Mushroom Index
Turkey Tail
With the artistry of a painter's palette and the potency of a pharmaceutical drug, Turkey Tail is a living testament to nature's ability to both delight the mind and heal the body.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
Overview
The Turkey Tail mushroom, aptly named for its fan-like form and vibrant, concentric rings in hues of russet, amber and chocolate (mirroring its namesake’s plume), makes its home on decaying logs across a diverse range of climates. Its scientific name, Trametes versicolor is a nod to its variable colors ('versicolor') and thin structure ('trametes').
This common woodland fungus, though not as heralded as some of its medicinal kin, is an immune-boosting powerhouse and over the years has quietly become one of the world’s most highly researched fungus species. Its potential as a supportive agent in cancer treatment and its ability to enhance gut health makes it a significant contributor to the medicinal mushroom family.
Other Names:
- Yun Zhi - “Cloud Mushroom” in China)
- Kawaratake - “Riverbank Mushroom” in Japan)
- Coriolus versicolor - scientific synonym
Benefits
Encourages immune system health by reducing inflammation and stimulating the production of protective compounds.
Encourages a healthy microbiome by nourishing helpful gut bacteria.
When used regularly, Turkey Tail extract can inhibit cancerous cell growth in susceptible body cells.
Reduces cholesterol and is capable of blood-glucose regulation.
Turkey Tail / Trametes versicolor
History of Use
Turkey Tail’s use in traditional healing systems spans centuries and continents. Historical Chinese texts have referenced it since at least the Ming Dynasty for boosting Wei Qi (defensive energy).
Meanwhile, in ancient Japan, Turkey Tail blended with green tea formed a traditional elixir for living long and well. Further west in Mexico, Turkey Tail, referred to as "cola de pavo", is embedded in both folk medicine and spiritual practices.