Latin Name: Trametes versicolor / Coriolus versicolor
Family: Polyporaceae
Dose: 3-6 g of dried mushroom (acute conditions and cancers), 1-2 g a day (daily use)
Part used: Fruiting body
Energetics: Slightly bitter, warming, grounding.
Iris: All types
Interactions: Please check with your Healthcare Provider.
CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
ACTIONS
- Adaptogen
- Antiviral
- Antineoplastic
- Hepatoprotective
- Detoxifier
- Protects DNA from damage
- Immunostimulant (T and B lymphocytes)
- Immunomodulator
- Prebiotic activity
- Anti Inflammatory
Main Constituents
- Polysaccharide-protein complex (PSK - 35% and PSP 28%)
- Beta glucans: PSP, PSK, B-1,3 and B-1,4 glucans
- Phenolic acids (quercetin and baicalein)
- Flavonoids
- Terpenoids
Main Uses
Digestive System: Gastric cancer, Colorectal cancer, Supporting the liver
Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections: HPV
Circulatory: Haemorrhoids, Maintaining blood glucose levels
Mental/Emotional: Increasing energy
Infections:
Viruses: Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), Influenza.
Musculo-Skeletal System: Joint pain, Improving athletic performance
Immune System: Strengthening the organs responsible for the immune system
Respiratory System: Lung cancer, Supporting the lungs, Coughs, Breathing difficulties
Reproductive System: Breast cancer
Lymphatic System: Removing toxins, Removing excessive fluid, Supporting spleen function
More About Turkey Tail
Turkey tail is consumed with hot water as a tea. It is known to boost vitality and energy, ward off cancer and support the spirit.
Turkey tail has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat lung diseases for many years. In Japan, Turkey tail has been used to strengthen the immune system when given with standard cancer treatment.
Polysaccharide K (PSK) is the best known active compound in turkey tail mushrooms. In Japan, PSK is an approved mushroom product used to treat cancer.
PSK has a stimulating effect on the immune system, encouraging the body to produce more immune cells that attack foreign and abnormal cells (cancer) therefore, suppressing the growth of tumours.
PSK is deemed to be very well tolerated in human trials with very few side effects and has been shown to be particularly helpful in protecting against the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
In traditional western herbal medicine, Turkey tail is used for its benefits to the immune system. It is specifically useful in post viral fatigue and for those people who are prone to infections.
It can be taken regularly throughout the winter months to keep immune function in tip top condition, preventing the occurrence of coughs, colds and flu.
It has been shown to reduce the frequency of the Herpes simplex virus and to stimulate NK cell activity which may help those with chronic fatigue syndrome and myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME).
Recipes:
Turkey Tail Mushroom Broth
Ingredients:
- 2-3 slices of dried turkey tail mushroom (about 2-3 grams)
- 946ml of water
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large pot, add the dried turkey tail mushroom slices and water.
- Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the mushrooms to simmer for about 20-30 minutes to infuse the water with their properties.
- In a separate pan, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until they are tender.
- Once the turkey tail mushroom broth is ready, strain it to remove the mushroom slices.
- Combine the mushroom broth with the sautéed vegetables in the large pot.
- Season the broth with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the broth over low heat until it's heated through.
- This mushroom broth can be enjoyed as a nutritious and immune-supporting base for various soups and dishes.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Tea
Ingredients:
- 2-3 slices of dried turkey tail mushroom (about 2-3 grams)
- 473ml of water
- Honey or lemon (optional, for flavor)
Instructions:
- Boil the water in a saucepan and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Add the dried turkey tail mushroom slices to the simmering water.
- Let the mushrooms steep for about 20-30 minutes, allowing the water to absorb the mushroom's properties.
- Strain the tea to remove the mushroom slices.
- If desired, you can sweeten the tea with honey or add a splash of lemon for flavor.
- Drink the tea while it's still warm.
References
Immune Activating
The mycelium of the Trametes versicolor (Turkey tail) mushroom and its fermented substrate each show potent and complementary immune activating properties in vitro
The results demonstrated that the immune-activating bioactivity of a mycelial-based medicinal mushroom preparation is a combination of the mycelium itself (including insoluble beta-glucans, and also water-soluble components), and the highly bioactive, metabolically fermented substrate, not present in the initial substrate.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31791317/
Oral HPV
Control of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) by medicinal mushrooms, Trametes versicolor and Ganoderma lucidum: a preliminary clinical trial
In group 2, the clearance was equal to 88% (P<0.001). The detection of HPV16 or HPV18 could become relevant in routine since positivity is frequent and because a harmless and costless treatment may exist.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25271984/
Immunomodulatory/Oncology
The use of Hericium erinaceus and Trametes versicolor extracts in supportive treatment in oncology
The results of in vivo and in vitro studies conducted on mice and human cell lines demonstrate immunomodulatory, potentially, anticancer, anti-inflammatory and neuroregenerative effects of substances isolated from these fungi. The substances contained in the extracts of He and Tv seem to have immunomodulatory effects that may support chemotherapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32697746/
Breast Cancer
Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer
Immune therapy utilizing the polysaccharide constituents of Trametes versicolor (Tv) as concurrent adjuvant cancer therapy may be warranted as part of a comprehensive cancer treatment and secondary prevention strategy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19087769/
Health- Promoting Food Supplement
Trametes versicolor ethanol extract, a promising candidate for health-promoting food supplement
Taken all together, T. versicolor ethanol extract can be considered as a promising candidate for development of health promoting food supplement.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28817965/