Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms, also known as Trametes versicolor, are a type of medicinal mushroom that has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. These mushrooms are native to many parts of the world, including Asia, Europe, and North America. They are named turkey tail mushrooms because of their fan-like shape and vibrant colours, which resemble the tail feathers of a turkey.

Turkey tail mushrooms have been extensively researched for their health benefits, particularly their immune-boosting properties. They contain compounds called polysaccharides, which are complex sugars that stimulate the immune system by activating immune cells like natural killer cells and macrophages. These compounds also have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and improve overall health.

Paul Stamets | Mushrooms as Medicine

One person who has experienced the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms first hand is Paul Stamets, a mycologist and founder of Fungi Perfecti, a company that specialises in mushroom cultivation and research. Stamets’ interest in mushrooms was furthered when his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, and her prognosis was poor. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, but her cancer continued to progress.

Stamets began researching alternative treatments for his mother’s cancer and came across a study that showed the potential benefits of turkey tail mushrooms for cancer patients.

Stamets found a study where patients who took turkey tail mushrooms alongside other therapies had a significantly higher survival rate than those who received the cancer treatment therapy alone

Stamets urged his mother to add turkey tail mushrooms to her healing treatment, reluctant at first when her physician suggested them by coincidence she was quick to accept them in her treatment plan. Within months, her cancer had gone into remission. She continued taking the mushrooms daily, and her cancer did not return. Stamets’ mother went on to live another 10 years, and Stamets credits the turkey tail mushrooms with extending her life.

Stamets’ experience with turkey tail mushrooms inspired him to devote his life to studying mushrooms and their potential health benefits. He has since become a leading authority on the subject and has written several books on mushrooms, including “Mycelium Running: How Mushrooms Can Help Save the World.”

Turkey tail mushrooms are a powerful medicinal mushroom with immune-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Paul Stamets’ story about his mother’s experience with turkey tail mushrooms is a testament to their potential health benefits. While more research is needed to fully understand their effects, many people have found relief from various health conditions by incorporating turkey tail mushrooms into their diet. If you are interested in trying turkey tail mushrooms for their health benefits, be sure to speak with a healthcare professional first.