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Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world, yet it’s also among the most common. Patients are typically reluctant to show up in the doctor’s office when they have the dreaded “C”, because the treatments involved are usually drastic. Fortunately for them, a type of mushroom is available that can help these patients cope with most cancer treatments. The turkey tail mushroom is so-called because of its resemblance to a wild turkey’s tail. It’s a very colorful mushroom, hence its scientific name Trametes versicolor, where the latter word means “has many colors”. It is found in many of the world’s northern forests, ranging from China and Japan to Siberia and the United States. Because of their appearance, they stand out amidst the dead wood and stumps where they grow; this means you can grow these mushrooms even in your own backyard. Over time, turkey tail mushrooms can become leathery and tough; traditionally, these mushrooms are cut up and placed inside teas as extracts to gain access to their medicinal properties. When the time is right, they may be used for decorative purposes, such as jewelry and clothing. They even benefit the environment due to their ability to break down some pollutants. Turkey tail mushrooms are probably best known for their cancer-fighting properties. The active ingredient in the mushroom is the polysaccharide-K (PSK), which inhibits cancer cell growth. It’s used as an adjuvant, i.e. a complementary substance for other drugs, to treat lung, breast, esophageal and colorectal cancers, among others, and can even prevent cancer from recurring. The PSK in the turkey tail can also boost the immune system. The substance increases the amount of T-cells that fight bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can wreak havoc on the body. Additionally, polysaccharide peptide (PSP) in the mushroom can slow down the spread of HIV, which gives hope to AIDS sufferers. The turkey tail mushroom can also be used as an anti-oxidant. Antioxidants are particularly useful for conditions such as certain brain disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and they are also present in many cosmetic products. The fungus also treats a variety of other conditions, such as liver diseases, and may aid in recovery from chemotherapy treatments and the like. Because of its properties, the turkey tail mushroom is arguably among the most respected medicinal mushrooms around the world. Like any other medicine, it’s best for you to consult your doctor first before you use over-the-counter drugs that contain this fungus. For more information on this mushroom, read howstuffworks.com/family/medical-uses-for-turkey-tail-mushrooms-ga.htm.
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