Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor) of the Polyporaceae (polypore) family is a common mushroom in North America (1). The top of the mushroom has bands coming from the same center point (sometimes referred to as concentric circles). The band’s brown colors resemble the turkey bird’s tail with very fine hairs that give the mushroom a fuzzy, velvet-like texture (2). The mushroom’s underside is white with 3 to 8 pores per millimeter of surface (3). When fresh, the mushrooms are thin and flexible. 

Turkey tail is saprotrophic, meaning it feeds off dead organic matter, such as dead or dying trees, stumps, or logs (4). I often see turkey tail on down trees while taking nature walks around Eastern North Carolina. There are three turkeytail lookalikes – false turkey tail (Stereum ostrea), violet toothed polypore (Trichaptum biforme), and Gilled Polypore (Trametes betulina). Although none are poisonous, being aware of them is still important.

The best time to harvest mushrooms is when they’re mature. Look for a dissipated white outer band, which signals that new growth has stopped. If you plan to forage for turkey tail mushrooms, always harvest ethically. Never collect anything from private property without direct permission. When harvesting from public spaces, consider the impacts on native plant populations. Due to the uncertainty of surrounding plants, be careful not to disturb them as they could be an endangered or threatened species. Always be kind to the earth, and only harvest what you need. Of course, you can easily cultivate turkey tail by inoculating logs using mushroom spawn or a growing kit.

Research-Backed Health Benefits of Turkey Tail

Turkey tail’s use in conventional and traditional Chinese medicine is due to its abundant physiologically bioactive compounds (5). The popularity of this mushroom has grown over the years. However, in the herbal world, turkey tail has a long history of documented health benefits, including:

Antimicrobial Properties 

Turkey tail is antimicrobial. Substances that kill or suppress bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi microorganisms hold antimicrobial properties (6). Turkey tail extract inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica bacteria in vitro studies (7). In a six-month HPV study, a turkey tail-based vaginal gel resulted in nearly 85% of human participants having a normal pap smear and colposcopy. Furthermore, almost 60% were completely cleared of Human Papillomavirus (8). That’s very interesting when you consider the history of HPV vaccines.

Antioxidant Properties

Studies have found that turkey tail contains antioxidants stemming from several phenols and flavonoids like quercetin and baicalein (10,11). Antioxidants help fight the damage from harmful free radicals, which cause chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease as they build up (9). Turkey tail’s antimicrobial properties are so powerful that a study has even noted the marvelous mushroom as a promising source of bioactive products for the pharmaceutical and food industries (12).

May Support the Immune System

It’s safe to say the importance of immune health is well… important. After all, the immune system protects our body from bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other outside invaders (13). Turkey tail flavonoids can reduce inflammation and release protective compounds that support immune functionality (14). Its quercetin content reduces harmful enzymes that cause inflammation while releasing immunoprotective proteins (15). 

The beneficial properties of turkey tail stem from its polysaccharide peptide (PSP) and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) content (16). PSP aids in the fight against viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa by increasing monocyte white blood cells (17). It also eliminates infected cells and promotes immunity (18). PSK stimulates dendritic cells, which regulate immune responses by patrolling, detecting, and capturing foreign antigens to support immunity and regulate immune responses (19,20).

May Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetes is a diagnosis for 537 million adults worldwide (21). By 2050, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts 853 million people worldwide will have diabetes (22). On the bright side, studies have evaluated turkey tail’s compounds and discovered similar actions to some diabetic medications. In animal studies, turkey tail demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats (23). Another animal study found that mice treated with turkey tail experienced lower blood sugar levels post-exercise and while resting (24). 

Anticancer Properties 

In 2021, there were 1,777,566 new cases of cancer, not counting the almost 10 million people who lost their battle worldwide (25,26). That is a lot; however, a diagnosis or genetic predisposition doesn’t define your outcome. Genetics may load the gun, but environmental factors and lifestyle choices often pull the trigger. Nonetheless, turkey tail has immunomodulating properties that may be beneficial. 

In animal studies, mice had significantly reduced tumor sizes with 45.5 – 90.9mg per pound of body weight of a complex carbohydrate found in turkey tail called Coriolus versicolor glucan, or CVG for short (27). A small human study found that three to nine grams of turkey tail extract, taken daily, contributed to increased cancer-fighting cells in the immune system in stage 1, 2, and 3 breast cancer patients (28). In vitro, turkey tail’s polysaccharopeptide content inhibited the growth and spread of human colon cancer cells (29). Additionally, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 10,684 patients discovered ​​that PSK combined with chemotherapy was superior at improving survival rates in colorectal or intestinal cancer patients (30).

Safety Information, Contraindications & Interactions

Although I couldn’t find any herbalists who spoke on the safety profile of turkey tail, Mountain Rose Herbs states there are no known precautions (31). 

Mainstream sources acknowledge that turkey tail mushrooms are likely safe and tolerated by most people. WebMD claims there isn’t enough reliable information to know if turkey tail is safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding, cautioning against use. They warn that some people who received chemotherapy and polysaccharide krestin (PSK) reported nausea, vomiting, low white blood cell counts, and liver problems (32). Of course, these are common side effects of chemotherapy (33,34). 

Drugs.com states that Japan uses turkey tail extract (PSK) as a pharmaceutical-grade cancer treatment. The article goes on to say (35):

“As an adjuvant to chemotherapy, PSK 3 g/day orally for up to 7 years has been used in postsurgical colon, colorectal, and gastric cancer patients (may be given alternating with 4-week courses of chemotherapy). PSP 3.06 g/day for 1 month was administered to conventionally treated patients with stage III to IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Prebiotic: PSP 1,080 mg (3 capsules) 3 times daily.” 

Of course, not every herb, plant, or mushroom is always right for everyone. If you find turkey tail isn’t for you, please discontinue usage.

How to Use Turkey Tail & Product Recommendations

Before you can use turkey tail, you’ve gotta source it. If you can’t forage for it, find a local supplier. If that’s not an option (and often it’s not), Mountain Rose Herbs sells organic turkey tail extract powder and whole mushrooms. 

Looking for additional herbal suppliers? Check out my blog, 3 Ways to Source Herbs.

I like using powdered turkey tail to make herbal capsules. Another option is to cook turkey tail mushrooms, just be mindful of their tough, leathery texture. Additional preparation methods when working with turkey tail include the following:

• Herbal decoctions – learn how to make an herbal decoction
• Double-extraction tinctures (uses a water decoction and alcohol to extract medicinal properties)

If making your home remedies isn’t quite your thing, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• Herbal decoctions – learn how to make an herbal decoction
• Double-extraction tinctures (uses a water decoction and alcohol to extract medicinal properties)

If making your home remedies isn’t quite your thing, I recommend a few premade herbal products, including:

• Gaia Herbs Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules are vegan immune support supplements made from the fruiting body. They promote healthy liver function and offer natural cleansing support without unnecessary fillers. 
• Micro Ingredients Organic Mega Mushroom Powder is a natural superfood powder made with organic reishi, chaga, lion’s mane, cordyceps, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, and more. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, this mushroom powder supports immune health, brain function, longevity, and overall wellness for both men and women.
• Mushroom Wellness Everyday 10 is a vegan capsule made with a powerful combination of lion’s mane, shiitake, cordyceps, turkey Tail, reishi mushrooms, and more. It supports the immune and nervous systems and is designed to help you feel your best every day.
• Mushroom Wellness Turkey Tail Blend with Reishi is a vegan capsule supplement designed to support your immune system while providing additional support for energy and vitality. It is made with high-quality mycelium and fruiting body powder, with no artificial fillers, to ensure immune support.
• The Brother’s Apothecary Chocodelic Trip is where Dutch cocoa meets an adaptogenic blend of 10 synergistic mushrooms in this CBD hot cocoa. It’s delicious and healthy, plus it’s low in sugar and blended with organic, fair-trade Madagascar vanilla bean. Use code HIPPPIE25 for 25% off.
• The Brother’s Apothecary Vitality Capsules draw strength from Mother Earth by fusing nutrient-rich fungi. A vegan supplement with 10 mushrooms, including wild chaga, reishi, and cordyceps, this blend focuses on the health benefits of mushrooms combined with the power of hemp. Use code HIPPPIE25 for 25% off.

Product Disclaimer

Product recommendations are affiliate links. I do not own or make these products. Recommendations are selected according to ingredients at the time article was written and can change at any time. I encourage you to double-check ingredients and research each company to ensure they’re suitable for your journey.

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