At The Raw Botanics Co, we believe in the power of natural remedies and supplements to support a healthy lifestyle. One such supplement that has gained popularity in recent years is the Turkey Tail Mushroom, known for its many health benefits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom and why it should be a part of your daily routine.
What is Turkey Tail Mushroom?
Turkey Tail Mushroom, also known as Trametes versicolor, is a common mushroom found throughout the world. It gets its name from the colorful bands that resemble a turkey's tail. For centuries, this mushroom has been used in traditional medicine to boost the immune system, fight infection, and promote overall health and wellness.
Turkey Tail Mushroom has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. The Chinese call it Yun Zhi, which translates to "cloud mushroom." It has been used to treat a wide range of ailments, including respiratory infections, liver diseases, and digestive disorders.
Native Americans also used Turkey Tail Mushroom for its medicinal properties. They would boil the mushroom to create a tea that was used to treat a variety of ailments, including infections, fevers, and inflammation.
The health benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom were first discovered in the 1960s by Japanese scientists. They found that the mushroom contained a polysaccharide called PSK, which had powerful immune-boosting properties. PSK was found to stimulate the production of white blood cells, which are crucial in fighting infections and diseases.
Since then, numerous studies have been conducted on the health benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom. These studies have found that the mushroom contains other polysaccharides, such as PSP, which also have immune-boosting properties. Turkey Tail Mushroom has also been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a powerful superfood.
Today, Turkey Tail Mushroom is used in a variety of ways for its health benefits. It is available in supplement form, as well as in teas, extracts, and powders. It is used to boost the immune system, fight infections and diseases, and reduce inflammation.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Turkey Tail Mushroom is also used in cooking. It is commonly used in soups and stews in Asian cuisine, and is also used as a natural food coloring. Its colorful stripes make it an attractive addition to dishes, and its mild flavor makes it a versatile ingredient.
Turkey Tail Mushroom and Immune System
One of the primary benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom is its ability to boost the immune system. Research has shown that the mushroom contains compounds called beta-glucans, which stimulate the production of white blood cells that fight off infections and diseases. In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that Turkey Tail Mushroom can significantly improve immune function in women with breast cancer.
Turkey Tail Mushroom and Cancer
Another area of research where Turkey Tail Mushroom shows promise is in cancer treatment. The mushroom contains polysaccharides and other compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. In a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers found that Turkey Tail Mushroom can inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, including breast and prostate cancer.
Turkey Tail Mushroom and Gut Health
The benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom extend beyond the immune system and cancer treatment. Research has shown that the mushroom can also support gut health. It contains prebiotics, which are a type of fiber that feed the good bacteria in your gut. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for overall health and can help prevent conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
How to Incorporate Turkey Tail Mushroom into Your Daily Routine
If you're interested in reaping the benefits of Turkey Tail Mushroom, there are a few ways to incorporate it into your routine. Even though we are in the business of selling mushroom supplements we always tell people the very best way to get the full benefit of this amazing superfood is to simply consume the actually mushroom by incorporating it into ones regular diet. You can find turkey tail, like most functional mushrooms, in many supermarkets and farmers markets. One of the best DYI remedies for all mushrooms beyond cooking is to make a tea. As with all mushrooms you can brew a tea using the dried mushrooms. Simply steep the mushroom in hot water for 10-15 minutes and enjoy. However, if cooking with mushrooms or DYI remedies like tea is not easy for you the next best thing would be to use supplements.
Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements
Soft gels and Capsules
One of the best and easiest options is to take a daily supplement in soft gel or capsule form. There are many products now available in this form. Look for reputable brands that uses "fruit body or fruiting body extract" as this is far superior. When you see things like "mycelium on grain" "mycelial biomass" or anything that is used as filler like oats, wheat, milo, sorghum avoid at all cost. You will end up with more filler than anything beneficial.
Tinctures
Another great option for a mushroom supplement is a mushroom tincture. This delivery is much harder to find and again use the same guidelines as we mentioned above for other supplements like soft gels and capsules.
Mushroom tincture supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their various health benefits. These supplements are made by extracting the active compounds from different types of mushrooms and then concentrating them into a liquid form. Mushroom tincture supplements are known to have numerous health benefits, including boosting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall wellness.
If you're interested in trying Turkey Tail Mushroom as a health supplement, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider first to ensure it's safe for you.