Kombucha

Also known as: Black Tea Mushroom, Cembuya Orientalis, Champagne of Live, Kargasok Tea, Kombucha Mushroom, Kombucha Tea.

It is interesting to know that the word kombucha comes from a Japanese word that describes what is called a “kelp tea”.

Ironically, the tea from which it got its name is a completely different type of beverage.

Kombucha contains significant amounts of vitamin B along with many vital amino acids.

What is Kombucha: Kombucha is a fermentation that is derived from a mixture containing yeast species and acid acetic bacteria. It is grown by combining a mixture of water, tea and sugar together as a light vinegary tasting beverage.

Although kombucha is not a mushroom it is sometimes referred to as the tea-mushroom. Different species of yeast used in the tea may vary a little causing slightly different effects.

Kombucha is also not a fungus even though some people may refer to it as such. It is advised that you do not try to cultivate kombucha at home because of the dangers of contamination if not done correctly.

When grown correctly kombucha looks similar to a pancake because it is a round shape that begins light in color and darkens with age. It is even sometimes incorrectly referred to as a mushroom because it does resemble one in color and shape.

Although it is believed kombucha was made by the Chinese people the first evidence shows it being made in Modern Russia. It is still very popular today in Russia. It is also believed that the Siberian Russian explorers are the ones who introduced kombucha to Eastern Europe.

Home remedies using kombucha:

Benefits of Kombucha:

It is believed that kombucha is beneficial for helping with gastrointestinal and digestive problems. It is also believed to be beneficial when used for increasing liver detoxification. This is because kombucha contains glucaric acid and efficiently eliminates endogenous and exogenous bodily wastes.

Glucaric acid is another compound of kombucha that studies are being done on to see if it is effective as an agent to help prevent cancer.

There are even claims that kombucha tea can be used as a “fountain of youth elixir” and its history even implies that it has magical elements.

It has also been used for rheumatism, improving memory and premenstrual syndrome.

Uses of Kombucha:

• Detoxification
• Improving memory
• Premenstrual syndrome
• Tea

Side Effects of Kombucha:

There are not a lot of side effects associated with kombucha tea when prepared correctly. However, there have been a few cases of nausea and allergic reactions.