What is Turkey Tail Mushroom and
What Health Benefits Does It Offer?

There are not too many functional foods that can top turkey tail fungus, otherwise known as the turkey tail mushroom. It received its named due to the autumn-like colorful striped palette that is present on the mushroom. It closely resembles a plume of turkey feathers. These mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine as a medicinal tea, and the Chinese are well aware of just how gorgeous and beneficial this mushroom really is.

In fact, the turkey tail mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine as far back as the first part of the 15th century. This is the period of time when the Ming Dynasty ruled China.

The Japanese also brewed this mushroom in order to make tea. They refer to it as cloud mushrooms or kawaritake. This is because of the pattern of the stripes appear to resemble swirling clouds. These images symbolize health, longevity and spiritual attunement in Asian cultures.

Both countries are well aware of the health benefits of this powerful mushroom. Even researchers have taken note of its amazing health benefits, especially the improvement of the immune system.

So, what is this fungus, and what are some of its beneficial properties?

Identifying Turkey Tail Mushroom

This fungus comes from the family known as Coriolus versicolor, or the Trametes versicolor family. It is just one of over 100 mushroom species that has been thoroughly researched for medicinal properties.

This mushroom grows on decayed vegetation such as dead logs around the world in woods and forests. As mentioned above, it gets the name ‘turkey tail’ because of the tan and brown rings it has that looks similar to the tail feathers on a turkey.

It is also known as a bracket fungi. This means that it has thin, round structures that have a leaf-like appearance.

If you want to find a turkey tail mushroom, you will likely only need to go into a wooded area and look on the ground. Even though they can be found in a range of fall colors, it can also have a vibrant bright green color that resembles algae.

The turkey tail mushroom is best known as a stimulant to improve immune function and alleviate inflammation. It has been used among Asian practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine to create formulations and teas that promote longevity, strength and overall health.

So What are the Benefits of Taking Turkey Tail Mushroom Tea?

Treats And Prevents The Flu And Common Cold

The turkey tail mushroom has been used to prevent and treat infection, such as those that are associated with the flu and the common cold. It helps to boost the immune system and it helps the body become more resistant against harmful bacteria and viruses.

When the flu season begins, you may consider including turkey tail tea mushroom to your diet as a supplement.

Research has shown that the turkey tail mushroom can stimulate the immune system to help the body fight off diseases, illnesses and infections.

Support To Cancer Patients

Turkey tail mushroom tea may also provide support to cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy. The U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has conducted several clinical trials on turkey tail extracts that can be consumed by cancer patients who are undergoing conventional chemotherapy as well as those who have advanced prostate cancer.

There have also been studies to see how effective it is with breast cancer patients. There is hope that combining it with other treatment will give patients a more advanced form of cancer therapy.

In other words, because chemotherapy acts as an immune system suppressant, it is the hope that the turkey tail mushroom will be able to build the immune system to a level where it will be able to handle the chemo weaknesses more effectively. The stronger the immune system is, the better equipped it is to fight off deadly cancer cells.

Turkey Tail May Heal HPV

Mushrooms have been known to help heal certain infections, and it is believed that the turkey tail mushroom may be able to fight off an oral strain of HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

According to studies conducted on 61 patients who had gum disease and a positive oral HPV diagnosis, over 85% of the patients who were given both reishi mushrooms and turkey tail mushrooms had improved results after using the treatment for only two months. Oral HPV has the potential to turn into oropharyngeal cancer.

A Medicinal Mushroom to Fight Cancer

For over three decades, medicinal mushrooms have played a role in combination with traditional cancer treatments in helping cancer patients in China and Japan. They have been used for a range of different types of cancer including:

• Lung cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Gastric cancer

However, more research is necessary to truly understand the benefits of using turkey tail mushroom powder or tea as a potential cancer treatment. There is some evidence that shows it may be able to improve survival rates significantly.

The active compound in turkey tail mushrooms is PSK. This compound has been studied in patients who have different types of cancer. It has also been used as a cancer treatment in Japan for years with minimal side effects reported.

Research has shown that PSK has the ability to repair damage done to cells in the immune system that has been caused by chemotherapy. It has also been shown to make the immune system stronger.

The turkey tail mushroom is edible, but it has a chewy texture. This is why it is often served as a tea. Another common mushroom tea you may have heard of is chaga tea.  While there is no clinical evidence that supports a specific dosage, but most people enjoy consuming one to two eight ounce cups of tea per day for the immune-boosting benefits.  Before you decide to consume turkey tail mushroom, check with your health professional to be sure there aren’t any conflicting conditions or medications that could cause a problem for your body.