What is Kombucha?

Kombucha is a slightly sweet fermented tea loaded with probiotics. It is made from green and/or black tea, sugar and a SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast). It originated in China back in 221BC during the Tsin Dynasty and was known as the ‘tea of immortality’. Today kombucha is consumed as a health beverage all around the globe for it’s numerous health benefits. ‘Research conducted in Russia at the beginning of the century and testimony indicate that Kombucha can improve resistance against cancer, prevent cardiovascular diseases, promote digestive functions, stimulate the immune system, reduce inflammatory problems, and can have many other benefits’.

I first encountered this ancient brew several years ago whilst on a yoga retreat Koh Phangan, Thailand. I spent the month practising yoga and pranayama, learning yoga philosophy, detoxing, chanting, having herbal steams and of course drinking yogic “beer” aka kombucha. Little did I know about all the amazing health benefits associated with this brew…

Why Drink Kombucha?

1. Promotes Healthy Digestion:

   This natural living probiotic beverage increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut which in turn improves digestion, fights candida and maintains overall gut health. Studies have also shown that kombucha can prevent/heal stomach ulcers and leaky gut. One of the keys to good health is having a healthy gut. When your digestive system is functioning optimally you reduce your overall toxicity; increase the rate in which nutrients are absorbed, and you free up energy expenditure that would otherwise be spent on digestion.

2. Detoxifies the Body: 

   Kombucha contains many of the enzymes and bacteria that your body naturally produces and uses to detoxify the body. Consuming these enzymes and bacteria through natural ferments (like kombucha, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi) reduces the pancreatic load, which in turn eases the burden on the liver. Research has also shown that kombucha can counteract liver cell toxicity, meaning healthy cells in spite of the oxidative stress.

3. Healthy Joints

   Drink your joints to health! Say whatttt? Yup, the tea of immortality is loaded with glucosamines which increase synovial hyaluronic acid production. This increase in synovial hyaluronic acid results in collagen preservation for not only your joints but the entire body. Meaning, healthy pain-free joints and collagen rich plump skin!

4. Boosts your Immunity

   This tea is also high in antioxidants and vitamin C. Our immune system will be jumping for joy as the antioxidants protect our cells from oxidative stress and the vitamin C enhances our bodies ability to ward off infection, heal wounds, and so much more. I mean, a diffiencicy in vitamin C means scurvy and mass doses of vitamin C is a powerful anti-cancer protocol!

How to Make Kombucha?

After learning about all the benefits of kombucha, I just had to make it! I heard it was easy to make (which it is) but still didn’t really know where/how to start. So for me buying a starter kit was the perfect option as a newbie, however, it isn’t essential to start brewing your very own kombucha.

Equipment & Ingredients:
1x 5L jar with muslin cloth
1x SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast)
3x Green tea bags
3x Black tea bags
1Cup of rapudura sugar
1L of boiled filtered water

Method:
1. Dissolve rapudura sugar with 1L of boiled filtered water
2. Add green and black tea bags to the sweet water
3. Once cooled, pour into 5L jar with SCOBY and starter tea (or some tea from the last batch)
4. Top up jar with filtered water and cover with muslin cloth
5. Place jar in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight for 14 DAYS
6. Enjoy your tea.

I bought my starter kit from HERE. When I bought the kit I was worried about how I was going to get the tea out of the jar. Worry not – it comes with a neat pouring lid making it super easy HOORAY!! (Note: I recently bought another kit and upon sterilising the jar, the bottom fell out – contacted the suppliers with no response…dissapointed!)

The Big Book of Kombucha, I am told is awesome! It is probably one of the most recommended books on kombucha brewing around and perfect if your ready to get fancy and infuse your second ferment.

Word of Caution

• Be sure to STERILISE your equipment
• Always use a GLASS jar as ceramic/other jars may leach unwanted nasties into your brew
• If you suspect your SCOBY to be mouldy or unhealthy, ditch it and start again – no exceptions
• If you have a severe health condition, always talk to an alternative health professional for personalised guidance

Summary

Kombucha is a-mazing! It has been such a game changer for my digestive health and my overall health. Personally, I drink about 200ml of kombucha per day and that seems to work for me. There is no limit on how much you can drink per day, your body will naturally get rid of what it doesn’t require. When getting started, simply listen to your body and drink as much or as little as you feel. Making your own brew is very inexpensive, however, if you’re not feeling confident about making your own brew, buy commercial kombucha. It’s becoming increasingly popular to find them at your local grocery or health food store. Either way get some kombucha in your body, it will thank you for it!