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Kombucha tea is made from the kombucha tea "mushroom," a large, flat, pancake-shaped fungus-like growth. Although commonly called the Kombucha Mushroom, technically, the kombucha is not a mushroom, nor is it purely a fungus. Rather, Kombucha is the cultured growth of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that is it is part lichen, part bacterium xylinum, and part natural yeast culture that form a mushroom shaped colony bound in cellulose matrix. Kombucha propagates or recreates another "culture" similar to itself during the fermentation process. When placed in a mixture of ordinary sugar and tea for 7 to 10 days, the it ferments, producing alcohol, which is then converted into acetic acid (i.e., vinegar). The process produces both a wine-tasting health-restoring tea and a new "baby" kombucha.
Vinegar has been used by humans for thousands of years. The Assyrians, Greeks and Romans thought it an important medicine in its own right. The history of kombucha tea can be traced back 2,000 years to China, Russia, Japan, and Korea.
Kombucha is used to support the healing of a wide variety of diseases and is used in many countries throughout the world. Over time, it has been used as a curative in many regions, primarily in Manchuria and Russia. It is said that Manchuria, the home of Kombucha, not one case of cancer has been detected where the people religiously drink the Kombucha tea. Russian scientists studied the fungus during the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. According to Moscow Central Bacteriological Institute, kombucha tea, when properly made, contains a number of substances important for good health, including gluconic acid, which impedes the progression of viral infections and can dissolve gallstones; hyaluronic acid, a component of connective tissue; chondroitin sulfate, a component of the stomach lining and the vitreous humor of the eye. The beverage also contains vitamin C and the B vitamins such as vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-12, and folic acid as well as concentrated amounts of protein that is available for immediate use by the body and lactic acid, dextrogyral, and usnic acid, a substance with strong antibacterial and antiviral effects.
The naturally formed acid content of Kombucha helps to counter difficulties associated with aging and is thus used as a longevity elixir. Kombucha delivers positive influence on the entire body, rather than targeting specific body organs. It has strong antibiotic, antiseptic and detoxifying properties. It is a blood pH normalizer and assists the body in stabilizing metabolic processes.
According to researchers and to anecdotal evidence, kombucha tea is a potent immune system booster, and can be an important part of treatment for acne, aging skin, AIDS (helps to strengthen the immune system), arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), arthritis, asthma, bronchitis and respiratory problems, cancer, candidiasis, chronic fatigue, constipation, diabetes, diarrhea and other digestive disorders, hair loss, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, hypoglycemia, incontinence in both men and women, kidney and urinary stones, gallstone disorders and gallstones, all digestive disorders, cavity prevention, menopausal problems, multiple sclerosis, premenstrual syndrome, prostate problems, skin rashes, psoriasis, boils, allergies, tonsillitis, gout, rheumatism, headaches, nervousness, insomnia, stress, low energy and fatigue, glandular imbalances, weak eyes, impotence, and weight problems. It is also said to greatly increase energy, and to promote a general feeling of well-being.
Kombucha comes in various forms. For best results, read and follow product label directions on commercial Kombucha products. There is no known safety issues or interactions associated with Kombucha when used as recommended.
Many people prepare kombucha tea at home, as the tea-making process is both easy and inexpensive. However, kombucha tea beverages are available commercially in health food stores, and are just as effective and nutritious as homemade brews. The one drawback to the commercial products is that some have a sour taste due to the longer fermentation process. The longer process does not, however, affect the product's potency. Also available are extracts and tinctures made from the pressed fungus. These products are handy when traveling and are particularly effective more motion sickness.
There is some debate regarding the best time to consume kombucha tea. Most proponents of the tea feel that it should be poured off after 4 to 6 days, and then allowed to sit in a container for another 3 days before being consumed. Russian researchers have concluded that the antibiotic activity is at its highest level on the 7th and 8th days. Be aware that if left to brew too long - for over a month - the tea will turn to vinegar. While you would not want to drink this vinegar as a beverage, you can use it just as you would use any other vinegar.
PROCEDURE
The preparation of kombucha tea is a simple process that requires only a small amount of equipment and ingredients. Before following this procedure, be sure to remove your rings, as metal should never touch the "mushroom". To prevent contamination, make sure that your utensils and work area are scrupulously clean. Also keep in mind that ingredient substitutions should never be made. For instance, a reduction of the amount of sugar or the substitution of brown sugar for white could adversely affect the health of the fungus. White sugar is essential to its survival.
Keep in mind that tobacco smoke can kill your kombucha. If you smoke, do so outside. Better yet, quit.
After using one kombucha "mushroom" for some time, environmental stresses may affect the organism, causing the tea to taste flat. When this happens, use green tea, rather than black, to make the growing medium, and use the tea from a "livelier" fungus until the old one is restored.
To make the tea, you will need:3 quarts distilled water
1 cup refined white sugar
4 tea bags (green or black tea only)
4 ounces newly harvested kombucha tea or 4 ounces apple cider vinegar
1 large kombucha "mushroom"
6 quart glass or enamel pot
4 quart glass bowl
1 square of cheesecloth
6 inch rubber band
Wooden or plastic spoon.
1. Place the water in the glass or enamel pot over high heat. (Do not use an aluminum pot.) Add the sugar, and boil for 5 minutes.
2. Remove the pot from the heat. Add the tea bags to the pot, and steep for 10 minutes. Wash your hands, and remove and discard the tea bags.
3. Pour the tea into the glass bowl (do not use crystal, metal, ceramic, or plastic), and allow it to reach room temperature. Add the harvested kombucha tea or vinegar.
4. Place the mushroom smooth side up in the "growing" tea. Cover the bowl with the cheesecloth, and secure the cloth with the rubber band.
5. Place the bowl in a dark, quiet, ventilated place with a temperature between 70°F and 90°F. (A shelf in the kitchen is an ideal place.) Allow the bowl to remain there for 7 to 10 days. Do not refrigerate.
6. After 7 to 10 days, remove the "mushrooms" with a wooden or plastic spoon. Note that a "baby" kombucha is now growing on the top of the original kombucha. Separate the baby from the mother by gently pulling them apart with clean hands.
7. Using the cloth as a strainer, pour the new tea from the bowl into a glass bottle. Do not store the tea in plastic, as chemicals can leach out of the container into the tea. Store in the refrigerator, and drink 4 ounces 3 times a day, before or after meals. Do not drink more than the recommended amount. Use the 2 "mushrooms" and part of the newly harvested tea to make more tea.
KOMBUCHA SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Kombucha supplements and products that contain Kombucha and supplies to make your own Kombucha tea.
Green Tea Collection, Yogi Tea, 6 Boxes of 16 Tea Bags
The healing essence of Yogi Tea green tea has brought longevity and vitality to the people of the Far East for centuries. With our Green Tea Sampler you will experience the antioxidant properties and delicate flavor of the world's finest green tea.Green Tea Energy, Natural Energy Boost, Yogi Tea, Certified Organic, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Green Tea Energy is a vital tonic specially formulated to promote greater energy and well-being. It helps reduce certain effects of aging and stress.Green Tea Kombucha, Decaffeinated, Immune Support, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Green Tea Decaf Kombucha uses the same delicious recipe as our Green Tea Kombucha but is naturally decaffeinated.Green Tea Kombucha, Immune Support, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Green Tea Kombucha is based on an ancient remedy and offers a convenient form of Kombucha designed for daily use.Green Tea Rejuvenation, 88% Organic, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Green Tea Rejuvenation is made with Organic Green Tea and is designed to help promote all-around health.Green Tea Triple Echinacea, Immune Protector, Yogi Tea, 16 Tea Bags
Yogi Tea Green Tea Triple Echinacea is formulated to help keep your immune system in great shape.Glass Jar (Empty), Kombucha Tea Fermentation Jar, With Plastic Lid, Case of 4 - One Gallon Jars
The perfect size and shape for fermenting tea. You will find that this modestly priced jar is easy to handle and will suit your needs while taking less space for convenient brewing and storing.Kombucha Electric Heating Panel, 9-1/4" X 9-1/4" Size, 1 Panel
A Kombucha Electric Heating Panel will keep your mushroom at a perfect temperature of between 80-84 degrees and give you full control over the process, no matter how cold it gets outside.Kombucha Gold Deluxe, Organic Tea Brewing Kit (1-Kombucha Culture, 1-Elixer Book, 4-One Gallon Jars, 1-Heating Panel, 50-pH strips)
This package includes one Organic living mushroom, the "ELIXIR! Kombucha Tea" book, a Kombucha pH test strip vial, a four-pack of one gallon glass jars and a heating panel.Kombucha How-To DVD, Kombucha Products
You will find a lot of useful information on Kombucha in this DVD.Kombucha Gold Organic Tea Brewing Kit (1-Kombucha Culture, 1-Elixer Book, 50-pH strips)
A home-brewing package which includes all you need to start brewing your own Kombucha Tea at Home. This package includes 1 living mushroom, 112 page book "The Miracle Fungus" 5th edition and several ounces of fermented "starter" tea.Kombucha Magic Deluxe, Organic Tea Brewing Kit (1-Kombucha Culture, 1-Instructional VHS Tape, 4-One Gallon Jars, 1-Heating Panel, 50-pH Test Strips)
This Kombucha Kit offers an excellent combination for ease of brewing, handling and storing including an instructional VHS. All you need to know, and all the equipment to get the job done right.Kombucha Magic, Organic Tea Brewing Kit (1-Kombucha Culture, 1-Instructional DVD Tape, 50-pH Test Strips)
For those who prefer a visual demonstration of the brewing process we have created a home brewing package.Kombucha Miracle Fungus, Kombucha Tea Benefit's, By Harald Tietze, Paperback
One time best seller, Kombucha Miracle Fungus is all about synergy and Kombucha Tea Benefit's it is an easy read for those interested in the synergy Kombucha offers or Kombucha benefit's.Kombucha Organic Mushroom Culture, Extra Large, 100% Organic, In 1/2 Gallon Glass Container
If you want to brew your own Kombucha Tea, you will need to purchase a Kombucha mushroom. Grown in beautiful Agua Dulce, California, these mushrooms are 100% Organic, pure, robust and vigorous.Kombucha PH Test Strips, 50 Strips Per Pack
Take the guesswork out of brewing kombucha tea with our line of Kombucha mushroom accessories - Kombucha pH test strips.Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Original Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 64 fl. oz., Case of 6
Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Ginger Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 64 fl. oz., Case of 6
Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Original Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 25.4 fl. oz., Case of 12
Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Ginger Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 25.4 fl. oz., Case of 12
Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Original Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, 100% Organic, Bottled, Ginger Flavor, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Apricot Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Blueberry Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Grape Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Grapefruit Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Mango Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Tea, Peach Flavored, Ready-To-Drink, 12 fl. oz., Case of 24
Kombucha Mushroom Tea is healthy and refreshing and it tastes somewhat like a sparkling apple cider with a tang of vinegar, depending on how long it ferments. People from all over the world claim drinking Kombucha Tea provides relief from many physical ailments. Kombucha Tea offers many people the physical resistance they need to maintain and restore health. Kombucha's benefits to the physical body vary widely. It is said to enhance the immune system. By detoxifying the body, kombucha makes it unlikely for disease causing bacteria and viruses to find a suitable growth environment. This results in a healthier physical body.Kombucha Tea Brewing Video, 20 Minute Informative & Instructional Video
This video covers all you need to know for successful cultivation, fermentation, propagation, storage, and many uses of the miracle mushroom.Kombucha Tea Extract Tincture, Certified 100% Organic, Case of 12, 1 fl. oz.
People from all over the world claim drinking Kombucha Tea provides relief from many physical ailments. Kombucha Tea Extract drops are very convenient and portable. Take them anytime, anyplace; work, traveling or at home.Kombucha 2000, Concentrated Kombucha Capsule, 30 Caps
Concentrated Kombucha Capsules are new to the market, but Kombucha 2000 is one of the very first successful kombucha tea producers in the United States.The Essential Kombucha, By Andra Malczewski
The Essential Kombucha by Andra Anastazia Malczewski details the benefits of Kombucha.Herbal Remedies: Kombucha / Kombucha Mushroom Supplements & Products
LINKS & RESOURCES
If you are unable to obtain a kombucha tea "mushroom" from a friend, you can get a mushroom and growing kit from these resources and more recipes and information from the links below:
The Kombucha Center
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The Complete Guide to Natural Healing
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