Turkey Tail Extract Mushrooms Capsules

North Wiltshire Turkey Tail Mushroom Capsules Health Benefits: Nature’s Healing Marvel

Turkey tails are some of the most well-researched medicinal mushrooms, with a history of use dating back thousands of years.

Best known for strengthening the immune system, maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, and helping fight some cancers, turkey tail mushrooms have a lot to offer.

They’re part of the polypore family and grow abundantly in clusters on dead trees, branches, and stumps worldwide, making them one of the most common medicinal mushrooms found by foragers.

Turkey tail mushrooms are nutrient-dense, functional foods that may provide a range of health benefits, including:

1. Boosting the Immune System

Turkey tail is best known for its protein-bound polysaccharides or polysaccharopeptides that enhance our immune system response by activating or inhibiting specific immune cells.

Two of the most impressive polysaccharopeptides in turkey tail mushrooms are Polysaccharide Krestin (PSK) and Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP).

Studies show that PSP has immunostimulatory effects on several types of immune cells, increasing their numbers and encouraging the production of beneficial cytokines that fight infection and boost immunity.

PSK regulates the body’s immune response by activating T and B lymphocytes or natural killer cells. These are specific white blood cells that help protect the body against pathogens and cancerous tumors.

Turkey tail mushroom extracts contain these compounds and provide potent immune-boosting effects that can counter immunosuppression, making them beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

2. Combating Cancer

Researchers have conducted many studies and clinical trials exploring the effects of turkey tail mushrooms on distinct types of cancer.

These show that turkey tail could not only inhibit the growth of certain cancers, but also counteract the effects tumors have on the body by boosting the immune system’s response to the tumors.

Japan and China have approved turkey tail mushrooms for use as supplementary cancer treatments to help improve symptoms and outcomes in patients with several types of cancer, including:

• Breast cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Colorectal cancer

A review of turkey tail clinical trials found that cancer patients taking turkey tail alongside standard treatments lived longer than those who only received chemotherapy.

However, some cancers do not respond as well to turkey tail mushroom supplements, and scientists need more information to determine the best way to use turkey tail mushroom extracts to fight cancer.

3. Aiding Gut Health

Studies suggest turkey tail mushrooms may play a role in gut health by acting as prebiotics and promoting the development of beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiome.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain PSP, a heteropolysaccharide resistant to human digestive enzymes that acts as a prebiotic.

A healthy, balanced gut microbiome is vital for overall health as it improves digestion, providing more energy and boosting the immune system.

A 2013 test-tube study found that turkey tail mushroom extract modified the gut microbiota’s composition by increasing beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and reducing potentially harmful bacteria.

Another study, this time using twenty-four volunteers who consumed 3,600 mg of turkey tail PSP extract daily for eight weeks, supported these findings.

During this study, scientists found that PSP from turkey tail mushrooms can create distinctive changes in the human gut microbiome consistent with its activity as a prebiotic.

4. Supporting Liver Health

The PSP in turkey tail mushrooms is remarkable and, as mentioned above, has the potential to boost the immune system and improve gut health, but that is not all.

Research suggests that PSP also helps protect the liver by reducing oxidative stress, modulating immunity, and slowing the accumulation of fat on the liver.

Heavy use of alcohol, more than the liver can process effectively, damages the liver, and causes alcoholic liver disease (ALD) that can lead to chronic liver diseases and mortality.

In studies conducted on mice in 2017 and 2018, scientists found that PSP had hepatoprotective effects and the potential to be a functional food for protecting against alcoholic liver disease.

Historically, Chinese healers used turkey tail mushrooms to help with liver disorders like jaundice.

5. Improving Athletic Performance

Animal studies suggest turkey tail supplements could boost athletic performance and reduce fatigue, but we need more human trials to confirm these findings.

In a 2017 study exploring the effects of turkey tail extract on exercise performance and physical fatigue in mice, results showed it has the potential to improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue.

During this study, mice taking turkey tail extract for 4 weeks showed increased endurance and strength, reduced physical fatigue and lower blood sugar levels at rest and after exercise.

6. Reducing Inflammation

Our bodies produce unstable molecules, like free radicals, daily during normal cellular metabolism.

Free radicals are also produced in response to stress and exposure to toxic substances like cigarette smoke, industrial chemicals, and air pollutants.

There is a delicate balance in our bodies between free radicals and antioxidants, and when circumstances create too many free radicals, it causes oxidative stress and inflammation.

Avoiding oxidative stress and supporting a healthy inflammatory response are crucial for maintaining a healthy body, especially as you age.

Fortunately, consuming antioxidant-rich foods or supplements can help to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, and turkey tail is ideal as it contains numerous antioxidants.

In fact, a 2017 study exploring the chemical composition of turkey tail detected 38 phenolic compounds, including the flavonoids baicalein and quercetin, which are potent antioxidants.

Quercetin, for example, helps to reduce inflammation and boost immunity by promoting the production of protective proteins and inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory enzymes.

The study found that turkey tail water extract has considerable potential for use as a natural source of antioxidants.

In another recent study, turkey tail extract showed effective anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting potential for future use as an active ingredient in anti-inflammatory drugs.

7. Improving Skin Health

Turkey tail mushrooms’ skin benefits are a bonus and a direct result of the other health benefits discussed above.

For example, a well-functioning gut helps your body absorb all the nutrients necessary for healthy glowing skin, and turkey tail’s anti-inflammatory properties also aid skin health.

The antioxidants in turkey tail mushrooms help by reducing oxidative stress that damages proteins like collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles.

Turkey tail also contains quercetin that, according to a recent human study, offers several skin benefits, including:

• Protecting against damage by UV radiation or contact with toxic chemical compounds.
• Providing anti-allergic properties that help reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.
• Helping to restore skin barrier function, thereby increasing hydration, and reducing water loss.

Risks and Side Effects of Consuming Turkey Tail Mushrooms

Turkey tail mushrooms are one of the most studied medicinal mushrooms and are considered safe for consumption for extended periods.

Most people consume turkey tail mushrooms as supplements or tea, and they are well tolerated with few reported side effects, even when taken in high doses.

However, some people have reported side effects to turkey tail mushrooms, including:

• Gastrointestinal issues like bloating, gas, stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Low blood pressure
• Low blood sugar
• Heart palpitations
• Skin rashes
• Heartburn
• Darkened fingernail pigmentation
• Dark stools

Who Shouldn’t Take Turkey Tail Mushrooms?

Although most people enjoy the benefits of turkey tail mushrooms without any side effects, turkey tail mushrooms are not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

And, if you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions, it’s crucial to consult your doctor before adding turkey tails to your diet as it may interact with certain medications, impacting their effectiveness.

Consult your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

Mushroom Allergies

If you’re allergic to mushrooms, mold or any of the compounds in turkey tail mushrooms, you may experience an allergic reaction after taking turkey tail. Symptoms could include a swollen throat, trouble breathing or skin rashes.

If you show any of these symptoms after eating turkey tail mushrooms, consult your doctor immediately.

Diabetes

Like many other medicinal mushrooms, turkey tail mushrooms may significantly reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin resistance.

If you’re on diabetes medication, the addition of turkey tail mushrooms could cause your blood sugar to drop too low.

A Bleeding Disorder

If you suffer from a blood clotting disorder and are taking blood-thinning medications like Warfarin or Aspirin, consult your doctor before taking turkey tail supplements.

Turkey tail mushrooms have blood-thinning properties and combining them with blood-thinning medications could slow blood clotting to dangerous levels.

An Autoimmune Condition

Turkey tail’s immune-boosting properties might interfere with immunosuppressant medications, often prescribed after organ or stem cell transplants or for autoimmune conditions and cancer.

If you’re on immunosuppressants, consult your doctor before adding turkey tails to your diet, as, like most foods or supplements, they can alter the immunosuppressant levels in your blood.

Cancer

Although some countries have approved turkey tail mushrooms for use as part of a cancer treatment program, they may interact with certain drugs.

Studies show that PSP may enhance the effectiveness of Cyclophosphamide, a medication used for chemotherapy and to suppress the immune system.

Thus, the use of turkey tail supplements during cancer treatment should always be under the supervision of an oncologist so they can adjust dosages accordingly.

How to Use Turkey Tail Mushroom 

Although turkey tail mushrooms are edible, they’re tough and woody, and eating them is like chewing on tree bark or cardboard.

As a result, turkey tail is usually dried and chopped into pieces to make tea or ground into a powder.

You can take turkey tail powder in capsule form or use it to make tea, and if you are not crazy about the taste, you can add turkey tail mushroom powder to smoothies, oatmeal, soups or salad dressings.

Historically, people consumed turkey tail as a tea. This was effective as most of the beneficial compounds in turkey tail are water soluble and boiling dried turkey tail to make tea releases more of these compounds.

Is Turkey Tail a Superfood?

The word superfood is a marketing term used to describe nutrient-rich foods that people consider especially beneficial for a person’s health and well-being.

Turkey tail mushrooms fit this description as they contain numerous beneficial compounds, including essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fiber, and people often refer to them as a superfood.

Types of Turkey Tail Mushroom Supplements

As the popularity of turkey tail mushrooms increases, manufacturers have created a range of supplements to suit various preferences and lifestyles.

These supplements come in various forms, including capsules, powders, and tinctures, and understanding the different types can help you choose the right supplement for your needs.

Before we look at the different forms, it is beneficial to understand the difference between supplements containing powdered turkey tail and those made using turkey tail extracts.

Some producers make turkey tail supplements using dried and powdered mushrooms. Others use mushrooms and mycelium dried and ground into a powder together.

Supplements made from dried and powdered turkey tail are less potent than those containing North Wiltshire Wellness turkey tail extracts, as the extraction process makes more active compounds available.

Turkey tail extracts usually come in the form of tinctures or powders. To create these powders, North Wiltshire Wellness liquid turkey tail extract is freeze-dried and then powdered.

You’ll find turkey tail mushrooms for sale in the following forms:

1. North Wiltshire Wellness Capsules – Ideal for those who prefer a straightforward and measured approach to supplementation, capsules provide a convenient way to incorporate turkey tail into your daily routine.
2. North Wiltshire Wellness Powders – Turkey tail mushroom powders are versatile and can be easily added to smoothies, beverages, or food. This form of turkey tail allows for creative and personalized ways to enjoy their benefits.
3. North Wiltshire Wellness Tinctures – Mushroom tinctures are concentrated liquid extracts that offer a convenient and quick way to absorb turkey tail’s beneficial compounds and are ideal for people who prefer liquids to capsules or powders.
4. North Wiltshire Wellness Combination Formulas – Some supplements blend turkey tail with other medicinal mushrooms or immune-supporting ingredients, creating comprehensive formulas. These combinations cater to specific health goals and may enhance the overall benefits.
5. Dried Mushrooms – Whole, dried turkey tail mushrooms are also available for those who enjoy a more traditional approach. You can infuse these into teas or broths, providing a simple but potent way to access their benefits.

History of the Medicinal Use of Turkey Tail Mushrooms

The use of turkey tail mushrooms for their medicinal properties in Europe, Asia, and among native tribes of the Americas dates back thousands of years.

Prized for their immune-boosting properties, ancient healers believed these mushrooms brought balance to the body and promoted vitality.

Its use was first documented in a written text from the Han Dynasty, Shennong Ben Cao Jing, around 200 BC.

And, in the Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu) from the Ming Dynasty in the 15th century, turkey tail tea is said to be beneficial for the spirit and vital energy and promote strong bones and tendons.

In traditional Chinese medicine, turkey tail mushrooms are called Tun Zhi and are often used to support respiratory health and fortify the body’s defenses.

Native American tribes also embraced the healing potential of turkey tail mushrooms and often used them in holistic remedies to bring harmony to the mind, body, and spirit.

They believed the bands of color on turkey tail mushrooms represented the interconnectedness of nature’s elements.

Since the 1960s, medical practitioners in Japan and China have used turkey tail extracts as part of the treatment program for distinct types of cancer, and, as a result, it’s one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms.

Turkey tail mushrooms contain loads of beneficial compounds that have the potential to boost your immune system, reduce inflammation, enhance athletic performance, and protect the liver.