Kombucha Tea Treatment

Kombucha tea treatments have been used in alternative medicine practices for many years. This drink continues to gain popularity in the United States because of its alleged therapeutic qualities. Kombucha is a symbiosis of bacteria and yeast, which gets fermented into the tea when both sugar and black or green teas are added to it.

Features

• Once kombucha is fermented, various microorganisms like bacteria and yeast are joined with B vitamins, vinegar and other chemical compounds including butyric acid, gluconic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, oxalic acid, usnic acid and glucuronic acid. Kombucha tea is generally made by using an existing culture sample, which gets cultured in a new jar so a fresh colony can grow. The end result is a bitter-sweet, fermented liquid that's described as tasting a lot like wine.

Effects

• Kombucha tea is thought to encourage the body's overall health and functioning by facilitating anti-microbial activity and defending the body from potentially harmful bacteria. This is because the tea is believed to have antioxidant properties that impede the workings of activated oxygen molecules; which cause cellular damage. It's also attributed with boosting the body's immune system, metabolic function and ability to detoxify and repair.

Potential

• Kombucha tea treatment is promoted as an effective treatment for a range of conditions such as: anxiety, blood pressure, cholesterol and circulation problems, insomnia, digestive and intestinal disorders and gallbladder and kidney issues. It's also thought to improve the overall condition of a person's hair, skin and teeth.

  Some practitioners believe that kombucha tea treatment has the potential to actually cure or treat specific diseases such as arthritis, bronchitis, cancer, cataracts and migraines, to name just a few.

Warning

• Although kombucha tea treatment has been used for thousands of years, there is no concrete medical evidence that confirms its effectiveness or general benefits. Furthermore, there have been a number of reports on the adverse reactions the tea can cause. Data from the American Cancer Society states that "No human studies have been published in the available scientific literature that support any of the health claims made for Kombucha tea. There have, however, been reports of serious complications associated with the tea." Similarly, an article by Katherine Zeratsky, on the Mayo Clinic website notes, "there's no proof that kombucha tea is effective for any of its myriad health claims. At the same time, several cases of harm or injury have been reported. Unless definitive studies are reported that can quantify more accurately the potential risks and benefits of kombucha tea, it's best to avoid it."

Expert Insight

• Due to the lack of concrete evidence surrounding Kombucha tea treatment, it's best to consult with your doctor prior to using it. Like other medications and herbal remedies, there's a great risk for side effects. The tea can also aggravate a number of preexisting medical conditions and interfere with the potency and effectiveness of other drug regimens.