Bulk Herbs: Turkey Tail Mushrooms
Trametes versicolor
Size: 1 oz package
Format: Whole
Plant Part: Fungus (Fruit)
Also Known as: Coriolus Versicolor
Origin: China
One of the most well-studied health-promoting mushrooms, turkey tail grows in abundance worldwide. With its woody and leathery texture, the turkey tail is not an edible mushroom choice, but it is revered for its beneficial properties in many traditional healing systems. The fruiting body displays stripes of colors ranging from red, brown, and grey to several variations. Combined with their wavy top, these mushrooms resemble a turkey's tail feathers, leading to its convincing common name, turkey tail.
Trametes versicolor is found worldwide, growing naturally throughout forests, especially thriving in clusters on hardwood stumps in deciduous woodland habitats. Turkey tail is a polypore mushroom with a pore surface with an off-white to light brown color and a white to yellow spore print. The shape of the fruiting body is typically fan-shaped, triangular, or round and grows in tiled layers. The offset cap has a fuzzy top surface, resembling velvet. The mushroom's species name, versicolor, translates to "several colors," which aptly describes this mushroom. Turkey tail mushroom is hailed for its wellness-supporting qualities, which may be in part due to the number of beta-glucans found in the mushroom.
A traditional medicine for many indigenous populations worldwide, turkey tail has been used for millennia for its healthful properties. Turkey tail mushroom is especially revered in Asian cultures and has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as yun zhi. In TCM, the mushroom is employed to increase chi, strengthen the lungs, and clear dampness. Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support the liver and immune system.* Its first recorded use stems back thousands of years to the Han Dynasty in China. Turkey tail mushrooms are currently being studied in phase I, II, & III randomized clinical trials. Many of these findings report that the turkey tail is utilized to encourage the healthy daily functioning of the immune and digestive systems.
Whole turkey tail mushrooms can be decocted in nourishing teas, broths, and soups. Since they are not enjoyable, we recommend straining the mushrooms before consuming the liquid. Typical preparations also include a liquid extract. Additionally, whole mushrooms can be ground into a powder for use in capsules, smoothies, and healthful culinary dishes.
Active Compounds: Polysaccharides, antioxidants, beta-glucan, sterols, fatty acids, phenolic compounds
Actions: Immuno-modulator, anti-cancer, hepatic, hepato-protective, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, cardio-protective, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective, hypoglycemic
Indications: Turkey tail has well-documented uses for supporting immune function, reducing inflammation, improving gut health, and enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments. It may help balance blood sugar levels, boost athletic performance, fight viral and bacterial infections, and reduce fatigue. It can help improve gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria that support healthy digestion. Turkey tail acts as a prebiotic, stimulating the development of "good" bacteria in the gut microbiome.
Precautions: There are no known precautions. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
Magick Uses: Mushrooms have a long history of magickal use in Europe, Egypt, and Asia. Due to their potentially deadly nature, they are strongly associated with the underworld or the dead. They can also be associated with increased psychic ability and the upper realms.