Table of contents[Hide][Show]
No, we’re not talking about the type of turkey served at Thanksgiving dinner! These medicinal mushrooms owe their name to the fact that they resemble the fanned turkey tail. People have used medicinal mushrooms for centuries to support the immune system and promote well-being. Plus, they taste great in a cup of mushroom coffee in the morning.
What are turkey tail mushrooms?
Turkeytail mushrooms (aka Multicolored documents) are a polypore fungus. (That just means lots of pores). In some older literature they are called Coriolus versicolor. Unlike shiitake and other mushrooms with gills, turkey tails have small pores on the underside. These pores release spores, allowing them to reproduce.
These striking mushrooms grow in forests all over the world – from the United States to Japan. Their English name comes from their resemblance to the fanned tail feathers of a turkey. Students of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will know them as Yun Zhi.
These mushrooms are known for their vibrant and varied color patterns. Their upper surface is often provided with rings of different shades. You’ll see brown, brown, white and blue, all of which contribute to their distinctive appearance. Turkey tail mushrooms usually grow in overlapping layers on dead or decaying wood.
Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms
In addition to their beautiful appearance, turkey tail mushrooms are popular for their health benefits. Researchers believe that many of their compounds have immune-supporting and antioxidant properties.
As a result, they have been part of the traditional medicine of various cultures for centuries. The benefits of turkey tail mushrooms mainly come from their immune supporting properties:
How turkey tail mushrooms support the immune system
Turkey tail is believed to support immune responses through two types of bioactive compounds. One is polysaccharide peptides (PSP) and the other is polysaccharide. Here are some of the immune benefits associated with turkey tail mushrooms:
1. Modulating the immune response
Carbohydrates called polysaccharides in turkey tail are involved in immunomodulation. These compounds can interact with immune cell receptors, regulating and improving immune function.
This means that they can stimulate underactive immune activity or reduce overactive immune activity. It’s about bringing it back into balance. When the immune system is overactive, it can lead to autoimmune diseases.
2. Stimulating the immune system
Certain compounds in turkey tail may stimulate immune cell activity. You may remember reading about these cells in high school biology class. Macrophages and natural killer (NK) cells, two types of white blood cells, play a key role in the immune response.
Macrophages are responsible for consuming and destroying foreign substances. Natural Killer cells (NK cells) help recognize and eliminate infected or abnormal cells. (Think cancer cells). Research shows that they become more active in the presence of turkey tails.
Some research suggests that turkey tail may also increase cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. These cells also play a crucial role in eliminating infected or abnormal cells such as cancer cells.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved turkey tail in cancer clinical trials. Men with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer received it alongside conventional cancer treatments for immune support.
Japan and China use turkey tail as an adjunct therapy to traditional cancer treatments. Benefits have been shown for several types of cancer, including:
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Colorectal cancer
Cancer patients usually receive other treatments besides turkey tail. But turkey tail may help improve cancer treatment. A systematic review confirmed that polysaccharide krestin (PSK) in turkey tail has antitumor activity. Although researchers are not sure how it works, it appears useful as an adjuvant in cancer treatment.
Even the National Cancer Institute agrees that turkey tail mushrooms have cancer-fighting effects. They found that adding turkey tail to other treatments could significantly improve survival rates.
Six randomized clinical trials found that lung cancer patients who received PSK improved in many ways. They had fewer symptoms, improved well-being, better immune responses or longer survival rates. If you are considering turkey tail and other medicinal herbs for cancer treatment, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider first.
3. Stimulating cytokine production
Cytokines are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in communication between immune cells. Turkey tail mushrooms can stimulate the production of certain cytokines. The result may be a more coordinated defense against pathogens.
A systematic review found that most medicinal mushroom supplements improved cytokine responses.
4. Increased Immunoglobulin Production:
Some research suggests that turkey tail mushrooms improve the production of immunoglobulins, such as immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA plays a key role in mucosal immune defense (also known as it improves the intestinal wall).
A healthy intestinal wall protects against infections in the lungs and digestive tract. It also prevents food molecules from entering the bloodstream before they are fully digested. A ‘leaky gut’ makes us susceptible to allergies, autoimmune diseases and other health problems.
5. Gut health
Research shows that the intestinal microbiome plays an important role in the functioning of the immune system. In some studies, turkey tail mushrooms improved gut health by serving as a prebiotic. These fibers feed beneficial intestinal bacteria, which can influence immune responses.
6. Antioxidants
Phenolic compounds in turkey tail mushrooms, such as flavonoids, have antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals that can damage cells and tissues. By reducing oxidative stress and DNA damage, we can support immune health.
7. Reduce inflammation
Chronic inflammation can weaken the immune system over time, but there are ways to help. Some compounds in turkey tail mushrooms may have anti-inflammatory effects. Reducing inflammation helps regulate the immune response.
Turkey Tail Risks and Precautions
When searching for these mushrooms, keep in mind that they have lookalikes. False turkey tail mushroom (stereo oysters) resembles a turkey tail. It has some of the same benefits, including antimicrobials, and is not dangerous. But it’s also not as powerful as the real deal.
As with all natural remedies, you should use caution when considering turkey tail mushrooms. If you are taking any medications, check with a healthcare provider before adding them.
Some people may experience side effects from turkey tail mushrooms. A possible side effect is dark fingernails. If its use causes any side effects, discontinue and consult a healthcare practitioner for advice.
How to use turkey tail
You can use turkey tail mushrooms in many forms to reap their health benefits. Here are some common ways to use turkey tail mushrooms:
- Tea and decoctions: A popular method of using turkey tail mushrooms is to brew tea or a decoction. Simply simmer dried turkey tail mushrooms in water to extract beneficial substances. You can enjoy the resulting liquid as a hot drink.
- Culinary use: Some cultures use turkey tail mushrooms in cooking, but they are often tough and unpalatable. Cooks will use them to flavor stocks, soups or stews. Remove them before eating (like bay leaves) because of their hard texture.
- Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts made by soaking mushrooms in alcohol or another solvent. You can take them pure or add them to drinks. Medicinal mushrooms extract slightly differently than other plants, which is why most herbalists use a double extraction method.
- Powdered Supplements: Turkeytail mushrooms are available in powder form as dietary supplements. You can mix the powdered extract into smoothies, juices or other liquids. You can also sprinkle it over yogurt or oatmeal.
- Capsules and tablets: Turkey tail mushroom pills are useful for those who prefer a pre-measured dose. Follow the recommended dosage instructions on the product label.
When using turkey tail, keep in mind that preparation and dosage may vary. For example, methanol extracts contain the highest amount of antioxidants. Water extracts contain the highest number of polyphenols and flavonoids.
Some turkey tail supplements have both the fruiting body and the mycelium (root). Others simply have one or the other.
Always follow the dosage guidelines on the package or those of a healthcare professional.
What I do and other mushrooms to try
I like to include turkey tail extract as part of my morning cup of mushroom coffee. It’s great to start the day with a healthy immune response. I will also include it in other herbal teas and drinks throughout the day. While I don’t do the exact same thing every day, turkey tail can be a great addition to a health regimen. It can help keep your immune response strong and promote digestive balance.
Here are some other medicinal mushrooms you can try (maybe in your coffee!):
- Lion’s Mane – This funny looking mushroom is excellent for the brain.
- Reishi – Reishi mushroom supports immunity and sleep and may even help you live longer!
- Cordyceps – This caterpillar fungus supports energy, metabolism and physical endurance.
- Maitake – This “chicken from the woods” supports the cardiovascular and immune systems and promotes fertility.
Have you ever tried turkey tail mushrooms? What form did you take it in? Have you noticed any benefits? Share below!