Turkey Tail vs Chaga

Turkey tail is one of the most common and well-studied medicinal mushrooms worldwide. Named for its colorful, fan-shaped fruiting bodies that resemble turkey tail feathers, it has been used in Traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine for centuries. Its polysaccharide extracts (PSK and PSP) are approved as cancer adjunct therapy in Japan.

Chaga is a parasitic fungus that grows primarily on birch trees in cold climates across Russia, Northern Europe, and North America. It has been used in Russian and Scandinavian folk medicine for centuries and is consumed primarily as tea. It contains one of the highest ORAC (antioxidant capacity) values of any food.

Polysaccharide-K (PSK), Polysaccharopeptide (PSP), Beta-glucans, Ergosterol, Quercetin

Betulinic acid, Melanin, Beta-glucans, Polysaccharides, Superoxide dismutase (SOD)

Immune tonic, Liver support, Lung health, Energy enhancer, Cancer folk remedy

Immune tonic, Cancer folk remedy, Digestive aid, General wellness, Anti-inflammatory

Cancer adjunct therapy (with PSK/PSP), Immune system support, Gut microbiome health, HPV support, Chemotherapy side effect reduction

Immune system support, Antioxidant protection, Inflammation reduction, Blood sugar regulation, Cholesterol management

1-3g extract daily, or 2-9g dried mushroom in decoction

1-3g extract daily, or chaga tea 1-3 cups daily

Autoimmune conditions, Organ transplant recipients

Autoimmune conditions, Bleeding disorders, Kidney disease (high oxalate content), Diabetes medications (risk of hypoglycemia)

GI upset, Darkened stool, Darkened nail pigmentation, Gas and bloating

GI upset, Kidney stones (high oxalates with excessive use), Allergic reactions (rare), Blood sugar changes