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We’re constantly in awe of the many wonderful plants all around us, hiding gifts that many never know. So following an encounter with some incredible fungus growing in our woods, it was time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the research on the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, Trametes versicolor.
Nature Provides
It’s amazing that many of the most prolific plants on the planet are considered weeds, are and yet are also amongst the most nutritious and medicinally beneficial plants. Examples of medicinal weeds we love and use include dandelion and plantain, as well as these weeds with purple flowers.
So I suppose it should be no surprise that one of the many wonderful benefits of turkey tail mushrooms includes how common and prolifically it grows. It’s like nature’s way of informing and providing for us… like a big sign held up for us to see that says “Pick me… I’m here for you”!
What is the Turkey Tail Mushroom Scientific Name?
Botanically, Trametes versicolor and Coriolus versicolor are used interchangeably as valid scientific names for turkey tail mushrooms.
What is False Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Similar in appearance to turkey tail mushroom, the false turkey tail mushroom is considered too tough and bland to be, edible. However, fortunately, the Stereum ostrea, false turkey tail mushroom is not poisonous.
The main identifying difference between turkey tail (Trametes versicolor), and false turkey tail, Stereum ostrea, is the smooth underside of the false version.
However
Are Turkey Tail Mushrooms Edible?
Yes, turkey tail mushrooms are edible, though not especially favored for their flavor or texture, which is a bit tough. So while you can eat turkey tail mushrooms, most people prefer to make use of them in other ways.
What Are Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects?
People with mushroom allergies could be affected. Otherwise, there are few known side effects of turkey tail mushrooms for most people who consume them, and none reported as serious.
Rare Reported Side Effects from Turkey Tail Mushrooms
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Constipation and stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Rash
However, as with any new plant, herb, supplement or medication, proceed under appropriate guidance and in cautious moderation to confirm that you do not have any kind of adverse personal reactions.[1]https://cannabotech.com/a/articles/6-potential-side-effects-of-turkey-tail-mushrooms
Turkey Tail Mushroom Side Effects in Dogs
No negative side effects documented, however, possible health benefits include reduction in cancer.
How to Use Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Most often preferred dried for tea and powders, the various forms of Trametes versicolor are readily available to purchase, and as evidence of the widespread use for the many benefits of turkey tail mushrooms.
They’re also powdered for capsules and nutritious greens powders blends.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Forms
What Are the Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms?
Here’s a list with studies cited on some of the many benefits of consuming turkey tail mushrooms in tea, tinctures and powders.
- Alzheimer’s [2]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010034/
- Anti-inflammatory [3]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447717/
- Antimicrobial[4]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447717/
- Antioxidants – 38 phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including quercetin and baicalein[5]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6010034/
- Cancer[6]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3503532/
- Diabetes[7]http://jmums.mazums.ac.ir/article-1-9477-en.html
- Digestion / gut bacteria[8]https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23435630/
- Exercise recovery[9]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/
- Fatigue[10]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/
- Hepatitis[11]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/
- Immunity / immunodeficient disease[12] … Continue reading
- Liver function[13]https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/trametes-versicolor
- Nutritious – turkey tail mushrooms are high in fibre, proteins, and vitamins along with rich antioxidant-property phytochemicals [14]Puia et al., 2018
- Respiratory[15]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/
- Strength[16]https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5666542/