The benefits and contraindications of milk mushroom (+17 photos)

This valuable ancient drink goes by many names: Tibetan mushroom, milk mushroom, Indian yogi's mushroom, and kefir grain. It is a group of bacteria and microorganisms belonging to the genus Zooglea. The fungus is well known to everyone, as it is used as a base for the preparation of the essential dairy product kefir.

Description of a group of bacteria and microorganisms

The bacteria and microorganisms that make up the fungus exist in a symbiotic relationship. It's impossible to create fungus at home, because any imbalance in the bacteria or microorganism ratio renders it inviable.

Appearance and photo

The fungus is a cluster of spherical elements ranging in size from 1.5 to 50 mm. The body resembles a cauliflower inflorescence or boiled grains of round rice. The slimy lumps have a firm texture. They are usually white, but some fungi have a yellowish tint. Details of the appearance can be seen in the photo.

When bacteria and microorganisms enter a favorable environment, they begin to multiply rapidly. This causes the body to swell, and the fungus takes on the shape of a cauliflower flower.

Compound

The main components of Tibetan mushroom are the following:

1. Lactobacilli.
2. Milk yeast.
3. Acetic acid bacteria.

In addition, the fungus contains additional components:

• vitamin A;
• vitamin D;
• group of B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12);
• carotenoids;
• niacin;
• potassium;
• iron;
• iodine;
• zinc;
• alcohol;
• enzymes.

Is it safe to eat?

Kefir grains themselves are not edible. However, the fermented product can and should be consumed. Kefir is even recommended for infants. It is used for therapeutic purposes, for disease prevention, and as an ingredient in a variety of dishes. Kefir is also delicious on its own, whether enjoyed with cookies, a crispy fresh bun, or fried potatoes.

The benefits and harms of milk mushroom

The beneficial properties of the Tibetan milk mushroom have been proven for centuries. It has a beneficial effect on the human body, exerting the following effects:

1. Restoration of microflora.
2. Population of beneficial bacteria in the intestines.
3. Strengthening immunity.
4. Restoration of the gastrointestinal tract and gastric mucosa.
5. Regulation of bile flow.
6. Strengthening blood vessels.
7. Improving the functioning of the circulatory system.
8. Skin lifting and toning.

For serious illnesses, kefir is taken in conjunction with conventional therapy. Fungal products are used for health purposes to treat and prevent the following ailments:

• obesity and overweight;
• metabolic disorder in the body;
• various forms of allergies;
• infectious diseases;
• liver disease;
• pancreatic dysfunction;
• stomach diseases;
• disorders of the cardiovascular system;
• atherosclerosis;
• headaches;
• high blood pressure;
• rheumatism;
• osteochondrosis;
• thrush;
• stomatitis;
• renal colic;
• respiratory diseases;
• diabetes mellitus (except for the insulin-dependent form);
• slow hair growth.

Kefir has not only beneficial properties but also a number of contraindications. Those with dairy allergies and those with fungal infections should avoid kefir grains. The Tibetan drink can reduce the effectiveness of many medications. Therefore, its use is contraindicated for people dependent on medications.

The frequency of administration and dosage are determined by the doctor. There are ailments for which kefir is the primary treatment.

This valuable product can also be used topically for skin diseases and swelling:

1. For wounds and cuts, as well as for the treatment of barley, apply a tampon soaked in the drink for half an hour.
2. To remove acne, hold a towel soaked in kefir on the problem area for 30 minutes daily.
3. Yogis use compresses made from the drink to relieve swelling and fatigue in the legs.
4. For seborrhea, kefir is applied to the flaking area twice a week. This procedure is repeated 10 times.
5. For hair loss, a homogeneous mass of kefir and castor oil is kept on the roots for 40 minutes.

Kefir is a favorite among nutritionists in the fight against obesity. It's included in many diets, as it's a valuable nutritional supplement. However, the frequency of consumption and dosage should be determined by a nutritionist, as self-imposed diets can be seriously detrimental to health.

Kefir is used to treat diaper rash in infants. Mix 1 liter of the product with 100 g of olive oil. Pour the mixture into the baby's warm bath. This treatment can be repeated once a week for 10 minutes.

The history of the yogi drink

There are several theories about the origins of the Tibetan drink. The most widespread are:

1. Tibetan monks received a drink made from the mushroom.
2. The drink was given to Muslims by Allah.
3. The drink was presented to the Caucasians by the Prophet Muhammad.

The most widespread hypothesis about the origin of the yogi drink is Tibet. Tibetan monks experimentally developed the miraculous drink and sacredly guarded the secret of its preparation. They revealed it to only one European – a Polish oncologist professor who spent five years saving Tibetans from cancer. For saving their lives, the monks gave him the milk mushroom, which the Pole was the first to bring to Europe.

Muslims believe the mushroom was given to them by Allah. The secret to making the drink was passed down from generation to generation, like a family heirloom. The magical mushroom is believed to bring health and prosperity to the home.

The third widespread theory of kefir's origin suggests that Orthodox Caucasians received the fungus as a gift from the Prophet Muhammad 1,500 years ago. In the Caucasus, kefir grains are called the Prophet's Grain, and the kefir obtained from them is called the Prophet's Drink.

Since the 19th century, kefir has been widely used in Europe as a medicinal and preventative remedy for a number of ailments. Today, the medicinal properties of Tibetan mushrooms have been proven and are used in traditional medicine.

How to grow milk mushroom at home?

Growing the mushroom at home and enjoying this homemade yogi's drink at any time is easy. All you need is a small piece. But even that isn't difficult, as the mushroom is now readily available for a very nominal fee, or even for free.

To grow the mushroom, you'll need a clean glass jar, milk, and a piece of gauze. The mushroom growing procedure involves the following steps:

1. Milk intended for kefir requires boiling. The exception is pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized milk.

   

2. 2 teaspoons of fungus must be thoroughly rinsed under running water.
3. Place the mushrooms on the bottom of the jar and pour in slightly warmed milk. Cold milk can be used, but the fermentation process will take longer.

   

4. Cover the jar with several layers of cheesecloth and place it in a room-temperature location. The mushroom must be able to breathe, so plastic wrap and lids should be avoided. Cheesecloth allows air to pass through and protects the future product from contamination.
5. If the fermentation process was carried out correctly, a thick layer will appear on the surface of the milk after 24 hours. The resulting kefir is poured through a sieve, and the mushrooms are reserved for later use.

   

If any fungal particles float to the surface during fermentation, remove them. Their presence does not affect the quality of the kefir. Do not use metal objects when cultivating the fungus.

Doctors' reviews of the mushroom's use

The benefits of kefir grains are confirmed by positive reviews from doctors:

Anna Vitalievna, general practitioner: "Consuming kefir made from Tibetan mushrooms has shown positive results in treating patients with atherosclerosis and some forms of diabetes. Although the drink has virtually no contraindications, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using it."

Rinat Arkadyevich, general practitioner: "I recommend this drink to patients with high blood pressure. It's quite inexpensive and readily available. And most importantly, it has virtually no contraindications."

Vadim Romanovich, nutritionist: "I can't help but agree with the invaluable benefits of this product for the human body. It's no wonder kefir is included in most diets and is recommended for people suffering from excess weight. But many forget about the contraindications.

Firstly, the product should not be used by people with fungal infections. Secondly, Tibetan kefir significantly weakens the effects of medications. If the product needs to be taken during treatment, it should be consumed 3-4 hours after taking medications."

Answers to frequently asked questions

Kefir grains always raise a lot of questions. Here are answers to the most common questions about the grain:

The Tibetan mushroom is a unique organism consisting of microorganisms and bacteria in a symbiotic relationship. Its product, kefir, possesses not only nutritional but also medicinal properties. Tibetan kefir is a delicious panacea for many ailments with minimal contraindications.