflammatory Effects: It reduces inflammation in the respiratory tract, soothing irritated airways and lessening coughing. Studies have shown consuming tiger milk mushroom provides relief from chronic cough and asthma symptoms.
- Bronchodilation: The mushroom promotes bronchodilation, relaxing and widening the airways, which helps ease breathing and reduce cough frequency, particularly in individuals with asthma.
- Immune Modulation: Tiger milk mushroom enhances the immune response, helping the body combat respiratory infections that often trigger coughs. Its bioactive compounds support immune function, reducing the severity of symptoms like cough and congestion.
Together, these mechanisms make tiger milk mushrooms effective in managing coughs and other respiratory conditions like colds, chronic coughs, and asthma, while also promoting overall respiratory health. A clinical trial showed significant improvements in respiratory health among participants using tiger milk mushroom, with notable reductions in cough and other symptoms over three months.
Where can I get Tiger Milk Mushroom supplements?
When buying Tiger Milk Mushroom products, it's important to prioritize reputable brands and certified products to ensure both quality and safety. Here are some helpful tips:
- Choose Reputable Sources: Purchase Tiger Milk Mushroom products from well-established pharmacies, health stores, or trusted e-commerce platforms. Avoid unknown or small vendors to reduce the risk of counterfeit or low-quality products.
- Check Product Labels: Read labels carefully to ensure they provide information on active ingredients, production and expiration dates, and the manufacturer. Quality products often include clear usage instructions and recommended dosages.
- Refer to User Reviews: Consider user reviews and feedback to gain insight into the product’s effectiveness and user experience. This can help you make a more informed purchasing decision.
But here are my recommendations:
- TruHerbs Tiger Milk Mushroom Sclerotia: Get it here
- Eu Yan Sang TigerMune (Ready-to-Drink): Get it here
- HooHoo Tiger Milk Mushroom: Get it here
As remarkable as Tun Dr. Mahathir's political legacy is, his story of overcoming a persistent cough through the power of traditional Chinese medicine offers us a different kind of inspiration. It’s a reminder that sometimes, ancient remedies hold the key to modern ailments, and the humble Tiger Milk Mushroom is proof of that. If a man of Mahathir’s stature, after battling pneumonia and a chronic cough, found relief in this traditional remedy, could it not work for you too?
In a world where synthetic drugs often dominate the conversation, perhaps it’s time we revisit the natural alternatives that have been used for generations. Tiger Milk Mushroom’s ability to reduce inflammation, open airways, and strengthen the immune system makes it a valuable ally in the fight against respiratory issues. More than just a folk remedy, its benefits are being backed by modern research.
So, the next time you find yourself struggling with a stubborn cough or respiratory discomfort, why not consider this ancient cure? After all, if it’s good enough for a former prime minister, it might just be the solution you've been searching for.
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Aaron Colt is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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