When you hear the words “turkey tail,” it’s natural to think of the plume of feathers on November’s bird of honor. But Turkey Tail, so named because of its similarity to the real thing, is a mushroom with immune-boosting powers. And in the fall, when everyone from your little ones to your seatmate on the bus seems to be a walking cootie factory, that’s something we could all use.
Which is why, if you don’t already know about Flora’s new(ish) product, Flor-Essence™ with Turkey Tail & Turmeric, you really should. It was created when Turkey Tail teamed up with the powerful antioxidant Turmeric and our classic collection of eight detoxifying herbs from the renowned detox formula Flor-Essence®.
Turkey Tail: Immunity Superhero
Turkey Tail is the common name of a mushroom called Trametes versicolor. This multi-colored fungus grows on tree trunks and fallen logs in overlapping discs that resemble the fan of a turkey’s tail feathers. (Well, if you use your imagination a little.)
Turkey Tail is rich in polysaccharides. These phytonutrients strengthen the immune system by stimulating white blood cells — your own personal warriors — including natural killer cells and lymphocytes. And Turkey Tail is full of them.
There are also over 35 different phenolic compounds with antioxidant and immune-modulating effects in Turkey Tail that help promote a balanced immune response.
Turkey Tail also has prebiotic effects, which means it’s good food for the beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. Feeding the good bugs encourages them to stick around, which improves your digestive health. It also crowds out the ne’er-do-wells. And because most of your immune cells live in your gut, good gut health is closely linked to good immune health. Cool, huh?
Flora uses the whole, fruiting body of organic turkey tail mushroom — not the mycelium — because that’s where the powerful beta glucan polysaccharides are concentrated. Each serving provides a whopping 3.5 grams of turkey tail — a therapeutic dose.
Turmeric: Antioxidant Powerhouse
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine, giving curries their distinctive golden hue and mouth-watering taste. But Turmeric has uses beyond the kitchen. It’s widely utilized in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India, for a variety of health concerns. Turmeric’s active constituents, curcuminoids and sesquiterpenes, support healthy digestion and have antioxidant action.
The Great Eight: Detoxifying Blend
Lastly, Flor-Essence with Turkey Tail & Turmeric features the tried-and-true blend of detoxifying herbs from the original and much-loved Flor-Essence® formula. We call them the Great Eight:
- Burdock Root
- Sheep Sorrel
- Slippery Elm Bark
- Blessed Thistle
- Watercress
- Red Clover
- Rhubarb Root
- Kelp
These herbs work with your natural detoxifying organs — your liver, kidneys, digestive tract, and skin — to gently help usher toxins out of your body. Cuz they’re not doing your immune system any favors.
Flor-Essence with Turkey Tail & Turmeric
When you combine Turkey Tail with Turmeric and The Great Eight, the result is an immune-strengthening, cell-protecting, toxin-ridding daily tonic that acts as your stalwart protector throughout the cold weather season.
Just like the original formula, Flor-Essence with Turkey Tail & Turmeric is:
- Certified organic
- Non-GMO Project Verified
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Kosher
As we dive deeper into fall, now is a great time to start strengthening your immune system. Give Flor-Essence™ with Turkey Tail & Turmeric a try and tell us what you think!