What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is fermented tea.

It starts its life as sweet tea. After the tea has brewed and cooled, a colony of bacteria and yeast (aka the SCOBY) is added, and the tea is fermented for several weeks.

After fermentation is complete, the brewer will flavor the tea. Brewers use unique combinations of tea varieties, fermentation periods, and flavorings to craft healthy, and delicious kombucha teas.

History of Kombucha

Qin Shi Huang, the first Chinese emperor, supposedly drank kombucha in 221 B.C as an elixir for long life, but no one is certain where it began. Kombucha was also used as Eastern medicine by the ancient Japanese and Koreans (414 A.D) and it’s believed Genghis Khan’s army carried kombucha in flasks (~1200 A.D).

–The History and Science of Kombucha
from The Big Book of Kombucha
by Crum, LaGory

Kombucha’s Benefits

Kombucha contains living bacteria and yeast, so many people consume kombucha to improve the micro-biome in their gut.

Other Benefits

  • Healthy alternative to sugary sodas, alcohol, and coffee
  • Acts as a snack or pre-meal hunger control
  • Alkalizes like vinegar or lemon juice to balance internal pH
  • Compounds in the drink may bond to and help excrete toxins from the liver. Improvements to liver health can improve mood
  • Speeds metabolism
  • The acids present in kombucha may improve digestion or alleviate constipation
  • Improved flexibility and fluidity of movement
  • Smooth energy from low levels of tea
  • Relieves headaches and migraines
  • Antioxidants and polyphenols from the tea are partially fermented, thus more bioavailable
  • Supports overall gut health

***These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration

Summary

Kombucha is an all-natural, healthy beverage, but the kombucha benefits you experience may vary. Kombucha tea is just a food – a naturally carbonated, healthy tonic enjoyed by those who consume it regularly.

“There are more and more scientific studies being done all the time and we may never understand everything about how food works with our bodies. We never expect the full blown trials, double-blind Western medicine-style trials required for FDA approved medical claims to be completed on kombucha because it cannot be patented.

Each person must simply remember: Trust Your Gut. People have been consuming Kombucha for generations because they believe it works for them. The continued spread of kombucha can only be attributed to the safe consumption of a delicious beverage that inspires people to believe they are receiving benefits.”

-from Health Benefits by Kombucha Kamp