The turkey tail mushroom has been revered for centuries across various cultures, largely thanks to is potent therapeutic power deeply rooted in traditional medicine.

In recent years, the scientific community has turned its attention to this fascinating fungus, discoverinng health benefits that go far beyond mere folklore.

From bolstering the immune system to supporting cancer treatment and enhancing overall well-being, the turkey tail mushroom is proving itself to be a potent healer with an ever-expanding list of therapeutic applications. 

If you're interested in reaping the advantages of turkey tail mushrooms, it's essential to find a high-quality supplement.

In this article, we'll guide you through our top 8 picks for the finest turkey tail mushroom capsules available in the UK.

But before we delve into that, let's explore what makes turkey tail mushrooms so unique.

What is turkey tail mushroom? 

Turkey tail, scientifically known as Trametes versicolor, is a type of mushroom known for its distinct appearance and medicial potetential.

Typically found in various regions worldwide, including the United Kingdom, turkey tail mushrooms are saprophytic, thriving on decaying organic matter, such as fallen trees and branches.

What sets turkey tail mushrooms apart visually is their colorful, fan-shaped cap, which resembles the vibrant hues of a turkey's tail feathers, hence their name. These vibrant caps contrast sharply with the white underside of the mushroom.

Despite being tough and inedible, turkey tail extracts (including teas, soups and supplements) are esteemed for their potential health benefits and are often used in traditional herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Turkey tail for cancer treatment

Turkey tail mushroom has gained most recognition for its role in cancer treatment.

Renowned mycologist Paul Stamets shared a touching story of how turkey tail extracts, when used alongside chemotherapy, may have saved his mother's life.

In 2009, his 83-year-old mother was diagnosed with advanced inflammatory breast cancer. Her journey included chemotherapy with Taxol and Herceptin, alongside a trial involving Turkey Tail mushroom supplements.

Following her chemotherapy, his mother continued taking turkey tail daily, and to this day she leads an active, disease-free life.

PSP and PSK 

Boiling turkey tail unlocks two potent and well-studied therapeutic polysaccharides: Polysaccharide Peptide (PSP) and Polysaccharide K (PSK).

PSK has been a mainstay in Japanese medicine for treating various cancer types since the 1980s.

It's known as the best-selling anti-cancer drug in Japan, complementing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

PSK exhibits remarkable bioactivity and quickly becomes absorbed by the body, inducing immunomodulation and increasing specific inflammatory molecules.

These effects result in enhanced responses to tumour cells and increased survival rates.

PSP, discovered more recently in China, holds tremendous potential in cancer drug development due to its immunological properties and its selective action on cancerous cells.

PSP's structural similarity to PSK underscores its similar immunological activity, stimulating various immunological messengers.

The immunomodulatory properties of PSK and PSP have profound anti-cancer effects.

In vitro (petri dish) studies have demonstrated their ability to inhibit the proliferation of various cancer cell lines, and clinical studies support their role in improving survival rates.

Monoclonal antibodies, when combined with β-glucans, have shown enhanced regression of tumours.

Additionally, whole mushroom extracts have been tested on cancer patients, resulting in improved survival rates and enhanced immune responses.

Other benefits of turkey tail 

Some other benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, supported by scientific research, include:

• Immune system support

Turkey tail has been shown to support the immune system's defenses, helping to ward off illnesses and maintain overall health.

• Antioxidant properties

These mushrooms are rich in antioxidants, which can help combat oxidative stress and protect the body from cellular damage.

• Gut health

Turkey tail mushroom may contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, promoting digestive well-being.

• Anti-inflammatory properties

Some studies suggest that turkey tail mushroom could have anti-inflammatory properties.

While ongoing research is essential to fully confirm these potential health benefits of turkey tail mushrooms, there's no reason to delay in exploring their potential advantages today.

Best ways to take turkey tail 

When it comes to integrating turkey tail mushrooms into your daily routine, you have several convenient options:

Dietary inclusion: Turkey tail mushrooms can be added to soups, teas, and various dishes, imparting a mild, earthy flavour to your culinary creations.

Capsules: Turkey tail extract capsules are readily available in capsule form, ensuring easy and precise consumption.

Powder: Dried turkey tail mushroom powder is versatile and can be effortlessly mixed into smoothies and various recipes.

Tinctures: Alcohol-based turkey tail extracts provide a concentrated and convenient method of consumption. You can easily incorporate them into your coffee, tea, or other beverages for a potent dose.

Best turkey tail capsules in the UK

1. High Strength Turkey Tail Capsules from Mushies

Our very own Turkey Tail Capsules pacss a punch with 540mg of turkey tail extract, containing 20% Beta Glucan, per capsule. We have used a hot water extraction to ensures you get the full benefits.

Our Turkey Tail extract is grown traditionally and organically on hardwood sticks, making it 100% vegan-friendly, while we're committed to providing you with pure shroomy goodness with no fillers, binders, or additives - just the natural potency of turkey tail. These capsules are hard to beat. 

Buy here. 

2. Turkey Tail Capsules from Antioxi

Wild-grown and handpicked, these capsules contain a hot-water extract made from 100% turkey tail fruiting bodies.

There’s 500mg of a 15:1 extract in each capsule, with about 30% beta D glucan.  

3. Turkey Tail Capsules from SuperShroms

These capsules are made from the fruiting bodies of the turkey tail mushroom and are certified organic, vegan-friendly, and free of GMOs and fillers.

Each capsule contains 500mg of dried organic turkey tail powder. 

Conclusion

Traditional knowledge of turkey tail's therapeutic power has garnered renewed interest thanks to modern scientific validation of its health benefits. 

From enhancing the immune system to contributing to cancer treatment and overall well-being, it's a remarkable natural healer.

To help you tap into these advantages, we've curated a list of the top turkey tail capsules available in the UK for 2023.

Whether you're a long-time believer or a newcomer to the world of mushrooms, these capsules offer a convenient and potent way to incorporate the turkey tail into your daily routine.