The Benefits of Turkey Tail

Young turkey tail colony (Trametes versicolor aka Coriolus versicolor) on an alder log

One of my favorite fungi is turkey tail (Trametes versicolor).  Not only do I find it visually appealing, but also enjoy the health benefits it provides.

Turkey tail gets its name because its colors and patterns resemble the tail feathers of the wild turkey, however, the colors of turkey tail can vary, hence the name versicolor.  Turkey tail is a common polypore bracket fungi that is easy to recognize, and is found the world over.  In Asia, turkey tail is a highly regarded medicinal herb, and has been used in medicine for centuries.  In China, it is called Yun Zhi, and in Japan, Kawaratake—“cloud mushroom,” and goes by the scientific name (Coriolus versicolor). 

Identifying turkey tail is as easy as identifying the common dandelion.  Once you’ve learned its features, it’s not likely you’ll mistake it for any other.  The turkey tail is typically stalkless, and can grow four inches across.  The flesh, thin and flexible, is tough and corky.  The upper surface is soft and velvety with lovely bands of varying widths and colors that can range from black, gray, white, green, brown, purple, red, orange, cream, and beige.  The outer edges are white to grayish-white, and wavy.  Turkey tail has porous undersides—not gills!  When young, the porous underside is white, while the pores of older fungi are gray.  The spore print is white.  

Turkey tail is a beneficial decomposer of dead wood.  It grows in layers, and often forms huge colonies.  While it will sometimes grow on the wounds of living and dying trees, it typically grows on logs, snags, stumps, and fallen tree branches (especially oak) in which it breaks down the components that give nutrients back to the soil.  In the Pacific Northwest, turkey tail occurs year-round, with peak months being May through December.

Turkey tail colony in various color phases

 

False turkey tail (Stereum ostrea) has a leathery to papery texture, and often curls.  Its underside is smooth and without pores.  Although inedible due to its toughness, it has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and has been widely used in folk medicine.  This specimen was found on a dead alder branch displaying pale color bands.

Turkey tails displaying rich dark earth tones

Dried turkey tail for tea

The medicinal benefits of turkey tail:

Turkey tail targets chronic illnesses, which include many types of cancers.  Studies have even shown that turkey tail can regenerate damaged bone marrow.  As well as treating human cancers, it is also used in veterinary medicine to treat canine cancer.  Strongly antioxidant, turkey tail strengthens the immune system, increases energy, and delivers pain relief with no ill side effects.  It also reduces phlegm, combats respiratory ailments, poor digestion, urinary infections, inflammation, liver ailments, and hepatitis B. 

Uses: 

Turkey tail can be prepared and used in various ways from teas, tinctures, extracts, and chewed like gum.  Overall, turkey tail delivers a mild, pleasant, mushroomy aroma and flavor.  

Warning!  Please note that this is not a prescriptor, and should not be used as such.  Do not attempt to self diagnose, treat, or cure any illness, or begin an herbal regimen unless instructed by a physician.  When collecting wild plants for food and/or medicine, make sure the plant has been positively identified, and remember—“If in doubt, throw it out!”   

🌿For anyone interested in the use and benefits of turkey tail, I’ve provided some helpful links to get you started:  MMC Depot: for tincture bottles, ETSY: turkey tail tincture, Fungi Perfecti: turkey tail extract, and Fungi Perfecti: turkey tail tea.  For those interested in making their own herbal tinctures and teas, can learn how at:  Willow Harvest Organics.

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