Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)

A forest fan with a long herbal lineage.

Turkey Tail is one of the most widely known and studied mushrooms in the world. Named for its colorful, banded appearance (like the plumage of a wild turkey), this mushroom grows in layers on fallen wood, quietly breaking down decay and building new cycles in the forest floor.

Here at Outback Hollow, we grow Turkey Tail in a carefully controlled indoor environment—from culture to fruit. Once harvested, it’s double extracted to preserve both its polysaccharide-rich body and its more subtle, alcohol-soluble compounds. It’s slow medicine, made at a pace.

Potential Benefits

• Immune system function and balance

• Gut flora and digestive tone

• Energy levels and long-term vitality

• Resilience during seasonal shifts or recovery

• General wellness as a daily tonic

Turkey Tail has a long history of use in traditional herbal systems, particularly in Asia, where it’s often brewed as a tea or tonic. People turn to it for ongoing support, especially during times of immune fluctuation or after physical strain.

How It Works

Turkey Tail contains unique beta-glucans and polysaccharopeptides (like PSP and PSK), which have been widely studied for their role in immune modulation. Rather than overstimulating, these compounds are thought to support balance by nourishing and guiding your body's own response systems.

Because it’s a tough, woody mushroom, Turkey Tail benefits greatly from double extraction—a long soak in high-proof alcohol followed by a slow simmer in water to make its wide range of compounds bioavailable.

Science Behind It

Turkey Tail has been the focus of decades of research, especially in relation to its beta-glucans, prebiotic qualities, and potential antioxidant activity. While we can’t make medical claims, studies have explored its potential to:

• Promote immune cell activity and coordination

• Encourage healthy gut flora through prebiotic action

• Support long-term energy and resilience

Much of the research comes from Japan and China, where Turkey Tail extracts have been used in clinical settings as a complementary therapy.

Use & Enjoy

Use Turkey Tail as a daily support tool—especially during seasonal transitions, travel, or when your system feels taxed.

Suggested Use:
Take 1–2 dropperfuls up to 3 times daily. Add to herbal tea, water, or take directly under the tongue. Shake well before use. Consistent, long-term use tends to yield the best results.

Ingredients:

Turkey Tail mushroom (fruiting body only), 190-proof alcohol (reduced to 30%), RO water.

Made in a home kitchen under Illinois cottage food law. Not inspected by the health department.

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.