Functional mushrooms have been used throughout history for their wide variety of health benefits. Made in tinctures, teas, powders, and supplements, the extent of their use is long-standing, highlighting the powerful healing potential of fungi. Turkey Tail, a multi-colored functional mushroom resembling turkey feathers, has been one of the primary mushrooms used for centuries to treat various ailments.
What is Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey Tail or Trametes Versicolor displays disc-like shapes in various colors and shades, including brown, grey, white, and orange. In Japan, it is known as “kawaritake” or “cloud mushroom” because of its natural layered shapes. Growing off of deadfall like fallen trees, this polypore mushroom fruits in wooded areas or forests. Although famously known for its immune-boosting benefits, it has been found to aid in varying ailments such as respiratory issues and digestive problems.
Traditional Uses, Origin, and History
Representing spiritual wellness, health, and infinity, it symbolizes longevity in many Asian cultures. It’s been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries to support lung and liver health, as an immunomodulator, and to help combat infections. Additionally, Turkey Tail extract, otherwise known as “Yun Zhi” in Chinese, is used to treat respiratory conditions. It also has a long-dated history in Japan, where it is used in Japanese Folk Herbalism to promote cellular growth.
It is considered safe, but there have been a few side effects reported. Digestive symptoms, such as gas and bloating, have been experienced. When used in conjunction with chemotherapy, patients have reported nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Darkening of the fingernails has also been reported when consumed. Although generally safe, It’s always important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
Common Uses of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Turkey Tail Extract
Extracts have been used in several clinical trials. To receive the full benefits, it is best to consume an extract that is dual extracted, or both alcohol and water extracted. Extracts are potent and ideal for long term use.
Turkey Tail Powder
You can use the mushroom powder in smoothies, hot cocoa, baked goods, the list goes on. Generally, the mushroom powder is first extracted from either alcohol, water, or both, then freeze-dried to a powder form. This is called dual extraction, and it is highly recommended to receive the full benefits of the fungi. Some of its components are not water-soluble, requiring dual extraction or an alcohol extraction to obtain the cancer-fighting and immune-boosting benefits of the mushroom.
Turkey Tail Tea
When it comes to mushrooms, the polysaccharides are best extracted in water. You can prepare a tea with a hot water concoction, or mixing the mushroom powder with hot water is a quick and easy way to prepare the tea. Mushroom tea can be a hydrating and gentle way to incorporate medicinal mushrooms.
Where to Buy Turkey Tail Mushrooms
As interest in functional mushrooms grows, mushroom grow kits, and cultured syringes have become easily accessible. Of course, you can still purchase it at Chinese markets and herbal apothecaries. We also have a wide array of medicinal mushrooms. Our variety of Turkey Tail elixirs, powders, and supplements are from trusted sources such as Catskill Fungi, Host Defense, and Forest Folk Fungi. Check out our full list of mushroom products here.
FAQ
Can you take too much Turkey Tail?
When taken as advised, it is a safe and effective option for improving health. However, adverse reactions can occur when you take more than the suggested or recommended dose. Always look at the suggested serving size before consuming any supplements.
Does Turkey Tail mushroom cure cancer?
They may have immune-boosting properties that aid in cancer treatment. In conjunction with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, it has been shown to inhibit cancer cells. The research on Turkey Tail continues to show promise in the treatment of cancer.
Is Turkey Tail fungus poisonous?
Medicinal mushrooms are distinct from poisonous mushrooms. It is not poisonous but may have undesired side effects.
Working in the health and wellness industry for over nine years, Bre has gained a substantial amount of knowledge when it comes to taking care of the mind and body.
She is currently a freelance writer for several wellness and psychedelics focused platforms and offers Psychedelic Integration Support for her clients.
Bre holds certifications in KAP (Kundalini Activation Process), Reiki, Yoni Steaming, Psychedelic Integration, Health Coaching, and more. Through both her personal experience and professional training, Bre is helping others achieve balance through psychedelics, authentic self-expression, and KAP.
Thank you so much for this article! I have been researching turkey tail mushrooms because I wanted to incorporate them into a treatment plan for my mother who has dementia. But she is also undergoing immunotherapy and is managing a couple of other health concerns. To your knowledge, are there any interactions that turkey tail mushrooms can have with any medications?
Thank you for writing a comment on this article. There’s a lot to consider given your concerns and my recommendation is to set up a 10 minute free call with our Lead Herbalist, Jason. Ask an Herbalist
He works with physicians and their patients on how to incorporate plant medicine as support to ongoing health concerns.
Thank you so much for this article! I have been researching turkey tail mushrooms because I wanted to incorporate them into a treatment plan for my mother who has dementia. But she is also undergoing immunotherapy and is managing a couple of other health concerns. To your knowledge, are there any interactions that turkey tail mushrooms can have with any medications?
Hello!
Thank you for writing a comment on this article. There’s a lot to consider given your concerns and my recommendation is to set up a 10 minute free call with our Lead Herbalist, Jason. Ask an Herbalist
He works with physicians and their patients on how to incorporate plant medicine as support to ongoing health concerns.
All my best,
Ezza