There are many medicinal mushrooms but turkey tail has a special interest to me. Turkey tail usually grows on dead hardwood stumps and downed trunks or branches and can be found just about anywhere in the world. Medicinally, the turkey tail mushroom reportedly suppresses inflammation, functions as a prebiotic by enhancing beneficial bacteria in the gut, helps heal viral infections, has anti-fungal properties, regenerates white blood cells, and increases Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. It is the NK cell activity that makes turkey tail promising in its potential in attacking cancer cells.
According to Dr. Andrew Weil, the National Institutes of Health conducted a seven-year study of the use of turkey tail mushrooms to boost immunity in women who had been treated for breast cancer. The study was conducted in women with stages I-III breast cancer who had completed radiation or chemotherapy. Results showed that immune function was enhanced in the women who took daily doses of turkey tail in pill form. The actual product used in the study was Host Defense Turkey Tail mushroom, which is the same brand of mushroom products featured at Georgetown Market. Paul Stamets, the founder of Host Defense, stated that his own 84-year-old mother was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer after the results of the study were announced. Her prognosis was dire and was given months to live. Her oncologist agreed that she should try turkey tail. Paul’s mother was part of a group of 50 women with breast cancer who took Herceptin, a chemo drug, to hopefully extend their lives. All but two of the women died. Only Mrs. Stamets took turkey tail. The fate of the other woman is not known. Paul’s mother fully recovered from breast cancer and passed away earlier this year at the age of 93.
According to Host Defense, the recommended daily dosage to support the immune system is 6 grams. This would require 12 capsules or 2 teaspoons of the powder form. Host Defense just released several of its top-selling medicinal mushrooms in powder form. For the month of November, we are introducing turkey tail, reishi, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and Stamets 7 in powder form at 20% off. The regular price is $29.99. Our sale price is $23.99.
Please ask a Natural Living associate for more information about the medicinal properties of Host Defense mushrooms. For more information on using turkey tail and Stamets 7 in a diagnosis of cancer please contact me at rick@woocommerce-418971-2195899.cloudwaysapps.com.
Look for the release of Fantastic Fungi, a beautiful and informative documentary on the magic of mushrooms featuring Paul Stamets, founder of Host Defense. The cinematography by Louie Schwartzberg is amazing!
