Kombucha Tea - Is it Safe?

Kombucha Tea

Other common name(s): Manchurian tea, Kargasok tea, tea fungus
Scientific/medical name(s): none

Description

Kombucha tea is made by fermenting sweetened black tea with a flat, pancake-like culture of yeasts and bacteria known as the Kombucha mushroom. It is not actually a mushroom but is called one because of the shape and color of the sac that forms on top of the tea after it ferments. The culture used in Kombucha tea varies, but consists of several species of yeast and bacteria. It may include Saccharomycodes ludwigii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Bacterium xylinum, Bacterium gluconicum, Bacterium xylinoides, Bacterium katogenum, Pichia fermentans, Candida stellata, and Torula species, among others.

Because there are several types of yeast and bacteria that can grow under these conditions, different Kombucha brews may contain different varieties. Since cultures and preparation methods vary, Kombucha tea may contain contaminants such as molds and fungi, some of which can cause illness. After the tea is made, it is usually highly acidic and contains alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and lactate.

Overview

Available scientific evidence does not support claims that Kombucha tea is effective in treating cancer or any other disease. Available scientific data does not support claims that it helps promote good health or prevents any ailments. There have been some serious side effects and occasional deaths reported with drinking Kombucha tea.

How is it promoted for use?

Kombucha tea is promoted as a cure-all for a wide variety of conditions including baldness, insomnia, intestinal disorders, arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, AIDS, and cancer. Supporters assert that Kombucha tea can boost the immune system and reverse the aging process. Kombucha tea is said to contain antioxidants, compounds that block the action of activated oxygen molecules, known as free radicals,that can damage cells. (Antioxidants are also found in vegetables, fruits, tea, coffee, and other such foods.) For people with cancer, proponents claim the tea can detoxify (cleanse) the body and enhance the immune system thereby improving the body’s defenses, especially in the early stages of cancer. After the body is cleansed, the tea is said to help repair and balance the body, and fight off disease. Available scientific evidence does not support these claims.

What does it involve?

Kombucha tea is made by steeping the mushroom culture in tea and sugar for about a week. During this process, the original mushroom floats in the tea and produces a "baby mushroom” on its surface. These new mushrooms can be passed along to other people for starting their own cultures or be kept to make new batches of the tea when the original mushroom “goes bad” (turns dark brown). Proponents often recommend starting with very small daily doses of the tea (1 to 2 ounces), and slowly increasing it over a few days or weeks.

Some proponents advise people to remove all chemicals from their diets and eat only fresh fruits and vegetables in order to help with the "detox." They may also be told to avoid caffeine, soft drinks, alcohol, hormone-fed meat, fertilized or sprayed foods, preservatives, artificial coloring and flavoring, and to quit smoking.

Kombucha mushroom cultures can be obtained from commercial manufacturers in the United States; however, most people obtain Kombucha mushrooms from friends because they are easily passed along. Due to its increased demand, some companies now sell bottles of brewed Kombucha tea. Other products include capsules made from the dried tea, and Kombucha liquid extract, drops of which are put under the tongue.

What is the history behind it?

Kombucha tea originated in East Asia and was introduced into Germany at the turn of the century. Since the early 19th century, Kombucha tea has been promoted as an immunity-boosting tea, which could strengthen the body against many ailments. It has become prevalent in the United States because it can be grown and harvested at home. It is especially popular among people with HIV and the elderly due to its immunity-boosting and anti-aging claims.

What is the evidence?

We are unable to find studies done on humans in the available scientific literature that support any of the health claims made for Kombucha tea.

There have, however, been reports of some serious complications associated with the tea. In April 1995, two women who had been consuming the tea daily for two months were hospitalized with severe acidosis -- an abnormal increase of the acid levels in body fluids. Both had high levels of lactic acid upon hospitalization. One woman died of cardiac arrest two days after admission. The second woman’s heart also stopped, but she was stabilized and recovered. The mushrooms used by both women came from the same "parent" mushroom. While no direct link to Kombucha tea was proven in this case, the FDA has warned consumers to use caution when making and drinking the tea.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

Deaths have been reported from acidosis linked with the tea. Drinking excessive amounts of the tea is not recommended. Several experts warn that since home-brewing facilities vary significantly, the tea could become contaminated with harmful germs which could be especially dangerous to people with HIV, cancer, or other immune problems. Allergic reactions, possibly to molds in the tea, have been reported, as have jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes, usually due to liver damage) and anthrax of the skin.

Because the acid in the tea can cause it to absorb harmful elements from its container, it should not be brewed in ceramic, lead crystal, or painted containers. Lead poisoning has been reported in at least 2 people who brewed Kombucha tea in a ceramic pot.

Since the potential health risks of Kombucha tea are unknown, anyone with immune deficiency or other medical condition should consult a physician before drinking the tea. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use this tea.

Additional Resources

More Information is available from Your American Cancer Society.

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