Turkey Tail

Pin Yin: Yun Zhi
English: Turkey Tail
Latin: Trametes versicolor
Properties: sweet, bland, slightly cold
Channels: Spleen, Lung
Key Characteristics: Invigorates spleen, eliminating dampness , qi and Jing tonic
Indications: general weakness, poor appetite and loose bowels, chronic fatigue syndrome, adverse effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy  

1. Immune modulating and help prevent common cold and flu.

The turkey tail mushroom has long been known to stave off any infection, including those associated with the common cold or flu. It helps your immune system become more resilient against ill-causing germs.

2. Can Offer Support to Chemo Patients

Turkey tail mushrooms may help cancer patients who are going through chemotherapy. Since chemotherapy suppresses the immune system, turkey tail mushroom builds the immune system up to better handle the weakness that chemo often causes. A stronger immune system can help combat deadly cancer cells, making the turkey tail mushroom a potentially potent cancer-fighting food.

3. May Help Combat Cancer

Medicinal mushrooms have been used as adjuncts to standard cancer treatments in Japan and China. They are used for various types of cancer, including lung cancer, breast cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. More research is needed to understand the true benefits of turkey tail mushroom for cancer, but there is evidence that it may help significantly improve survival, according to a review done by the National Cancer Institute.

4. Antioxidants

Polysaccharopeptides a type of long chain of carbohydrates that are found inside some proteins, and turkey tail mushrooms contain at least two of these highly beneficial compounds: 

Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP)

Like antioxidants, PSK and PSP have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. However, while antioxidants combat free radicals, these compounds seem to function by stimulating other immune system cells to kick into high gear.

PSP has been found to increase the production of Prostaglandins, lipid-based compounds that regulate inflammation. PSP stimulates the production of cytokines, proteins that signal the endocrine system to respond to inflammation by combating it.

PSK, the best known active compound found in turkey tail mushroom, has been studied in patients with several types of cancer, and it has been safely used for cancer in Japan with few reported side effects. Studies show that PSK helps repair immune cell damage that’s caused by chemotherapy and strengthen the immune system.

5. Prebiotics That Boost Gut Health

Turkey tails contain prebiotics, the fibers that gut bacteria feed on to survive and thrive. A 2014 study found that compounds in turkey tails “led to clear and consistent microbiome changes consistent with its activity as a prebiotic.” This means that it can help the growth of the good bacteria in the body, including acidophilus and bifidobacterium, which is even more beneficial for anyone suffering from leaky gut syndrome.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4684115/ Immune Modulation of Medicinal Mushrooms

https://bastyr.edu/news/general-news/2012/11/fda-approves-bastyr-turkey-tail-trial-cancer-patients Turkey Tail Trial for Cancer Patients

https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/mushrooms-pdq National Cancer Institute: Medicinal Mushrooms

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7277906/ Turkey Tail Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2845472/ Turkey Tail & Breast Cancer

• Please make sure lid is on securely
• Store in cool, dry place
• Do not use wet or moist spoon in powder
• Once opened, use within 2-4 months
• If you live in a humid environment, keep the jar in the refrigerator 

Turkeytail COA