Turkey Tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor or Coriolus versicolor) can be found all around the world on dead hardwood trees. Their name derives from their flat fan-shaped multicolored rings that resemble feathers on a turkey’s tail; Chinese call it “yun zhi,” while in Japanese it is known as Kawaritake (or cloud mushroom).

Like other functional mushrooms, turkey tail contains beta-D-glucans – powerful compounds that act as soluble fiber and help regulate blood sugar by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates from diet. Furthermore, Turkey Tail also contains polysaccharide peptides (PSP), immune-boosting molecules designed to restore balance to immune systems without targeting specific targets (1).

PSPs (pyrrolidin-sulfonamide polysaccharides) mushrooms have become one of the most well-studied and potency functional mushrooms available today, as studies have demonstrated they increase natural killer cells and T-lymphocytes – two immune system proteins critical for fighting cancer (2). Turkey Tail mushrooms also provide essential prebiotics, providing nourishment to beneficial gut microbiome bacteria (3); animal studies have even demonstrated these hepatoprotective qualities (4).

Turkey tail’s most prominent health-enhancing benefit lies in its ability to boost innate immune function. By activating specific types of white blood cells, turkey tail creates what has been termed as a “third immune system,” one acquired and trained through exposure to specific environmental threats as well as immune modulators like functional mushrooms (5).

These types of immune-enhancing mechanisms, in conjunction with functional mushrooms such as Reishi, may account for the exceptional and life-extending health benefits associated with regular consumption of mushroom tea.(2)

Turkey Tail has also been shown to boost athletic performance, possibly by reducing fatigue and speeding recovery time (1). This effect may be attributable to turkey tail’s anti-fatigue properties which stem from its polysaccharide peptides as well as antioxidant and immune-enhancing benefits (2).

Turkey tail has long been known to bolster innate immunity while simultaneously helping maintain cardiovascular health (1). This may be attributed to its high content of polysaccharides and polypeptides like glutamic acid and aspartic acid which act as immunomodulators within our bodies (3).

Studies demonstrate that PSPs can enhance the activity of natural killer cells within the body, thus hastening tumor cell death (4).

Tea enthusiasts enjoy the ceremonial and mindful process of measuring, steeping, and straining loose leaf tea regularly; however, not everyone has access to such tools or time for this daily practice. Pre-measured powders in tea bags offer an easier alternative that incorporates functional mushroom benefits without needing scales or coffee grinders to get their desired cup. Our turkey tail mushroom tea blend is created using premium loose-leaf rooibos that is combined with adaptogenic astragalus herb for balance and endurance, along with immune boosting turkey tail mushroom for immune support! Our turkey Tail Mushroom Tea blend contains premium loose-leaf rooibos mixed together with adaptogen astragalus which has been used for millennia of years in Asia to improve balance and endurance; along with immune-enhancing turkey tail mushrooms for immunity boost!