Turkey Tail Mushroom

Just before the snow made it's first appearance here in southern Ontario I came across a number of fungi on a hike. This one is most likely Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor), but I didn’t look closely enough to see if it was or not (the underside should be white, maybe a bit yellowish as they age, with a bunch of tiny pores and a velvety feel to the top).


Turkey tail is one of the most prescribed medicinal mushrooms. It’s benefits include immune support and increased immune response, energy support and supporting the growth of healthy bacteria in the digestive tract. It is rich in beta-glucans and polysaccharides (namely polysaccharopeptide, ie PSP, and polysaccharide-K, ie. PSK). It is these polysaccharides which have also shown usefulness for certain types of cancers through research.

As with any supplement, check with a naturopathic doctor or other health care provider to know whether Turkey Tail is suited to your needs

Dr. Jeff Appelmann, BSc, ND

Naturopathic Doctor

Oakville, Ontario