Plant Comparison
Lavender vs Turkey tail
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Lavender and Turkey tail: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lavender | Turkey tail | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Turkey tail |
| Infection (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 5/10 | 5/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Flower essential oil dominated by linalool and linalyl acetate, the principal compounds behind the calming, anxiolytic and antimicrobial activity.
Antioxidant constituents of the flower.
The principal immunomodulating constituents, forming the basis of PSK/PSP extracts.
Protein-bound polysaccharide complex studied extensively as an adjunct immunotherapy.
Minor antioxidant constituents.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts. Rarely, contact dermatitis may occur. May potentiate the effect of sedative medications. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates lavender as ++ and provides clinical evidence (score 2) for carminative activity, consistent with Commission E approval for nervous stomach disorders and functional abdominal complaints. Additional experimental activities include anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and antiseptic effects. The essential oil demonstrates COX-2 inhibitory and Alzheimer's-relevant properties at the experimental level. Dose: 1–2 teaspoons (4–8 g) dried flowers as tea; 1–3 drops essential oil in a carrier for topical or aromatherapy use. Duke notes that oral lavender oil (Silexan) has clinical evidence for generalized anxiety disorder (Duke, 2002).
Generally very safe and well tolerated. Rare cases of digestive upset or allergic reaction. No significant known drug interactions at normal doses. The PSK pharmaceutical form is used safely alongside standard cancer treatments. Suitable for most adults.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Aromatic, evergreen, woody-based perennial subshrub with narrow, grey-green, felted leaves. Slender flowering spikes carrying whorls of small, tubular, two-lipped violet-blue flowers rise well above the foliage on long, unbranched stalks.[4]
Bracket fungus (not a true plant) forming thin, tough, fan-shaped, overlapping shelves on dead or decaying hardwood, with a velvety, concentrically zoned upper surface in bands of brown, tan, cream, blue-grey and rust, and a white, minutely pored underside.
Habitat
Native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean (southern France, Spain, Italy); widely cultivated in sunny, well-drained, often calcareous sites across temperate and Mediterranean climates worldwide.[4]
Grows on dead, dying or fallen hardwood logs, stumps and branches in woodlands worldwide, including Europe, Asia and North America.
Harvesting
The flower spikes are cut as the flowers open, in mid- to late summer, when essential oil content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place or distilled fresh for essential oil.[4]
Fresh brackets are harvested by cutting from the wood; for medicinal use the tough fruiting body is typically dried and then decocted (simmered) for a long time, or extracted, since the beneficial polysaccharides are not well-extracted by simple infusion.
Traditional Uses
Lavender flower has a long Mediterranean and European tradition as a calming, sedative herb for nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia, and as a mild digestive carminative and antiseptic for minor wounds and skin irritation; the essential oil in particular has an extensive modern clinical evidence base for anxiety and sleep support.[4]
Turkey tail has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (as yun zhi) and is one of the most researched medicinal mushrooms, with standardized polysaccharide-K (PSK) and polysaccharopeptide (PSP) extracts used clinically in Japan and China alongside conventional cancer treatment to support immune function.[11, 12, 13]
Preparations
Dried fruiting body simmered in water for an extended period (often 1-2 hours) to extract the beta-glucan polysaccharides, then strained.
Standardized polysaccharide-K (PSK) or polysaccharopeptide (PSP) extract, the pharmaceutical-grade forms used in clinical research.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, three times daily, in adolescents, adults and elderly; a tincture at 2-4 mL three times daily is also listed. The monograph notes that lavender may impair the ability to drive or use machines. Not recommended under 12 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Clinical research on PSK commonly uses around 3 g daily in divided doses. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Lavender and valerian are both calming herbs used to aid relaxation and sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 23]
Lavender and lemon balm are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 24]
Lavender and chamomile are both calming herbs used to ease anxiety and aid sleep; taken together their sedative effects can add up, so while they may help relaxation they can also increase drowsiness — avoid combining with sedative medicines or before driving.[22, 25]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Tan, L., Liao, F.F., Long, L.Z., Ma, X.C. et al (2023) 'Essential oils for treating anxiety: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and network meta-analysis', Frontiers in Public Health, 11, pp. 1144404. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1144404 - Dos Reis Lucena, L., Dos Santos-Junior, J.G., Tufik, S. and Hachul, H (2021) 'Lavender essential oil on postmenopausal women with insomnia: Double-blind randomized trial', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 59, pp. 102726. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2021.102726 - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', International Journal of Neuroscience, 113(1), pp. 15-38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Denner, S.S (2009) 'Lavandula angustifolia Miller: English lavender', Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(1), pp. 57-64. doi:10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/01.HNP.0000343210.56710.fc - Basch, E., Foppa, I., Liebowitz, R., Nelson, J., Smith, M., Sollars, D. and Ulbricht, C (2004) 'Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Miller)', Journal of Herbal Pharmacotherapy, 4(2), pp. 63-78. doi:10.1080/j157v04n02_07 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/j157v04n02_07 - Betlej, I., Andres, B., Cebulak, T., Kapusta, I., Balawejder, M., Zurek, N., Jaworski, S., Lange, A., Kutwin, M., Pisulewska, E., Kidacka, A., Krochmal-Marczak, B., Boruszewski, P. and Borysiuk, P (2024) 'Phytochemical composition and antimicrobial properties of new Lavandula angustifolia ecotypes', Molecules, 29(8), pp. 1740. doi:10.3390/molecules29081740 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081740 - Rahimian, Z., Sadrian, S., Shahisavandi, M., Aligholi, H., Zarshenas, M.M., Abyar, A., Zeraatpisheh, Z. and Asadi-Pooya, A.A (2023) 'Antiseizure effects of Lavandula angustifolia L', BioMed Research International, 2023, pp. 4121998. doi:10.1155/2023/4121998 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/4121998 - de Melo Alves Silva, L.C., de Oliveira Mendes, F.D.C., de Castro Teixeira, F., de Lima Fernandes, T.E., Barros Ribeiro, K.R., da Silva Leal, K.C., Dantas, D.V. and Neves Dantas, R.A (2023) 'Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: a scoping review', Heliyon, 9(5), pp. e15446. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446 - Lejeune, V.B.P., Lopes, R.V., Baggio, D.F., Koren, L.D.O., Zanoveli, J.M. and Chichorro, J.G (2023) 'Antinociceptive and anxiolytic-like effects of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil on rat models of orofacial pain', Journal of Applied Oral Science, 30, pp. e20220304. doi:10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2002-0304 - Mykhailenko, O., Hurina, V., Ivanauskas, L., Marksa, M., Skybitska, M., Kovalenko, O., Lytkin, D., Vladymyrova, I. and Georgiyants, V (2024) 'Lavandula angustifolia herb from Ukraine: comparative chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant activity', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 21(9), pp. e202400640. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202400640 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202400640 - Shamabadi, A. and Akhondzadeh, S (2021) 'Efficacy and tolerability of Lavandula angustifolia in treating patients with the diagnosis of depression: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials', Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, 20(1), pp. 81-91. doi:10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2020-0498 - Cardia, G.F.E., Silva-Filho, S.E., Silva, E.L., Uchida, N.S., Cavalcante, H.A.O., Cassarotti, L.L., Salvadego, V.E.C., Spironello, R.A., Bersani-Amado, C.A. and Cuman, R.K.N (2018) 'Effect of lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) essential oil on acute inflammatory response', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2018, pp. 1413940. doi:10.1155/2018/1413940 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/1413940 - Aboalhaija, N.H., Syaj, H., Afifi, F., Sunoqrot, S., Al-Shalabi, E. and Talib, W (2022) 'Chemical evaluation, in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity of Lavandula angustifolia grown in Jordan', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 5910. doi:10.3390/molecules27185910 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27185910 - Caputo, L., Reguilon, M.D., Minarro, J., De Feo, V. and Rodriguez-Arias, M (2018) 'Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and linalool counteract social aversion induced by social defeat', Molecules, 23(10), pp. 2694. doi:10.3390/molecules23102694 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23102694 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2012) 'Community herbal monograph on Lavandula angustifolia Miller, flos'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-lavandula-angustifolia-p-mill-flos_en.pdf - Cavanagh, H.M.A. and Wilkinson, J.M (2002) 'Biological activities of lavender essential oil', 16(4), pp. 301--308. doi:10.1002/ptr.1103 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1103 - Lis-Balchin, M (2002) 'Lavender: The Genus Lavandula'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Lavender%3A%20The%20Genus%20Lavandula - Schuwald, A.M. et al (2013) 'Lavender oil-potent anxiolytic properties via modulating voltage dependent calcium channels', 8(4). doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0059998 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003 - Dold, M., Bartova, L., Volz, H.P., Seifritz, E., Moller, H.J., Schlafke, S. and Kasper, S (2023) 'Efficacy of Silexan in patients with anxiety disorders: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials', European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 273(7), pp. 1615-1628. doi:10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-022-01547-w - Bent, S., Padula, A., Moore, D., Patterson, M. and Mehling, W (2006) 'Valerian for sleep: a systematic review and meta-analysis', The American Journal of Medicine, 119(12), pp. 1005-1012. doi:10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2006.02.026 - Haybar, H., Javid, A.Z., Haghighizadeh, M.H., Valizadeh, E., Mohaghegh, S.M. and Mohammadzadeh, A (2018) 'The effects of Melissa officinalis supplementation on depression, anxiety, stress, and sleep disorder in patients with chronic stable angina', Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, 26, pp. 47-52. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2018.04.015 - Amsterdam, J.D., Li, Y., Soeller, I., Rockwell, K., Mao, J.J. and Shults, J (2009) 'A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder', Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(4), pp. 378-382. doi:10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e3181ac935c
- Pilkington, K., Wieland, L.S., Teng, L., Jin, X.Y. and others (2022) 'Coriolus (Trametes) versicolor mushroom to reduce adverse effects from chemotherapy or radiotherapy in people with colorectal cancer', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11(11), pp. CD012053. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD012053.pub2 - Habtemariam, S (2020) 'Trametes versicolor (Synn. Coriolus versicolor) Polysaccharides in Cancer Therapy: Targets and Efficacy', Biomedicines, 8(5), pp. 135. doi:10.3390/biomedicines8050135 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines8050135 - Fritz, H., Kennedy, D.A., Ishii, M., Fergusson, D. and others (2015) 'Polysaccharide K and Coriolus versicolor extracts for lung cancer: a systematic review', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14(3), pp. 201-211. doi:10.1177/1534735415572883 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735415572883 - Tsang, K.W., Lam, C.L., Yan, C., Mak, J.C. and others (2003) 'Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide peptide slows progression of advanced non-small cell lung cancer', Respiratory Medicine, 97(6), pp. 618-624. doi:10.1053/rmed.2003.1490 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1053/rmed.2003.1490 - Ng, T.B (1998) 'A review of research on the protein-bound polysaccharide (polysaccharopeptide, PSP) from the mushroom Coriolus versicolor (Basidiomycetes: Polyporaceae)', General Pharmacology, 30(1), pp. 1-4. doi:10.1016/s0306-3623(97)00076-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0306-3623(97)00076-1 - Kowalczewska, M., Piotrowski, J., Jedrzejewski, T. and Kozak, W (2016) 'Polysaccharide peptides from Coriolus versicolor exert differential immunomodulatory effects on blood lymphocytes and breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in vitro', Immunology Letters, 174, pp. 37-44. doi:10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.010 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.imlet.2016.04.010 - Jedrzejewski, T., Piotrowski, J., Kowalczewska, M., Wrotek, S. and Kozak, W (2015) 'Polysaccharide peptide from Coriolus versicolor induces interleukin 6-related extension of endotoxin fever in rats', International Journal of Hyperthermia, 31(6), pp. 626-634. doi:10.3109/02656736.2015.1046953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/02656736.2015.1046953 - Scarpari, M., Reverberi, M., Parroni, A., Scala, V. and others (2017) 'Tramesan, a novel polysaccharide from Trametes versicolor. Structural characterization and biological effects', PLoS One, 12(8), pp. e0171412. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171412 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0171412 - Lysakowska, P., Sobota, A. and Wirkijowska, A (2023) 'Medicinal Mushrooms: Their Bioactive Components, Nutritional Value and Application in Functional Food Production - A Review', Molecules, 28(14), pp. 5393. doi:10.3390/molecules28145393 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28145393 - Wang, K.F., Sui, K.Y., Guo, C. and Liu, C.Z (2017) 'Quorum sensing molecule-farnesol increased the production and biological activities of extracellular polysaccharide from Trametes versicolor', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 104(Pt A), pp. 377-383. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.06.053 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.06.053 - Chu, K.K., Ho, S.S. and Chow, A.H (2002) 'Coriolus versicolor: a medicinal mushroom with promising immunotherapeutic values', 42(9), pp. 976--984. doi:10.1177/0091270002042009004 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270002042009004 - Standish, L.J., Wenner, C.A., Sweet, E.S., Bridge, C., Nelson, A., Martzen, M., Novack, J. and Torkelson, C (2008) 'Trametes versicolor mushroom immune therapy in breast cancer', 6(3), pp. 122--128. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Trametes%20versicolor%20mushroom%20immune%20therapy%20in%20breast%20cancer - Wasser, S.P (2011) 'Current findings, future trends, and unsolved problems in studies of medicinal mushrooms', 89(5), pp. 1323--1332. doi:10.1007/s00253-010-3067-4 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-010-3067-4 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Macalester College, Katharine Ordway Natural History Study Area 'Turkey Tail Fungus (Trametes versicolor)'. Available at: https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/biodiversity/inventory/turkeytailfungus/ Traditional / reference
https://www.macalester.edu/ordway/biodiversity/inventory/turkeytailfungus/ - Missouri Department of Conservation 'False Turkey Tail (Stereum ostrea)'. Available at: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/false-turkey-tail Traditional / reference
https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/false-turkey-tail - Kuo, Michael 'Stereum ostrea (False Turkey Tail)'. Available at: https://www.mushroomexpert.com/stereum_ostrea.html Traditional / reference
https://www.mushroomexpert.com/stereum_ostrea.html
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.