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Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

  • Mushroom for Immunity
  • Mushroom for Anti-Viral Support

Mushrooms are all around us, they are the true communicators in nature. Medicinal mushrooms have been used globally for thousands of years for their health benefits and can provide the missing link to support our health and well-being. Each medicinal mushroom has its own unique set of compounds to support health, let’s learn more about turkey tail:

Meet the Mushroom

Turkey Tail is the most extensively researched of all medicinal mushrooms. A symbol of longevity and health it grows on dead logs in woodland environments worldwide. Traditionally used for removing toxins, increasing energy, strengthening the immune system, and supporting liver health.  

History

Turkey Tail is reported to have been used as early as the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty in China. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it was used as an immunomodulator and as an ally in the fight against infections. The Japanese, call it “cloud mushroom” which symbolises longevity and health. It is very prized clinically in Japan and utilised in conventional medicine.

Benefits: Why you should use it?

  • Immunity: Strengthens actions of immune system. PSK and PSP compounds are immunomodulating, restoring balance to the immune system (1).
  • Anti-Viral: Strong anti-viral effects reported based on production of PSK and various polysaccharide-peptide complexes. PSK exhibits anti-HIV activity (2). It has also shown anti-viral activity against herpes simplex (3). Another small study on clearance of HPV in combination with reishi. 
  • Digestive Health: PSP acts as a prebiotic to modulate the microbiome composition.  Studies have shown beneficial changes in gut bacteria and suppression of pathogenic bacteria. 
  • Liver Health: Polysaccharide extracts demonstrate hepatoprotective properties. Has been used in medicine for chronic hepatitis (4).

Key Actives

  • PSK and PSP: Promote immune response by activating and inhibiting immune cells and suppressing inflammation. PSK shows an ability to enhance superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. 
  • Antioxidants: Including flavonoids and phenols which offer protection for cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress which can lead to chronic inflammation. One study detected over 35 different phenolic compounds as well as flavonoids including quercetin and baicalein which offer support and protection for the immune system. 

Product Info

Our Wild Crafted Turkey Tail is a 100% fruiting body extract sustainably wild crafted in the pristine forests of Jilin province and Khingan mountains.

It is hot-water extracted (Up to 8:1 extract ratio) to release and concentrate its polysaccharides including beta-glucans. It has a minimum of 30% beta-glucans to support immunity.

Our Pure Grade range of extracts are regarded as practitioner quality and contain the highest levels of active compounds. It is common for mushroom capsules and powders to use ‘drinks grade’ extracts that contain a high level of maltodextrin to help encapsulation, and to taste sweeter to the palate. Pure Grade is the hallmark of the highest quality mushroom supplements. 

How to use

Capsules: Adults take 2 capsules, 1-3 times a day with or without food or try adding the powder from the capsules into a smoothie. 

Powder: Take 1g 1-4 times a day. Turkey tail has a rich flavour, add it to your hot drinks, smoothies, and savoury dishes.

FAQs 

When is the best time to take it? : Unlike some other mushrooms turkey tail can be taken at any time of day. Regular consumption of turkey tail can help you take advantage of its health benefits.

Are there any side effects? : Rare and generally mild side effects are reported which may include GI effects, cold and flu symptoms, and rash. 

Are there any interactions? : We would advise anyone on any medication, or those who are pregnant/breastfeeding to check with their healthcare practitioner.

Is it Organic? : It is no longer certified organic, but all ingredients are organic and wild crafted.

Do you test the product? : Yes, it is third party tested, COA are available on request.

Why do you source from China? : The use of medicinal mushrooms was a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine and this practice dates back thousands of years. No country has more extensive knowledge than China in the growing and extraction of mushrooms. China is also home to some of the vastest and most pristine forests in the world, which provide the ideal environment for mushrooms to grow. It is universally agreed, through ongoing DNA analysis, that China continue to grow the best quality mushrooms in the world.

Combine with

Turkey Tail can be taken on its own or combined with other supplements and functional foods for synergistic effects. Combine with other mushrooms for immune support or herbs like echinacea, elderberry, or astragalus. 

Fungi Fact

Traditionally called 'roof tile fungus' in East Asian cultures due to its striking ringed appearance, turkey tail is one of the most extensively researched functional mushrooms. 

 

 

References:

1: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23497877/

2: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2447880/ 

3: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7894602/ 

4:  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517545/