
Turkey Tail Mushrooms Health Benefits - Trametes Versicolor
Turkey tail mushrooms known as Trametes Versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, and Polyporus versicolor (PSK & PSP), content has been used for centuries for its medicinal benefits all over Asia.
The uncanny resemblance of turkey feathers on its surface in the form of rings gives it another common name of “turkey tail mushroom cancer”. In China, it is called Yun Zhi, and in Japan, Kawaratake— “cloud mushroom”.
It’s widely used for its antioxidant properties with research studying into immunity, bone strength, and overall energy, and to provide health benefits for proper liver functioning as well. Turkey tail mushroom powder, is the most commonly used by people.
In this article, we will explore the various uses of turkey tail mushroom in studies and shed light on the compelling research that supports its efficacy. Brace yourself for a journey into the remarkable world of turkey tail

Trametes Versicolor origins
Mostly grown in North America, it’s a fungus which grows in rows and layers in the form of colonies and is 1 to 4 inches long with an orange, grey, cream, and brown ring-like pattern resembling a turkey tail. It’s a beneficial wood decompose often found on logs, stumps, trunks, and fallen tree branches which helps to break down the components to decompose and return the nutrients to the soil which is part of the life cycle. It’s found all year round in the pacific northwest region, but majorly from May to December.
Turkey tail mushroom has been used in the form of herbal teas, powder in capsules, even chewed like gum but its fibrous texture makes it harder to consume it in a raw form. This FDA approved mushroom has several benefits that give it the title of a life savoir.
Turkey Tail Mushroom uses
Turkey tail mushroom has been used in the form of herbal teas, powder in capsules, even chewed like gum but its fibrous texture makes it harder to consume it in a raw form. This FDA approved mushroom has several benefits that give it the title of a life savoir.
It’s a popular cancer combating agent given to patients under chemotherapy to boost immunity and detoxification from harmful toxins with its PSK and PSP contents. It may help reduce the side effects of chemotherapy’s radiations by stimulating the favourable immune cells while putting down or suppressing the unfavourable ones. People with various forms of cancers such as of the lungs, oesophageal, ovarian, and cervical cancer have reported that they have had a healthier and less painful recovery as compared to people who haven’t been availing the benefits of this herb when going under a conventional cancer treatment. It has been given in hospitals in China since 1987 and Japan since 1977 for cancer treatment.
Studies researched
Pro-biotic and dietary fibers present in the herb have been proven to provide sturdy digestive health since it feeds on the good bacteria for better gut health. Another purpose of this fiber is to prevent the absorption of the toxic compounds in the digestive tracts which, in the long run, prevents cancer of the colon and the rectum.
Turkey tails have also been used as pain-killers, being safe and sound on the body with no side effects. Over the years, studies and researches have shown that turkey tail mushroom even helps in regenerating damaged bone marrow. Its tea is known to reduce the phlegm along with the effects of respiratory ailments and fight infections. Its antiviral properties are now being recognised in relieving the symptoms of HIV and HPV viruses. People with poor liver health have shown recovery from the use of this mushroom from liver inflammation, infections and hepatitis B.
Turkey’s tail can be dehydrated and turned into powder form to use in tea or shakes. Extracts are mainly available in powder form. Consuming daily can be beneficial but first, take your physician’s advice before adding it to your health regime.
Conclusively, over the years, people have been using turkey tail traditionally for its benefits for liver disease, stomach health, fighting infections, detoxification’s, boosting energy and immunity, and overall health of the consumers. Further research and modern age studies have been still working to reap out the benefits. The researchers have provided promising results of the mushroom and continue to thrive to prove its benefits.
5 Immune-boosting Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom
01
Rich in Antioxidants
It is an important turkey tail mushroom benefit. Antioxidants are chemical substances that assist prevent or mitigating oxidative stress-related damage.
Oxidative stress occurs when protective antioxidants are depleted and free radicals are allowed to accumulate. Damage to cells and ongoing inflammation are possible outcomes.
An elevated risk of diseases, including cancer and heart disease, has also been associated with this imbalance.
The good news is that oxidative stress and inflammation may be mitigated by consuming foods high in antioxidants or by supplementing with these potent substances.
The antioxidant power of turkey tail mushrooms or turkey tail fungus versicolor comes from its abundance of phenols and flavonoids.
One research found that turkey tail fungus versicolor extract contained approximately thirty-five distinct phenolic components and the flavonoid antioxidants quercetin and baicalein.
The anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants are well-documented.
For Example, quercetin stimulates the production of immunoprotective proteins like interferon-y while simultaneously suppressing the formation of the pro-inflammatory enzymes cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX).
02
Contains Immune-Boosting Polysaccharopeptides
Polysaccharopeptides are carbohydrates in foods like turkey tail extract solution attached to proteins.
Polysaccharopeptides (PSP) and Kristin (PSK) are two such compounds that may be isolated from turkey tails mushrooms.
The immune system may benefit significantly from PSK and PSP. They do this by stimulating specific immune cells while inhibiting others and reducing inflammation.
For instance, PSP has been shown to increase monocytes, white blood cells that fight infection and promote immunity in laboratory settings.
PSK promotes immunity to toxins by activating dendritic cells, which play a key role in modulating the immune response. In addition, PSK stimulates the production of macrophages, a white blood cell that helps defend the body against pathogens like germs.
PSP and PSK are extensively utilized in studies as anticancer drugs in countries such as Japan and China due to their potential capacity to naturally enhance the immune system in combination with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
03
May Improve Immune Function in People with Cancers
Turkey tail mushroom benefits may include immune-enhancing actions as the active ingredients have shown potential links to their anticancer effects.
Polysaccharides extracted from turkey tail mushrooms termed Coriolus Versicolor glucan (CVG) may inhibit the growth of several malignancies.
Turkey tail mushroom cancer, the polysaccharide peptide (PSK) isolated from turkey tail mushrooms was shown to stop the development and metastasis for human colon cancer cells in a petri dish investigation.
Coriolus Versicolor glucan (CVG) isolated from turkey tail mushrooms substantially decreased tumor growth in a study in tumor-bearing mice of turkey tail mushroom cancer when Coriolus Versicolor glucan was administered at doses of 45.5 and 90.9 mg per pound (100 and 200 mg per kg) of daily body weight.
Researchers explained the improvement as a result of a stronger immunological response.
Treatment of dogs with very aggressive cancer with 45.5 mg/lb (100 mg/kg) of turkey tail mushroom or turkey tail mushroom cancer extract daily considerably reduced the spread of cancer cells and increased survival, according to another research (hemangiosarcoma).
However, when combined with standard cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, turkey tail mushroom or trametes v shows the greatest promise as an anticancer agent and further pushes research into this area.
04
May Enhance the Efficacy of Certain Cancer Treatments
Coriolus versicolor or trametes v is often used in conjunction with conventional therapies like chemotherapy because of its numerous helpful chemicals.
Five-year death rates were 9 percent lower in patients with breast, gastric, or colorectal cancers who received turkey tail in addition to chemotherapy than those who received chemotherapy alone.
Another meta-analysis included 8 trials and over 8,000 people with stomach cancer and found that patients who received chemotherapy in combination with PSK had a higher chance of survival following surgery.
It was shown in a study of 11 breast cancer women that those who were given turkey tail powder at a dosage of 6-9 grams per day after radiation treatment had an increase in natural killer cells and lymphocytes, two types of immune cells that help the body fight cancer.
05
May Enhance Gut Health
Prebiotic properties of turkey tail mushrooms make them a valuable ally for gut health. These mushrooms contain dietary fibers that act as nourishment for beneficial gut bacteria, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Research suggests that a balanced gut microbiota is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall well-being. turkey tail may contribute to maintaining gut health and potentially alleviate gastrointestinal disorders
A good immune system relies on a steady population of helpful bacteria in the gut.
When gut bacteria communicate with immune cells, they may alter the body’s immunological response.
Prebiotics found in turkey tail provide a feeding ground for beneficial microorganisms.
Taking 3,600 mg of PSP extracted from turkey tail mushrooms or trametes v daily led to many changes in gut bacteria and even supressed the growth of potentially problematic E. coli and Shigella bacteria, according to a study of 24 healthy people that was conducted over 8 weeks.
Laboratory research showed that turkey tail extracts altered the balance of bacteria in the gut, favoring the growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while suppressing Clostridium and Staphylococcus.
Improvements in digestion, a stronger immune system, lower cholesterol, a decreased risk of some malignancies, and fewer gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea have all been related to maintaining appropriate levels of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Tea Benefits & Recipes

Following are some of the delicious recipes out of the Turkey tail mushroom.
1. Turkey Tail Mushroom Broth
Use turkey tail mushrooms to prepare a broth for a hearty soup. To bring out their inherent earthy taste, just add turkey tail mushrooms or mushroom powder to a pot of water with vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Alternatively, you may make a blended mushroom broth mix by simply dissolving a dry package into boiling water.
2. Turkey Tail Mushroom Tea
If you’re using fresh turkey tails, you’ll need to rinse them to remove any dirt or decomposing wood, then stew them in water for an hour.
If you’re working with dried ingredients, you may skip this and go right to the tasty part. You can use turkey tail mushroom powder.
As may be guessed, Turkey Tail mushroom has a strong “mushroom” flavour, which is why the tea is often blended with other flavours. You can get turkey tail mushroom for sale uk.
About 20 grams of mushrooms are needed to make 1 cup of tea. I just finished boiling many pounds of mushrooms and will use the tea throughout the week.
You may either cook the mushrooms yourself, or you can use turkey tail mushroom powder in a pot of boiling water. Especially turkey tail mushroom powder gives a heart-warming taste.
You may make a cup of tea by combining a quarter teaspoon of turmeric with half a teaspoon of honey. You should savour it since it will do wonders for your digestive tract, general well-being, and sense of taste.
3. Turkey Tail Mushroom Coffee
For all the coffee lovers out there, heres a tasty receipe for you. You can use turkey tail powder and mix this in with your regular coffee blends for that added taste and goodness from every cup you make.
This is not just a mushroom coffee recipe for hot drink, you can add this powder into your ice coffees as well.
Mix it well with your regular method of coffee and you’re done in less than 2 minutes. The benefits of ice coffees and regular mushroom coffees, is that you can put in as much as you want depending on your taste preference.
If you’re a lover or not so keen, you can moderate the amount you use with every cup.
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