Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Introduction to turkey tail mushrooms While some mushrooms are prized for their beauty and flavor, the turkey tail fungus is known for its peculiar shape. Don’t be confused by the name, however, because this fungus …

Written by: Mr. Fungi

Published on: September 24, 2022

Last update: October 19, 2022

Table of Contents

Introduction to turkey tail mushrooms

While some mushrooms are prized for their beauty and flavor, the turkey tail fungus is known for its peculiar shape. Don’t be confused by the name, however, because this fungus is vegan and doesn’t have any animal parts. The name “turkey tail” comes from this unusual shape, and it’s a great example of how a single species can have many different names.

While turkey tail mushroom may not be as glamorous as other edible mushrooms, it has many uses—and the more you know about them, the more likely you’ll want to incorporate them into your diet.

Turkey tail mushrooms are an incredibly powerful natural remedy for improving your health, and they’re gaining popularity because of it. The compounds in the turkey tail make it stand in a different league from all functional mushrooms. Its naturally occurring polysaccharides, such as polysaccharide K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP), are particularly notable. These protein-bound polysaccharides regulate the cellular inflammatory response and promote a strong immune system.

This article covers everything you need to help you better understand this functional mushroom if you want to get started on adding this mushroom to your diet. But first, let’s answer your first question: what exactly is the turkey tail mushroom?

What is the turkey tail mushroom?

Scientific and common names

The name “Turkey Tail” is fitting for this fungus as its shape and multiple colors resemble a wild turkey’s tail. The turkey tail mushroom is also known by its scientific name, Trametes versicolor. The name comes from the Latin words trametes, meaning “one who is thin,” and versicolor, meaning “of several colors,” describing the fungus with its many color variations. It is also referred to scientifically as Coriolus versicolor or Polyporus versicolor.

The Chinese refer to the mushroom as yún zhī (云芝), which translates to “cloud fungus” due to its resemblance to swirling clouds. The Japanese call it kawaratake, which translates to “mushroom by the riverbank.”

Morphology

The turkey tail fungus is stalkless with a flat cap. The cap can be rust-brown or dark brown and is often triangular or round —although it may also be circular, semi-circular, kidney-shaped, fan-shaped, or bracket shaped. The caps of the turkey tail are flexible when young and fresh but soon dry out, becoming brittle. The texture can range from velvety to hairy, and the top surface shows typical concentric zones with different colors, with the margin being the lightest. It’s also possible for the caps to appear with streaks of red or orange on their surface. Green algae may grow on older specimens, making them appear green.

The underside of the turkey tail is white to light brown with tiny, uniform pores. This feature helps identify the mushroom. Like the maitake, turkey tail is a polypore, meaning instead of gills. It releases spores through these tiny pores. It usually has 3–8 pores per millimeter.

Where can you find them?

If you have ever spent time in the woods, chances are that you’ve come across a turkey tail fungus at some point. The distinctive pattern of brown, tan, gray, and white stripes on this mushroom’s cap can be found growing on logs, stumps, or dead trunks of deciduous trees like birch or oak, as well as some conifers such as fir and pine. It can be found in many regions throughout the world, including North America, Asia, and Europe. Typically it grows in tiled layers in groups or rows or shelves.

Like many other fungi, the turkey tail is a white-rot species. These fungi play an important role in breaking down lignin—a compound that gives wood its strength and rigidity—leaving behind soft, spongy cellulose. This process helps return nutrients to the soil so other plants can use them during growth.

History and traditional use

Traditionally, turkey tail has been used as a medicinal mushroom. Ancient China and Japan enthusiastically embraced mushrooms in healing and medicine traditions; most of their traditional use comes from these cultures.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been mentioned in Shennong Ben Cao Jing (around 200 BCE – Han Dynasty), the first written text on medicinal herbs. The Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu) by Li ShiZhen (15th century – Ming dynasty) also references turkey tail mushroom’s use in connection with vitality, healthy liver functions, and strong bones and muscles.

In many Asian cultures, a cloud-like pattern formed by curves between the turkey’s tail feathers is believed to symbolize longevity and health. They have been brewed into a soothing tea for centuries and were traditionally used to clear damp conditions, increase energy, and strengthen the lungs, stomach, and spleen. It also assists in recovery from long-term diseases.

Turkey tail mushrooms look alike

Trametes versicolor is one of the most common forest mushrooms, but it also resembles some other species. Turkey tail mushrooms can come in a wide range of colors, and one specimen may look different from another. The color of turkey tails can vary from pure white to reddish-brown, with all the shades in between. Therefore, when identifying Turkey tail mushrooms, you shouldn’t rely solely on their color as the only identifying characteristic. But one thing is always true of turkey tail mushroom identification, you can see the division between the cap’s two-tone pattern.

Another definitive way to identify the turkey tail mushroom is by their underside spore surfaces. A true turkey tail fungus will have visible pores on its underside, hence why it is a polypore mushroom.

While searching for the True Turkey tail mushroom, you are most likely to come across two varieties that resemble it:

False turkey tail mushroom

These imposters include Stereum ostrea —the name ostrea translates to “oyster,” describing the mushroom’s shape— and Stereum hirstum. At first glance, the false turkey tail mushroom can be mistaken for a paint stain on the wood, but it is truly a type of mushroom. It has a similar velvety texture to a real turkey’s tail and the same multi-colored concentric zones on the cap surface. They are about the same size in width as a real turkey tail, at roughly 2 inches. However, in contrast to the flatness of a true turkey tail, these false mushrooms tend to curl up and form a funnel shape.

The underside is still the most notable distinction between a false turkey tail and a true turkey tail. The false turkey tail is not a polypore and lacks pores on its bottom. This makes it distinguishable from the true turkey tail.

The good news is that false turkey tail are not harmful, even though, according to a study, they are neither especially tasty nor beneficial. However, Stereum ostrea and Trametes versicolor mushrooms contain substances that prevent the development of germs and fungi. Stereum ostre has been employed in folk medicines due to its medicinal properties, which include sesquiterpenes and other antimicrobial chemicals.

Violet toothed polypore (Trichaptum biforme)

This mushroom looks similar to the turkey tail from the top side in that it has multi-colored concentric zones, but the color is more subdued in that they will be mostly whites, grays, and a little brown. Much more common hues, including reds, browns, grays, blues, and purples, will be seen on the turkey tail.

The Trichaptum biforme has a width of around 2 inches, narrower than the 2 to 4 inches of a true turkey tail. The underside is where you’ll notice the most distinction. It’s a polypore, but its surface looks more like a row of teeth than that of a true turkey tail mushroom.

Additionally, the cap is different as well. Trichaptum biforme typically has a lilac-purple border, while turkey tail is consistently bright white. Other similar species include Trametes hirsuta, Trichaptum abietinum, Trametes betula, T. ochracea, Bjerkandera adusta, Cerrena unicolor, and Lenzites betulina.

Summary

The name “turkey tail” describes the fungus shape and multiple colors resembling a wild turkey’s tail.
The turkey tail mushroom is also known by its scientific name, Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor or Polyporus versicolor.
The Chinese refer to the turkey tail mushroom as yún zhī (云芝), which translates to “cloud fungus” and the Japanese call it kawaratake, which means “mushroom by the riverbank.”
The turkey tail mushroom is stalkless with a flat cap which is flexible when young and fresh but soon dries out, becoming brittle.
The cap’s texture can range from velvety to hairy, and the top surface shows typical concentric zones with different colors, with the margin being the lightest.
The turkey tail can be found in many regions throughout the world, including North America, Asia, and Europe and it grows in tiled layers in groups or rows or shelves.
The turkey tail is a white-rot species and plays an important role in breaking down lignin—a compound that gives wood its strength and rigidity—leaving behind soft, spongy cellulose.
Traditionally, turkey tail has been used as a medicinal mushroom. In many Asian cultures, a cloud-like pattern formed by curves between the turkey’s tail feathers is believed to symbolize longevity and health.
Turkey tail mushroom common imposters include Stereum ostrea, Stereum hirstum and Trichaptum biforme.
Stereum ostrea and Trametes versicolor mushrooms contain substances that prevent the development of germs and fungi.
The underside is where you’ll notice the most distinction between true and false turkey tail mushrooms.

Medicinal profile of turkey tail mushrooms

Edible mushrooms rich in a wide range of bioactive substances are referred to as “functional mushrooms” within the wellness industry. They have a long history of usage in alternative therapeutic practices, particularly in Eastern medicine. Various medicinal mushrooms have different bioactive profiles and the ability to aid various biological functions.

Turkey tail as a functional mushroom

While there are many advantages to turkey tail mushrooms, one of their most notable qualities is their capacity to boost the body’s immune system. If you’ve read about functional mushrooms, you may be familiar with beta-glucans or beta-D glucans polysaccharides. Mushrooms’ immune-modulating properties can be attributed to these polysaccharides. In vitro studies have revealed that they stimulate the proliferation of various immune cell types, including monocytes, NK cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

The beta-D-glucan content of turkey tail mushrooms is very high. Turkey Tail possesses more helpful beta-d glucans than any other medicinal fungus. The particular additional bio-compounds they contain result in their unique health properties.

Unique bioactive constituents of turkey tail mushroom

Various primary and secondary chemicals can be found in turkey tail. Secondary compounds include phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are less well-known but useful medicinal components. In 2017, scientists discovered 38 unique phenolic compounds, including quercetin and baicalein, and published their findings in the Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry.

Quercetin – The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of quercetin may aid in the reduction of edema, the destruction of cancer cells, the regulation of blood sugar, and the prevention of heart disease. Cancer prevention and treatment are the most common medical uses for quercetin.

Baicalein – exhibits a wide range of biological benefits in addition to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer characteristics.

Turkey tail is well known for its protein-bound polysaccharides, also known as polysaccharopeptide (PSPs). Turkey tail mushrooms contain protein-bound polysaccharides naturally, but there are also two commercially isolated protein-bound polysaccharides —PSK and PSP.

PSK (Polysaccharide-Krestin)

Regarding active compounds, turkey tail mushrooms are most well-known for the PSK.

In the 1970s, it was extracted from the CM-101 turkey tail mushroom strain. PSK is approved in Japan as a mushroom extract used to treat cancer. The Japanese Ministry of Health sanctioned the clinical use of PSK in 1977. Since then, it has been the subject of intensive research into its potential benefits in oncology, among other fields, for bolstering the health of the immune system.

PSK is useful in studies as potential immunotherapy or biological response modulator (BRM). Potentially, BRMs can boost the “host versus tumor response,” making the host more resistant to tumor growth. Cancers of the stomach, breast, intestines, and lungs have all been examined in conjunction with PSK. Since the mid-1970s, it has been utilized as adjuvant therapy for thousands of cancer patients. PSK has also been utilized for a long period in Japan with no reported safety issues.

PSP (polysaccharide peptide)

PSP is essentially a general name for protein-bound polysaccharides, and since there are over a hundred different strains of turkey tail mushrooms, it means that not all PSPs are the same. PSPs can range in molecular weight and structure according to the strain, cultivation circumstances, and extraction method.

After extensive testing of various T. versicolor strains beginning in the 1980s, the COV-1 strain was chosen as the foundational strain for PSP. In 1987, it received official approval from the Chinese government for usage in hospitals and other medical facilities. Forty or more separate clinical and laboratory investigations of PSP have been carried out. In addition, 13 different medications and 1 health product derived from the turkey tail mushroom have been approved for use in clinical and commercial settings by the China State Food and Drug Administration.

Nutrient composition of turkey tail mushroom

Turkey tail mushrooms are low in fat and contain a wide variety of healthy nutrients such as polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, and vitamins B and D because of their composition of compacted mycelium —the vegetative component of the fungus. Enzymes, antimicrobials, and antiviral chemicals abound throughout the mycelium structure. Antioxidants, which are also found in the turkey tail mushroom, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Summary

The beta-D-glucan content of turkey tail mushrooms is very high.
Various primary and secondary chemicals can be found in turkey tail. Secondary compounds include phenolic acids, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which are less well-known but useful medicinal components.
Turkey tail is well known for its protein-bound polysaccharides, also known as polysaccharopeptide (PSPs).
Turkey tail mushrooms are low in fat and contain a wide variety of healthy nutrients such as polysaccharides, proteins, minerals, and vitamins B and D.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain antioxidants, which have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.

Turkey tail mushroom benefits

Natural chemicals found in turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to aid in regulating both a weakened immune system and a hyperactive one. Let’s look at some turkey tail mushroom benefits for your health.

Adaptogenic properties

Turkey tail mushrooms are adaptogens, just like other medicinal mushrooms. Adaptogens, as their name suggests, assist the body in adjusting to the many stresses it may encounter. In this context, “physical” also includes biological and chemical stresses. With the help of adaptogens which work by interacting with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, stress hormone cortisol levels can be maintained and the body’s equilibrium restored.

Immune system support

The bioactive chemicals in turkey tail improve the body’s first and second lines of protection, the innate and adaptive immune responses.

Innate response – also known as a non-specific immune response, is something humans possess at birth. Chemical, physical, and biological defenses all fall within this category.

Adaptive immunity – this type is an acquired and highly targeted immunity. This line of protection enforces and strengthens white blood cells known as T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes.

Mushrooms with functional properties may also improve a new system in immunology called trained innate immunity.

Animal studies suggest that turkey tail polysaccharides stimulate proliferation in T and B cells. These results imply that supplementing with turkey tail is a risk-free strategy to boost the immunological response of those with a compromised immune system. Turkey tail and Reishi, another useful mushroom, offer even higher prospects for aiding the immune system. Combining turkey tail mushrooms with multivitamins that strengthen the immune system can also provide optimal immune support.

Healthy inflammation response

To keep your body in good shape as you get older, avoiding oxidative stress and encouraging a balanced inflammatory response are two of the most crucial things you can do.

Scientists think the anti-inflammatory properties of turkey tail have the potential to slow the effects of aging on the brain. After supplementation with a Ginkgo biloba extract, the levels of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased in the brains of old mice with mild memory difficulties. As a result, inflammatory markers were also less abundant in their brain tissue.

DNA protection

In 2015, scientists from the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Pharmacy found that the phenolic chemicals found in T. versicolor mushroom extracts may have properties that can protect DNA. The underlying mechanisms, however, are still not clear.

Digestive health support

All aspects of health, from digestion to memory, are influenced by the microbiota in the gut. Digestive enzymes are unable to break down the bonds in beta-glucans. Largely indigestible glycans likewise can’t pass through the stomach lining and must remain in the digestive tract until consumed or excreted. This suggests that beta-glucans could be a source of prebiotics, which could alter the balance of gut microbes and the host’s overall health.

Turkey tail contains polysaccharides that may improve the composition of the fecal bacteria. In 2013 scientists found that polysaccharide peptide (PSP) increased beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus species while decreasing possibly dangerous ones. PSP also caused a decrease in the pH of the fecal microbiota, which may serve as a defense mechanism against pathogens.

In addition, in a random, open-label clinical trial, patients in the PSP group showed obvious and consistent shifts in the gut microbiota composition. Once again, these results show that PSP has a prebiotic promise.

Liver health support

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turkey tail can benefit the liver. Evidence suggests that PSP in turkey tail can regulate the immunological response to free radicals, which may help protect the liver. According to a study published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecular in 2019, polysaccharide peptide (PSP) in turkey tail, known as PSP-1b1, was found to have hepatoprotective effects against alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by lowering levels of oxidative stress and modulating the immune response.

In another study published in the Journal of Functional Food in 2018, liver enzyme levels were reduced in mice with alcohol-induced liver impairment after they received PSP. More research is still needed to determine if PSP might have the same effects in humans.

Athletic performance improvement

Improvements in sports fatigue might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about functional mushrooms. However, animal studies have found that turkey tail polysaccharide peptide (PSP) may enhance pain thresholds and have anti-fatigue activity.

Among the many potential benefits of functional mushrooms is a reduction in fatigue. A 2017 study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that mice given extracts from turkey tails had increased forelimb grip strength and exercise tolerance compared to mice not given the extracts. Blood lactate and ammonia levels may be reduced with the aid of turkey tail extracts following exercise. Ammonia is used to interpret an athlete’s ability to recover from tiredness.

Blood sugar balance

Glucose (or blood sugar) is the fuel for every cell in the body. Lack of blood sugar prevents cells from receiving the energy they require. A high blood sugar level also has a damaging effect on blood vessels. A balance, therefore, is necessary.

Glucagon, which raises blood sugar by signaling the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose, and insulin, which lowers blood sugar by transporting it to the cells, work together to keep blood sugar levels within a restricted range. Maintaining the body’s sensitivity to insulin is crucial to achieving glucose homeostasis. Some research suggests that turkey tail might have that effect. Insulin resistance is promoted, which stabilizes blood sugar levels within a healthy range.

Weight loss

Some evidence is that prebiotic- and immune-modulating PSPs can help with weight control. The beta-glucan in Turkey tail mushrooms can also aid in weight control. Animal research found that mice fed a high-fat diet and turkey tail mushrooms experienced less weight gain than mice fed only the high-fat diet.

Anti-cancer properties

In Japan and China, medicinal mushrooms have been utilized alongside conventional cancer treatments for over 30 years. The National Cancer Institute reviewed the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms for cancer and concluded the mushroom indeed has anti-cancer potential. Although some types of cancer, such as breast and colon cancer, may benefit more than others from the turkey tail’s immune-boosting advantages.

Some studies demonstrate that the turkey tail mushroom polysaccharopeptide, which includes glucan from Coriolus versicolor, can reduce tumor size. This is why chemotherapy and radiation are often used with turkey tail mushrooms while treating cancer.

Fight against HPV

The turkey tail mushroom has shown promise in treating infections like the oral form of human papillomavirus (the most common sexually transmitted infection). In a trial involving 61 people who had gum disease and tested positive for oral HPV, researchers found that 88% of the 41 people who were given both turkey tail and reishi mushrooms saw improvement in their condition after two months. Another study indicated that applying a gel made from extracts of turkey mushrooms helped treat HPV-related vaginal lesions.

May help patients with HIV/AIDS

Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, turkey tail mushroom extract may prove useful for patients with HIV/AIDs. In vitro research has characterized this extract, known as PSP, as an antiviral drug that shows promise in inhibiting HIV replication.

Studies also show that the Turkey tail mushroom, in addition to other wild medicinal East African mushrooms, has shown promise in treating Kaposi’s sarcoma, a kind of skin cancer commonly seen in people with HIV/AIDS. Patients with HIV/AIDS have benefited from the same medication, with or without the sarcoma.

Benefits for pets

Supplementing your pet’s diet with turkey tail mushroom extracts may be helpful in various conditions. Turkey tail extract can help with health problems such as persistent infections, especially skin, respiratory, or urinary systems. When combined with medicines, turkey tail extract can boost natural defenses even more. That’s why some illnesses may respond better to this strategy than they would to antibiotics alone.

Few studies have used turkey tail mushrooms to objectively establish their benefits for dogs. For a study published in 2012, a small number of canines were administered PSP. Dogs with splenic cancer (hemangiosarcoma) had better survival rates when treated with the greatest dose of PSP.

Cancer is a difficult disease that requires multifaceted approaches to help strengthen the immune system. In the same way that humans require interventions to help them cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, pets do too.

Summary

Turkey tail mushrooms are adaptogens, just like other medicinal mushrooms.
Studies suggest that turkey tail polysaccharides can stimulate proliferation in T and B cells.
Combining turkey tail mushrooms with multivitamins that strengthen the immune system can also provide optimal immune support.
To keep your body in good shape as you get older, avoiding oxidative stress and encouraging a balanced inflammatory response are two of the most crucial things you can do.
PSP causes a decrease in the pH of the fecal microbiota, which may serve as a defense mechanism against pathogens showing that PSP has a prebiotic promise.
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turkey tail can benefit the liver.
Among the many potential benefits of functional mushrooms is a reduction in fatigue.
According to another research on animals, turkey tail polysaccharide peptide (PSP) may also increase pain thresholds and have anti-fatigue activity.
Insulin resistance can be promoted with the turkey tail mushroom which can stabilize blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Some evidence is that prebiotic- and immune-modulating PSPs can help with weight control.
In Japan and China, medicinal mushrooms have been utilized alongside conventional cancer treatments for over 30 years.
The turkey tail mushroom has shown promise in treating infections like the oral form of human papillomavirus.
Due to its antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, turkey tail mushroom extract may prove useful for patients with HIV/AIDs.
Few studies have used turkey tail mushrooms to objectively establish their benefits for dogs.

How to take turkey tail mushroom

Although the turkey tail fungus has been shown to have numerous health benefits, you may still feel reluctant to give them a try because you are unsure of how it will taste.

The flavor of a turkey tail mushroom is not particularly harsh and has a subtle earthiness. People who have had turkey tail mushrooms have said that their flavor is “not particularly mushroomy,” “very mild and uninteresting,” or “weak in flavor,” especially when compared to that of reishi or shiitake.

The mushroom’s flavor is neutral; it doesn’t taste great but is not bitter. Fortunately, turkey tail mushroom supplement like turkey tail capsules make it simple to include it in your daily routine. This way, you can reap the possible turkey tail mushroom benefits without enduring the unpleasant flavor.

Ways you can take the turkey tail mushroom

Turkey tail mushroom supplement are available in powder, tinctures, and capsule forms which you can easily add to your usual supplement regimen. The powdered form of the turkey tail mushroom is versatile and can be used to moderate the taste of the mushroom in various dishes, including soups, beverages, smoothies, and even soothing tea.

In addition, turkey tail, similar to other medicinal mushrooms, is a common ingredient in supplement combinations marketed to improve the immune system.

If you’re foraging and gathering wild turkey tail mushrooms, they must be dried as soon as possible for any practical use to avoid mold growth and ground into a powder. You can dry them using a food dehydrator set to about 46°C (115 F). A turkey tail mushroom of medium size will need about 24 hours to dehydrate completely. Afterwards, use a mortar and pestle or food processor to reduce the dried mushrooms to powder. You can then either make tea from the powder or put it in capsules to use as a supplement.

Dry or powdered turkey tail mushrooms have an indefinite shelf life if kept in a cool, dark area and sealed airtight in a container. Put either an oxygen absorber or a food-safe silica desiccant packet if you want to keep your mushrooms longer than a few months. This way, they will remain dry and fresh for longer.

Identifying high-quality turkey tail mushroom supplement

It’s important to remember that not all mushroom supplements and extracts are created equal. The health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms are only achievable through a high-quality supplement. But how can you choose which turkey tail mushroom supplement is the most effective and valuable?

Look for a product that specifies the usage of simply the turkey tail mushroom and not mycelium in its ingredients. As the mycelium grows on grain commercially, the final product loses some strength and gains extra starch and filler. When purchasing a high-quality turkey tail supplement, be sure that it states that it contains only turkey tail mushrooms and not mycelium or myceliated grain.

Check the amount of beta-glucan on the label. A product is unlikely to have adequate quantities of beta-glucan if the label does not specify the amount. Make sure the supplement you choose contains a beta-glucan content of at least 25%, which is considered optimal for turkey tail mushrooms. Then you can get the full medicinal benefits of the mushroom from that supplement.

Check which procedure was used for extraction. In the world of functional mushrooms, there’s a lot of discussion regarding whether alcohol, hot water, or both (dual extraction) are preferable for extracting the beneficial compounds in mushrooms. Each strategy, of course, has its time and place. But the turkey tail has few major non-water soluble chemicals of interest, and the most important compounds — the protein-bound polysaccharides— are soluble in water. Because of this, if the product were made using a hot water extraction procedure, it would contain abundant quantities of water-soluble chemicals found in turkey tail.

Turkey tail mushroom dosage

There is insufficient data to recommend dosage for turkey tail. Most capsule products recommend taking one to three turkey tail capsules daily, preferably with food and water. However, 2,000 milligrams (2 grams) of turkey tail mushrooms per day is what experts and doctors prescribe for optimal health.

A daily maintenance dose of 2 grams of beta-glucan polysaccharides is recommended to keep your immune system in a healthy balance. Still refer to your doctor for the right dosage.

Summary

The flavor of a turkey tail mushroom is not particularly harsh and has a subtle earthiness. The mushroom’s flavor is neutral; it doesn’t taste great but is not bitter.
Turkey tail mushroom supplement are available in powder, tinctures, and capsule forms which you can easily add to your usual supplement regimen.
The powdered form of the turkey tail mushroom is versatile and can be used to moderate the taste of the mushroom in various dishes, including soups, beverages, smoothies, and even soothing tea.
Storing turkey tail dry in an airtight container will keep them remaining dry and fresh for longer.
When purchasing a high-quality turkey tail mushroom supplement, be sure that it states that it contains only turkey tail mushrooms and not mycelium or myceliated grain. Check the amount of beta-glucan on the label and check which procedure was used for extraction.
2,000 milligrams (2 grams) of turkey tail capsules per day is what experts and doctors prescribe for optimal health however there is insufficient data to recommend a specific dosage for turkey tail.

FAQ

What are the side effects of turkey tail mushrooms?

Generally, the fungus is often well accepted by adults however, some turkey tail mushroom side effects have been recorded.

Some patients receiving chemotherapy with polysaccharide krestin derived from turkey tail mushrooms reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver issues. It is unknown whether these negative consequences resulted from the chemotherapy or PSK.

There isn’t enough solid data to say whether or not vaginal use of turkey tail mushrooms for HPV is safe. Its possible negative effects include itchiness and inflammation. Also, if you have been eating turkey tail mushrooms and noticed a change in the color of your feces or fingernails, you should stop using them and see a doctor immediately.

In addition, Turkey tail should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as people with underlying health concerns such as mushroom allergy. Other milder symptoms such as gastrointestinal distress (such as gas and bloating), heartburn, chest pain, Inability to eat, the onset of cold or flu-like symptoms, and palpitations have been recorded.

Does turkey tail mushrooms get you high?

The consumption of turkey tail will not get you high. Turkey tail mushroom lacks the chemical psilocybin, which is responsible for the psychedelic or hallucinogenic effects of other psychedelic mushrooms.

What types of cancer is turkey tail mushroom good for?

Polysaccharide-K, an extract from turkey tail, is effective against several types of cancer, including those of the stomach, breast, colon, and lungs.

Can you eat turkey tail mushrooms?

Most people can safely consume the turkey tail mushroom. The downside is that the turkey tail remains inedible after being completely cooked due to its severe toughness, woodiness, and chewiness. As a result, it is typically consumed as a powder or capsule after being dried and ground into a powder.

How does turkey tail make you feel?

Turkey tail can help you feel energetic due to its energy-boosting and organ-fortifying properties.

How long does it take for a turkey tail mushroom to work?

The versatile turkey tail fungus has several potential uses. Most of these methods require swallowing the mushroom in capsule form or as a fully cooked mushroom. The beneficial effects of this type of ingestion might be felt in as little as six to eight hours.

If you are just starting with turkey tail, it may take up to three weeks for your body to feel the benefits. Many supplements are bioreactive and require time for your body to digest. Thus, new users should double the recommended dosage of 2 grams per day for the first three weeks.

Is turkey tail FDA approved?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2012 approved a clinical trial for patients with advanced prostate cancer to take turkey tail extract in combination with standard treatment. Nevertheless, neither turkey tail nor the active component PSK it contains has been sanctioned for use in the treatment of cancer or any other disease by the FDA in the United States. Dietary supplements are not vetted for safety or effectiveness by the FDA.

How much turkey tail should I take for cancer?

Postoperative individuals with colon, colorectal, and stomach cancer have benefited from PSK 3 g/day orally as an adjunct to chemotherapy for up to 7 years (maybe given alternating with 4-week courses). Patients with non-small cell lung cancer stages III to IV who had previously been treated conventionally received PSP 3.06 g/day for 1 month (NSCLC).

Does turkey tail help with weight loss?

As a result of their beneficial effects on digestion, turkey tail mushrooms have been touted to aid weight loss. They have probiotics that aid the gut microbiome by feeding the healthy bacteria that are already there to eliminate toxins. This boosts your energy and vigor, encouraging you to shed unwanted pounds healthily.

What is turkey tail mushroom good for?

Turkey tail mushrooms are good for enhancing the effectiveness of radiation and cancer medications. They are also used for illnesses including UTIs, muscle weakness, or weariness; however, there isn’t any solid scientific evidence to back up its usage for these conditions.

Conclusion

Turkey tail mushroom is a good choice for those looking to improve their health with a mushroom diet. It has many medicinal properties that can help reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, and even reduce your cancer risk.

If you’re interested in growing your turkey tail, you’ll need to start with a kit. These kits are available online and include everything you need to get started. The kit will also include instructions on how to grow your turkey tails. The instructions are easy to follow, and you’ll be able to grow your turkey tails in no time.

You can also go foraging for some turkey tail if you’re feeling it and would like an adventure. The mushroom is common in the wild and grows on decaying trees.

If you’ve been looking for a new mushroom, give turkey tail a try. They are an excellent choice to improve your health!

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About Mr. Fungi

Mr. Fungi is a fungi fanatic! He loves anything and everything to do with mushrooms, and he especially enjoys foraging in the woods in search for special mushrooms. He's so passionate about fungi that he founded his very own magazine all about mushrooms: fungimagazine.com! Mr. Fungi is always on the lookout for new and exciting news & information about mushrooms, so make sure to keep an eye out for new articles - you never know what wild fungus might be lurking inside!

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