TURKEY TAIL
“The Forest Powerhouse”
Turkey tail is an extremely common sight in the woodlands of Britain. Its wavy edged, multi- coloured, oyster shell shaped fruiting bodies adorn fallen branches and old tree stumps throughout the autumn and winter months.
Turkey tail is one of the most studied herbs to date with over 40 years of scientific research to its name. Backing this up is a history of use, particularly in the Asian systems of medicine, stretching back over two thousand years! It was called ‘Yun Zhi’ or ‘cloud mushroom’ and was used to fire up the immune system and promote longevity. The modern interest in Turkey tail revolves around one of its active components, an immune stimulating beta glucan called polysaccharide-K also known as Krestin. It was patented in 1968 under the name “Krestin” and was approved in 1976 for the treatment of some cancers.
Clinical use in Japan was commenced in 1977. After re-evaluation in 1989, PSK was approved for use in combination with chemotherapy to prolong survival of patients with various cancers. Interestingly, PSK accounts for 25% of the cost of national cancer care in Japan. In 1984 it was ranked as the 19th on the list of the world’s most successful drugs with annual sales of $255 million. Most people would never realise that this beautiful fungus has had such an incredible life outside of the woods!
This turkey tail is grown on bark to mimic its natural environment.
