As we head into cold and flu season it's time for some Immune Boosting mushrooms!

There are many easy to find mushrooms out there that are packed full of medicinal benefits.

One of the most common, and easy to identify, is trametes versicolor commonly known as turkey tail mushroom.

This velvety little friend has been used for centuries due to its immune boosting properties. The main active compound is polysaccharide K (PSK). In fact it is used in Japan as an "approved mushroom product used to treat cancer." Turkey tail has antioxidants, boosts the immune system, improves immune function in people with certain cancers, enhances certain cancer treatments, and improves gut health. You can find many studies online.

This is not a mushroom that you eat. To reap the benefits you can forage, or purchase, them and make a tea or tincture.

I personally usually have plenty of it in my house and make both.

As I said, it is easy to identify. They only grow on trees, usually dead ones.

When fresh they are like flexible leather, velvety on top and smooth, pristine white underneath (no gills!). They do come in various colors and you can find them almost anywhere.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions! Sharon@CollectiveWellness.us