Kombucha

Kombucha known as the "Wonder Tonic" is a prized elixer known for its healthful and rejuvinating benefits.  Kombucha Tea is an eastern tradition that has promoted thousands of healthy lives.

Kombucha Topics Include:

	Kombucha - A general overview
	Kombucha Tea
	Kombucha Benefits, Risks and Testimonials
	Organic Kombucha Brewing Tips

Kombucha

What exactly is Kombucha anyways...?  Kombucha Tea is known as a all around health drink and many claim it as the fountain of youth.  Kombucha Tea is made from a Kombucha Mushroom and is a sweetened fermented drink.  Pronounced (com-boo-cha) this drink is definitely a one of a kind.

Kombucha tea contains some yeast species mixed with acetic acid bacteria (the potentially healthy kind). Species of yeast found in the tea can vary from brew to brew.  Some of the yeasts may include: Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Candida stellata, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Torulaspora delbrueckii and Zygosaccharomyces bailii.

Here is a list of what some people have claimed to be the benefits of the Kombucha Tonic - Note:  Many of these benefits listed have never been proven.  These are only claims made by individuals that have taken Kombucha Tea and feel they benefit from it.

• Relieves Stress
• Creates Energy
• Promoted Sense of Wellbeing
• Tastes Great
• Refreshing
• Aides in Digestion
• Helped Arthritis
• Reduces Heat Rash
• Thicken Hair
• Helps Asthma
• Helps with Fatty Tumors
• Helps with other skin disorders
• Calming
• Increased Sexual Drive
• Menstrual Cramps
• Rejuvinator
• Retrogrades Aging Effect
• Cold and Flu Remedy
• Aides in immune system
• Improves Eyesight
• Returns Hair Color back from Grey
• .... And Many Many More!!!!

Kombucha Tea

Kombucha Tea is made from a culture which has been inappropriately named the Kombucha Mushroom because it really isn't a mushroom it is a lichen other ingredients but the most accurate definition would probably be a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast and not a kombucha mushroom.  Kombucha Tea has also claimed to help numerous other ailments other than what is listed above.  How does Kombucha Tea Taste?  Kombucha Tea tastes like a bitter-sweat tonic depending on how the manufacturer and how it was brewed.  Sometimes Kombucha can taste much like a sweetened vinegar or wine due to its fermentation process.  The taste is extremely crisp and refreshing.  Many wine drinkers have also found Kombucha to be invigorating and reduce the need for alcohol altogether.

Kombucha Health Benefits are very similair to a variety of numerous eastern natural medicinal products.  How Safe Is Kombucha?  First of all, if not properly brewed and sterilized the health risks can be high as with any fermented product. 

"FDA CAUTIONS CONSUMERS ON "KOMBUCHA MUSHROOM TEA"

FDA has been receiving inquiries about "Kombucha mushroom tea" --
a product which has been mentioned in media reports lately for many
uses, from inducing a general state of well being to treating
diseases such as AIDS and cancer.  FDA has not approved this
product as a treatment for any medical condition.  The following
information can be used to answer questions:

Kombucha mushroom tea, also known as "Manchurian tea" or "Kargasok
tea," is not actually derived from a mushroom, but from the
fermentation of various yeasts and bacteria.  A starter culture is
added to a mixture of black tea and sugar, and the resulting mix is
allowed to ferment for a week or more...."

Although Kombucha is basically safe in general, if not properly stored it can become extremely harmful.  People all around the world, however, drink Kombucha on a daily basis.  Just make sure it is from a trustworthy and reliable source in order to minimize risk.