Sarah Brown
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a species of mushroom found almost everywhere in the world, except Antarctica. They are thin and multicolored, resembling the tail of a turkey, and are frequently found growing on dead or dying trees. Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic, but they are well-known for their potential health benefits, particularly in immune and liver support. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and are also being studied for their potential medicinal properties.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychedelic | No |
| Psychoactive compounds | No |
| Hallucinogenic compounds | No |
| Safe for most people | Yes |
| Side effects | Digestive upset, nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, liver problems |
| Medicinal properties | Yes |
| Immune-boosting benefits | Yes |
| Anti-cancer properties | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are not psychedelic. They do not contain any of the well-known compounds that produce psychedelic effects. Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly found growing on dead or dying trees all year round, though they are most vibrant during autumn and winter. They are used for their health benefits, such as improving immune function and slowing cancer growth. They are also used to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation.
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered functional mushrooms. Functional mushrooms are non-psychedelic and have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine for their health benefits. They do not contain psychoactive compounds but are instead loaded with bioactives like beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. Turkey tail mushrooms are one of the best-known mushrooms for immune and liver support.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people when taken by mouth. However, some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is unclear if these side effects are due to the chemotherapy or PSK.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and are known as "yun zhi" or "cloud mushroom" in China. They get their name from their shape and varied colours, which resemble the tail of a turkey.
In summary, turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic but have a range of potential health benefits. They are well-known for their use in traditional medicine and are generally considered safe for most people. However, it is always important to speak with a healthcare provider before consuming any new substance or supplement.
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They are a type of lignicolous fungus
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are a type of lignicolous fungus, commonly found on stumps and decomposing wood, particularly hardwoods such as beech and oak. They are also known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor. They are easily identifiable by their colourful, fan-like shape, resembling a miniature turkey's tail. Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic but are well-known for their potential medicinal properties and health benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. PSK has been used to improve the response to chemotherapy in certain types of cancer. It is believed that PSP and PSK may help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these claims. Turkey tail mushrooms have also been used to improve muscle strength, treat UTIs, and address other conditions, but again, there is insufficient evidence to support these uses.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe for consumption, especially for healthy adults. However, some people receiving chemotherapy who have taken PSK have reported adverse effects, including nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is unclear whether these side effects are due to chemotherapy, PSK, or a combination of both.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and are known as Yun Zhi in China and Kawaratake in Japan. They have been studied for their potential immunomodulatory effects and ability to improve immune function, as demonstrated in several randomized controlled trials.
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered functional mushrooms, which are non-psychedelic and non-psychoactive. Instead of containing psychoactive compounds, they are rich in bioactives such as beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. Functional mushrooms are often sold as dietary supplements or food ingredients, providing various health benefits without the psychedelic effects associated with other mushroom species.
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They are highly regarded for their medicinal properties
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they are highly regarded for their medicinal properties. Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. They are known to support the immune system and liver and are used to improve the response to cancer medicines and radiation.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. A randomized controlled trial published in 2018 found that turkey tail extract improved gut microbiota composition and immune function in healthy adults compared to a placebo. Another randomized controlled trial published in 2012 found that turkey tail extract improved immune function in people with breast cancer who were undergoing chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also used for muscle strength, fatigue, UTIs, and many other conditions. However, there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. While turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most people, some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking PSK have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is unclear if these side effects were due to chemotherapy or PSK.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also known to possess analgesic activity without producing adverse effects on female reproductive or embryonic development. They are one of the most well-known mushrooms globally for immune and liver support.
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They are safe for most people but may cause digestive upset
Turkey tail mushrooms are non-psychedelic and are likely safe for most people when taken by mouth. They are well-tolerated by most healthy adults and are commonly used for immune and liver support. Turkey tail mushrooms are also used to improve response to cancer medicines and radiation. However, it is important to note that some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems. It is unclear whether these side effects are due to the chemotherapy or PSK.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine for their health benefits. They are known to contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. PSP has been found to have analgesic properties without causing adverse effects on female reproductive or embryonic development in mice. PSK, on the other hand, has been studied for its potential benefits in improving the response to chemotherapy in people with certain types of cancer.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe, they may cause digestive upset in some individuals. This is likely due to the tough, woody texture of the mushroom, making it difficult to digest. Additionally, the PSP in turkey tail mushrooms might change how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications, which could alter their effects and side effects. As such, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, especially if you are taking any medications or undergoing chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms are not considered psychedelic, but they have been reported to have a positive impact on mood and cognitive function. Some people have described a trippy feeling after consuming lion's mane mushrooms, which are also functional mushrooms, but without the hallucinations typically associated with psychedelic mushrooms. While turkey tail mushrooms may not produce psychedelic effects, they are known to have beneficial properties that support overall health and well-being.
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They are one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they are one of the most well-known and researched medicinal mushrooms. They have been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine. Turkey tail mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used to boost immunity and support gut health. They contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms might help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. A 2023 review of past research also found evidence that PSK from turkey tail mushrooms may help reduce the side effects of oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. It was also found to be a safe and effective supplement for people with gastrointestinal cancer.
Turkey tail mushroom extract may also support cancer treatment and restore the balance of gut bacteria. The compounds in turkey tail mushrooms may benefit gut health as they contain fiber, which helps maintain healthy digestion. A 2017 review notes that previous studies have found that this mushroom can alter a person's microbiome. Turkey tail mushrooms may also have antibacterial properties against several common pathogens.
Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms may improve cognitive function, reduce inflammation, increase exercise performance, and protect against age-related diseases. They have also been used to treat HPV and prevent cancer. PSK and PSP in turkey tail mushrooms can stop cancer cells from developing and cause them to die. However, it is important to note that anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not consume turkey tail mushrooms as it could cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
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Frequently asked questions
No, turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. They are functional mushrooms, which are non-psychedelic and have been used for their health benefits in traditional eastern medicine.
Turkey tail mushrooms are one of the best-known mushrooms for immune and liver support. They contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which may help slow cancer growth and improve the response to cancer medicines and radiation.
Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth. However, some people receiving chemotherapy who have taken a substance extracted from the mushroom called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems.
