Laura Smith
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are known for their colourful, concentric bands of brown, grey, cream, yellow, and orange. They are often mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms due to their appearance, but they do not contain any psychedelic compounds. Instead, they are functional mushrooms, used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now being explored by modern medicine for their potential health benefits. Turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most healthy adults when consumed orally, but they may cause side effects in people undergoing chemotherapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is Turkey Tail Mushroom Psychedelic? | No |
| Common Name | Turkey Tail Mushroom |
| Scientific Name | Trametes versicolor |
| Other Names | Coriolus versicolor, Polyporus versicolor, Boletus versicolor |
| Appearance | Concentric circles of various colours, including grey, brown, cream, yellow, and orange. Fan-shaped and between 1/2 inch to 5 inches in diameter. |
| Taste | Earthy and strong |
| Edibility | Technically edible, but too woody to eat. Can be made into tea or powder and added to smoothies, coffee, or hot drinks. |
| Medicinal Properties | Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which may have medicinal properties. May boost the immune system and slow cancer growth. |
| Psychoactive Effects | Does not contain psilocybin or any other known psychedelic compounds. Does not cause hallucinations or a high. |
| Purpose | Long-term health, immune support, gut health, and overall wellness. |
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What You'll Learn
- Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic but have health benefits
- They are used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness
- They are safe for most people to consume, but may have side effects for some
- They are often mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms due to their appearance
- They are used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic but have health benefits
Turkey tail mushrooms may look psychedelic, but they do not contain any of the well-known compounds that produce psychedelic effects. They are not "magic mushrooms". Instead, they are functional mushrooms, used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness.
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are polypore fungi. They grow on decaying trees and dead logs, especially oak and maple trees. They are most common in deciduous woodlands and can be found in temperate woods all over the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Turkey tail mushrooms get their name from their resemblance to a miniature turkey's tail, with bands of varying creams, grays, yellows, browns, and oranges. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and are now being explored by modern medicine as well.
The mushrooms contain polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which are used as medicine. Turkey tail mushrooms might help slow cancer growth, boost the immune system, and improve the response to cancer treatments and radiation. They are also used for muscle strength, fatigue, UTIs, and many other conditions, although there is no scientific evidence to support these uses.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in various forms, such as tea, powder, or supplements. They are likely safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth, but may cause side effects when used vaginally, such as itching and irritation.
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They are used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they have been used for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine as a tonic and to treat lung conditions. They are also known as Yun Zhi in China and kawaratake in Japan.
Today, turkey tail mushrooms are used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness. They are safe to consume and are well-tolerated by most people. However, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking any mushroom supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have diabetes, or have a mushroom or mold allergy.
Immune Support
Turkey tail mushrooms have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and act as nonspecific immune modulators, meaning they can either stimulate or suppress immune function in a general way. Specifically, they bolster immune function. For example, a clinical trial conducted in 2012 found that breast cancer patients who took capsules of powdered turkey tail mushrooms recovered immune function after radiation therapy faster than those who did not. Another study found that turkey tail mushrooms boosted the efficacy of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Turkey tail mushrooms also have anti-tumor properties and may help protect against bone loss related to certain cancer treatments.
Gut Health
Turkey tail mushrooms may promote healthy gut bacteria and are a source of fiber. A 2024 review notes that turkey tail extract has antibacterial properties against several common pathogens. Additionally, the review mentions previous laboratory studies that found turkey tail extract may have antiviral properties against HIV, human papillomavirus (HPV), and the herpes simplex virus.
Overall Wellness
Turkey tail mushrooms are packed with antioxidants and other health-boosting compounds. The antioxidants may improve cognitive function (e.g., memory, problem-solving) and reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline. Turkey tail mushrooms may also help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, animal model research has found that turkey tail extract resulted in thicker, less porous bones, which may be beneficial for those dealing with osteoporosis.
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They are safe for most people to consume, but may have side effects for some
Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for most people to consume. They are non-psychedelic and are used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness. They are often consumed in the form of tea, powder, or supplements. However, they may have side effects for some people, especially those receiving chemotherapy.
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are polypore fungi that grow on decaying trees and dead logs, especially oak and maple trees. They are most commonly found in deciduous woodlands all over the world. The mushrooms get their name from their resemblance to the feathers of a turkey's tail, with concentric bands of varying creams, grays, yellows, browns, and oranges. They have been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and now modern medicine is also exploring its potential benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms are considered functional mushrooms, which are known for their health benefits rather than psychoactive effects. They do not contain psilocybin or any other psychedelic compounds. Instead, they are rich in bioactives like beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and antioxidants. Beta-glucans, for example, are polysaccharides with immune-modulating properties that are found in the cell walls of fungi. Ergosterol, another compound present in turkey tail mushrooms, can be transformed into vitamin D2 when exposed to UV radiation.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people, there have been reports of side effects in some individuals receiving chemotherapy. Polysaccharide krestin (PSK), a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms, has been associated with nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems in some chemotherapy patients. However, it is unclear if these side effects are due to the chemotherapy itself or the interaction between chemotherapy and PSK. There is also insufficient information to determine the safety of using turkey tail mushrooms during pregnancy or breastfeeding, so it is recommended to avoid consumption during these periods.
Additionally, it is important to note that turkey tail mushrooms may interact with certain medications. For example, PSP, a chemical found in turkey tail mushrooms, might alter how quickly cyclophosphamide is removed from the body, affecting its effectiveness and potentially causing more side effects. Turkey tail mushrooms may also lower blood sugar levels, so consuming them alongside diabetes medications could lead to a dangerous drop in blood sugar. Similarly, combining turkey tail mushrooms with tamoxifen may reduce the drug's effectiveness or alter its effects in the body.
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They are often mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms due to their appearance
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are often mistaken for psychedelic mushrooms due to their appearance. They are characterised by concentric circles of various colours, including shades of brown, grey, cream, yellow, and orange, which can look trippy. However, unlike psychedelic mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms do not contain psilocybin or any other known psychedelic compounds. Instead, they are considered functional mushrooms that provide health benefits without altering your state of mind.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly found in forests worldwide, growing on decaying trees and dead logs, particularly oak and maple. They are also known as saprophytic mushrooms, which obtain their nourishment from decomposing organic matter. This mushroom species was first named Boletus versicolor in 1753 by Carl Linneaus and was later reclassified as Trametes versicolor in 1920.
The appearance of turkey tail mushrooms can be quite distinctive, with their undulating layers of colours radiating out from the stem. While they may resemble psychedelic mushrooms in terms of colour and pattern, turkey tail mushrooms have a different purpose and effect on the body. They are known for their potential health benefits, especially in immune support, gut health, and overall wellness. Some people include turkey tail mushrooms in their evening routine to support immune health and promote relaxation.
Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for most healthy adults and are well-tolerated when consumed orally. They are commonly used in the form of teas, powders, or supplements. However, it is important to note that they are not culinary mushrooms and are too woody to eat directly. Instead, they are typically consumed as extracts or in powdered form, mixed into smoothies, coffee, or hot drinks.
While turkey tail mushrooms have been touted for their medicinal properties, there is limited scientific evidence to support all of their claimed benefits. For example, they have been associated with lowering blood sugar levels and improving muscle strength, but more research is needed to confirm these effects. Additionally, when used in combination with certain medications, such as diabetes drugs or tamoxifen, turkey tail mushrooms may interfere with the effectiveness of those treatments.
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They are used in traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine
Turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. However, they are one of the most well-known and researched medicinal mushrooms worldwide. They have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Native American herbalism for centuries.
In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms are known as Yun Zhi, while they are called kawaratake in Japan. This mushroom species has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including cancer. Modern medicine has recognised turkey tail mushrooms as a powerful anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting agent.
Turkey tail mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which have been shown to inhibit colon cancer cell growth and improve cancer patients' quality of life. They also possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to fight pathogenic bacteria and viruses such as HIV, HPV, and herpes simplex. Additionally, these mushrooms can improve gut health by maintaining healthy gut bacteria and enhancing digestive health.
Turkey tail mushrooms are also known for their adaptogenic properties, aiding in reducing fatigue and improving athletic performance. They have been shown to significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance. Furthermore, they can support liver health and help prevent infections.
While generally considered safe, turkey tail mushrooms may cause side effects such as digestive issues, dark fingernails, and nausea when used alongside chemotherapy. It is important to consult a doctor before consuming these mushrooms, especially for those with underlying health conditions or allergies.
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Frequently asked questions
No, turkey tail mushrooms are not psychedelic. They are functional mushrooms used for immune support, gut health, and overall wellness.
Turkey tail mushrooms have concentric circles of various colours, including shades of brown, grey, cream, yellow, and orange. They are often found growing on dead or decaying logs or trees.
Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth. They are commonly consumed as teas, powders, or supplements. However, there is insufficient information to determine their safety when used in other ways, such as vaginally or during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Turkey tail mushrooms are known for their immune-boosting properties and are often used to improve the response to cancer treatments. They also contain compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
While generally well-tolerated, some people 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. However, it is unclear if these side effects are due to the chemotherapy or PSK.
