Kombucha has been around for thousands of years, dating back to 221 B.C during the Chinese empire of the Tsin-Dynasty, and they called it “the remedy for immortality” or “the divine tische”. It was later brought to Japan by Dr. Kombu to treat the Japanese emperor, Inkyo, for digestive problems, and it later spread to Russia, India and Europe.

It has become increasingly popular in recent years, ever since health food stores started carrying bottles of kombucha tea in various colors and flavors, and advertisements have touted its powerful antioxidant content and medicinal properties. Kombucha’s rise in popularity is part of a growing raw, organic, and probiotic food movement; but many people simply enjoy its unique fizzy, fermented quality.

Kombucha tea is sometimes infused with fruit juices and other flavorings. It has sweet to sour taste, depending on the length of fermentation. Kombucha is often mistakenly referred to as a mushroom tea, but it is called so only because after the tea ferments, the colony of bacteria and yeast forms a mushroom-like shape and color. The resulting beverage contains various B vitamins (which support the immune system and improve metabolism), antioxidants (which fight off free radicals, molecules that damage cells and can cause disease), and a small amount of alcohol. Some of the benefits to drinking kombucha are that it improves digestion, boosts energy, improves circulation, prevents acid reflux, and improves sleep.

Kombucha is said to boost the immune system and slow the aging process. With its high levels of antioxidiants, kombucha tea helps to detoxify the body and improve the body’s defenses.

Scientific studies were conducted in Russia, Netherlands, Germany, Poland and it’s been proven that fermented tea ultimately prevents cells from mutating and increases immune system function. Despite the lack of studies conducted in the US, kombucha is still highly vitamin- and antioxidant-rich probiotic drink. Kombucha can be purchased in bottles in many different flavors: ginger, honey, grape, etc. But the homemade kombucha tastes even more delicious. And it’s very easy to make. Drink to your health!