Turkey Tail Herb
, 2 min reading time
Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Also called Yun Zhi, Turkey Tails have long been used to support immune health, in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Native American herbalism.* Turkey Tail grows naturally in many types of forests, although it is primarily found throughout mixed hardwood deciduous forests. This mushroom is abundant and edible, but it’s not particularly delicious or palatable. (They can be quite tough.) It is often found growing in clusters on fallen branches and logs throughout the forest floor. A mushroom goes through many stages during its life cycle, just like any plant or animal. Each part of a mushroom has unique attributes that support wellness and serve a different purpose for the organism, but the fruiting bodies receive the most attention and are the most familiar. Fruiting bodies emerge from the substrate on which they grow — such as trees or fallen logs — to become the part of the mushroom we recognize. They’re the above-ground part that we can see when we walk through the woods, and they’re also what have been traditionally foraged and consumed in food and supplements.
What is Turkey Tail Used For?
The fruiting bodies of this mushroom contain polysaccharides, specifically a type called beta-glucans, which have been studied to support immune health and overall wellness, as well as normal, healthy cell growth and turnover. The fruiting body extracts we use contain these polysaccharides, without unnecessary fillers or starches. Turkey Tails are the most widely researched mushroom, and numerous strains have been investigated, analyzed, and chosen for their production of beta-glucans. They help support a healthy inflammatory response as well as normal cell growth and turnover; Turkey Tails also support immune health and the liver. Use of Turkey Tail can result in adverse effects like gastrointestinal issues, constipation, and flu-like symptoms. If you think you may benefit from taking Turkey Tail, you may want to do so under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It’s also important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary or herbal supplements, so it’s important to ensure you’re getting your supplements from the right source. Here at Gaia Herbs, we pride ourselves on providing herbal remedies that meet our high-quality standards.
Traditional Health Benefits of Turkey Tail
- Immune Support
- Liver & Cleanse Support
Active Constituents of Turkey Tail
Beta (1>3),(1>6)-glucans; protein-bound polysaccharides. polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK)
Parts Used
Fruiting body
Important Precautions
Not for use in during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
Disclaimer
This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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