Homemade mushroom in a care jar. How and where to store Japanese kombucha infusion? Where to get kombucha

A rather simple organism, resulting from the antagonistic relationship of yeast fungi with acetic acid bacteria, is one of the most popular and strange "creatures" grown at home. The appearance of zooglea (kombucha) is the most unsightly and even frightening, but the pleasant-tasting, lightly carbonated drink formed as a result of its vital activity has no analogues in terms of its rich vitamin composition and a huge range of healing properties.

Where to get kombucha and how to use it correctly? All answers on the topic - further.

What is a medusa mycete?

Kombucha (otherwise, medusomycete) is a constantly functioning symbiote, the body of which is formed due to the unique and mutually beneficial relationship of two types of bacteria. Even by the appearance of the liquid floating on the surface in a jar of kombucha, you can determine its two main components:

Through the continuous work of acidic bacteria, the primary nutrient liquid - sweet tea in a jar - is gradually transformed into a complex enzyme composition, including a minimal amount of ethyl alcohol. The action becomes possible due to the main catalyst - sugar, therefore, it is not recommended to replace the traditional sweetener with any analogues, including honey. How much sugar does kombucha need for catalysis? In fact, the process starts already with one tablespoon, but to improve fermentation and get a pleasant taste, you will have to put at least five spoons.

The composition of "kvass" medusomycete

The only environment in which the medusomycete feels most comfortable is moderately strong tea brewing, which combines such important and necessary elements for the growth of the fungus as vitamin C and caffeine. Only by receiving sufficient nourishment and the ability to produce new fibers of the lower productive layer, Kombucha can synthesize a valuable drink, the benefits of which have been known for several tens of centuries ago.

The composition of the finished product obtained as a result of the vital activity of zooglea:

organic lemon, apple, oxalic, acetic;
vitamins: C, D, B;
ethanol;
enzymes: zymase, lipase, carbohydrase, levansucrase, catalase;
lipid complex: fatty acids, sterols, foefatides;
mono-poly- and disaccharides;
pigment substances: chlorophyll and xanthophyll;
tannin;
natural antibiotics.

It should be noted that the beneficial properties of kombucha and the amount of valuable substances in the drink are unstable. They depend on the quality of care, the location of the container with the jellyfish (temperature and light conditions) and the properly prepared nutrient medium (tea). How to care for kombucha in order to get the maximum benefit from its use and what is this benefit expressed in?

Benefits of kombucha

To obtain a positive result, kombucha (mushroom kvass) should be consumed regularly and at least 100 ml per day. It is this amount of a drink drunk by an adult that will be sufficient to maintain a good tone of the walls of blood vessels and prevent the formation of atherosclerotic growths in them.

In addition to the strengthening and supporting effect on the cardiovascular system, the beneficial properties of Kombucha also apply to other pathological conditions of the human body:

defeat by Staphylococcus aureus;
intestinal disorders, dysbacteriosis, toxic poisoning;
metabolic disorders (including at the cellular level);
reduced immunity;
weakness of the nervous system;
low hemoglobin;
colds.

Enzymes and antioxidants in the composition of the drink will help to cope with migraines, the negative effects of radiation therapy, diseases of the genitourinary and pulmonary systems. It is recommended to drink kombucha for tuberculosis, chronic otitis and laryngitis, inflammation of the maxillary sinuses and joint diseases.

Externally, the infusion is used for compresses and washes with barley and conjunctivitis, hemorrhoidal bumps and non-healing ulcers, with stomatitis and after complex tooth extraction. Drinking the infusion in a warm form is recommended before bed for those who suffer from insomnia or neuroses.

The benefits of medusomycete infusion are undeniable, but where can I get kombucha? It is almost impossible to find it in free sale, except perhaps "from the hands", from people who are specially involved in its breeding. Is it possible to make kombucha from scratch and how to start the process?

How to grow zooglia yourself

A universal container for growing kombucha at home is considered to be an ordinary 3-liter jar made of transparent glass, which should be washed well before use. After the container is prepared, proceed directly to the brewing of tea infusion, in which the mushroom will form.

How to prepare kombucha:

for 3 liters of water take: 5 tbsp. spoons of loose leaf tea and 5-7 tbsp. spoons of sugar;
brew strong tea, insist it for 15 minutes;
strain the finished solution through three layers of gauze;
fill the jar just below the level of the “shoulders” and wrap gauze around the neck so that air can freely penetrate inside.

How to care for kombucha? The container is placed in the kitchen separately from other products and out of places lit by the sun. Normally, on the 9-11th day, an unpleasant, sour smell appears from the jar, which lasts 2-3 days. On the 15-17th day from the moment the nutrient base is poured on the surface of the liquid, it will be possible to see a thickened cloudy layer - this will be a young mushroom, which in no case should be disturbed. Zooglia should be allowed to grow for at least another 30 days, or better - a month and a half, and only then for the first time remove it from the jar and change the nutrient medium to a new one.

It is impossible to use the drained liquid obtained during the long time of formation of the medusa mycete.

Proper care of kombucha

Periodic care for medusomycetes consists in washing the body of the fungus once a week under running water and replacing the finished slightly carbonated drink with a fresh tea solution. It is very important not to forget to strain the tea and completely dissolve the grains of sugar in the hot liquid. Tea leaves adhering to the delicate substance of zoogley or unmixed sweet crystals can provoke a burn of the mucous surface of the yeast body and even lead to the death of the fungus.

It is not necessary to prepare a strong brew every time - just the one insisted for ordinary tea drinking is enough. The only condition is that the tea substrate must not be placed in disposable bags. The amount of sugar is also adjusted to taste, starting from the absolute minimum - 1 tbsp. spoon for 0.5 liters. tea solution.

Before transferring the mushroom to the updated nutrient medium, it is allowed to cool to 20-25 ° C, and the fungus itself is washed under a stream of slightly warm running water from plaque and excess mucus. In winter, the “bathing” procedure is carried out less frequently than in the warm season - on average, once every three weeks.

The jar is kept in a shady place, controlling that the ambient temperature does not fall below 20 ° C, which is comfortable for the medusa mycete. Under such conditions, the period of "ripening" of kvass will be 3-4 days. Without fail, at least once a week, it is required to refill the jar, adding at least a third of the volume of fresh liquid, otherwise the fungus will be poisoned by its own decay products.

Kombucha with rose hips and medicinal herbs

How to grow directional kombucha and is it possible? In some cases, people have to use decoctions of medicinal fruits for a long time, the effect of which on the body gradually decreases. A concentrated medusomycete is able to stimulate the usual infusion, bringing a large amount of its own benefit to it and significantly enhancing the healing properties of the plant substance.

For a tasty and rich vitamin drink, use the fruits of hawthorn, wild rose or honeysuckle. A liter of decoction is prepared from 2/3 cup of sorted fruits. The liquid is infused for a day under the lid, then it is filtered and poured into a 3-liter jar, where about 1.7 liters of sweetened tea leaves are added next. The jar neck is tied with gauze, and the mushroom, as in the recipe with regular tea, takes about two months to form.

They take care of kombucha as in the first case - periodically draining the spent infusion and replacing it with fresh tea solution, with the only difference being that 30% of the filtered liquid will be a decoction of the selected fruits.

Mushroom reproduction

Along with the question of how to grow kombucha, many people ask - how to correctly divide it into several independent jellyfish so as not to damage the main organism? You need to remove the entire top layer and only with your hands, without the help of a knife or other devices. If the plate of the fungus is torn, it will die, and the same is true if you try to exfoliate a still young, not ready to divide, zooglia.

It is easy to determine the readiness of the mushroom for reproduction - it will thicken significantly in size and will look like a puff pastry pie. In this case, the mushroom is removed from the jar, washed, and the “dome” is carefully separated right under running water. Then the old mushroom is transferred to a fresh tea solution, and the young one is left in a container with clean boiled water for one day. After 24 hours, you can transplant into a separate "tea" environment and it. If everything is done correctly, the young organism will expand significantly in the first three days and form a large number of gas bubbles around the emerging body.

Mushroom growing mistakes

Beginners who do not yet know all the nuances of how to care for kombucha often make mistakes that lead to illness or even death of the organism grown in the bank. Most often, the rapidly changing color of the medusomycete and the violation of its natural structure helps to understand the cause of the oversight.

The mushroom has darkened or brown “blots” have appeared on it:

The nutrient fluid has not been replaced for a long time, and the body began to self-oxidize. Kombucha that has sunk to the bottom of the jar will also mean that an immediate replacement of the tea solution is required.
It's hard for the medusamycete to breathe - maybe the fabric covering the neck of the jar is too dense, or the vessel was accidentally closed
Heterogeneous spots on the top of the zooglea often mean burns from adhering tea leaves or grains of sugar. The fungus dies from such damage, so the damaged layer will have to be removed and discarded.
The fungus "froze" and stopped developing. This happens when the temperature around the jar is below 20 ° C. If the fungus is “hot”, it will react in much the same way, but at the same time it will precede the disease with violent activity and surround itself with a layer of bubbles.
Incorrectly selected dishes for storing the mushroom. If metals are present in the container, the fungus will oxidize itself and make the drink unusable. An ideal vessel for the life of an acetic acid culture is a glass jar.
Medusomycete was “cooked” by pouring too hot tea solution from above, right on the surface of the fungus. If you quickly take action and exfoliate the fungus, removing the “dome” affected by burns, then the main part of the body can be saved.

For a number of reasons, a medusomycete can "tip", turning its smooth side to the bottom of the jar. This will not immediately affect the health of the fungus, but the oxidation of the drink will stop immediately. The mushroom should be carefully turned over with your hands and carefully inspected for damage to the mucous surface.

How to drink "mushroom kvass"

It is necessary to use kombucha, like any other agent that actively affects the body, according to a certain scheme, in which only the amount of drink consumed will vary. A person with a healthy stomach can drink up to three glasses of "homemade soda" per day - 200 ml in the morning and another 200-400 ml during the day, splitting the entire volume of medicinal kvass into 3-4 doses. For children, the elderly or those who have problems with the gastrointestinal tract, a single dose should be reduced to 30-50 ml of the drink.

They drink the infusion not earlier than an hour after eating, when the main part of the food is already digested, or 30-40 minutes before eating. The duration of the course is up to 2 months, after which you need to rest for a couple of weeks and allow the body to “respond” to the treatment.

Kombucha in cosmetology

The unique, vitamin-rich acidic environment of kombucha acts on the skin in two directions at once:

as a natural antiseptic - stopping the reproduction of bacteria in the layers of the epidermis;
as a natural antioxidant - slowing down the aging process by stimulating blood microcirculation in the upper and middle layers of the skin.

In the first case, it is enough just to wipe the problem areas of the skin - acne or areas of increased sebum formation in order to notice the result in a week. Large pores will noticeably shrink, micro-inflammations will go away and the number of comedones will noticeably decrease. With regular (morning and evening) rubbing of the face with chilled kvass, problem skin will stop giving out a greasy sheen and react with rashes to any changes in hormonal levels or environmental irritants.

To restore elasticity to aged or tired facial skin, a slightly warmed drink is used. A gauze compress is impregnated with liquid and applied to the entire face, from time to time slightly pressing the gauze to the skin. The time of the whole manipulation is from 10 to 25 minutes, the number of procedures is unlimited.

With pronounced signs of aging - wrinkles and age spots, it is recommended to use the mycelium of the fungus, that is, the top removed layer of the substance, which is completely applied to the skin surface and kept for about 20 minutes. After such a compress, it is recommended to immediately wash with warm boiled water and apply a moisturizer to the skin.

For more than a hundred years, a popular drink of the eastern peoples, kombucha, has been known in Russia. It is also called Japanese or medusa mycete. It really does look like a jellyfish. And the liquid in which it lives becomes a delicious carbonated drink like kvass and acquires medicinal properties. For this, many people love kombucha. How to care and use it? Previously, this information was transmitted orally to each other. But now you can find a lot of information about this amazing mushroom on your own.

general characteristics

This product has long been known in the East. In China, it was called the elixir of health and immortality. They believed that this drink helps digestion and tones the body. But for this you need to know how to care for and use kombucha. Some people may not like the photo of this substrate. After all, it resembles a jellyfish, for which it is called a jellyfish. Its upper surface is smooth, and below there are many filaments containing yeast bacteria. It is they, as well as acetic acid bacteria, that turn the solution into a healthy carbonated drink.

The color of the fungus can be whitish-yellow, with a brown tint or pinkish. With age, it becomes thicker, if not separated, it can grow up to 100 kg over time. But at home, the jellyfish is a layered cake, most often living in a three-liter jar. It is used to produce a delicious tonic called kombucha or kombucha.

How to care for a mushroom?

Medusomycetes can be purchased online or asked from friends. People who breed it will gladly share. The fact is that with proper care, it grows quickly, and if you do not separate the lower part, it can fill the entire jar. Therefore, now there are no problems in acquiring kombucha. How to care for, brew and use it is also easy to learn. Moreover, there is nothing complicated in this.

Kombucha for its life needs a nutrient medium. Most often it is placed in a sweet solution of tea. The fungus itself uses sugars, while many of the tea's substances remain and give the drink a specific taste and aroma. To get such kvass, you need to place the acquired young mushroom in a clean three-liter jar, best of all, if together with a ready-made drink. To it you need to add about 2 liters of cooled sweet weak tea, you can brew tea that has been drunk. The jar needs to be covered with gauze so that the mushroom breathes, and put in a warm, bright place, but away from sunlight and heaters.

How to grow kombucha from scratch?

If you could not find a plate of the fungus, you can breed it yourself. To do this, you only need a little ready-made tea kvass. It must be poured into a glass jar, covered with gauze and left to stand at room temperature. After 1-2 weeks, a film will begin to form on the surface, which will eventually transform into a new fungus. You need to take care of him in the same way as for the old one, only the drink that he will produce in the initial stages will not have his properties.

This is also often required if the fungus has died due to improper care. It happens that people get bored with this drink, but after a while they want to try it again. In this case, in order not to grow a new mushroom, you can store the old one in the refrigerator in a small amount of solution.

Before preparing this healing drink, you need to learn how to care for and use kombucha. There are some rules, if they are not followed, the fungus can get sick or die.

The optimal temperature for the life of the fungus is 24-25 degrees. Therefore, it is undesirable to put it in a cool room, as well as near heating appliances.
It is necessary to protect the jar of mushroom from direct sunlight.
It is necessary to drain the resulting solution every 5-6 days, and even more often in summer. If the mushroom is left standing, there will be a lot of vinegar in the drink, and it will no longer be so tasty and healthy.
Every 3-4 weeks, rinse the mushroom with clean, cool water, inspect for damage, and separate if it has become too thick.
Pour the mushroom only with a cooled solution. Best at room temperature. Too hot can destroy the body, and cold can slow down its vital activity.
The solution that is added to the jar with the mushroom must be well filtered. Sugar must be dissolved in it. Grains of sugar and tea leaves can cause a burn on the surface of the medusomycete.

In order for the mushroom to benefit and produce a delicious healing drink, it is important to follow these rules. It is a living organism, and it also needs to be loved. Therefore, it is recommended to study well how to care for and consume kombucha.

Preparation of a healing drink

It seems to many that it is very difficult to make such kvass. But it doesn't really take long. There are many tips about kombucha: how to care for and use. The preparation of the drink is recommended on the basis of black tea. It is its constituent components that the fungus uses to produce ascorbic acid and other beneficial substances. The most common recipe for making a tea solution is this: a three-liter jar needs 2 liters of water. 4-5 tablespoons of leaf tea are brewed in it and a glass of sugar is dissolved. Do not make too strong tea, it can slow down the vital activity of the fungus.

But you can also pour a medusomycete with a solution of green tea, and even decoctions of medicinal herbs. From this, it acquires additional healing properties. Most often, nettle grass, linden flowers, rose hips, birch, plantain, blackberry leaves are used for this. It is not recommended to use herbs containing a lot of essential oils. When processed, they can greatly change the properties of the drink, and it is not known how this will affect human health. This is chamomile, sage, currant. The same applies to the advice to infuse the mushroom in juice or fruit decoctions, use honey or jam instead of sugar. It is best to add the necessary ingredients to an already prepared drink.

Pour the mushroom with a new solution as soon as the already prepared infusion is drained. It is recommended to leave a little in the jar, this will speed up the maturation of the drink. Ready kvass must be poured into bottles, but not to the brim, as it can still ripen and foam. It should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 1-2 months. For the habitat of the fungus, you need to use glassware. You can store the drink in any container, but not in metal.

Beneficial features

We looked at how to care for and consume kombucha. Its benefits and harms have long been known in the countries of the East. Japanese geisha drank it in order not to get better, used it as an antidote, removed warts with it. Modern scientists have studied the drink produced by kombucha and determined why it is so beneficial.

The infusion contains organic acids, polysaccharides, sugars, proteins, essential oils, vitamins, enzymes and valuable trace elements. It also contains substances with antibacterial properties. The presence of a large number of biologically active substances explains the medicinal qualities and benefits of kombucha. Caring for him may seem difficult to many, but it's worth it. After all, the resulting drink is not only tasty, but also healing. It has the following properties:

relieves headache and toothache;
reduces inflammation;
destroys bacteria, viruses and fungal organisms;
lowers blood pressure;
has a diuretic effect;
calms the nervous system;
strengthens the immune system;
cleanses the body of toxins and toxins;
increases efficiency and brain activity;
improves the condition of the skin, nails and hair.

For what pathologies is it used

atherosclerosis and hypertension;
sore throat, tonsillitis, pharyngitis;
dysentery;
insomnia;
pain in the heart;
sunburn;
hair loss;
hangover.

How to use correctly?

Tea kvass is useful for adults and children. It is a favorite refreshing drink for many. But you need to know how to care for and consume kombucha in order to benefit from it. It is recommended to drink kvass separately from meals. It is desirable that 2-3 hours pass after eating. Or drink it an hour before meals. In folk medicine, it is recommended to drink a glass of drink 2-3 times a day. Drinking on an empty stomach, it will improve digestion and cleanse the body, and before going to bed it will calm the nervous system and help you fall asleep quickly.

Kombucha treatment recipes

In folk medicine, medusomycete has long been used to treat various diseases. It can be taken orally, used for rinsing the hair, mouth, lotions and compresses. The beneficial properties of this drink help with many pathologies. But it is necessary to follow all the rules for the care, preparation and use of kombucha. You can use ready-made recipes or try your own methods of treatment with such a remedy.

Applying a piece of kombucha helps to quickly get rid of an ingrown toenail. Such a compress removes inflammation and suppuration.
To preserve the color of the hair and to improve their condition, you need to rinse your head with infusion of the fungus after each wash.
If the hair falls out, you need to rub this drink into the scalp and roots. This procedure also helps to get rid of dandruff.
By tying mushroom pieces to your nails at night, you can get rid of the fungus.
From gastritis, an infusion of the fungus mixed with honey helps. Such a drink should be consumed 3 times a day, 100 ml.
Tea kvass will help you lose weight if you consume 6 glasses of it daily along with proper nutrition.

Could the drink be harmful?

If you know how to care for kombucha and use it correctly, it will only benefit the body. But still, not all people are recommended to drink this drink. Due to the presence of a large amount of organic acids, yeast, tonic substances, and also because of its ability to lower blood pressure, it is contraindicated to use tea kvass in such cases:

with gastritis with high acidity of gastric juice;
with peptic ulcer;
diabetes mellitus;
gout;
fungal diseases;
hypotension;
children under 12 years old.

In addition, it is not recommended to use a heavily fermented drink, as well as an infusion of a fungus that is affected by any disease. In order not to harm your health, you should not drink too much of this kvass, yet it contains alcohol, albeit in small quantities. In addition, the presence of acids in the composition of the infusion can damage sensitive tooth enamel and aggravate existing oral diseases.

Kombucha diseases

This is a living organism, so it can also get sick and even die. And most often this is due to the fact that people do not know how to care for kombucha and use it correctly. First of all, when shifting a medusomycete, washing it and separating it, physical damage can be done to it. Such damage does not affect the quality of the drink, but it is still better to wait until the fungus recovers by placing it in a small amount of nutrient solution for a while.

But there are other diseases that make the drink unfit for consumption. Most often, the upper surface of the fungus turns brown. This is due to a violation of the rules for the care and use of kombucha. Grains of sugar or tea, too hot or cold water, etc. lead to damage to the surface of the medusomycete.

Sometimes blue-green algae start up in a jar of mushrooms. The solution then becomes cloudy and becomes unusable. Algae can form when the room temperature is too low, when sunlight hits the fungus. If the temperature regime is violated, mold can also form on the surface of the medusomycete. In addition, midges can get into the jar in the summer and lay eggs in the mushroom.

All these problems lead to the death of the body. Sometimes you can try to save the mushroom, for example, to separate the brown upper part. But it is best to study well everything about kombucha: how to care for and use it. Then no problems will arise.

Kombucha: how to care and use - reviews

For the most part, the responses of people who have kombucha at home are positive. People love the pleasant refreshing taste of this drink. Many are so accustomed to it that caring for the mushroom does not cause them any problems. He lives with people for many years, and the infusion is used not only as a drink, but also as a remedy. Many people note that kvass helped them improve digestion, strengthen immunity, and normalize blood pressure. And recently this drink has become very popular abroad. It is sold in glass bottles and is called kombucha.

Kombucha is a biological substance that looks like a jellyfish, its beneficial properties are known to many, today it is grown at home and taken for years, rejoicing in improved health.

Even in ancient China, kombucha had a reputation as an elixir of health, it was considered a remedy for all diseases. There is an opinion that the inhabitants of Ceylon were the first to master the use of kombucha, from there he moved to India and China, and then the inhabitants of Manchuria and Eastern Siberia met him.

What is useful Kombucha

If you still don’t know how kombucha is useful, then you should definitely familiarize yourself with the list of diseases that can be cured with this remedy:

tonsillitis;
vegetovascular dystonia;
conjunctivitis;
gastritis;
flu;
SARS;
constipation;
wounds;
chronic enterocolitis;
diseases of the stomach and intestines;
diseases of the liver and gallbladder.

In addition, the beneficial properties of kombucha are manifested in the treatment of tuberculosis, it well supports the body of a person suffering from diseases of the central nervous system.

Since kombucha has antibacterial properties, it is recommended to use it for the treatment of diseases of the nasopharynx, as well as the oral cavity. Many people advise gargling with a warm solution of the fungus (1:10, 1 part of the fungus to 10 parts of warm water) for sore throats - this should be done every hour.

A sour drink obtained from kombucha should be drunk daily, 2-3 glasses each: it has a beneficial effect on the entire body and serves as a good prevention of inflammatory and infectious diseases.

For the treatment of stomatitis, a mushroom is also used, rinsing their mouth every 30 minutes.

This remedy helps well if it is necessary to relieve inflammation from the mucous membrane of the eyes or cure barley: you need to dilute 1 part of the mushroom infusion with 20 parts of water and drip several times a day.

In order to get rid of the symptoms of a cold, you should prepare an alcohol tincture. The most “infused” mushroom is best suited for these purposes - maybe you have one that is stored for about a month. 4 parts of vodka are added to 1 part of this infusion and kept in a dark place for 2 weeks. Then it must be filtered, and the tincture is ready for use: it should be drunk 3 times a day for a teaspoon.

Useful properties and contraindications

In addition to the described beneficial properties of kombucha, its cosmetic effect is known. For example, it is recommended to rinse oily hair with infusion of the fungus (about a week old). The same infusion perfectly cleanses the skin of pustules, acne, relieves irritation: it is enough to moisten cotton wool in the fungus and wipe the face several times a day.

Studying the beneficial properties and contraindications of kombucha, experts came to the conclusion that it is almost completely safe: the infusion of the fungus can be used by pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.

However, some caution must still be observed. For example, it is contraindicated to drink kombucha for those who suffer from:

increased acidity of gastric juice;
diabetes mellitus;
gout;
fungal diseases;
stomach ulcer;
individual intolerance.

Another important warning: kombucha contains alcohol, albeit in negligible amounts, which means that, despite the many useful properties, there is a main contraindication - it is better not to use it for those who are going to drive.

Where to get kombucha

If you decide to start treatment or just support the body with this remedy, you need to know where to get kombucha. First, find out from whom you can take a fungus shoot - it is also called a “baby”. Ask your acquaintances, friends, or look for kombucha on Avito. A very small piece is enough, it grows and multiplies relatively quickly.

How to grow kombucha at home

The next exciting question will be how to grow kombucha at home? The shoot that you managed to take should be placed in a three-liter clean and dry jar. Separately, brew 100 g of the most ordinary tea with 1 liter of boiling water. Add a little sugar - about 40-60 g, previously dissolved (required!) In a small amount of boiling water. After the tea has cooled, pour it into a jar of mushrooms.

How to care for kombucha

It is not enough just to fill the mushroom with tea leaves - you need to know how to care for kombucha so that it does not die, but successfully grows and benefits. Be sure to store it in the shade, away from direct sunlight - they can destroy it.

The air temperature in the room is also important - it should not be lower than +25 degrees, since in a colder room the mushroom can freeze.

The infusion should be periodically drained and the mushroom should be poured with fresh tea leaves. In summer, this is done every 2-4 days, in winter it can be done less often, after 5-6 days. It must not be allowed to stagnate, otherwise the substance will be covered with a brown film that prevents the penetration of oxygen. The fungus is a living organism, and with poor care, it dies.

In addition, every three weeks it is imperative to rinse the kombucha with clean water at room temperature.

After each washing and pouring fresh tea, the jar with the mushroom should be covered with gauze folded several times to prevent dust from getting inside the dish. The mushroom is infused for 8-15 days: after this period it is ready for use.

How to drink kombucha

It is very useful to drink a glass or two of kombucha on an empty stomach, immediately after waking up. It will prepare the gastrointestinal tract for breakfast, set up the body for proper digestion.

A good effect on the stomach and on the body as a whole produces half a glass of kombucha drunk at night.

In total, from 300 to 500 ml of a healing drink can be consumed throughout the day.

It is important to know how to drink kombucha correctly if you want to diversify its taste. For example, you can enrich the taste and improve the healing qualities of kombucha with various herbs: for example, add a couple of teaspoons of chopped herbs to a liter of tea with which you are going to fill the mushroom. The only thing to avoid are herbs containing essential oils, such as lavender, sage, etc.

You can brew rose hips with boiling water, first you need to insist on their hour, then strain and add to kombucha.

How to lose weight with kombucha

Of course, kombucha by itself will not help you lose weight, but it works great in combination with other drugs. Drink six glasses of infusion a day: an hour before meals - a glass, and two hours after eating - another glass. Of course, nutrition should be correct, contain nutrients and a minimum of calories. The course of treatment is 3 months, then you need to take a break for a week.

Regular use of kombucha helps to remove edema, helps to get rid of body fat, and normalizes metabolic processes in the body.

Olga Moiseeva for the Women's magazine "Charm"

Adherents of traditional medicine use different healing techniques. One of them is the production of kombucha (kombuhi, kombuti) - tea kvass. It is a complex of nutrient-producing microorganisms. Consider the methods and methods of growing kombucha at home.

The Latin name for the formation is Medusomyces gisevi. Consists of acetic acid bacteria and yeast in the form of gelatinous, multilayer plates. They float on the surface of the tea liquid and saturate it with substances (mainly carbohydrates, various types of sugars). If we add ethyl alcohol, yeast-like fungi, we get acetic acid.

The color of the substance is mainly fango - pinkish, smoky brown, dirty yellow. The hue depends on the conditions of microorganism care and the substrate. For example, in Japan they use algae - sea kale.

When mixed with other infusions, the medusa mycete will retain its original characteristics and will not absorb foreign components that have tannic or aromatic properties. Additional components allow you to get the desired chemical composition due to the fermentation of the fungus:

after the introduction of honey, the medusa mycete produces malic, gluconic acids, choline, all kinds of alcohols;
sweet black tea stimulates the production of caffeine, ethanol, vitamins C, D, PP, B, citric and lactic, carbonic and kojic acids.

The principle of fermentation is the production of alcohol by yeast when interacting with sugar. If, in addition to glucose, “feed” with various substances, it will be possible to prepare useful tinctures based on the resulting liquid. They have antibacterial, analgesic, anti-inflammatory properties. When taken correctly, the drink:

relieve symptoms of colds, acute respiratory infections, flu, chronic ENT problems;
cope with constipation, mild tuberculosis, dysentery;
improve vision, memory, lower the concentration of cholesterol in the blood;
normalizes metabolism, pressure, gastrointestinal tract, hair structure, skin;
boosts immunity, energizes.

External use is recommended for people with warts, age spots and other neoplasms. On the basis of kvass, ointments are created, lotions are made, and not everyone can dry it for future use in order to use it in winter, without laboratory conditions.

How to grow at home

You will need large-leaf black tea or rose hips. The first option involves breeding microorganisms in a glass bottle or jar with a volume of 3 liters. If cleanliness is not taken care of, the medusa mycete will not grow, will get sick or die due to infection with pathogenic microbes. But sterilization is not required: rinse the container thoroughly under running water. It is good to use soda - it is washed off the remnants of detergent chemicals from the walls.

Cooking steps

Pour 5 tbsp into the brewing container. l. tea without a slide and pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Insist until cool. Add 7 tbsp. l. granulated sugar, mix thoroughly, pass through gauze twice. Pour the solution into the prepared jar, cover with a breathable cloth. Put in heat at a temperature not lower than room temperature for 6-7 weeks. Watching the solution is not worth it, there is no need for care.

It is not difficult to determine how well fermentation is going: after 14 days of aging, the container spreads a vinegar smell. Then a film will begin to form on the surface of the liquid - the first layer of kombucha. Gradually, it will increase, and the medusomycete will grow.

Instructions for care and maintenance

If the cultivation and preparation of medusomycete goes wrong, it is not washed, not fed - it will become moldy, deteriorate, turn into an unsightly mass and become useless. The drink will be similar to diluted vinegar. Pay attention to the following factors:

fango thickness - about 1–3 cm;
location - on the border of liquid and air;
the volume of water does not change optimally;
the presence of a substrate - strained tea leaves, sugar (per 1 liter - 2 tablespoons);
accuracy - when top dressing, sugar does not touch the fungus, otherwise the integrity of the film will be broken, the microorganisms will get sick and die;
cleanliness - monthly rinse the jar and jellyfish under running warm water.

Fango is propagated by gradually removing the top film. First, remove the formation from the jar, rinse. Move the carefully separated layer to another container with warm, clean water, cover with gauze or a thin cloth. It will grow safely on its own if it does not sink to the bottom - a sign of a medusa mycete disease. It is necessary to feed, add boiled water as needed, up to one level. It is better to put the container in a well-defined place.

When moving and changing the container, the layers do not deform, do not tear, do not bend - they are carefully placed on a flat surface. You can’t drag it sideways through the neck, you can’t fold it in half, the “cakes” will break. A full-fledged Japanese uterus can be born from a small piece with proper care and nutrition.

Diseases of the medusa mycete

Mechanical damage is visible to the naked eye. Places where sugar, excessively cold or hot water get on the “cake” are marked by the appearance of a brown coating. Then divide the fango and place it in the produced kvass for a short time so that the integrity, cracks and breaks of the thickets are restored. The quality of the medicinal drink will not suffer, since pathogenic reactions do not occur.

The solution becomes cloudy in the cold or in direct sunlight. Infection with blue-green algae occurs and kvass becomes unfit for consumption. Sometimes the layers become moldy or midges lay eggs on them if the container is poorly covered or the room is dirty. Fango gets sick and is thrown out.

Try to revive - rinse immediately, diligently and carefully separate the spoiled layers, remove pests. Process the jar at the same time. After that, the fungus emerges - the layers rise, lie near the surface and develop normally.

Preparation for use

If you properly care for the medusomycete, there are no special requirements for taking kvass. The only thing is to take it long before or after a meal, and also follow the dosage. Alcohols cause intoxication, although their concentration is low. A noticeably fermented drink or taken from a sick jellyfish is not suitable for the treatment or prevention of diseases. This is determined by an unpleasant odor.

Rules for storage and transportation

Fango grows without interruption. In the absence of observation, the "cakes" will gradually fill the entire jar. Peel and move to other containers in time, fill with clean water or decoctions of medicinal herbs: nettle, green tea, linden flowers, birch leaves, blackberries, plantain. Kvass will be more nutritious and healthier. But you can not use plants with essential oils: sage, currant, chamomile. The composition of the liquid will change and cause harm.

For this reason, compotes, juices, fruit infusions should not be added to a container with a medusomycete; pure sugar should not be replaced with jam or honey. All this is mixed with kvass already in a cup, immediately before use.

Fresh nutrient solution is supposed to be poured after removing the old one. It is not forbidden to leave a part at the bottom, then a new portion will ripen faster. For ready-made kvass, you need to find containers made of any materials other than metal. Do not fill it to the top so that there is room for foaming, as the drink continues to ferment and carbonate.

Shelf life is 1-2 months, strictly in the cold. Kombucha brings a lot of benefits, and find out in advance how to grow it from scratch, care for it and take it. Otherwise, there is a risk that the medusomycete will simply die from improper handling.

It is difficult to find a Soviet family of the mid-twentieth century whose kitchen would not have a jar of tea in which a jellyfish-like substance floated. She was carefully “fed up”, adding strong tea, they talked to her, and many believed that this kitchen inhabitant fulfills her cherished desires. Few people know that scientifically "jellyfish" is called "medusomycete", but the people have a more familiar name - kombucha. Why do we love the medusa mycete so much? How to care for kombucha and use it?

What is useful Kombucha for the body?

Where was kombucha first used? It has not been precisely established, but even in the records of the ancient Chinese Han Dynasty (250 BC), it is mentioned. But some researchers believe that the mushroom was actively used by the ancient Greeks. It appeared in Russia in the 19th century.

The medusomycete looks a little like a mushroom, at least in the "classical" sense. It does not have a hat and legs, it cannot be marinated or fried. The body of the fungus, slippery and dense on top, is plastered with hanging threads from the inside. The threads are colonies of live acetic acid bacteria, and the upper fungal part is formed by the same bacteria and yeast. The composition of the fungus may vary depending on the predominant strain of microorganisms. The mushroom itself does not go into food, the liquid in which it is contained and which it processes into a special drink, called mushroom (tea) kvass, has value.

How is kvass made? Sweet tea is a breeding ground for a colony of microorganisms that form a fungus. Feeding on sugar, yeast contributes to its fermentation, releasing acid and alcohol. Alcohol is oxidized by bacteria to acetic acid. It turns out a slightly carbonated sweetish-sour drink. The main components of the infusion are acids - gluconic and kojic, lactic, acetic, malic, citric and carbonic, as well as caffeine, sugars, ethanol and beneficial enzymes. The combined action of these substances contributes to the regulation of the gastrointestinal tract, increased immunity, and the prevention of certain diseases.

How to grow kombucha at home from scratch - recipe

Where do you get kombucha? Basically - from "good hands". It grows quickly, and the owners give it away in pieces to those who wish. However, if there is no one to take the “mushroom baby”, you can acquire a medusa mycete on your own. It is enough to know how to grow kombucha from scratch, and soon a real micro-factory for the production of tea kvass will appear in your kitchen.

The ideal "living space" for the mushroom is a glass jar. Remembering that the jellyfish grows rapidly, it is better to take a three-liter container. The bank must be sterilized.

To create a nutrient medium, you need only three components:

water (preferably spring);
regular sugar;
tea leaves (black).

From these products you need to make tea. At first, it takes a little - about a liter. The brew is made a little stronger than ordinary tea, but sugar cannot be spared - 100 grams of sand is taken per liter of liquid. Pour tea into a jar, and tie its neck with gauze. We remove the container in a darkened place where the temperature does not go beyond the range of room temperature. After a few days, a thin film will appear on the surface of the tea: this is the origin of the fungus. In a few weeks, a full-fledged kombucha will grow from the film. To feed it, you need to regularly add freshly brewed cooled tea to the jar: strong and sweet (3 tablespoons of tea leaves and half a glass of sugar per liter of water).

How to care for kombucha so that it does not darken

Like any household "pet", the jellyfish needs care and respect. It is worth noting that caring for kombucha at home is simple.

Just remember a few rules:

It is important to add tea to the mushroom only when it has cooled down, otherwise the surface of the mushroom will get burned.
A jar of mushroom must be covered with gauze - this will protect it from clogging. Do not use a lid - the mushroom will suffocate.
In a jar, the liquid should occupy from 2/3 of the volume.
The mushroom needs regular washing. Obvious signs that the fungus is dying are its sinking to the bottom, darkening, the appearance of holes in the body. Boiled cooled water is suitable for washing.
After washing, the mushroom is dipped in fresh tea leaves! The jar is washed before this.

If it became noticeable that the mushroom exfoliated and let the "baby" out, it is recommended to use the "young growth" for further preparation of kvass. Why is it worth doing? The drink will be more useful from a young mushroom, as the old one releases an excessive amount of acetic acid.

How and why to use kombucha:

The beneficial properties of medusomycete make it possible to use its infusion as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent for a number of diseases.

Kombucha with the normalization of the gastrointestinal tract

The acids in the composition of tea kvass allow you to regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, take half a glass of drink half an hour before meals for at least a week. At the same time, digestion improves, problems with stool disappear, bloating and gas formation cease to pester. This regimen allows you to quickly forget colitis, pain in the lumbar region due to the kidneys, and in the right hypochondrium due to the liver.

Do not forget! Kombucha is not a panacea for problems with the gastrointestinal tract, and in some cases it may even be contraindicated. Consult with a specialist before using tea kvass!

Help with a cold

Tea kvass is considered a good way to increase the body's defenses, and in order to strengthen the immune system, it is indicated for both adults and children, especially in autumn and winter, when viruses and bacteria literally attack. A couple of glasses of a pleasant drink a day make the body more resilient.

If you still get a cold, you can use a weekly infusion of the fungus - natural antibiotic substances are formed in it. And with sore throat and to relieve inflammation, it is recommended to gargle with kvass every 2-3 hours.

Kombucha treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis

If kombucha lives in the house, a unique drink against hypertension can be prepared on its basis.

High blood pressure is gradually normalized if you prepare the following medicine:

mix a tablespoon of dried rhizomes of plants Eleutherococcus prickly and Leuzea safflower-like with a teaspoon of St. John's wort and the same volume of herb mountaineer;
fill the raw material with a liter of boiling water, sweat it in a water bath for 1/4 hour, and cool the broth;
mix the filtered broth with tea kvass 1: 1, leave in the refrigerator for three days.

It is necessary to apply the medicine three times a day, 50 milliliters before meals.

With a disease such as atherosclerosis, the drink is used according to the scheme:

week one: half a cup before bed at night;
2-3 weeks: at night - a glass of kvass, the next morning on an empty stomach - half a glass;
a break in treatment - a month;
course repetition.

Treatment of anemia

Kombucha drink is useful for anemia. Anemia or anemia occurs due to iron deficiency in the body.

Treatment is carried out as follows:

morning begins with a portion of grated raw carrots (100 grams), seasoned with olive oil;
45-60 minutes before lunch, drink a glass of tea kvass;
after an hour after dinner, they drink juice from vegetables: carrot, cucumber, beetroot (proportions 3:1:1, respectively);
in the evening, an hour before going to bed - a glass of mushroom drink.

Can you lose weight by eating kombucha?

If you want to throw off a couple of extra pounds in a short time, you can include tea kvass in your diet. The result will not be long in coming without strict dietary restrictions. Of course, it is desirable to exclude sweets and flour products. The enzymes that make up the drink activate metabolic mechanisms in the body, promote the breakdown of fats. For weight loss, you need to drink a glass of kvass in the morning, and only after that have breakfast. Taking a drink between meals can significantly reduce the feeling of hunger, which will lead to a decrease in the portion eaten and rapid satiety.

How to cure nail fungus?

Treat fungus with fungus? Traditional medicine assures: it is effective! To get rid of mycosis, it is necessary to carry out such compresses for several days in a row: attach a piece of kombucha to the affected nail and fix it with a bandage. It is more convenient to do this at night. In the morning, the bandage is removed, the nail is washed, the keratinized particles are removed. This method of combating mycosis gives a positive effect with regular use.

Treatment of skin lesions, cellulite

A mushroom in the kitchen can be an effective handy remedy for minor skin lesions. To prevent a cut or wound from becoming inflamed, you can use kombucha kvass instead of hydrogen peroxide.

The use of tea kvass is also known as an anti-cellulite agent. Its action is similar to apple cider vinegar. The infusion of the fungus is kept for 1.5 weeks. Then a large lemon and 2 leaves of a golden mustache plant are crushed with a meat grinder. A glass of kvass is heated and lemon-leaf gruel is poured with liquid. After an hour, the mixture can be used: a compress from the mixture is applied to the problem area of the skin steamed in a bath or hot bath, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap and for a thermal effect - with a towel. The wrapping is left for an hour and a half.

Who should not use kombucha: harm and contraindications

Despite its usefulness, medusomycete may have contraindications for use. Who should not drink a drink based on it?

First of all:

persons with increased acidity of the stomach;
those who suffer from diabetes;
children under 3 years of age due to a tendency to allergies;
pregnant women;
with thrush in women.

Kombucha does not take up much space in the house, is quite unpretentious in terms of maintenance, and in response to care, it will thank the whole family with health, longevity and beauty.