Turkey Tail Mushroom | Yunzhi Mushroom

Description

Turkey tail may be helpful in keeping a balance of gut bacteria, therefore improving overall health. Turkey tail is a medicinal mushroom that’s full of antioxidants and other compounds. Evidence shows it may help fortify your immune system, maintain healthy gut bacteria, and support some other disease.

Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor), also known as Yun Zhi (cloud fungus) in Chinese and Kawaratake (mushroom by the riverbank) in Japanese, are common medicinal fungi found worldwide. Let’s explore some key points about these fascinating mushrooms:

• Identification:
  • Turkey tail mushrooms exhibit concentric, multicolored bands that can include hues of brown, white, and red.
  • When young, they have a velvety texture.
  • The distinguishing feature is the presence of tiny pores on the white underside of their fruiting body (as opposed to the smooth surface of look-alikes).
• Where to Find Them:
  • Turkey tails are available year-round and grow on dead hardwood stumps, downed trunks, and branches.
  • They occasionally grow on conifers.
  • Decaying ironwood logs in wet areas are preferred habitats.
• Cultivation:
  • Turkey tail mushrooms are easy to cultivate, even in rudimentary “field cultivation.”
  • Detailed instructions for growing turkey tails are available in various resources.

Remember, identifying true turkey tail mushrooms involves checking for pores on the underside and paying attention to their unique color patterns

Precautions: If you are pregnant, breast feeding, or taking any medications, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any herbal products. All content on this website is intended for educational purposes only. It has not been reviewed or approved by Health Canada. This information is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.