Turkey tail mushroom (Trametes versicolor) is an iconic medicinal fungus renowned for its antioxidant and immune-enhancing properties, and has long been used in traditional medicine practices around Asia where it’s frequently made into tea. This easy recipe combines old world wisdom with modern convenience by turning these delicious edible mushrooms into an invigorating herbal beverage that both soothes and invigorates; making this an easy way to add more mushrooms into your diet as it doesn’t contain tough texture culinary mushrooms and can easily be simmered for long.

As with other fungi, turkey tail mushrooms play an integral part in forest ecology by decomposing dead wood. But they’re also widely revered for their health benefits, supported by scientific research. Turkey tail mushrooms contain polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other biochemical compounds with powerful antiviral, antibiotic, immunomodulatory, and other pharmacological activities linked to them that make them particularly effective medicinal remedies.

The mushroom derives its name from its fan-shaped caps that resemble the tail of a wild turkey. A common sight throughout the UK on decaying stumps and branches, this fungus doesn’t rely on breaking down organic matter for nutrition or energy; rather it absorbs it directly through mycelial networks called hyphae which connect to its mycelium to take in moisture directly. These mycelial networks then produce fruiting bodies or mushrooms we see and also supply spores for reproduction.

As well as their various medicinal properties, turkey tail mushrooms also provide protection from liver damage, promote gut health and help manage blood sugar levels for those with diabetes. Their extracts have also been shown to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus growth while decreasing inflammation within the body.

This mushroom is also thought to contain antioxidant properties that may help prevent cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disease, and support weight loss efforts. Some studies indicate it could even increase athletic performance.

Turkey tail mushrooms are an amazingly adaptable fungus that can be enjoyed in various forms of consumption. From fresh tea and soups, dried pills or capsules can be taken directly as supplements; dried tinctures soaked in alcohol for oral consumption as remedies are another great method of using turkey tail mushrooms as medicines. An easy and delicious preparation method involves making tea from dried mushrooms before boiling for extended periods to extract their beneficial compounds – although powder forms make these mushrooms even easier to include into daily meals!