Turkey Tail Mushroom
- jenndillin
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Often found in clusters or "shelfs" on dead wood in the forest, these colorful and flat mushrooms resemble the fanned out tail feathers of a turkey ... hence their name. Because of this shape, Turkey Tails are tough and rubbery, making them rather inedible. Covered in a fine velvet like fur and growing in various colors - finding a flush of these is a beautiful sight to see.
If you are foraging these yourself, beware of look - alikes! True TT have a fuzzy top and small pores/ holes on a cream colored underside - no gills.
A highly favored fungi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) . Although they are pretty useless as food, they are prized for their medicinal properties like modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and supporting healthy gut microbiome.
Turkey Tail has been so well tested in clinical and pre-clinical studies that compounds derived from this fungi, Polysaccharide-K (PSK) and Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), have been approved and licensed for use as a adjunct to cancer therapy in China and Japan for more than 30 years! Experiments have shown these specific extracts to be most effective in reducing tumor size for certain cancers - gastric, colorectal, lung , and breast (results vary per stage). Experts have found that TT can significantly improve the effectiveness of modern cancer treatments like chemo and radiation. In addition, TT has been reported to minimize the negative effects of these harsh treatments ; patients say that it decreases nausea and pain. The same immune boosting components that shrink cancer cells, can also be helpful when used as preventative medicine to ward off the common cold and flu virus (or used to shorten the life / symptoms of it).
Not only do these mushrooms have an effect on the immune system, but they have been beneficial in regard to the GI tract and the microorganisms living inside it. By supporting the "good" gut bugs like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, it prevents things like Candida and H. Pylori from over growing - which can cause gut dysbiosis; leading to indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, etc.
Botanical name: Trametes versicolor / Coriolus versicolor
Plant Family: Polyporaceae
Energetics: cold
Actions: adaptogen, antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatroprotive, immunomodulator
Taste: earthy, bitter, sweet
Affinities: GI, liver, spleen, lungs
Parts used: Fruiting body and Mycelium
Possible uses:
supportive during cancer treatment
preventing some viral infections
improve gut terrain and function
Preparations:
Decoction (long infusion)
Broth
Double extract tincture
Powder
Capsule
-- Safety & precautions --
You should not use turkey tail if:
You are pregnant or nursing
You have a mushroom allergy
Do not use if taking the following:
Cyclophosphamide
Anti-diabetes drugs
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
Medications changed by the liver
Generally considered safe - the appropriate dose of Turkey Tail depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and other conditions. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional before using.
:: Products containing Turkey Tail ::
Double extract TT tincture (coming soon)
Disclaimer:
I am not a medical professional and this web site does not constitute providing medical advice or services. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
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