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Kombucha, also known as Japanese or jellyfish mushroom, was brought by soldiers to Russia after the Russo-Japanese War. This is one of the best remedies for the treatment of diseases of the liver and gallbladder. The fungus increases the activity of the digestive glands, effectively treats atherosclerosis and tonsillitis, normalizes blood pressure and sleep.
The body of Kombucha resembles a jellyfish, which is why it was nicknamed by the people. From above, the mushroom is absolutely smooth, and from below there are countless yeast bacteria that do the main work (prepare a medicinal and tasty tincture).
Kombucha is a biological substrate that contains yeast and acetic fermentation products. In appearance, it is a mucous layered film that floats on the surface of a nutrient medium, for example, juice or tea. The liquid in which the fungus lives turns into a carbonated drink like kvass. A mushroom can fill any container and eventually reach a hundred kilogram weight!
Useful properties of kombucha
The beneficial properties of kombucha have been known in Eastern countries since ancient times. Japanese geisha drank it to maintain a slender figure, used it to remove warts and age spots on the face and body, rinsed their hair with a solution after washing. In Indonesia, this natural medicine was used as an effective antidote for various poisonings.
The effects of kombucha, as reported by the testimonies of tea drinkers and Russian researchers:
Detoxification;
Reduces cholesterol;
Regenerates the walls of blood vessels, thereby reducing the symptoms of atherosclerosis;
Reduces blood pressure;
Relieves inflammation;
Relieves symptoms of arthritis, rheumatism and gout;
Improves liver function;
Normalizes intestinal activity, balances the intestinal microflora, cures hemorrhoids;
Reduces obesity and regulates appetite;
Cures bladder infection and reduces calcification in the kidneys;
Stimulates all glands of secretion;
Protects against diabetes;
Increases the body’s resistance to cancer;
Has antibiotic action against bacteria, viruses and yeasts;
Strengthens the immune system and stimulates the production of interferon;
Relieves bronchitis and asthma;
Reduces menstrual irregularities and hot flashes during menopause;
Improves the health of hair, skin and nails;
Reduces cravings for alcohol;
Reduces stress, nervous disorders and insomnia;
Relieves headaches;
Improves eyesight;
Anti-aging;
Increases overall metabolism [1].
Composition of kombucha
The benefits of kombucha are due to the presence of a large number of biologically active substances in it: organic and carbonic acids (acetic, gluconic, glucuronic, citric, L-lactic, malic, tartaric, malonic, oxalic, succinic, pyruvic, usnic), polysaccharides, proteins, sugars , aromatic oils, vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12 and C. 14 amino acids, biogenic amines, purines, pigments, lipids, certain hydrolytic enzymes, ethanol, antibiotic actives, carbon dioxide, phenol, and some tea polyphenols, minerals (manganese, iron, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, cobalt, chromium), anions, DSL, as well as lesser known yeast and bacterial metabolites.
Vitamins per 100 ml | Quantity | % RDN |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 7,4 mg | 616% |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 8,3 mg | 638% |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 5,2 mg | 407% |
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 8,4 mcg | 350% |
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) | 15,1 mg | 16,7% |
Source: Mineral and water soluble vitamin content in the Kombucha drink [2]
Bacteria with antibiotic properties have also been found in kombucha. They are able to kill or significantly slow down the development of many pathogenic microbes. The most numerous prokaryotes in this culture belong to the bacterial genera Acetobacter and Gluconobacter.
Kombucha is an antimicrobial drink
The antimicrobial activity of kombucha tea is largely due to the presence of organic acids, especially acetic acid, large proteins and catechins. Acetic acid and catechins are known to inhibit a number of Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms.
For example, the drink exhibits antimicrobial efficacy against Entamoeba cloacae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. cereus, E. coli, Aeromonas hydrophila, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Shigella, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Leuconostoc monocytogenic, Yersinia, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori and C. albicans, but not for Candida [5]. Moreover, kombucha prepared with green tea exhibits the highest antimicrobial potential.
Kombucha is a source of antioxidants
The antioxidant activity of kombucha correlates with its many claimed benefits, such as preventing cancer, boosting immunity, and relieving inflammation and arthritis. [6]. The antioxidant activity of kombucha tea is due to the presence of tea polyphenols and ascorbic acid in it. The degree of activity depends on the time of fermentation.
Kombucha is a hepatoprotector
Kombucha can prevent hepatotoxicity caused by various pollutants (paracetamol, carbon tetrachloride, aflatoxin B1, cadmium chloride, acetaminophen), effectively attenuating the physiological changes caused by liver toxic substances [7].
Kombucha is a Cancer Remedy
Chemoprophylaxis using a combination of dietary phytochemicals has been proposed as a successful approach to combat various types of cancer, with fewer side effects. For many years, kombucha enthusiasts have been earnestly claiming that kombucha has anti-cancer properties. Back in 1951, studies of the population were carried out by the “Central Oncological Research Department” and the “Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow” [8].
Kombucha has been shown to cause a cytotoxic effect on renal carcinoma, lung carcinoma, osteosarcoma, and prostate cancer, reducing cancer cell motility, invasion, and survival. [9].
The harm of kombucha
As a result of scientific tests, no negative effects of kombucha on the human body were revealed. Its use as a rub and for other external purposes is absolutely harmless to health. Kombucha drink can be consumed not only by adults, but also by children. With all this, its use is safe only if hygiene is observed and proper preparation of tea infusion from natural tea using fresh water.
Despite all the beneficial qualities of kombucha, it should be used with caution. It should not be used by people who have:
Increased acidity of gastric juice;
Stomach ulcer;
Gout;
Diabetes;
fungal diseases;
Individual intolerance to the components included in this product.
In general, the infusion of kombucha is absolutely harmless to the human body. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Kappa Laboratories, Miami, Florida, USA conducted microbiological and biochemical tests and reported that kombucha is safe for human consumption. [10].
However, it is better to refrain from drinking it for those who drive a car, as kombucha contains a small amount of alcohol.
The use of kombucha
Folk medicine in many countries of the world has long used the medicinal properties of kombucha. It is actively used in diseases of the intestines, kidneys, bladder, liver and nervous system, as well as to relieve headaches. It has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects, and also normalizes the activity of the gastrointestinal tract, helps to reduce blood cholesterol and blood pressure. The fungus has proven itself as an effective prophylactic against polyarthritis, rheumatic heart disease and atherosclerosis.
Its infusions are often used for chronic rhinitis, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. Many experts note that even with dysentery, such a drink can provide better care than some pharmaceutical preparations. The use of a solution of kombucha helps to overcome insomnia, get rid of pain in the heart area. It should be noted that this natural medicine has a sedative effect, and also has a positive effect on the general well-being of patients.
How to grow kombucha?
Simple and fast way. To grow kombucha, it is best to take the so-called “baby”, that is, the offshoot of the fungus from people involved in its cultivation. The process should be placed in a thoroughly washed and well-dried three-liter jar.
In a separate bowl, you need to brew strong tea at the rate of 100 g per 1 liter of water and dissolve in it from 30 to 60 grams of sugar. Sugar must be dissolved in advance, since large particles of sugar, if they get on the mushroom, can destroy it. Then you need to cool the tea leaves and carefully pour it into a container with a mushroom. The jar should be covered with clean gauze, which will allow the solution to breathe and protect it from dust. The drink will be ready to drink within 8-15 days.
If there is no ready mushroom, it is prepared independently, but this will require patience.
As a basis for choice, use:
Tea ➤
Rosehip ➤
Apple cider vinegar ➤
Prepare. Kombucha must be prepared clean. Dust and dirt should not be anywhere: neither in the workplace, nor on clothes, nor on dishes. It is recommended to sterilize the container for growing the fungus. Be sure to scald spoons, funnel, sieve and other devices that will be used to prepare the drink with boiling water.
tea brew recipe
Method of preparation:
a three-liter jar is washed with warm water and soda and sterilized.
In a teapot with a volume of 1,5 liters, 4-5 tablespoons of black or green tea are brewed without additives. When the tea has cooled, add 5 tablespoons of sugar to it and stir until completely dissolved.
The solution is passed through a sieve and poured into a three-liter jar.
Cover it with gauze and clean it in a dark place for 30-45 days.
After 2 weeks or a little earlier, a slight vinegar smell will appear from the jar. It will remain until a thin film forms on the surface of the liquid – this will be the medusa mycete.
Are the spots on the mushroom mold? Sometimes the surface of a young mushroom is covered with spots of gray or white. Don’t worry, it’s not mold. The spots are represented by colonies of microbes, which are formed during the symbiosis of acetic acid bacteria and yeast.
The formed kombucha is removed from the jar, rinsed in clean water and laid out in a new dish. The young medusomycete is still quite weak, so dust, dirt or insects should not be allowed to enter the jar. To make the mushroom stronger, it is fed with sweet tea.
At first, the medusomycete will not float to the surface. You should not worry about this. In a few days, it will rise from the bottom of the jar.
Rosehip recipe
Four tablespoons of wild rose pour 0,5 liters of boiling water and leave to infuse for three days. The best container for making a drink is a thermos.
A jar for the future jellyfish is washed with soda and poured over with boiling water.
Rosehip infusion is poured into it.
Tea is brewed separately. 250 ml of water will require 1 small spoon of dry raw materials.
The cooled tea is poured into a jar to the infusion of wild rose, add 5 tbsp. l. sugar, stir until completely dissolved.
After 24 hours, the solution is filtered, covered with gauze and left for 45-60 days. During this time, a young mushroom will form.
Vinegar Recipe
To get a really healthy product, use only high-quality apple cider vinegar. It should not contain foreign impurities, such as dyes.
The bottle must be opened and left in a warm place for 60-75 days. During this time, a precipitate will appear in it.
The next step is to prepare the brew. Sugar must be added to it.
Vinegar is poured into a jar with tea leaves and left for another 14 days.
The jelly-like film that appeared on the surface is the young kombucha
[Video] Instructions on how to grow kombucha from scratch:
tea fungus treatment
Since ancient times, kombucha has been considered an elixir for many diseases. Not so long ago, it was grown in almost every Soviet family. Currently, not only fans of traditional medicine know about the beneficial properties of the mushroom – they are confirmed by modern clinical studies.
Tea fungus nail treatment
There is such a disease as onychocryptosis – this is when the nail grows into the side of the nail fold. This usually happens on the big toe. In the early stages, the disease is accompanied by inflammation of the soft tissues, and in the later stages purulent discharge appears. If the disease is started, then in the future it is simply impossible to do without surgical intervention.
Very good results with timely treatment are given by natural medicines based on folk recipes, including kombucha. It is used in the form of compresses. First of all, we stratify the mushroom, then we wrap the sore finger with it and cover it with cling film, put on a simple sock, and then also a woolen one. The ingrown nail softens after three such procedures, and it can be removed independently.
For hair
There are many ways to take care of your hair with kombucha. Preparations from it help strengthen the hair, make them thicker and accelerate growth, the fungus is used in the treatment of various diseases of the scalp. In case of hair loss, tea fungus infusion should be rubbed into the hairy surface with light massaging movements. For a richer and more intense color, as well as to make the hair soft and shiny, it is recommended to rinse the hair with infusion of the mushroom after shampooing.
To improve the internal condition of the hair, tea fungus infusion can be drunk daily before meals. This will not only help strengthen the hair, but will also favorably affect their growth. If you need to get rid of dandruff, then do the following: divide your hair into strands and lubricate the roots along the parting line with a piece of gauze dipped in mushroom infusion. Rinse after 30-40 minutes. This procedure is desirable to carry out after each shampooing.
To strengthen hair, you can also mix one tablespoon of honey with one glass of mushroom infusion. The mixture should be slightly warmed up, without bringing to a boil, and mix thoroughly. The mask should be evenly applied to damp hair. After 20-30 minutes, the head can be rinsed with infusion of chamomile.
From nail fungus
Fungal infection of the nails is a chronic disease that steadily destroys the nail plates and threatens to pass to other people, primarily to family members. The disease is the entrance gate for many other infectious diseases, it leads to allergization of the whole organism, the development or worsening of such diseases as bronchial asthma, allergic dermatitis, eczema and others.
This is why the fungus should not be started, especially since the disease is easily treated with kombucha. To do this, a thin plate is separated from the fungus and fastened to the sore finger for the night. From above, the lotion is covered with cellophane and several socks are put on so as not to stain the bed linen, as juice will flow from the fungus. The first reaction is likely to be painful, but if this is overcome, then you can get rid of the disease once and for all.
In the morning, the compress should be removed, the leg washed in warm water, dead skin pieces cut off and the entire damaged surface treated with brilliant green or potassium permanganate solution. The procedure should be repeated every other day, and so on until the signs of the disease completely disappear. This usually takes up to seven approaches. After the end of the course of treatment, the procedure can be repeated for prevention. The new nail will grow slowly, but it will be even and healthy.
With gastritis
Today, gastritis is the most common disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is characterized by damage to the gastric mucosa and its inflammation. The causes of the disease can be malnutrition, excessive drinking, smoking, long-term use of toxic drugs, etc.
A mixture of kombucha and honey will help get rid of pain and heaviness in the stomach. The first 7-10 days when taking mushroom infusion, a light diet is recommended, then spices and bitterness, for example, barberry, dill, hops, can be gradually added to food. Tea kvass is consumed 3 times a day, 100 ml.
Infusion: Chopped chestnut bark must be added to boiling water at the same time as tea brewing. Infuse for 20-30 minutes, then strain and consume for two weeks a quarter cup of kombucha infusion 3 times a day 1 hour before meals.
With diabetes
Kombucha is good because it is able to normalize the metabolism in the human body, including carbohydrates. It is this feature that is used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. However, you can not use the mushroom for all forms of the disease; in this regard, it is best to consult with your doctor. Just one glass of kombucha infusion per day, divided into 3-4 servings, will significantly improve the functioning of the whole organism, mobilize internal reserves to fight the disease, and ensure a gradual decrease in blood sugar levels.
When drinking a drink, patients with diabetes are advised to dilute the mushroom with mineral water or herbal tea, while putting only 70–80 g of sugar is enough for two liters of tea. In addition, in the course of its life, kombucha processes sugar without residue.
With a stomach ulcer
With increased acidity and stomach ulcers, Kombucha should not be drunk. As an exception, you can use an infusion of the mushroom with honey, prepared on the basis of only black tea. Honey neutralizes the effects of acid, eliminating exacerbations.
For children
Kombucha drink is very healing and tonic, it can also be used by children. It is a good substitute for carbonated drinks. Although it is undesirable to teach children to tea kvass from an early age. Even the minimum amount of alcohol and caffeine with their regular use will adversely affect the children’s body. For kids, the best drink is pure water, and dessert – compotes, juices, fresh fruit puree, fruit drinks.
In pregnancy
Tea kvass can be consumed during pregnancy only if the woman has no allergic reactions to the polysaccharides and acids that make up Kombucha. Regular use of this healing drink will help strengthen the protective functions of the body and keep a woman in good health.
It is possible and even necessary to use the infusion during lactation, also provided that the mother and baby are not allergic to the components that make up the kombucha.
Kombucha for weight loss
Kombucha is a very good and unique remedy for weight loss. It means that it enhances the therapeutic effect in combination with other means. However, positive results will be achieved only when the nutrition is correct and healthy. For weight loss, you need to drink six glasses of kombucha daily: one glass one hour before meals, one glass two hours after. The course of treatment lasts three months, and after each month you should take a week break.
To achieve a greater effect, you can prepare an infusion of the mushroom on teas for weight loss. Very useful and tasty, it turns out on herbal teas. Drinks prepared on the basis of kombucha normalize the body’s metabolic processes, improve the functioning of the cardiovascular and hematopoietic systems. A person gets rid of edema and body fat, becomes more attractive and slimmer.
Contraindications to the use of kombucha
It is not recommended to take kombucha infusion for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type I diabetes). Do not use the infusion in large quantities, undiluted or fermented. Consultation with the attending physician is recommended for those people who have acute forms of diseases of the internal organs, and those who are undergoing drug treatment.