John Miller
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are some of the most prolific mushrooms in North America. They grow on dead logs and trees worldwide and are important decomposers in forest environments. Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as medicine for centuries and are known for their immune-boosting and cancer-fighting properties. They are also a source of fibre and promote healthy gut bacteria. Turkey tail mushrooms can be identified by their white underside with tiny pores and concentric bands of different shades on the top side. They have a dry, leathery texture and a rich brown colour with multiple stripes, resembling a turkey's tail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Turkey Tail Mushrooms |
| Scientific name | Trametes versicolor |
| Colour | Rich brown with multicoloured stripes |
| Texture | Dry and leathery |
| Underside | White with tiny pores |
| Top side | Velvety to the touch with very fine hairs |
| Flexibility | Thin and flexible |
| Growth | On dead wood, trees, and logs |
| Health benefits | May have immune-boosting properties, fight cancer, promote gut health, and act as antiviral agents |
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Identification
Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor, or Yun Zhi in China, are a type of medicinal mushroom with a wide array of potential health benefits. They are easily identifiable by their distinctive appearance, which resembles the colourful plumage of a wild turkey's tail.
These mushrooms grow in clusters of leathery, thin brackets with multicoloured zones on top and whitish or whitish-yellow pores underneath. The cap is semicircular to spoon-shaped, with irregular zones of black-green, grey-blue, grey-brown, and ochre-rust. The margin is always the lightest colour. The stalk is absent, and the spores are white and cylindrical when magnified. The bands of colour on the cap make the "true" turkey tail easily recognisable, as no two turkey tails are exactly alike.
Turkey tail mushrooms are saprophytic fungi, meaning they grow on decaying wood, particularly on the stumps and logs of deciduous trees in damp, shady conditions. They are neither plants nor animals but belong to the kingdom of fungi, which includes yeasts, moulds, smuts, and rusts.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally safe for most people when consumed as a supplement or in food, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially for those with allergies, underlying health conditions, or who are taking other medications.
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Medicinal uses
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are medicinal mushrooms with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in China. They are packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that offer a range of potential health benefits.
One of the most well-known uses of turkey tail mushrooms is for their potential immune-boosting properties, which may support cancer treatment. The mushrooms contain compounds known as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK) or krestin, which have been found to stimulate the immune system and enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments. In Japan, PSK is an approved adjuvant cancer treatment, and it has been used as a supportive therapy for various types of cancer, including breast, lung, gastric, pancreatic, and liver cancer. However, it is important to note that the mechanisms behind these effects are still not fully understood, and more research is needed to confirm the benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms may also have benefits for gut health. They contain fibre, which aids in healthy digestion, and they may promote healthy gut bacteria. Additionally, these mushrooms have been found to have antibacterial properties against common pathogens and antiviral properties against certain viruses.
Some proponents of turkey tail mushrooms suggest that they may enhance cognitive functioning, reduce fatigue, improve athletic performance, and protect against age-related diseases. They are also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that turkey tail mushrooms may interfere with diabetes medications, causing blood sugar levels to drop too low.
While turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe, they should not be consumed in the wild due to potential contamination with pollutants or bacteria. Additionally, those with mushroom or mould allergies should avoid them, as they could cause a life-threatening reaction. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any mushroom supplements to ensure their safety and appropriateness for your individual needs.
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Safety and side effects
Turkey tail mushrooms (Coriolus versicolor) or Trametes versicolor are generally considered safe for consumption and have been used in Asian medicine for centuries. They are one of the most well-known medicinal mushrooms and are commonly used as a health supplement in Western cultures. Turkey tail mushrooms are also one of the most common forest mushrooms, growing on dead trees and logs in the wild.
While the mushroom itself is likely safe for most people, it contains polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK), which can be extracted and used as medicine. These compounds may strengthen the immune system and have been studied for their potential to suppress the growth of certain types of cancers.
Turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe for most healthy adults when taken by mouth, but some people have reported mild and temporary side effects, such as:
- Flu symptoms
- Constipation
- Gastrointestinal issues (bloating, gas, stomach pain)
- Dark stools and fingernails
- Diarrhea
In addition, some people receiving chemotherapy and taking a substance extracted from turkey tail mushrooms called polysaccharide krestin (PSK) have reported adverse reactions, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Low white blood cell counts
- Liver problems
However, it is unclear if these side effects are due to chemotherapy, the PSK, or a combination of both.
There is also limited information on the safety of using turkey tail mushrooms in other ways, such as vaginally, during pregnancy, or while breastfeeding. It may cause itching and irritation when used vaginally, and it is recommended to avoid using it during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of sufficient information.
Turkey tail mushrooms may affect blood sugar levels and could cause blood sugar to drop too low if taken with diabetes medications. It may also have blood-thinning properties and slow down blood clotting in people with bleeding disorders.
PSP, a chemical found in turkey tail mushrooms, can alter how quickly certain medications, like cyclophosphamide, are processed by the body, potentially changing their effectiveness and side effects. This includes chemotherapy drugs, and it is recommended to consult an oncologist if taking turkey tail mushrooms with any cancer medications.
As with any supplement, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking turkey tail mushrooms, especially if you have an allergy to mushrooms or mould.
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Veterinary use
Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) are a type of medicinal mushroom with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in China and Japan. They are packed with antioxidants and other health-promoting compounds that offer a range of potential health benefits.
Turkey tail mushrooms are commonly used in veterinary medicine, particularly for dogs with cancer. They are known to be a source of mushroom-derived polysaccharides, including beta-glucans such as polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharide-P (PSP), which have been shown to help treat and manage cancer in dogs. PSK has been found to normalize the immune system and increase the activity of killer T cells in mice with cancer, and PSP has been shown to slow the progression of non-small cell lung cancer in humans. Turkey tail mushrooms are also believed to have immune-boosting properties and can be used to enhance the efficacy of standard cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. They are generally safe to combine with other supplements and medications, but it is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before use, especially for dogs with autoimmune disorders, those on immunosuppressive medications, or those undergoing bone marrow transplants.
While veterinary studies of turkey tail mushrooms are limited, they have been clinically tested as one of the first integrative cancer therapies in veterinary medicine. The mushrooms are typically given to dogs orally in the form of supplements, which are available as capsules, powders, tinctures, or extracts. Turkey tail mushrooms can also be consumed by dogs in the form of tea, by using dried mushrooms or mushroom powder.
It is important to note that while turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. They may cause allergic reactions in some dogs, and pet owners should monitor their dogs closely for any signs of low blood pressure, nervousness, heart palpitations, or weakness, especially if the dog is taking certain medications. Additionally, giving dogs raw mushrooms can cause intestinal gas or other side effects that may indicate toxicity or overdose. It is always recommended to consult a veterinarian before adding turkey tail mushrooms or any other natural supplements to a dog's treatment plan.
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Habitat
Turkey tail mushrooms, or Trametes versicolor, are a type of fungus that grows on decaying wood, particularly the stumps and logs of deciduous trees. They are characterised by their thin, leathery texture and multicoloured appearance, with bands of deep browns, blues, greens, oranges, and creamy whites. The name "turkey tail" is derived from the resemblance of the mushroom's vibrant patterns to the plumage of a wild turkey.
These mushrooms are saprophytic, meaning they play a crucial role in breaking down tough materials like lignin and cellulose in fallen trees, converting them into nutrient-rich organic matter. This ecological function is integral to woodland ecosystems, contributing to the recycling of natural resources. Turkey tail mushrooms typically grow in dense clusters, thriving in damp and shady environments within temperate forests.
As a medicinal mushroom, the turkey tail has been utilised for hundreds of years in traditional Chinese medicine and by indigenous peoples. It is known for its immune-boosting properties and potential health benefits, including improved gut health and reduced inflammation. However, it is important to exercise caution when consuming wild mushrooms, as they may accumulate heavy metals from the environment, posing potential health risks.
When foraging for turkey tail mushrooms, it is essential to correctly identify them. They are easily recognisable by their distinctive fan-like shape and colourful bands. The underside of the mushroom features whitish or whitish-yellow pores. While the caps exhibit various zones of colour, the margin is always the lightest shade. False turkey tail mushrooms (Stereum ostrea) have a parchment-like appearance and a smooth underside, while the multicolor gill polypore (Lenzites betulina) has a gill-like structure on the bottom.
To summarise, turkey tail mushrooms are saprophytic fungi that play a vital ecological role in breaking down decaying wood. They are commonly found on the stumps and logs of deciduous trees in damp and shaded habitats within forests. With their striking multicoloured appearance and potential medicinal properties, turkey tail mushrooms are a fascinating and ecologically significant part of the natural world.
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Frequently asked questions
Turkey tail mushrooms, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, are some of the most prolific mushrooms in North America. They grow on dead logs and trees worldwide and are important decomposers in forest environments.
Turkey tail mushrooms have a fuzzy, velvety, or finely hairy cap that is colourful when fresh, though older specimens may not be. The underside of the mushroom has tiny white pores, with 3-8 pores per millimetre.
Turkey tail mushrooms have been used as medicine for centuries. They contain compounds such as polysaccharopeptide (PSP) and polysaccharide-K (PSK), which may have immune-boosting and anti-cancer properties. They are also a source of fibre and may promote healthy gut bacteria.
Turkey tail mushrooms can be consumed in various ways, including as a tea or broth, or in powder form as a supplement. However, it is important to note that consuming mushrooms in the wild is not recommended due to the risk of contamination or poisoning. Always consult a doctor before taking any new supplements.
Turkey tail mushrooms are generally considered safe, especially after extensive use in Japan. However, anyone with a mushroom or mould allergy should avoid them as they may cause a life-threatening reaction. Additionally, mushrooms can accumulate metals from their environment, so it is important to source them from a reputable supplier.
