Known for their powerful immune-boosting properties, turkey tail mushrooms are great fungi to tincture when preparing herbal remedies for the winter. Using this simple dual-extraction method to tincture the fungi will ensure that you can access the full range of medicinal benefits turkey tails have to offer.
Now that the colder weather has reached us here in the UK, I feel more urgency to get my winter remedy preparations underway. Turkey tail mushrooms (Trametes versicolor) are great fungi to tincture for the winter because they are packed with immune-supporting beneficial compounds. Tincturing them makes it easy and fast to consume the medicinal compounds in the fungi and support your immune system during the winter.
Turkey tails have been used in traditional medicine for a long time, particularly in China and Japan. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to support liver function, to fight off respiratory infections, and to strengthen the immune system. In Japan, turkey tails have been used to bolster the immune system during rounds of chemotherapy. There is more and more scientific research into the benefits of turkey tails and the medicinal benefits of mushrooms more broadly.
Chaga, lion’s mane, and reishi are other medicinal mushrooms that benefit your mood and immune system and follow the same steps as turkey tails to tincture.
Benefits of turkey tail mushroom
Strengthens and supports the immune system – Turkey tails contain polysaccharopeptides, which boost the activity of immune cells. These compounds help to regulate the immune response by fighting against infections which can lead to better overall immune function.
Rich in antioxidants – Turkey tails are rich in antioxidants that help to protect cells from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to aging and various diseases including cardiovascular issues.
Supports gut health – Prebiotic properties from the immune-supporting compounds in turkey tails also promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. This can help to improve digestion and also contribute to a more robust immune system.
Cancer support – Polysaccharopeptides, which turkey tails contain, have been used in cancer treatments to boost the immune system function of cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Anti-inflammatory – Compounds in the turkey tails have been shown to reduce inflammation by slowing down pro-inflammatory compounds, which can cause chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Dual-extraction method
Turkey tails and other medicinal mushrooms that you can tincture have some bioactive compounds that are better extracted using high-proof alcohol and some that are easier to access using hot water-based extractions. To make sure that our final tincture is full of the fungi’s healthy compounds, we use both alcohol and hot water to make the tincture and this is called the dual-extraction method or the double extraction method. It sounds complicated but it’s really simple process.
Fresh or dried mushrooms
The best way to tincture mushrooms is to do both a hot water and alcohol extraction. However, this means that the final tinctures have more water content than tinctures made only using alcohol. The more water there is in a tincture, the faster it will spoil. Fresh mushrooms add even more water to the final tincture, so I tend to used dried mushrooms when I make tinctures. This helps make sure that my mushroom-based tinctures last a longer time.
Can you use mushroom powder
Yes, you can use mushroom powder to make turkey tail tincture and tinctures using other mushrooms. I used lion’s mane powder to make that tincture because I couldn’t find any dried lion’s mane mushrooms near where I live. If you use powder, follow the same instructions below. The downside of using powder is that it is generally very fine and that makes it harder to fully strain off. I recommend straining off your tincture 2-3 times, using cheesecloth that is doubled over.
How to make turkey tail tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small saucepan
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops – I like these
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A food processor, coffee grinder, or knife – for grinding or chopping up the mushroom
Supplies
Dried turkey tail mushrooms – Here’s a source for organic turkey tail mushrooms
80-proof food-grade alcohol (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought raw apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
Divide your turkey tails into two equal parts. We will use one-half for the hot water extraction and the other half for the alcohol extraction.
Dual Extraction Method
Step 1 – alcohol extraction
Use a knife, food processor, or coffee grinder to chop the turkey tails into small pieces.
Add the dried and chopped fungi into a clean glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full.
Cover the fungi with 80-proof alcohol (I use unflavoured vodka).
Add a lid to the jar and shake it so that the alcohol completely covers the turkey tails.
Leave the jar in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight for 8 weeks. Shake it occasionally (a few times a week) to ensure all parts of the fungi remain covered in alcohol.
After 8 weeks, strain the mushroom material through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer into your clean glass storage container.
Set the tincture in a cool, dark place for future use.
Step 2 – hot water extraction
Use a coffee grinder, knife, or food processor to chop up the other half of the turkey tails.
Add the chopped fungi to a saucepan and add double the amount of water you want to end up with. We will be combining equal parts alcohol tincture and water extraction so you will want to end up with enough water extraction to fill half of your final bottle. For example – I was using a pint jar to store my final tincture so I added a full pint of water to my saucepan.
Add a lid to the pan and bring the water to a slow simmer. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 hours. You can top up your water if needed.
After 3-4 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool slightly.
Strain off the liquid using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer.
Then pour the turkey tail mushroom extract into the alcohol tincture you had set aside. You can use a whisk or fork to blend the two liquids together.
Finally add the blended tincture into an amber dropper bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
How much turkey tail tincture to take?
I like to take 1-2 droppers full per day. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does turkey tail tincture last?
I like to use dual-extracted tinctures within a year because there is more water content than purely alcohol-based tinctures. To help your tincture last longer, make sure you completely strain off the fungi from the final blend.
Ways to use turkey tail tincture
Directly – Add the dosage under your tongue for the quickest absorption. Hold it there for 20 seconds and then swallow.
Diluted – Add the dosage to a cup of tea, coffee, or water to dilute the flavour. I include this tincture in my daily routine by adding it to my kefir smoothies in the morning.
How to make this without alcohol
You can simply swap the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin. Vinegar and glycerin aren’t as good as alcohol at extracting the beneficial compounds or preserving them. I like to consume vinegar-based extracts within about 6 months and glycerin-based extracts within a year.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your healthcare practitioners before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as an allergic reaction, impact on other medical conditions, or unexpected side effects like potential interactions with other medication.
Other medicinal mushroom tinctures
Reishi Mushroom Tincture (For Immunity)
Simple Organic Ashwagandha Tincture Recipe (Plus Benefits)
Lion’s Mane Mushroom Tincture (For Boosted Cognitive Function)
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How To Make Turkey Tail Mushroom Tincture (Dual-Extract)
Known for their powerful immune-boosting properties, turkey tail mushrooms are great fungi to tincture when preparing herbal remedies for the winter. Using this simple dual-extraction method to tincture the fungi will ensure that you can access the full range of medicinal benefits turkey tails have to offer.
Materials
- Dried turkey tail mushrooms - If you can find them, use organic mushrooms
- 80-proof food-grade alcohol (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar or food-grade glycerin.
Tools
- An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
- Small saucepan
- Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
- A food processor, coffee grinder, or knife - for grinding or chopping up the mushroom
Instructions
Divide your turkey tails into two equal parts. We will use one-half for the hot water extraction and the other half for the alcohol extraction.
Dual Extraction Method
Step 1 – alcohol extraction
Use a knife, food processor, or coffee grinder to chop the turkey tails into small pieces.
Add the dried and chopped fungi into a clean glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full.
Cover the fungi with 80-proof alcohol (I use unflavoured vodka).
Add a lid to the jar and shake it so that the alcohol completely covers the turkey tails.
Leave the jar in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight for 8 weeks. Shake it occasionally (a few times a week) to ensure all parts of the fungi remain covered in alcohol.
After 8 weeks, strain the mushroom material through cheesecloth or a mesh strainer into your clean glass storage container.
Set the tincture in a cool, dark place for future use.
Step 2 – hot water extraction
Use a coffee grinder, knife, or food processor to chop up the other half of the turkey tails.
Add the chopped fungi to a saucepan and add double the amount of water you want to end up with. We will be combining equal parts alcohol tincture and water extraction so you will want to end up with enough water extraction to fill half of your final bottle. For example - I was using a pint jar to store my final tincture so I added a full pint of water to my saucepan.
Add a lid to the pan and bring the water to a slow simmer. Allow it to simmer for 3-4 hours. You can top up your water if needed.
After 3-4 hours, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the liquid to cool slightly.
Strain off the liquid using cheesecloth or a mesh strainer.
Then pour the turkey tail mushroom extract into the alcohol tincture you had set aside. You can use a whisk or fork to blend the two liquids together.
Finally add the blended tincture into an amber dropper bottle and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
How much turkey tail tincture to take?
I like to take 1-2 droppers full per day. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does turkey tail tincture last?
I like to use dual-extracted tinctures within a year because there is more water content than purely alcohol-based tinctures. To help your tincture last longer, make sure you completely strain off the fungi from the final blend.
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