The benefits and harms of kombucha for the human body, its properties (+16 photos)

Many people have heard of the so-called kombucha at least once in their lives. This Japanese mushroom is actually a mutualism of yeast and acetobacter. Its scientific name is Medusomyces. It is often called tea kvass, jellyfish, sea mushroom, and kombucha. Kombucha is very healthy and has numerous beneficial properties, but before you start drinking it, you should thoroughly familiarize yourself with the contraindications for using Medusomyces.

Characteristics of the species and beneficial properties of Kombucha

Despite its name, Medusomyces is not a member of the fungi kingdom. It is a colony of various microorganisms that form a thick cellulose film, resembling a jellyfish. This film is smooth on the surface, but the main processes occur in its lower part, which has numerous hanging threads. Thanks to the sugar and caffeine found in sweet tea, various beneficial substances and dietary fiber are synthesized.

Yeast and sugar undergo fermentation, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. Acetobacter bacteria oxidize methylcarbinol to ethanoic acid. This causes gas bubbles to form in the liquid, creating a sweet and sour taste. Various processes occurring in the lower part of the medusomycete produce gluconic, lactic, acetic, and malic acids, various enzymes, and vitamins C and PP.

Tea kvass is very beneficial for the body. This is primarily due to the high content of vitamins and acids in the infusion.

The main beneficial substances are:

• acids (glucuronic, gluconic, lactic, kojic, acetic, ascorbic, citric and oxalic);
• caffeine;
• vitamins (D, C, B, PP and others);
• aldehydes;
• enzymes (zymase, linase, amylase, tryptase, carbohydrase, protease, levansucrase, proteolytics);
• phosphatides, purines and sterols;
• pigments (chlorophyll and xanthophyll)
• resinous and fatty particles;
• tanning components.

The mushroom's main benefits lie in its anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and analgesic properties. Drinking tea kvass can improve metabolism, combat viral and cold infections, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, regular consumption of the drink helps improve the condition of hair and skin and rejuvenate the body.

The influx of acids into the body breaks down waste and increases muscle performance. After a workout or at the end of a hard day, drinking a jellyfish infusion promotes rapid recovery and sound sleep.

The harm of kombucha and contraindications to its use

Despite its many beneficial properties, jellyfish mushrooms can be harmful in certain cases. Avoid using them if you have the following contraindications:

• increased acidity of the stomach;
• low blood pressure;
• acute gastric ulcer;
• HIV, AIDS;
• diabetes;
• obesity;
• diarrhea;
• heartburn;
• taking antibiotics belonging to the group of fluoroquinolones, analgin and paracetamol;
• allergy to tea or intolerance to other ingredients.

Homemade infusions can also be harmful, as there's a high risk of improper preparation techniques and the development of dangerous bacteria. The high acidity of kombucha can lead to heartburn and discomfort after drinking the beverage. Therefore, it's recommended to start with small doses and gradually increase them, while constantly monitoring your body's condition.

Directions for use and dosage

Unless there are contraindications, you can drink the beverage as a refreshing drink, in any quantity. However, for the treatment of certain conditions, certain rules and dosages should be followed.

For gastrointestinal diseases

Tea kvass increases gastric acid secretion and antibacterial activity, which helps improve various gastrointestinal conditions. The drink's use for various gastrointestinal disorders varies:

1. Gastritis. For inflammation of the gastric mucosa, drink 200 ml of the infusion 2 hours before each meal. For increased acidity, meadow honey can be added. Avoid consuming the tea jellyfish infusion during periods of exacerbation.

   

2. Dysentery. Three glasses of the drink daily, one hour before meals, will help speed recovery from dysentery. However, the Japanese mushroom is not a primary treatment and is used as a supplement to conventional therapy.
3. Haemorrhoids. For this unpleasant condition, it's necessary to regularly apply kombucha infusion compresses. Also, every morning on an empty stomach, drink a drink with added apple cider vinegar.

In addition, the remedy is used to treat chronic colitis and prevent peptic ulcers. For these conditions, the preparation of medicinal infusions containing seaweed is recommended.

For colds

For colds, take the remedy four times a day before meals. Drink 100 ml of the drink with two teaspoons of honey per serving. You can also add a little hot pepper to the infusion.

For hypertension and atherosclerosis

To lower blood pressure and cholesterol, drink 100 ml of the drink 3-4 times a day. For hypertension, you can add dill seed infusion to the drink.

To treat atherosclerosis, the drink is consumed for a month. Then, take a 30-day break and repeat the course. For the first 7 days, drink 100 ml of the drink before bed. Then, increase the dose to 200 ml and add a morning dose on an empty stomach.

For hair

For beautiful hair, rub an infusion of Manchurian mushroom into the scalp half an hour before washing. To avoid damaging new hair, apply the mixture with gentle, massaging movements.

For weight loss

To lose weight, drink about 2 liters of the drink daily. This should be done 30 minutes before meals. Take about a glass of the drink at a time. Do not exceed the recommended dose, as the infusion contains a high amount of acids.

For nail fungus

For onychomycosis, take the drink for a seven-day course. Drink one glass twice a day. Do not take it with food.

You should also soak your feet in seaweed for 15 minutes every day. The affected areas should be completely covered with the liquid. After each treatment, the softened dead tissue is removed with a nail file.

After the foot baths, you can apply a therapeutic compress. To do this, apply a piece of the mushroom to the affected area, cover it with plastic wrap, and secure it with a bandage. Apply this compress overnight. In the morning, rinse your feet with water.

Reviews of Kombucha tea

The benefits of the kombucha mushroom are not officially recognized, but many people, including doctors, confirm its medicinal properties, although they warn against taking the remedy thoughtlessly.

Doctors' opinion

Here are some reviews from doctors:

Ksenia Sobko, gastroenterologist: "Jellyfish tea is undoubtedly beneficial for the body, as it supplies it with many essential minerals and vitamins. It has a general strengthening effect and boosts immunity. However, it can only be used by people without any gastrointestinal disorders."

Chukhleb Marina, nutritionist: "Sea kvass improves digestion and contains a large amount of vitamins. Despite its sugar content, it's an excellent substitute for other, more caloric drinks, such as soda."

Ksenia Selezneva, nutritionist, gastroenterologist: "Fermentation of kombucha produces harmful substances such as alcohol and acids—lactic and acetic—which can be extremely dangerous for people with gastrointestinal disorders. In other cases, this infusion, rich in amino acids and vitamins, can be beneficial for weakened immunity and skin conditions."

Trifonova Marianna, nutritionist: "Of course, kombucha can't be considered a panacea for all ailments, but it is incomparably healthier than lemonade and soda. It's rich in vitamins C and P and protects many important enzymes necessary for normal gastrointestinal function."

Nina Sokolova, herbalist: "Kombucha possesses a wealth of beneficial properties due to its rich composition. It contains organic and carbonic acids, ethyl alcohol, polysaccharides, proteins, vitamins B, B1, C, P, enzymes, H, calcium, iodine, zinc, and other valuable microelements. Its bactericidal properties are particularly pronounced."

Reviews from tea jellyfish owners

Many people who take jellyfish tea have positive reviews of the mushroom:

Alexander: "At a fairly young age, I encountered a problem called gastritis. No medication was really helping. Then the doctor recommended a Japanese mushroom. Drink half a glass of it before each meal. Within two weeks, I felt the unpleasant symptoms of gastritis subside, and my overall health improved."

Vetch: "Kombucha is not only a delicious, refreshing drink, but also a great way to improve the condition of your hair and skin. Rinsing my hair with a jellyfish infusion got rid of my dandruff. My hair also became soft and silky. Various seaweed compresses also help quickly clear up facial breakouts."

Answers to frequently asked questions

People who decide to treat themselves with a mushroom infusion ask many questions about its use:

Kombucha is a mushroom used to make a refreshing, tart drink with a number of beneficial properties. There are many ailments for which this infusion is recommended. Of course, like any other medicinal remedy, it has a list of contraindications. Before using the drink, it is recommended to carefully review this list and consult a specialist.