Turkey Tail is a medicinal mushroom known by the alternate name of Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor. Called “Turkey Tail” due to its variegated colors, it presents a cloud-like pattern with colors reminiscent of turkey feathers. Like most medicinal mushrooms, it is used to minister aid for a wide spectrum of health ailments and physical conditions. Chief among its benefits are that of boosting the immune system. Turkey Tail rose to popularity in the Ming Dynasty during the 15th Century.
Source: Grows wild throughout Asia and all over the world
Benefits:
Digestive Aid: There are prebiotics within the mycelium of this mushroom. This aids in rebuilding the microbiome of your gut. The prebiotics especially help feed beneficial acidophilus and bifidobacterium. Was seen to reduce populations of potentially troublesome bacteria like E. coli and Shigella bacteria
Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Viral: Has shown some efficacy against the HIV virus in preventing its replication. Also seen effective against HPV or Human Papilloma Virus. Further, it has shown effective against the seasonal flu and the common cold
Anti-Cancer: An active compound in Turkey Tail, PSK, has been shown to aid in repairing the immune system and damaged cells, noted in those who have had chemotherapy as well. Has also shown to potentially aid in cancer treatment, making chemotherapy more effective. It inhibits tumor growth and metastasis, especially in colon cancer cases
Antioxidants: Turkey Tail is abundantly full of antioxidants with an array of phenols and flavonoids.Phenols and flavonoids decrease inflammation in the body and release protective compounds
Risks: Gas, bloating, darkening fingernails and dark stools have been reported from some ingesting Turkey Tail. No major side effects or risks have been seen from the fungi
Sustainability: Unlike some of the other popular medicinal mushrooms, Turkey Tails grow wild all over the world on dead and fallen trees or wooded material. There are no risks of depletion
Processing: Once Turkey Tail is foraged, it goes through a little cleansing process or scrub with something like a toothbrush. They are then laid out to dry for 2 to 3 days. They are later processed into whatever form they will be consumed in or sold, primarily powdered, or stored in jars until ready for use
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5302426/ - Spectrum of benefits http://dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c52,0d0f121956d - Antiviral benefits
http://www.dl.begellhouse.com/journals/708ae68d64b17c- Antiviral and HPV
https://naturallysavvy.com/care/boost-immunity-for-colds-and-flu-with-mushroom-supplements/ - Boosts immunity for colds and flu
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/ - Immunomodulation
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq - Cancer benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4890100/ - Cancer applications
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29243310 - Insulin resistance and blood sugar
