Turkey Tail: A Beginner’s Guide to Benefits & Supplements
Overview
⦁ The Turkey Tail Mushroom, also known as trametes versicolor, is a strikingly colourful and nutrient-rich fungus found in many parts of the world.
⦁ With its unique fan-like shape and vibrant rings of brown, orange, and green, the Turkey Tail Mushroom is a favourite of nature enthusiasts and health enthusiasts alike.
⦁ Research suggests that the Turkey Tail Mushroom may have powerful immune-boosting properties, as well as potential anti-cancer benefits.
⦁ Whether you enjoy it in a tea, a supplement, or a delicious meal, the Turkey Tail Mushroom is a fascinating and flavorful addition to any health-conscious lifestyle.
The Turkey Tail mushroom might sound like a strange dish you’d find at Thanksgiving dinner, but in reality, it’s a unique and fascinating fungus. With a fan-shaped appearance that can reach up to 10cm wide, this mushroom is easy to spot. It grows in wet, shady areas in temperate forests in Asia, North America, and Europe.
Going by the scientific name of trametes versicolor, Turkey tail is like the chameleon of mushrooms. Its colours and patterns are so diverse, you’d be forgiven for mistaking them for different species altogether.
But it’s not just the Turkey Tail’s shape and colour range that set it apart – this mushroom has pores instead of gills, making it an oddball in the fungi world. These pores contain the spores necessary for reproduction, making the Turkey Tail a crucial player in the forest ecosystem.
Yes, nature is full of surprises and turkey tail fungus is one of them
Contents
⦁ The history of turkey tail mushroom
⦁ The best turkey tail mushroom supplement types
⦁ The medicinal benefits of turkey tail mushroom
⦁ Turkey tail mushrooms FAQs
The history of turkey tail mushrooms
The history of the turkey tail mushroom in Chinese traditional medicine is a long one. It’s believed that the turkey tail mushroom has been used for medicinal purposes since at least the Ming Dynasty, which was from 1368–1644.
During this time, the turkey tail mushroom was highly valued for its medicinal properties. It was believed to boost the immune system, promote longevity, and improve overall health. In fact, it was so highly esteemed that it made its way into the Bencao Gangmu, a famous Chinese medical text written by Li ShiZhen in the 16th century. Here, it was hailed for its health and longevity benefits if consumed regularly.
But it’s not just traditional medicine that has taken notice of this fungus. In the 1960s, extracts from Turkey Tail mushrooms were studied as complementary cancer treatments in China and Japan. It was in the 1970s when an extract from Turkey Tail mushroom, Polysaccharide-K, was approved as an adjuvant oncology therapy in both countries.
Modern science has now caught up with these ancient wisdoms, with numerous studies showcasing the mushroom’s antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
While Turkey Tail mushrooms may not be a household name yet, their long history in traditional medicine and modern research has given us plenty of reasons to keep an eye on this curious fungus.
The best turkey tail mushroom supplement types
There are a lot of options for Turkey Tail, but there are some common forms of the mushroom you’ll see on the market. Let’s take a look at some of the best turkey tail mushroom supplement types:
Capsules
Turkey tail supplements in capsule form are the easiest way to get your daily dose of this powerful fungus. Capsules are convenient and easy to take on the go. Simply swallow with water and you’re done. Plus, with capsules, there’s no need to measure out a dosage like you would with powders or tinctures.
Powder
If you prefer to mix your supplements into a beverage or meal, then turkey tail powder may be the best option for you. Turkey tail powder can be added to smoothies, teas, or soups, and provides a more potent and versatile way of consuming the supplement.
Tinctures
Turkey tail tinctures are made by steeping the fungi in alcohol to extract its beneficial properties. Tinctures can be taken directly under the tongue or mixed into a beverage. The concentrated nature of tinctures allows for a higher potency, making them ideal for those who require a stronger dose of turkey tail supplement.
Where to buy the turkey tail mushroom in South Africa
The easiest way to buy turkey tail mushrooms is online. But be wary, there are a ton of sellers out there, and not all of them know what they’re doing. That’s why we recommend sticking to online stores that specialise in functional mushrooms. These suppliers are experts in their field and know their way around the supplement market like no one else. They know what they’re talking about and are committed to sourcing only the best products for their customers.
The medicinal benefits of turkey tail mushroom
Turkey tail mushrooms are one of nature’s most incredible gifts! Not only do they make for a powerful ingredient in a variety of dishes, but they also pack a serious punch of good-for-your-body compounds such as phenol and flavonoid antioxidants.
We currently have over 500 studies on the medicinal benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, making it probably the most studied functional fungus of all. That being said, the number of studies conducted on humans is limited, so further research is necessary to fully understand the health benefits of turkey tail.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. So, before you start stocking up on turkey tail supplements, make sure to speak with your doctor to see if they are right for you.
Additional cancer treatment
One of the most researched health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms is their potential to fight cancer. They are packed with incredible compounds like polysaccharides, triterpenes, and beta-glucans that work together to help your immune system become stronger, fight inflammation, and even kill cancer cells. In some studies, these compounds have shown real potential in stopping tumour growth and working hand-in-hand with chemotherapy to fight breast cancer, colon cancer, and other kinds of cancer.
Strengthens immune system function
Our body’s defence system is like an army that protects us from invaders like viruses and bacteria. But sometimes, it needs a little help to stay strong. Turkey tail mushrooms come to the rescue with their special ingredient beta-glucans, a powerful polysaccharide that can help our body produce more immune cells like monocytes. This means our immune system becomes even stronger and better at fighting off infections, helping us stay healthy and happy.
Promotes digestive wellness
Turkey tail mushrooms contain special fibres that act as food for the good bacteria in your gut. This helps to improve your digestion and overall gut health. Plus, turkey tail mushrooms have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe and calm down an inflamed gut. If you suffer from issues like bloating, gas, or constipation, these mushrooms might just be the natural remedy you need. In fact, a small study found that when participants took 3,600 milligrams of turkey tail PSP extract daily for eight weeks, it increased the number of good bacteria in their gut and helped suppress the growth of potentially harmful bacteria.
Supports liver health
Our liver is our very own superhero, fighting off harmful toxins and keeping us healthy. But even superheroes need a little TLC, and when it comes to boosting liver health, turkey tail mushrooms are one of nature’s most powerful allies. Results from animal studies here and here have shown that the active compounds in these mushrooms can help protect liver cells from damage caused by toxins and inflammation. This is particularly important in our modern world, where we’re exposed to a wide range of pollutants and chemicals on a daily basis.
Boosts Athletic Performance
If you’re an athlete, turkey tail could be your new secret weapon. These mushrooms have been shown to enhance endurance, speed up recovery time, and increase exercise performance in clinical trials with animals. These studies show that their beta-glucan content can help improve oxygen consumption, reduce fatigue, and enhance muscle recovery post-workout. Keep in mind that human trials are needed to determine if turkey tail mushrooms can indeed be an effective supplement for an extra boost during your training sessions.
F.A.Q.
Turkey tail mushrooms FAQs
Absolutely! Turkey tail mushrooms are completely safe to eat and are actually a popular ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine and modern culinary dishes.
The taste of turkey tail mushrooms is pretty mild, almost like a woody, earthy flavour. They have a slightly chewy texture that makes them a great addition to soups, stews, and stir-fries.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption, some people may experience mild digestive issues such as bloating or upset stomach. If you’re unsure whether you should try turkey tail mushrooms, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
Anyone with a mushroom allergy should avoid turkey tail mushrooms. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people with autoimmune diseases, and those taking immunosuppressant medications should speak with their healthcare provider before consuming turkey tail mushrooms.
Our guide to red reishi mushrooms has hopefully offered you insight into the various medicinal benefits of this powerful mushroom. For many people, introducing this medicinal mushroom into their diets has been the missing key to their health journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned mushroom enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of fungi, this guide should provide you with all the information you need to get started.
The recommended dose of turkey tail mushroom varies depending on the form in which it’s consumed. As a dietary supplement, capsules containing 1-3 grams of turkey tail extract are recommended daily. As for whole mushrooms, it’s best to start with a small amount and gradually increase the dose as needed.