Turkey Tail Tonic

Timothy Dykes

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Although native to China, this fungus can be found growing in many a wooded area in the United States and around the world. Chances are high that you've passed one by if you've ever gone for a walk in the woods and passed by a dead, decaying tree. It got its name from its resemblance to the plumage of a male turkey. In Japan it is know as "cloud mushroom".

Turkey tail is not a mushroom that you can slice up and eat in a bowl of noodles. It's far too fibrous and not particularly delicious. It's uses are less culinary and more medicinal. Often it is used to create a tincture, a tea or a powder after is had been treated to an extraction process.

Some of the possible benefits:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Boosts the immune system
  • This is of particular note to folks who have weakened immunity, are undergoing chemotherapy or are around sick people.
• Anti-cancerous
• Helps fight HPV

I like to make this simple but tasty tonic when I feel that my body might need an immunity boost. Please note that this calls for 100% cacao not cocoa powder.

Ingredients

• 8 oz nut milk, heated
  
• 2 Tbsp 100% cacao, roughly chopped
  
• 1 -2 tsp maple syrup
  
• 1/2 - 1 tsp turkey tail dual extracted powder
  
• Pinch of salt

Procedure:
    1.    Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and mix until homogeneous and frothy.
    2.    Enjoy immediately