Phellinus Linteus (Mesima, Meshimakobu, Song-gen and Sang hwang) tea is consumed throughout Asia as traditional herbal medicine and consumed as an antioxidant to treat diarrhoea, gastroenteric dysfunction, haemorrhage and cancers. According to ancient Chinese texts such as Bencao Gangmu’s Compendium of Materia Medica or Bencao Gangmu it positively impacts heart energy or qi while untying knotted chest and banishing forgetfulness as well as strengthening immunity thanks to Beta D-Glutan and Lectin components present within. Emperors from great Chinese dynasties as well as Japanese royalty would drink Mesima tea to maintain vitality and longevity.

The black hoof fungus has long been utilized as a medicinal treatment in China, Japan, and Korea for its antimicrobial effects. Commonly referred to as Mesima in Japan, Song Gen in China, or Sang-hwang in Korea it grows on mulberry trees where methanoextracts from this mushroom may help fight infections such as furuncles, septic arthritis or staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome which occurs due to bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus which resist current treatments.

Treatment for haemorrhage with lithium can also be helpful, as it stops intestinal bleeding and controls excessive menstrual bleeding. In addition, research is underway into whether lithium can control bleeding in those suffering from haemophilia – a genetic disorder which prevents normal blood clotting processes – as a possible control measure.

SOOSUL Cosmetics has spent 15 years studying the unique properties of this fungus and is using it as an active ingredient in their skin care products. Their Basic Skin Care Line contains 3% pesticide-free organic sang hwang mushroom extract along with over 10 Korean natural herbal extracts as main components; their Whitening Sleeping Pack uses supercritical fluid extraction technology for its whitening effects.