Turkey Tail mushroom (Trametes Versicolor) has been in use in Chinese medicine for at least the last 2000 years, and who knows how long outside China. It has a lovely, mild, mushroomy aroma with a slightly bitter taste, and whilst technically, I guess you could say Turkey Tail is edible, it couldn’t exactly be called palatable.

It does, however, make a wonderful, immune-boosting, soothing drink. Either, dry the mushrooms first, then grind them into a powder, or, using scissors, cut up dried or fresh mushrooms into little fine strips (for larger surface area exposure) and then simmer the powder or slices in boiling water for around 30 - 40 mins or up to 3 hours depending. If you’re not in any rush for your medicine, you could maybe make an alcohol extraction (tincture), leaving it in a cool, dark place for at least 8 weeks, until ready.

Turkey tail, an extremely common fungus everywhere around the world, comes in a variety of colours, but always has semi-circular bands of colour, with a velvety, almost suede-like feeling on top when dry, and a pure-white underside, which yellows with age, dotted with thousands of tiny, pin prick-sized pores. There are no Turkey Tail lookalikes (at least none I’m aware of) considered to be deadly or toxic, and at least one of its lookalikes, known as the ‘False’ Turkey Tail, is considered to have medicinal value of its own, similar to Turkey Tail.. As it’s one of the most studied medicinal plants on the planet, Turkey Tail’s numerous health-giving properties and legendary reputation is bolstered by much scientific research and resulting data which confirms the claims.

Here‘s just a few of its reputed benefits:

- Promotes liver function and removes toxins from it.

- Boosts immune function and stimulates the activation of T cells.

- Treats depression and anxiety.

- Powerful anti-inflammatory.

- Shown in studies to be effective at inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

- Supports kidney function.

- Helps combat obesity.

- Has adaptogenic qualities.

As always - and obviously even more so with fungi - please do thorough research and know exactly what you’re doing. Be vigilant and be careful both before, during and after harvesting from nature, whether it’s fungi or anything else you’re working with.

We accept no liability for any harm, loss or injury which may occur as a result of acting upon the information provided. Please understand, you do so at your own risk.