Turkey Tail Mushrooms
What exactly are Turkey Tail Mushrooms? Fungi, classified as medicinal mushrooms, come packed with ingredients that yield good health benefits. Although many mushrooms have medicinal benefits, Trametes versicolor, also known as Coriolus versicolor and "turkey tail" is one of the most well-known. Trametes versicolor is a vegetation resembling the pattern of a turkey’s tail hence the name. Moreover, this mushroom has been used for generations to treat a variety of ailments all across the world. The potential of the turkey tail mushroom to strengthen your immune system may be its most outstanding feature, but there is more to this fantastic fungi. Read more to find out!
About Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is a type of mushroom widely distributed worldwide, including in North America, Asia, and Europe. As said earlier, its scientific name is Trametes versicolor, and it is also known by other common names such as "cloud mushroom" and "yun zhi" in Chinese.
The name "turkey tail" comes from its colorful fan-shaped fruiting bodies, which resemble the feathers of a turkey's tail. The cap surface of the mushroom is velvety and multicolored, with concentric bands of varying shades of brown, gray, and cream. The underside of the cap is white or yellowish and has numerous tiny pores that release spores.
Turkey tail grows on dead or dying trees and other woody substrates, and it is a saprobic fungus, meaning that it feeds on dead or decaying organic matter. It is a very common and abundant mushroom, and it can be found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and woodlands to urban parks and gardens.
Turkey tail has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in China and Japan, where it is called "yun zhi" and "kawaratake," respectively. It is also used in Native American healing practices. In recent years, turkey tail has gained attention as a potential medicinal mushroom and has been studied for its potential health benefits.
Benefits of Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom used for centuries in traditional medicine systems, particularly in China and Japan. It contains various bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and sterols, which are believed to be responsible for their therapeutic effects. Some of the health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are:
Anti-Cancer Properties
One of turkey tail's most well-known potential health benefits is its role in cancer treatment and prevention. Studies have shown that the polysaccharides found in turkey tail have anti-tumor properties and can boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. In fact, turkey tail extract has been approved as a complementary treatment for cancer in Japan and China.
Enhances immunity
Polysaccharide-K and polysaccharide peptides (PSP), two polysaccharides with immune-stimulating qualities, are highly concentrated in turkey tail. Immunomodulators like PSK and PSP boost and stabilize the immune system to back the body's defense against infection, cancer, and other disorders.
PSPs promote the development of immune cells to aid in the defense and protection against infection. According to research, PSPs may encourage the development of monocytes that boosts immunity and fights infections.
Similarly, PSK supports the immune system by causing the body's immune system's killer cells to become active in the battle against illness and infection. Additionally, it has been demonstrated to control the body's immune response by reducing inflammation, which may offer protection against inflammatory diseases.
Improve Gut Health
Turkey tail has also been studied for its potential role in improving gut health, as it contains prebiotic fibers that can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
According to studies, using turkey tail as a treatment can benefit the bacteria in the gut in a manner comparable to using prebiotic supplements.
In a test-tube study, for instance, it was discovered that turkey tail extract altered the composition of the microbes in the gut by elevating populations of helpful bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus while lowering populations of potentially dangerous bacteria like Clostridium and Staphylococcus.
Improved intestinal symptoms like diarrhea, a stronger immune system, lower cholesterol levels, a lower chance of developing certain malignancies, and better digestion have all been related to having a healthy amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium bacteria.
How to Consume Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in several ways, including as tea, capsule, powder, tinctures, or in culinary preparations. Add dried turkey tail to hot water to make tea and let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
You can also get capsules from health food stores or online, and the dosage should be followed as recommended. Turkey tail can also be used in culinary preparations, such as soups, stews, or sautés.
Turkey tail tincture is another way to consume the mushroom. Tinctures are convenient and easy to use, as they can be added to water or other beverages. However, it's imperative to follow the recommended dosage on the label or as your healthcare provider recommends.
What is the Recommended Dosage of Turkey Tail Mushroom?
The recommended dosage of turkey tail mushrooms may vary depending on the form of consumption and the specific product being used. It is imperative to consult with a healthcare provider before using turkey tail, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
For turkey tail tea, the general recommended dosage is 1-2 teaspoons of dried mushroom per cup of water, steeped for 10-15 minutes.
For turkey tail capsules, the recommended dosage may vary depending on the product and concentration. It's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.
For turkey tail tincture, the recommended dosage may also vary depending on the concentration and product. Generally, 30-60 drops of tincture (1-2 mL) added to water or other beverage, taken 1-2 times per day, is a standard dosage.
Again, it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance on the appropriate dosage of turkey tail for your individual needs and health conditions.
Conclusion
Turkey tail mushroom has an extensive history of use in traditional medicine. It is recognized for its potential health benefits, including its ability to boost the immune system, fight cancer, improve gut health, and provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
It can be consumed in several forms, including teas, capsules, powders, culinary preparations, and tinctures. While turkey tail offers promising health benefits, speaking with a healthcare provider before using it is essential.
When selecting a turkey tail supplement, look for a reputable brand like Capital CBD American Shaman that undergoes independent lab testing to guarantee its safety and quality.
The Capital CBD American Shaman in Austin, Texas is a perfect spot to end your search for turkey tail mushrooms. We provide turkey tail mushroom tincture and other expertly crafted products, all of which undergo independent laboratory testing to guarantee safety. You can be confident that you'll acquire the things you want without causing any harm to your health. So why not give our products a try right now?