John Miller
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are a non-psychedelic variety of mushrooms. They are easily identifiable by their colourful, thin caps that resemble a turkey's tail. Turkey tail mushrooms are one of the most well-known mushrooms for immune and liver support. They are also used for muscle strength, UTIs, and many other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Psychedelic | No |
| Health Benefits | Yes |
| Safe for Consumption | Yes |
| Taste | Good |
| Common Name | Turkey Tail Mushroom |
| Latin Name | Trametes versicolor |
| Other Names | Kawaratake, Yun Zhi, Coriolus versicolor, Polyporus versicolor |
| Description | Resembles a miniature turkey's tail with bands of varying creams, grays, yellows, browns, and oranges |
| Found in | Almost all over the world, except Antarctica |
| Medicinal Properties | May improve immune function and response to cancer medicines and radiation |
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What You'll Learn
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are not psychedelic. They are commonly found growing on dead or dying trees all year round, though they are most vibrant during autumn and winter. Turkey tail mushrooms are well-known for their health benefits, particularly in boosting the immune system and supporting the liver. They are also used for improving muscle strength, treating UTIs, and slowing cancer growth.
Turkey tail mushrooms get their name from their shape and varied colours, which resemble the tail of a turkey. They are commonly found in traditional Chinese medicine and have been used to treat a range of ailments.
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. Additionally, PSP has been found to have analgesic properties without causing adverse effects on female reproductive or embryonic development in mice.
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered functional mushrooms, which are non-psychedelic and have been used in traditional eastern medicine for their health-enhancing properties. Unlike magic mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms do not contain the well-known compounds that produce psychedelic effects, such as psilocybin and psilocin.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people, there have been reports of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems when taken with chemotherapy. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before consuming turkey tail mushrooms, especially if you are undergoing medical treatment.
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They are functional mushrooms with health benefits
Turkey tail mushrooms are non-psychedelic and are instead considered functional mushrooms with health benefits. They are easily identifiable by their colourful appearance, resembling the tail of a turkey, with bands of varying creams, grays, yellows, browns, and oranges. They are a cosmopolitan mushroom species, found on every continent except Antarctica. They grow on decomposing wood, particularly hardwoods such as beech and oak, and are most vibrant during autumn and winter.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine, particularly in China and Korea, where they are known as Yun Zhi and the mushroom of immortality, respectively. They are well-tolerated by most healthy adults and are considered generally safe for oral consumption. They are known to contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used to improve immune function and are believed to slow cancer growth. A 2018 randomized controlled trial found that turkey tail extract improved gut microbiota composition and immune function in healthy adults compared to a placebo. Another trial published in 2012 found that the extract improved immune function in people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy. Additionally, a substance extracted from the mushroom, PSK, has been found to improve the response to chemotherapy in some people with certain types of cancer.
While there is interest in using turkey tail mushrooms for other purposes, such as improving muscle strength and treating UTIs, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support these uses. It is important to note that consuming turkey tail mushrooms with certain medications, such as tamoxifen, may reduce the effectiveness of these medications. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating turkey tail mushrooms into your diet or using them for medicinal purposes.
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They are used for immune and liver support
Turkey tail mushrooms are not known to possess psychedelic properties and are instead renowned for their potential health benefits, particularly their ability to support immune and liver function. These mushrooms derive their name from their distinctive appearance, as the colorful, tiered stripes on their surface resemble the feathers of a turkey's tail. Here's a detailed explanation of how turkey tail mushrooms contribute to immune and liver support:
Immune System Support:
Turkey tail mushrooms are rich in polysaccharides, specifically a type called polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide peptide (PSP). These compounds have been extensively studied for their immune-boosting properties. PSK and PSP act as biological response modifiers, meaning they can stimulate the immune system and enhance its ability to fight off diseases. They achieve this by promoting the proliferation and activation of various immune cells, including macrophages, natural killer cells, and T lymphocytes. By consuming turkey tail mushrooms or taking supplements containing these polysaccharides, individuals can potentially strengthen their immune system and improve their body's defense mechanism against pathogens and diseases.
Liver Support and Detoxification:
Turkey tail mushrooms also exhibit hepatoprotective properties, meaning they can support and promote liver health. The polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms, such as PSK and PSP, have been found to protect the liver from damage and support its detoxification processes. In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail has been used to treat chronic hepatitis and protect the liver from toxins. Modern research supports these uses, suggesting that the polysaccharides in turkey tail mushrooms can help reduce liver inflammation, promote the regeneration of liver cells, and protect the liver from damage caused by toxins or medications.
Additionally, turkey tail mushrooms are a source of antioxidants, which can aid in liver detoxification by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. This dual action of stimulating the immune system and supporting liver function makes turkey tail mushrooms a valuable tool in promoting overall health and well-being.
Prebiotics and Gut Health:
Turkey tail mushrooms also contain prebiotics, which are a form of dietary fiber that acts as food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut. By consuming turkey tail, individuals can promote the growth and activity of these beneficial bacteria, contributing to a healthier gut microbiome. A balanced gut microbiome is essential for maintaining a strong immune system, as a significant portion of the immune system is located in the gut. Therefore, the prebiotic effects of turkey tail mushrooms further enhance their immune-boosting properties.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new dietary supplement, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medications. This ensures that the use of turkey tail mushrooms aligns with your specific health needs and goals.
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They are safe for most people to consume
Turkey tail mushrooms are non-psychedelic and are likely safe for most people to consume. They are well-tolerated by most healthy adults when taken by mouth. Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine and are known to provide immune and liver support. They are also used to improve muscle strength, fight fatigue, and treat UTIs.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. The PSP and PSK in turkey tail mushrooms may help slow cancer growth and boost the immune system. People use turkey tail mushrooms to improve their response to cancer medicines and radiation. However, it is important to note that there is no strong scientific evidence to support these uses.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also known to improve gut microbiota composition and immune function in healthy adults compared to a placebo. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2012 found that turkey tail extract improved immune function in people with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe, some people who are receiving chemotherapy and taking PSK have reported 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. Additionally, consuming turkey tail mushrooms with tamoxifen may alter how tamoxifen works in the body or reduce its effectiveness. PSP, a chemical found in turkey tail mushrooms, may also affect how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications, potentially changing their effects and side effects.
Overall, turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most people to consume, but it is always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement or treatment, especially for specific conditions.
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They are used in traditional Chinese medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. They are functional mushrooms, which are non-psychedelic and have been used for thousands of years in traditional eastern medicine for their health benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms have indeed been used in traditional Chinese medicine. In Chinese, it is known as "Yun Zhi", which translates to "cloud mushroom". It has been used in China as early as the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty. It has a long history of use in Asia among practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, who used formulations of turkey tail to promote general health, strength, and longevity.
In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms are used to treat lung diseases and boost the immune system. Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best-known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. PSK can be taken as a tea or in capsule form. Laboratory and animal studies have been conducted to test the effects of PSK on the immune system, including immune cells called natural killer cells and T-cells.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also used as an addition to standard cancer treatments in Asia. Turkey tail mushroom extract may support cancer treatment and restore the balance of gut bacteria. PSP from turkey tail extract may inhibit colon cancer cell growth and stop colon cancer cells from migrating and invading healthy cells. PSK from turkey tail mushrooms may also help reduce the side effects of oral chemotherapy for colorectal cancer.
It is important to note that the FDA has not approved the use of turkey tail or its active compound PSK as a treatment for cancer or any other medical condition. Anyone with a mushroom or mold allergy should not use turkey tail mushrooms as they may cause a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
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