The Wonder of the Woods
Coriolus versicolor is also known as Turkey Tail mushroom owing to its appearance resembling the tail feathers of the wild turkey. It is commonly found growing on stumps and logs of deciduous trees throughout North America, Asia and Europe. It is one of the most researched medicinal fungi and has been used as a staple medicine in traditional Asian and Native American medicine for centuries.
It is recognized for its potential therapeutic uses, the primary extracts being polysaccharide-K {PSK} and a polysaccharopeptide {PSP}. It was studied in clinical research for its unique properties in 1970 and is now medically approved and prescribed in Japan and Asian countries as an immunotherapy agent combined with cancer treatments for stomach, colorectal, gastrointestinal, esophageal, nasopharyngeal and lung cancers. In China it is used for cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis of the liver, rheumatoid arthritis, leukemia and bronchitis.
Packed with flavonoids and antioxidants, it helps reduce oxidative stress and controls free radical balances. These components help to protect the body from the harmful UV rays of the sun and combined with rich levels of vitamin E to enrich the skin. In a study with rats with type 2 diabetes, it was shown to reduce blood sugar levels and improved insulin resistance.
Turkey tail has potent anti-microbial and antiviral properties to fight off different infections like flu and the common cold and other bacterial and viral induced diseases. Corilous also offers protection against heart related diseases due to its unique compounds and acids which can lower tri- glyceride levels and eliminate excess cholesterol, helping to reduce blood pressure. Turkey tail shows remarkable antioxidant properties against neurodegenerative problems related to traumatic brain injury, by reducing neuro inflammatory and oxidative stress in the brain. It also improves cognitive dysfunction and may help with Parkinsons disease depression, sleep quality and ischemic cerebrovascular disease.
Concerning gut health Turkey Tail contains probiotics which feed the good gut flora such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium and reduces harmful bacteria like clostridium, staphylococcus and salmonella. It also helps with leaky gut syndrome where the gut lining becomes permeable and allows bacteria, toxins and food particles enter the blood stream triggering chronic inflammation.
Interestingly, Turkey Tail mushroom has been shown to be effective in cases of HIV/AIDS and in related cases of Kaposi’s sarcoma, a type of skin cancer. Other studies have shown to help regenerate bone marrow. In a world searching for sustainable, whole-body wellness, turkey tail stands out not as a miracle cure, but as a powerful reminder of how intelligently nature works. By supporting immunity, gut health and cellular balance all at once, it offers something rare: a return to equilibrium. Less a quick fix more of a factory reset – helping the body to remember how to do what it was designed to do.
WRITTEN BY: NATHALIE McNEILL, FOUNDTAIN HEAD HEALTH STORE
