Introducing my first FungiFacts Friday: Turkey Tail Mushrooms

       I decided today that every Friday from hence forth will be FungiFact day (*^.^) A day to spread knowledge on how important fungi can be in improving the health of our bodies and the health of the planet's ecosystems that support us. I'll be posting either a showcase on one mushroom/mycelium species and its benefits, or a link to an article about how fungi can improve our lives. What better mushroom to start with then my favorite one... TURKEY TAIL MUSHROOMS (Trametes versicolor)!!! (*>.<)

Thanks to curbstonevalley.com/blog/ for this beautiful picture

       There is a huge variety out there of size and colors for Turkey Tails Mushrooms. The picture above is the one I used for my oil painting I gave to Paul Stamets. While I'm on the subject of Paul he has a great article he did for the Huffington Post Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer, definitely check it out! These mushrooms are absolutely amazing, they're a woodland polypore that grow in forests all across the world. For centuries they have been appreciated by people in Asia and Europe for their medicinal properties. The mycelium (underground root-like network) of this species secretes poweful enzymes that destroy toxins. It also contains an antitumor compound and improves the immune system's natural killer cells to fight cancer. 

From Turkey Tail Mushrooms Help Immune System Fight Cancer

       These Mushrooms can tolerate a wide range of climates and grow on virtually all dead hardwoods, grow them indoors yourself even Turkey Tail Mushroom Patch. I really want to buy this mushroom kit from Paul Stamets website along with the Plant Success Tabs for my garden this spring and some Cordychi Spiced Hot Chocolate just cuz it sounds delicious and I'm trying to not drink so much coffee... I digress, but while I'm having a ramble on his awesome website you can also get Turkey Tail Capsules there :) I take them as part of his Mycommunity Capsules blend. Although I have a lot more to say on this species, I'll save that rant for another time and let you soak all that information in (*^.^)

Mandy Spring, Aspiring Mycologist

Meeting Paul Stamets

       Welcome to my new blog that will keep track of my mushroom and mycelium studies in hopes of becoming a great Mycologist someday. I want to be a part of helping to spread the knowledge of how certain fungi species can be used to greatly benefit society and the improve environment we carelessly destroy around us.

 
       Last night I met... Paul Stamets!!! I got a free ticket to his talk from my work but I've been a fan of him from about five years. The pic above is right after I gave him my first ever oil painting. I did a Turkey Tail Mushroom because it's my favorite looking mushroom, it's got amazing healing properties, and it saved Paul's mom from breast cancer. If you know anyone with cancer or low immune system problems have them look into organic mushroom supplements right away! Preferably Host Defense brand, Paul Stamet's company :), at most natural grocery stores.

       If you don't know who Paul Stamets is watch Paul Stamets 6 Ways Mushrooms Can Save the World
right way! It changed my point of view of how important fungi are and how important it is we protect the diversity of mushroom species we have left, particularly the old growth forests. If you still wanna hear more after watching the TED talk video and you can't decide if you want to get his book Mycelium Running, which everyone should read in my opinion (*>.<), then check out this video if you have the time:

Paul Stamets- The Future is Fungi

       This is a lot like what his talk was last night besides a few added tidbits of new information (*^.^) He even had his Amadou hat on! I'm such a nerd... I was jumping up and down all day yesterday and even cried a little during a special part of his talk... ya so nerdy lol. I deeply hope that this information can spread as quickly as possible and be put into practice to save the health of our planet, our bodies, and the future of our descendants. I invite you all to join me in this Mycological Revolution that has real potential to change our world for the better!

Mandy Spring, aspiring Mycologist