Turkey Tail symbolises longevity and health in many Asian cultures and has been used for centuries by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine as an immunomodulator that supports repair system function and helps to fight infections. Turkey Tail supports the health of underactive or overactive repair systems (or immunity), and is unique and long-valued among physicians of traditional medicine. 

Wild Turkey Tail Fungi

Easy to identify on the branches and trunks of ancient decaying trees, Turkey Tail Fungi is gathered in late Winter before it dries out and is still soft to the touch. Turkey Tail can be used in teas or tinctures for its exceptional medicinal abilities.

Known as Coriolus and Polyporus versicolors, Turkey Tail is a multi-coloured polypore fungus that eats dead and decaying wood. This means it contains a rich source of health boosting minerals, organic compounds and trace elements that help to clear out unwanted toxins, protect our DNA and strengthen our immunity.

You can find Turkey Tail in ancient woodlands, on decaying trees and tree trunks. It's easy to spot and there are no poisonous variations. It can be hard to find even though it grows all over the world. Watch this video - How to Identify Turkey Tail - to help you to clearly identify the right variety.

Dried Turkey Tail Tea

I found what looks to be an excellent supplier of Dried Turkey Tail Tea (on order) from the Coed Talylan Land Trust with whom I have no affiliation.

When looking for authentic products, always check the label. Make sure it indicates that only the Turkey Tail is used and NOT mycelium. Mycelium is essentially the root structure of the fungi which contains fewer of the desirable bio-compounds and is grown on grain, parts of which end up in the final mix.

Turkey Tail Tea Ingredients

1 x small handful of fresh dried Turkey Tail (3-4 grams dried)

1 x small saucepan of fresh filtered water

1 x large spoon Organic Raw Honey

1 x tbs fresh Lemon Juice (optional)

Making Your Tea

1) Add the Turkey Tail to the pan of water.

2) Gently bring to the boil and immediately simmer for 15-20 minutes

3) Pour through a fine-grade sieve into a cup, mug or container (for storing in the fridge)

4) Add honey and lemon if required, stir and drink.

NOTE: Turkey Tail Tea can be used as an immunity boost on cold days or can be taken as a remedy every morning over the course of 12 weeks to completely clear toxins from the body and work it's magic on your repair system.

Health & Healing Benefits

Turkey Tail Fungi

Real Mushrooms state that traditional medicine practitioners, particularly those in Asia, have used turkey tail for millennia and that it provides health and long life benefits if consumed regularly. Key benefits include:

• Adaptogenic properties - helping the body adapt to stressors - physical, biological, or chemical
• Supports repair system - potent immunostimulatory effects to enhance innate and adaptive immune responses
• Healthy Inflammation Response - help to protect the brain as it ages
• Protects DNA from Damage - removal of free radicals that can be harmful to DNA
• Supports Gut Health - beta-glucans contribute to the health and composition of the gut microbiome
• Supports Liver Health - powerful antioxidant activities support liver health
• Improves Athletic Performance - lowers blood lactate and ammonia after exercise, delays onset of fatigue
• Blood Sugar Balance - lowers blood sugar by escorting it out of the blood and to the cells where glucagon raises blood sugar by prompting the liver to convert stored glycogen into glucose

NOTE: Medicinal mushrooms can be used for pets too with variouos different extracts (not the same as for humans) which can specifically benefit our canine or feline companions. Find out more here.

Raw Honey

Raw Honey is naturally collected honey hasn't been pasteurised (heated to high temperature), processed or micro-filtered (filtered under high pressure through a micro-filter to remove small particles like pollen). Raw honey provides a minute amount of protein with trace elements of sodium and potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, copper,zinc iron, manganese, chromium, B vitamins and vitamin C and K.

Lemon Juice

Lemon water (or herbal tea) is the best way to hydrate, purify and revitalise your body every morning before eating or drinking anything else. It reverses sluggish fatty livers, cleans the kidneys, spleen, thyroid and gallbladder. It also purifies the lymphatic system.

I hope this is a helpful introduction to the power of Turkey Tail and the benefits it can bring.

Sue Cartwright

Spiral Leaf