Making Kombucha Drink and Caring for Kombucha

How to grow, care and brew kombucha.

The owner of the kombucha must be aware that it is a living organism. Therefore, both heat and cold are very harmful to him. Normal room temperature is optimal for kombucha.

Also, the fungus cannot exist in the absence of oxygen and a nutrient medium. To prevent the jellyfish from suffocating, the container with it cannot be tightly corked for a long time. It is best to cover the jar of kombucha with a cloth rather than a lid.

Exposure to chemicals and mechanical damage is harmful to him.

Typically, the body of the fungus, with proper care, fills the entire surface of the dishes in which the nutrient solution is poured. On an industrial scale, jellyfish is capable of reaching a mass of more than a centner.

A healthy mushroom floats on the surface of the liquid and slowly but constantly increases in size: first it grows in breadth, then in depth, that is, down. If his body falls down a little, this indicates an insufficient amount of sugar in the solution. Slow growth and a decrease in the acidity of the drink may also indicate a small amount of sugar or tea infusion.

The fungus "gets sick" when the solution is highly acidic, that is, in cases where the solution is not drained for a long time and fresh nutrition is not added to the body. He does not like direct sunlight.

Therefore, it is regularly necessary to partially replace the liquid in which the medusomycete is contained. In summer, this is done every two to three days, in winter less often - after 5-7 days.

Once or twice a month, the body of the fungus is carefully washed with running water (you should avoid strong pressure and hot water, soap and brushes), then put it back in a container with a nutrient medium. After the "bath", the medusomycete may recover a little

This is expressed in the fact that the mushroom is not distributed evenly over the surface, but can drown slightly with one side or even completely. Over time, everything returns to normal. The production of the drink during this period also occurs in slow motion. To minimize the negative effect of washing the body of the fungus, you should not completely replace the composition of the nutrient medium: it is enough to drain half of the solution by adding a fresh one to the container.

It is contraindicated to pour dry sugar directly onto the mushroom. This can cause burns on the body, which will take a long time to heal. Sugar must be in a dissolved state.

The use of kombucha in cosmetics

The versatility of kombucha lies in the fact that it is used for various purposes, including cosmetic.

This is an improvement in the condition of hair, skin. The use of the drink helps to get rid of blackheads, acne, dandruff, and normalizes the oily skin. Using it on hair helps to strengthen its roots, accelerate growth, and make hair thick and shiny.

How to use kombucha for hair

To strengthen the hair roots, a mixture of the drink with honey is prepared. We heat the liquid and dissolve a spoonful of honey in it. This mixture is applied to the hair roots, cured for a while, and then washed off.

It is considered beneficial for hair if consumed regularly. However, you can use it as a mouthwash, applying it three times a week.

Hair rinse

To rinse the hair, a decoction is prepared, but in addition to kombucha, it is advisable to add various herbs to it.

To prepare the broth, a very strong infusion of the mushroom is taken (in particular, it should ferment for about a month). Then the infusion is diluted in water in a ratio of one to two. After that, add herbs to the solution: nettle, sage, chamomile, put on fire and bring to a boil. Then the liquid is cooled down and is already applied.

This broth is especially useful for those with oily hair. It is necessary to use the broth often enough, within a week up to five times.

Hair masks

For hair, you can also use masks.So, for example, the following mask is used for dandruff, which is well suited for all hair types.

Strong tea is brewed in a jar, about 1/7 of the volume of a jar, 300 g of sugar are put in the tea leaves. Then, while the tea leaves are still hot, a mushroom is placed in it. The jar is closed with a lid and infused for a month in a warm, not too lit place. The finished infusion is filtered and rubbed into the hair, after washing the head with shampoo. The mask is kept for 30 minutes.

Another universal mask designed for all hair types is prepared from a monthly infusion of kombucha. A tablespoon of honey, 10 drops of sage and lavender aromatic oils are placed on a third of a glass of liquid. The finished composition is rubbed into the hair roots, kept for an hour, then the head is washed in warm water.

If the hair is dry, then the same amount of vitamin E and olive oil is added instead of herbs.

For oily hair, you must first brew herbs in 0.5 cups of boiling water - sage, horsetail, thyme and rosemary. All one teaspoon at a time. Then the liquid is filtered and mixed with the same amount of mushroom infusion. For use, this solution is diluted in two liters of water and the hair is rinsed every time after a shower.

From brittle hair, an infusion helps, to which are added a teaspoon of chamomile, nettle and rosemary. Infused for 15 minutes, and then applied as a rinse.

Benefits and uses for facial skin

The fungus also has a wonderful effect on the skin. These are antiseptic, anti-aging and firming properties. In addition, the mushroom helps to restore the alkaline balance, remove acne and various irritations.

The easiest option is a regular wash with kombucha. For acne and blackheads, you can prepare a mixture of two parts of the mushroom infusion and one part of onion juice. This mixture must be washed before going to bed.

You can simply put the mushroom itself on your face for 15 minutes. This mask will moisturize the skin and even out its complexion. In general, various masks can be prepared on the basis of kombucha.

One of the interesting masks is the banana one. To prepare it, you will need half a glass of mushroom infusion, two tablespoons of crushed banana, olive oil and two yolks. All this is mixed well with a blender. The mask is applied before going to bed for half an hour, then it is washed off and the cream is applied.

Another interesting mask is a mask with cottage cheese and cosmetic clay. Three tablespoons of drink and cosmetic clay are mixed. Then 200 g of cottage cheese is added here. The whole mixture is well mixed to a creamy state. Then the mixture is applied to the face, waited until it dries, and then washed off with warm water.

If bruises or bags appear under the eyes, then you can safely remove them with the help of kombucha. For this, cotton pads are taken, moistened in the infusion and placed on the desired areas of the skin. Very well suited for poor eyesight, when you often have to strain your eyes.

Infection of kombucha with mold fungi (mold)

“Mold spores are ubiquitous. As soon as they get into favorable conditions (nutrient medium + high humidity + suitable temperature), mold begins to develop. "

Mold on kombucha is quite rare (due to the production of secondary metabolites), but if the rules of care are violated, it can still infect the fungus. Young, low-layer fungi, which were not added with the "leaven" and which did not have time to produce a "safe" acidity level (pH) of the drink, are largely susceptible to mold damage.

To exclude the possibility of infection of kombucha with mold, a number of rules must be observed:

- before you start working with the mushroom - wash your hands; - always use only clean dishes (do not use chemical dishwashing detergents); - do not allow gas pollution, smoke and the presence of cigarette smoke in the room,where is the kombucha (the kitchen is not the best place); - before laying a new batch of kombucha, add up to 10% of the volume of the previous "leaven" (this is especially important for young kombucha); - do not allow dust to get on the surface of the mushroom (cover the neck of the container with a napkin, “breathing” cloth or gauze folded in several layers, pressing it against the jar with an elastic band); - use quality ingredients: clean water, quality sugar, quality tea or herbs; - observe the temperature regime. In addition, if you suspect mold, it must be borne in mind that mold can only appear on the surface of the fungus.

Not between the layers, not below, but precisely on the part of the kombucha that is in contact with the air. That is, on the surface

In addition, if you suspect that mold is present, it must be borne in mind that mold can only appear on the surface of the fungus. Not between the layers, not below, but precisely on the part of the kombucha that is in contact with the air. That is, on the surface.

Many novice "kombuchevodov" are sometimes worried about the threads appearing from the bottom of the mushroom. Do not worry, these are not molds, but the so-called yeast filaments. It is here that the fermentation and fermentation process takes place most intensively.

Mold fungi are quite "cunning" and tenacious. They can survive and thrive in the most adverse conditions.

Therefore, if your kombucha is infected with mold, I recommend replacing it (this is especially important if there are black or blue molds). If you are unable to replace the fungus, and the mold has just appeared, you can try the following:

- pour out the contents of the container; - remove the top layers of the kombucha; - boil the container; - place the peeled mushroom in a fresh solution; - add a tablespoon of fruit vinegar.

Still, I recommend simply replacing the affected mushroom. In addition, it is necessary to determine the reasons for the appearance of mold, eliminate them and further adhere to the rules for preparing kombucha.

How to properly care for kombucha and step by step instructions

If you decide to grow a kombucha, caring for it at home does not require much time and effort. All you need is a glass jar, diffused sunlight, warmth, enough food, clean water.

The community of microorganisms is settled in a three-liter jar. To fill it, a slightly sweetened weak black tea is prepared. The jar is placed in a warm place, but not on the windowsill. Periodically, the prepared drink is drained, and the container is filled with a new portion of tea. Sometimes the medusomycete is washed with clean running water.

Kombucha storage rules

Caring for a kombucha at home is to create favorable conditions for its life. The optimal dwelling place for the colony will be a three-liter jar. Its diameter is sufficient for the development of the fungus. Glass containers will not change the properties of the liquid stored in it. In addition, it is convenient to monitor the vital activity of the body in a glass container, change the solution in time and wash the container.

The jar is placed in a lighted place, where direct sunlight does not fall. Microorganisms feel good at temperatures ranging from 23-25 ​​degrees. A slight cold snap for a short time will not hurt, but a prolonged cold snap is destructive.

Kombucha care

The kombucha care instructions contain nutritional information. The easiest way to grow a colony of microorganisms on tea with sugar. The main condition is that no grains of tea leaves or undissolved sugar should get on the body, therefore, after making tea, it is filtered.

In the process of introducing and preparing top dressing, the following instructions are followed:

1. Prepare 1.5 liters of weak black tea, which is slightly sweetened. For one liter of tea, take 2 tablespoons of sugar.
2. The liquid is filtered and cooled to room temperature.
3. After that, the prepared nutrient solution is poured into a jar with a mushroom.
4. After 5 days, the maximum tasty and healthy drink is ready. It is poured into another container, placed in the refrigerator, since it is much tastier when chilled.
5. A new portion of freshly prepared tea is poured into the jar.

Proper care of kombucha is not only about feeding it, but also keeping it healthy.

To do this, it is important to adhere to the following rules:

• only freshly prepared tea is used as a nutrient medium;
• the bank is regularly washed, like its inhabitant;
• to protect against dust and midges, the neck of the container is covered with gauze;
• the mushroom is protected from mechanical damage;
• the place for the can is carefully chosen, the temperature in the room is monitored;
• if algae or mold appears in the container, urgent measures are taken.

Medusomycete reproduces by division. In the course of life, the body builds up layers that separate over time. The exfoliated part is moved to a separate jar of tea in order to grow a new organism. It is forbidden to divide the body of the colony across, as it will die. Also, the lower layers are not used for reproduction. They are poorly stored and get sick for a long time.

When growing a new colony from the upper layers, they adhere to the same principle as when caring for a mature organism. At first, the separated layer will need a little tea, about 0.5 liters. As it grows, the amount of fluid increases.

Kombucha rinsing

Describing how to care for kombucha in a jar, special attention is paid to rinsing the jellyfish. The frequency of washing the mushroom depends on the temperature in the room where it is stored.

If it's hot at home, then wash the jellyfish once a week. In the cold season, the frequency of washing is reduced to 1-2 times a month.

The procedure for taking a "shower" with a mushroom looks like this:

A small amount of clean drinking water at room temperature is poured into a container of sufficient volume.
The mushroom is carefully removed from the jar, placed in this container for a couple of minutes.
The upper and lower surfaces of the creature are washed with hands.
Sometimes small flakes come out from the bottom, which are best removed before returning the colony to the jar.
If desired, the mushroom is carefully washed under running water. It shouldn't be cold ..

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 tea kvass help regulate the activity of the gastrointestinal tract. To do this, take half a glass of the drink half an hour before meals for at least a week. At the same time, digestion improves, problems with stool disappear, and 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.

Help with colds

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 the autumn-winter time, when viruses and bacteria literally attack. A couple of glasses of a pleasant drink a day makes the body more resilient.

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

Kombucha treatment of hypertension and atherosclerosis

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

High blood pressure is gradually normalized if the following medicine is prepared:

• on a tablespoon of dried rhizomes of Eleutherococcus prickly and Leuzea safflower, mix with a teaspoon of St.
• fill the raw material with a liter of boiling water, darken 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 such a disease as atherosclerosis, the drink is used according to the scheme:

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

Treatment of anemia

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

Treatment is carried out as follows:

• the 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 lunch, 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.

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

How to cure nail fungus?

Treat a fungus with a 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: apply 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, and 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 the 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 mushroom infusion 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 the lemon-leafy 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 wrap is left for an hour and a half.

Industrial production

Today, the United States is the top selling kombucha. Leading companies in this production are GT’s Kombucha Company, Live Soda Kombucha, Makana Beverages Inc, Reed’s Inc., Kosmic Kombucha, Kombucha Wonder Drink, KeVita (purchased by PepsiCo in 2016).

Russia has only recently started industrial production of this drink, although ordinary people have long fallen in love with it, and many people themselves grew jellyfish in their apartments. The leader of the Russian market in this direction is the company Karibu Kombucha, located in Moscow.

Today, a wide variety of varieties of kombucha have been created. Only a third of the drinks in this line are produced without additives. Two-thirds of the market provides consumers with unique kombucha options, with added fruit and berry juices and herbs.

Kombucha: how to care and consume?

You can also grow a kombucha at home - it's not as difficult as it seems at first glance. It is better to start self-cultivation with the filing of friends - from a ready-made layer of kombucha, for which appropriate proper care is carried out. In the absence of such an opportunity, it will be useful to learn how to grow a mushroom from scratch.

How to grow kombucha from scratch?

Cooking kombucha at home is carried out in the following sequence:

• prepare the ingredients and items that will be required for growing kombucha - a 3 liter jar, cheesecloth, teapot, sugar, boiling water, large leaf tea without any impurities and additives;
• brew tea in a teapot - pour 5 tablespoons of tea leaves with 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave to cool completely;
• in the meantime, wash a three-liter jar with plain baking soda;
• as soon as the tea cools down, add 7 tablespoons of sugar to it and filter the composition;
• the sweet tea leaves are poured into a jar, covered with gauze and left in a warm place for a month and a half.

Some time after the procedure, you can notice a thin film on the tea leaves - this is the Kombucha. It will grow constantly. As soon as a dense layer is obtained, it is transferred to a new clean jar and poured over with tea. Tea is prepared in a standard way - the tea leaves are poured with boiling water and sugar is added to it at the rate of 5 tablespoons per 2 liters of tea. Ready and self-grown kombucha is left in a jar, covered with gauze.

There are no other ways to make kombucha. Some sources only advise rinsing the grown layer of kombucha in table vinegar, but not necessarily.

Care

Kombucha is carefully cared for so that it does not die. There is nothing complicated here:

• grow a mushroom in a jar - two or three liters;
• the jar is not closed, but only covered with gauze;
• the jar should be glass for good light transmission, but not sunlight, therefore the vessel is placed in the shade;
• the infusion should be drained every 2-3 days, and in winter - every 5-6 days;
• the finished infusion can be stored in the refrigerator or in the cellar;
• the solution for pouring a new portion of kombucha is prepared from the already used tea leaves - the prepared solution is filtered from the tea leaves;
• the solution is already made sweet and poured into a kombucha - you cannot put sugar in a jar with a mushroom, otherwise it will die.

When caring for a kombucha, people have important questions, among which are:

Pomegranate: useful properties and contraindications. - here is more useful information.

How to Divide Kombucha? The jellyfish stratum will separate itself into strata. As soon as this happens, the mushroom is taken out of the jar and divided into parts under warm running water - the old layer is removed, and the new one is placed in a new clean jar and filled with sweet tea solution.

Why did the kombucha sank to the bottom of the can? This often occurs when changing the solution and additional manipulations should not be carried out. The mushroom will climb up on its own in 2-3 days.

Mold has appeared on the mushroom, what should I do? This is rare and is largely due to impaired care. To get rid of mold, you need to remove the mushroom from the container and clean it from the bottom layer. The container itself is cleaned and boiled or sterilized.

The peeled mushroom is placed in a clean jar and filled with new sourdough.

How to rinse kombucha? This is carried out under running water, but with completely cleaned hands - it is important to remove all gold jewelry from your hands so as not to damage the structure.

There should be no other difficulties in caring for a kombucha.

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How to drink kombucha?

Since the infusion has warnings in its use, it is important to indicate how to drink the kombucha. Take the infusion of kombucha should be "outside" of the meal - you can not drink the drink before, during or after meals

An exception is a person's overeating - in this case, on the contrary, the drink will help to cope with the heaviness in the stomach.

The most useful infusion techniques are in the morning on an empty stomach and in the evening an hour before bedtime. Drink should be in a glass, no more. In the morning, a drink of kombucha will trigger the start of metabolism, and in the evening it will promote sleep.

The article describes in detail the benefits and harms of kombucha, which everyone determines for themselves.It is useful to take the infusion, but in small quantities so that it does not harm your health. Do not pour overly strong tea leaves - the infusion should be of medium concentration.

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