Benefit
Kombucha, which resembles a jellyfish, has many positive effects on the human body. It affects the digestive system, improves sleep, normalizes blood pressure and improves overall health. This biological substrate has taken root in our homes not only because it produces a tasty kvass drink.
Beneficial properties of kombucha:
- Reducing blood cholesterol levels.
- Normalization of blood pressure.
- Calming effect on the nervous system.
- Relieving headaches.
- Normalization of the gastrointestinal tract.
- Relief of symptoms of chronic sore throat.
- Relieving pain in the heart area.
- Insomnia therapy.
- Calming effect, general condition-improving effect.
- Prevention of seasonal ARVI.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic effects.
- Relieving mental fatigue.
- Disinfection of the stomach.
- Normalization of the genitourinary system.
- Restoring effect for the natural microflora of the stomach.
- Rejuvenating effect, smoothing wrinkles.
The medicinal properties of kombucha are used in the treatment of sore throat, ARVI, bacterial dysentery, and many other diseases. You can drink it after a course of antibiotics to restore the microflora of the stomach and intestines. Its benefits are recognized and appreciated all over the world, and not only by fans of traditional medicine. Even doctors recommend taking a drink made from Japanese kombucha, which is beneficial for men, women, the elderly and children.
Benefits of Kombucha
A number of studies have shown that kombucha infusion has a tonic effect on the body. This is due to the biologically active substances produced by Kombucha. Among the components, a special role is given to glucuronic acid, which has hepatoprotective properties. Thanks to its content, antioxidant protection, antiviral effect, increased production of antibodies and interferon are observed. A number of in vitro clinical studies have shown the ability of glucuronic acid to protect liver cells from chemical and immunological agents.
Present exclusively in live tea tree drinks. During pasteurization, it disappears, turning into other acids (citric, ascorbic).
The composition also contains succinic acid, known for its pronounced antihypoxic, metabolic and antioxidant effects. It has a number of beneficial effects on the human body:
- improves brain function;
- allows you to get rid of stress, normalizing the nervous system;
- normalizes insulin production;
- has a general strengthening effect on the immune system;
- reduces exposure to radiation and magnetic waves;
- reduces blood pressure;
- has a diuretic effect.
The malic acid contained in the composition has a tonic effect on the body, protects the liver from the harmful effects of drugs, and helps them be better absorbed. During prolonged storage at low temperatures, malic acid is converted into lactic acid, which is why kombucha is not recommended to be stored in the refrigerator.
Scientists have found that a drink made from kombucha acts similarly to antibiotics and antiseptics.
Even when the liquid is diluted up to 50-100 times, a detrimental effect on E. coli, streptococci, staphylococci and other bacteria is observed.
The medicinal properties of the mushroom have been used in alternative medicine for a huge number of years. It stimulates the body and helps to successfully cope with various problems, thanks to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Live kombucha increases immunological reactivity in newborns and adults, increasing resistance to bacterial and viral infections. The drink helps the body quickly cope with a number of pathologies associated with:
- dysfunctions of the stomach and intestines;
- malfunctions of the bladder and genitourinary system;
- liver and kidney problems;
- inflammatory diseases of cartilage, muscle and bone tissues;
- chronic respiratory diseases, including tonsillitis, tonsillitis, rhinitis, sinusitis;
- colitis, enteritis, bacterial dysentery.
The product is no less effective in cases of intestinal dysfunction and helps get rid of constipation.
Studies have shown that kombucha has a high potential for use in the fight against infectious diseases when taken with other medications.
It is recommended to take it for any symptoms of colds, sore throat, tonsillitis. Washing open wounds with this infusion speeds up their healing. It is advisable to drink kombucha 2 times a day at equal intervals and at the same time. The first dose is necessary to stimulate the digestive system to function in the morning, the second is recommended for cleansing the intestines before bed.
The fungus produces an analogue of the naturally occurring antibiotic substance – jellyfish. With its help, many have already gotten rid of fungal nail diseases and serious pathological processes occurring on the skin.
It also helps well in the treatment of infectious skin pathologies - furunculosis, acne.
Kombucha infusion is recommended for respiratory ailments. One of the most effective and well-known procedures is mouth rinsing. The drink helps to quickly cure stomatitis ulcers.
The mushroom also eliminates hemorrhoids, softens and heals damaged nodes, and quickly eliminates pain during exacerbation of hemorrhoids. To do this, it is recommended to apply a bandage soaked in the infusion to the cones.
For people who have an unbalanced diet, kombucha is a very important product. It lowers cholesterol, normalizes weight and increases energy.
For women
For women, a “mushroom cocktail” is necessary to stabilize hormonal levels and helps balance the microflora of the genital organs. The drink also stops the growth of benign tumors and eliminates pain during menstruation.
It is advisable for pregnant women to take kombucha only if there are no health problems or contraindications. It strengthens the immune system, stops the growth of pathogenic bacteria, has a general tonic effect, and prevents colds. Kombucha helps cope with swelling and defecation disorders, which expectant mothers are often susceptible to. The special composition of the tea drink supports the condition of the kidneys and urinary tract, which have a high load during pregnancy.
During breastfeeding, kombucha stimulates lactation, improves the quality of milk and its fat content. The product prevents problems with teeth, skin and hair. It is necessary to introduce it into the mother’s diet carefully, carefully observing the baby’s reaction. At the first negative manifestations from the child’s body, you should stop taking the drink.
Numerous reviews from women prove that kombucha has no equal in the fight against excess weight. The probiotics included in its composition create a favorable healing environment in the intestines and conditions for rapid metabolism.
It is also known about the excellent cosmetic properties of kombucha, which allows it to be used as an effective component for the preparation of various cosmetic home remedies. You can easily prepare tonic masks and lotions from kombucha. They help narrow pores, get rid of inflammatory processes, make the skin elastic, and even out the tone.
When the nourishing infusion is rubbed into the scalp, a powerful activation of blood circulation is noticeable, hair growth increases, and hair loss stops.
Benefits for men
Representatives of the stronger sex can drink kombucha to prevent prostatitis and other problems of the reproductive system. Jellyfish contains many useful components that prevent inflammatory processes, destroy pathogenic bacteria, increase the quantity and quality of ejaculate, stimulating the ability to fertilize.
The drink is recommended for use by athletes and men leading an active lifestyle. It helps build muscle mass, improves endurance and energy. The amino acids contained in the composition make muscle fibers elastic, and caffeine increases strength.
For children
Drinking the drink in childhood is not contraindicated. It is recommended to drink it for children who often suffer from diseases of the respiratory system, live in places with poor ecology, and have an unbalanced diet. The infusion helps the child’s body replenish the necessary vitamins.
Kombucha retains its greatest antimicrobial activity on the 90th day of cultivation. When pasteurized or boiled, its antibiotic properties increase many times.
Harm
Japanese kombucha has been studied in detail over the years. And no negative effects on the body were identified. Neither the elderly nor children are prohibited from taking kvass obtained from him. External use also does not cause any harm.
But if, when drinking a kombucha drink, your stomach becomes upset or rashes appear, this means that you belong to one of the groups of contraindications. You should consult a doctor and check for intolerance, fungal diseases or pathologies of internal systems.
Using Kombucha in Cosmetics
The versatility of kombucha lies in the fact that it is used for various purposes, including cosmetic ones.
This improves the condition of hair and skin. Using the drink helps get rid of acne, pimples, dandruff, and normalizes oily skin. Using it on hair helps strengthen the roots, accelerate growth, and make hair thick and shiny.
How to use kombucha for hair
To strengthen the hair roots, prepare a mixture of the drink with honey. Heat the liquid and dissolve a spoonful of honey in it. This mixture is applied to the roots of the hair, left for some time, and then washed off.
It is considered beneficial for hair if you drink the drink regularly. However, you can use it as a rinse, applying it three times a week.
Hair rinse
A decoction is prepared to rinse hair, but in addition to kombucha, it is advisable to add various herbs to it.
To prepare the decoction, take a very strong infusion of the mushroom (in particular, it should ferment for about a month). Then the infusion is diluted in water in a ratio of one to two. After this, add herbs to the solution: nettle, sage, chamomile, put on fire and bring to a boil. Then the liquid is cooled and applied.
This decoction is especially useful for those with oily hair. The decoction must be used quite often, up to five times within a week.
Hair masks
You can also use masks for your hair. For example, the following mask is used for dandruff, which is well suited for all hair types.
Strong tea is brewed in a jar, approximately 1/7 of the volume of the jar. 300 g of sugar is placed in the tea leaves. Then, while the tea leaves have not yet cooled, a mushroom is placed in it. The jar is closed with a lid and infused for a month in a warm, not too lit place. The finished infusion is filtered and rubbed into the hair, after rinsing the hair with shampoo. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes.
Another universal mask, intended for all hair types, is prepared from a month-long infusion of kombucha. For a third of a glass of liquid, add a tablespoon of honey, 10 drops of aromatic oils of sage and lavender. The finished composition is rubbed into the roots of the hair, left for an hour, then the head is washed in warm water.
Dietary properties
If you are breeding kombucha and planning to lose weight, you can safely include the resulting drink in your menu. It improves digestion and has a positive effect on the entire gastrointestinal system. But the desired effect will be achieved only if you follow the rules of a healthy diet and maintain an active lifestyle. Tea kvass will not save you from excess weight if you do not organize a comprehensive process.
To lose weight, you need to drink one glass of kvass drink every day 1 hour before meals. You also need to drink a glass 2 hours after dinner before bed. The dietary course of administration is 3 months, after which you need to give the body a rest for a week. Afterwards you can continue drinking the resulting kvass. It perfectly quenches thirst, can replace tea and other drinks, delighting with a pleasant taste.
Benefits for weight loss
It is recommended to introduce a drink made from medusomycetes into the diet of people who are struggling with excess weight. The substances contained in it improve the breakdown and absorption of nutrients, thereby normalizing the digestion process and healing the intestinal biocenosis. Fiber and other polysaccharides in kvass prevent constipation, which often accompanies the process of losing weight.
In order for the Japanese mushroom to promote weight loss, an infusion of it must be taken, adhering to certain rules:
- You need to infuse a diet tea drink with green tea.
- Drink one hour before meals or two hours after meals.
- A single dose is 1 glass (250 ml), the maximum daily dose is 6 glasses.
- The duration of the continuous course should not exceed 1 month.
- A break of at least one week is required between courses.
- Drinking the drink does not replace dietary nutrition and physical activity.
- The caloric content of the drink should be taken into account when calculating the daily caloric intake (based on the glucose content in 100 ml).
With proper use of tea kvass, you can get rid of 7 kg of weight in one month.
Calorie content
There are only 33 kcal per 100 grams of kombucha. One 200 ml glass contains 66 kcal, which is slightly more than 4 percent of the average daily requirement. Such a low calorie content makes it dietary, suitable for those losing weight and counting calories in their diet. There are no fats in the composition at all, only carbohydrates and proteins (of which there are also not many). Kvass has low nutritional value, which is completely normal for a biological additive.
Chemical composition
The origin, growth and development of kombucha is largely determined by the type of tea used. The chemical composition of the resulting tea drink will depend on this. Thus, a drink obtained by using black tea as a nutrient medium will contain more tannins, and green tea will contain more vitamins and caffeine. In addition, green tea kvass will contain more purine bases.
The drink obtained as a result of fermentation of tea infusion contains:
- carbohydrates (sucrose, fructose, glucose, cellulose);
- organic acids (acetic, lactic, citric, oxalic, glucuronic, phosphoric, kojic, malic, pyruvic);
- enzymes (amylase, lipase, protease, carbonic anhydrase, catalase);
- lipids (fatty acids, sterols, phospholipids);
- proteins and purine bases;
- pigments (chlorophyll, xanthophyll);
- antibiotics;
- tannins;
- alcohols and aldehydes;
- resins;
- alkaloids;
- glycosides;
- vitamins;
- minerals.
Vitamins
Name | Content in 100 ml of drink, milligrams |
Provitamin A (beta-carotene) | 0,04-0,12 |
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) | 0,1 |
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) | 0,15-0,3 |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) | 0,1 |
Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 0,005 |
Vitamin PP (nicotinic acid) | 1,0 |
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol) | 0,05 |
Consuming just 100 ml of tea kvass can provide the human body with the daily requirement of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and vitamin D (ergocalciferol).
Contraindications
In general, you should not expect any negative effect on the human body from kvass. But there are contraindications to drinking mushroom tea drink. These include:
- Diabetes.
- Increased stomach acidity.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Individual intolerance.
- Fungal diseases.
Due to the sugar in the composition, in case of diabetes, the drink can aggravate the course of the disease. This also applies to diseases of the gastrointestinal system associated with high acidity. And for fungal diseases (from foot fungus to thrush), the mushroom drink will serve as fertile ground for the further development of microorganisms. If you have any concerns about taking a mushroom, it is best to first consult your doctor for advice.
Experts also recommend that those who need to drive should refrain from drinking kvass. The drink contains small amounts of alcohol. In most cases it will not lead to intoxication, but in large quantities and with special sensitivity, taking it can result in negative consequences.
How to grow
Kombucha bacteria are aerobes, meaning they cannot live without oxygen. Therefore, in the process of growing medusomycetes, it is very important that there is constant access to air to the infusion. The process of growing kombucha looks like this:
- Wash and rinse thoroughly a glass jar (preferably a 3-liter one).
- Using purified boiled water, you need to prepare weak (black or green) tea with sugar (2 teaspoons of tea, 1 liter of water, 50 g of sugar). Strain until the infusion is clear.
- Tea should be large-leaf, without flavorings or dyes. Sugar must be completely dissolved in tea.
- Place a Japanese mushroom at the bottom of the prepared container and pour in tea at room temperature.
- Cover the neck of the jar with gauze. Leave in a bright place, avoiding direct sunlight on the mushroom.
At first, the medusomycete will lie at the bottom of the jar, but as it grows and matures it will rise to the surface. The drink can be consumed no earlier than after 7 days. Until this time, it contains a lot of sugar. It is also not worth keeping the infusion for longer than 10 days, since acetic acid will progressively accumulate in it.
After draining the kvass into the jar with the mushroom, you need to add freshly prepared tea. Every week or every two weeks a new layer will appear in the jellyfish. The layers can be separated: this is how it multiplies.
If during the growing process the jellyfish sank to the bottom, it needs to be treated. To do this, it is taken out of the container, the old infusion is drained, and the jar is thoroughly washed. The body of the mushroom is examined. The dark layers are separated and discarded. The remaining jellyfish is dried and then dipped into freshly prepared tea infusion at room temperature. If after a few days she has not risen to the surface, this means that she has died. It is strictly prohibited to consume tea kvass obtained by infusing dead mushrooms.
If you plan to make the drink for regular use, then it is better to prepare two glass containers at once: in one the mushroom will grow and the drink ripens, and in the other the finished tea kvass will be stored.
Best materials of the month
- Why you can't go on a diet on your own
- 21 tips on how to avoid buying stale food
- How to keep vegetables and fruits fresh: simple tricks
- How to curb your sweet cravings: 7 unexpected products
- Scientists say youth can be extended
Is it possible for pregnant and lactating women
For women during pregnancy and lactation, drinking kombucha drink is not prohibited. The exception is individual contraindications and allergic reactions to polysaccharides and other substances included in the finished drink. During lactation, you also need to take into account the characteristics of the newborn’s body: his allergies should also prevent him from taking kvass. With regular use, a woman’s well-being will improve, pregnancy and lactation will be tolerated much easier by the body.
Harm of Kombucha and its contraindications
Considering the benefits of kombucha for human health, it should not be considered dangerous. But there are times when people should still refrain from using the folk remedy.
Kombucha is harmful if you use the product with the following contraindications:
- Individual intolerance.
- Complicated form of diabetes mellitus.
- Stomach ulcer.
- Hypotension.
- Gout.
- Increased acidity of gastric juice.
It is strictly forbidden to take mushrooms that have already fermented. You should expect harm to health from it, not benefit. It is also important to stop taking the drink further if there is a noticeable deterioration in the person’s general condition after it.
Article Rating
The nutritional value
Nutritional value per 100 ml
protein | 2.6 g |
fats | 0 g |
carbohydrates | 8.3 g |
The low calorie content and lack of fat in the composition make the kombucha drink a dietary drink.
Despite its low nutritional value, it can suppress appetite, which is useful if you regularly overeat and want to constantly snack on something. But in case of diabetes and obesity, intake should either be limited or eliminated altogether. The carbohydrate composition contains polysaccharides. Chemical composition per 100 ml
Vitamin PP | 1 mg |
Vitamin C | 0.65 mg |
Vitamin B2 | 0.3 mg |
Vitamin A | 0.12 mg |
Vitamin B1 | 0.1 mg |
Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
Vitamin D | 0.05 mg |
Vitamin B12 | 0.005 mg |
Zinc | 0.005 mg |
Calcium | 0.005 mg |
Most of the chemical composition contains vitamins. It also contains ethanol, caffeine, enzymes and beneficial organic acids that are not synthesized by the human body. The positive effect on human health is ensured by the unique combination of these vitamins and other substances.
Composition and calorie content of kombucha
The composition includes many useful substances and components. Firstly, these are natural organic acids: acetic, malic, citric, oxalic, grape and lactic.
Next, digestive enzymes, amylase and lipase, tannins - tannins, monosaccharides, caffeine. Lots of vitamins: B, PP, D, C.
Another substance that was mentioned earlier is medusin, which is a natural antibiotic.
As for the content of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the mushroom contains the most carbohydrates - their mass ratio is about 8 g. In second place are proteins, about 3 g. As for fats, there are practically none.
The calorie content per 100 g of drink is approximately 7 kilocalories. As a result, such a low calorie content allows the drink to be used not only to quench thirst in the heat, but also for medicinal purposes.
Classically, kombucha is infused with black tea. However, many people use green tea. At the same time, the beneficial properties do not become worse.
How to use
It is recommended to drink the tea fungus drink 1 hour before meals, or 3 hours after. The drink will prepare the stomach environment for food to enter if taken in advance. And it will have a calming and disinfecting effect if you drink it immediately before bed, after dinner.
Kombucha drink can also be used externally. They are used to wipe festering wounds, burns, and areas of skin damaged by skin diseases. Kvass will have a disinfecting and healing effect, accelerate the regeneration process and ensure a safe recovery process.
Can also be used for cosmetic purposes. Kvass improves the condition of hair if used as a rinse. Rinsing your mouth will help whiten your teeth. And rubbing the skin can restore tone, smooth out wrinkles, improve elasticity and slow down the aging process.
How to make and drink kombucha
To prepare a drink from kombucha, you do not need to carry out any complex manipulations. Some people pour the finished drink out of the can and drink it right away. However, it is believed that you should not drink the infusion in its pure form due to its high concentration. It is best to dilute it with water or juice. And you shouldn’t drink in large quantities - only one glass in the morning and in the evening. It’s best to drink a glass of drink half an hour before a meal, or two hours after it. You cannot drink a drink with food.
Preparation of kvass drink consists of the following steps:
- Take a three-liter jar in which tea is brewed at the rate of 2 teaspoons per liter of water. 200 g of sugar dissolves here. Then, the tea is cooled and filtered.
- A mushroom is placed in the liquid.
- The top of the jar is covered with gauze. placed in a warm and well-lit place.
- After seven days, the finished drink is poured into another container, and the mushroom is placed in a new tea solution.
That's it, the drink is ready, you can drink it.
Storage
Rules for growing and caring for kombucha:
- Take a clean and dry three-liter jar and place the mushroom shoot in it.
- Separately, brew tea at the rate of 100 g of tea leaves, 1 liter of water and 30-60 grams of granulated sugar.
- Make sure that the sugar is completely dissolved in the brewed tea.
- Pour the cooled tea leaves over the fungus in the jar.
- Tighten the neck of the jar with sterile gauze.
- Keep the jar in a dark place, protected from direct sunlight.
- For the fermentation process and proliferation of the fungus, it is necessary to provide a warm environment, preferably with a temperature of +25.
- Drain the liquid every 2-3 days in summer, every 4-6 days in winter.
After first filling a jar with fungus with strong tea, the drink will be ready in about 15 days. Once every three weeks the shoot is washed with warm water. Be careful not to damage it. It can multiply for a long time and actively, but if you notice that the upper part becomes brown, and the fungus itself begins to sink to the bottom, this means that it is dying. You can save it with proper care and timely feeding.
How to care for kombucha
You can grow kombucha at home - it is not as difficult as it seems at first glance. It is better to start growing it yourself with the help of friends - from a ready-made layer of kombucha, which is properly cared for. If this is not possible, it will be useful to learn how to grow a mushroom from scratch.
- prepare the ingredients and items that will be required for growing kombucha - a 3-liter jar, gauze, teapot, sugar, boiling water, loose leaf tea without any impurities or additives;
- Brew tea in a teapot - pour 5 tablespoons of tea leaves with 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave until completely cooled;
- in the meantime, wash a three-liter jar with simple baking soda;
- as soon as the tea has cooled, add 7 tablespoons of sugar and strain the composition;
- The sweet brew is poured into a jar, covered with gauze and left in a warm place for a month and a half.
Some time after the procedure, you can notice a thin film on the tea leaves - this is kombucha. It will grow constantly. As soon as a dense layer is obtained, it is transferred to a new clean jar and filled with tea. Tea is prepared in the standard way - pour boiling water over the tea leaves and add sugar at the rate of 5 tablespoons per 2 liters of tea. Ready-made and independently grown kombucha is left in a jar, covered with gauze.
There are no other ways to make kombucha. Some sources only advise rinsing the grown layer of kombucha in table vinegar, but this is not necessary.
- they grow the mushroom in a two- or three-liter jar;
- the jar is not closed, but only covered with gauze;
- the jar should be glass for good transmission of light, but not sunlight, so the vessel is placed in the shade;
- The infusion should be drained every 2-3 days, and in winter - every 5-6 days;
- the finished infusion can be stored in the refrigerator or in the cellar;
- the solution for pouring a new portion of kombucha is prepared from already used tea leaves - the prepared solution is filtered from the tea leaves;
- The solution is already made sweet and poured into the kombucha - you cannot put sugar in a jar with mushroom, otherwise it will die.
Pomegranate: beneficial properties and contraindications. – there is more useful information here.
- How to separate kombucha? The jellyfish-shaped layer will independently divide into layers. As soon as this happens, the mushroom is removed from the jar and divided into parts under warm running water - the old layer is removed, and the new one is placed in a new clean jar and filled with sweet tea solution.
- Why did the kombucha sink to the bottom of the jar? This often occurs when changing the solution and no additional manipulations should be performed. The mushroom will rise to the top on its own in 2-3 days.
- Mold has appeared on the mushroom, what should I do? This rarely occurs and is largely due to poor care. To get rid of mold, you need to remove the mushroom from the container and clean it from the bottom layer. The container itself is cleaned and boiled or sterilized. The cleaned mushroom is placed in a clean jar and filled with new starter.
- How to rinse kombucha? This is done under running water, but with completely clean hands - it is important to remove all gold jewelry from your hands so as not to damage the structure.
There should not be any other difficulties in caring for kombucha.
You will be interested in this article - Sea buckthorn: beneficial properties and contraindications.
Since the infusion has precautions for use, it is important to indicate how to drink the kombucha. Kombucha infusion should be taken “outside” of meals - you should not drink the drink before, during or after meals. The exception is if a person overeats - in this case, on the contrary, the drink will help cope with the heaviness in the stomach.
The most useful infusions are in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening an hour before bedtime. You should drink a glass, no more. Drinking kombucha in the morning will trigger your metabolism, and in the evening it will promote sleep.
The article describes in detail the benefits and harms of kombucha, which everyone determines for themselves. Taking the infusion is useful, but in small quantities so that it does not harm your health. Do not pour overly strong tea leaves - the infusion should be of medium concentration.
The rules for caring for medicinal crops are quite simple.
- The ideal temperature for kombucha is 25 degrees above zero. If the room is too cold, the mushroom will not be able to grow.
- The jar of kombucha cannot be covered with a lid, since the medusomycete necessarily needs oxygen to develop.
- The mushroom must be kept clean. You should not touch it with dirty hands; it is better not to let sugar or tea leaves get on the smooth sensitive surface - they will harm the medusomycete.
It is recommended to wash the medusomycete in clean water several times a year; it is also necessary to ensure that black spots and mold do not appear on the surface.
How to choose
In order to start producing a drink from Japanese kombucha at home, you will need to take a living biological “baby”. This is a fungal shoot that can be removed without harm to the substrate. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is find a person who grows mushrooms. If you don’t have such acquaintances, you can send a request to your city’s communities on social networks. There will definitely be a person who will be happy to share: in good conditions, the mushroom grows so much that its weight can reach 100 kg.
The “baby” should be uniform and healthy. There should be no damage, tears or punctures on it. There should be no formation of filamentous algae, darkening, and especially mold. Most often, it is mold that appears on the fungus, because the soil for reproduction is very fertile. Mold indicates that the substrate was not well cared for: they smoked in the same room as it or did not maintain the correct temperature conditions. Choose only dense and healthy mushrooms for self-propagation.
How to prepare the right tea kvass
If you decide to make kombucha at home, take the process seriously. Prepare clean dishes, water, tea, sugar.
Instructions for preparing Japanese tea (kombucha)
- Prepare tea - per liter of water, 2 teaspoons of tea leaves, 5 tablespoons of granulated sugar and leave for 15 minutes.
- Strain the infusion and cool.
- Place a piece of mushroom into the solution and hide it in a warm place. If the mushroom is young, add the solution from the jar where it was before.
- Leave for 5 days and the drink is ready. Take out the jellyfish and put it in a new solution, leave it for the same amount of time, and before that drink the ready-made solution.
Useful tips
- Do not prepare the solution in metal containers.
- Do not completely cover with a lid, let the mushroom “breathe”, it is better to use gauze.
- The mushroom is “afraid” of burns, so the tea must be cooled first.
- Infuse at a temperature of 25 degrees.
- You cannot make a solution based on strong tea leaves, better than medium strength.
- Do not expose to direct sunlight.
- The sugar should be completely dissolved in the tea.
- The mushroom can be washed several times a year.
- If brown spots appear on the formation, they should be completely removed and only a clean product should be used.
The main rule is not to mix mushroom consumption with meals. Otherwise, digestive problems may occur. The drink also increases your appetite and after a short time you will want to eat again. Those wishing to temporarily postpone taking kombucha should store it properly. To do this, it is recommended to dry the layer, place it on a plate and turn it over daily to prevent midges and mold.
We suggest you read: Diabetes and potency - how to deal with it - Treating diabetes