Turkey Tail Mushrooms: Immune-Boosting Medicinal Fungus

Turkey tail mushrooms (*Trametes versicolor*) are **bracket fungi** that grow on decaying wood. They have concentric, multicolored rings resembling a turkey’s tail.

- **Polysaccharopeptide (PSP)** & **Polysaccharide-K (PSK):** immunomodulating beta-glucans - **Antioxidants:** phenols & flavonoids - Low in calories, not usually eaten as a culinary mushroom

- **Immune support:** PSP & PSK help regulate immune response - **Gut health:** prebiotic fibers feed beneficial bacteria - **Antioxidant protection:** reduces oxidative stress - Studied as complementary support in cancer therapies (especially PSK extract in Japan)

- Generally safe, but high doses can cause **digestive upset** - People on **immunosuppressive therapy** should consult a doctor - Quality of supplements can vary—choose standardized extracts

- **Teas & decoctions:** simmer dried slices 20–30 min - **Powder:** add to smoothies or capsules - **Extracts:** look for standardized PSP/PSK content

Turkey tail is a colorful medicinal mushroom valued for immune and gut health support—best consumed as tea, powder, or standardized extract.