Wellness Wednesday: Komubucha, A Health and Beauty Elixir

by Jena Sanders
Kombucha is heralded as an ancient "elixir of life" originating 2,000 plus years ago when the Korean doctor named Kombu, treated the Japanese emperor with fermented tea; "cha" meaning tea.  This elixir spread through Asia and many parts of Eastern Europe, particularly, Russia where it is still a traditional beverage made in many households.

Kombucha, for Well-being and Beauty

 Kombucha is making a resurgence in popularity as part of the green/whole foods/real food movement and with this post I invite you to partake of this detoxifying, energizing, living beverage. There is a lot of information on Kombucha, and if you are so inclined to read any books on the subject, I recommend Kombucha: The Miracle Fungus.


A synergistic combination of B vitamins, healthy organic acids and live enzymes, Kombucha boosts the immune system, detoxifies the liver, promotes a healthy balance in your digestive system, and calms the central nervous system, leaving one with sense of wellbeing.  It is panacea for ailments including (but not limited to) cancer, HIV, digestive problems, asthma, arthritis, high blood pressure, eczema, aids in weight control, diabetes and more.

Besides numerous health benefits, it also has several beautifying effects (especially when applied topically), including: clear & luminous skin, thicker hair, wrinkle reduction, tighter pores.  Kombucha extract is cropping up on the beauty aisle as it is being used as the latest health tonic for skin.  Personally, when I have applied masks of a pulverized scoby, I have had excellent results; my skin looked radiant and felt tight with pore size diminished. 

My sister-in-law, Liberty, along with introducing me to Kefir years ago, more recently supplied me with a Kombucha starter.   It has become a staple in our household, with my three little boys asking, "Can I ("may I", as I gently correct them) please have some Kombucha?"  They love it!  Of course, I am thrilled to provide them with a delicious (think carbonated apple cider) beverage that is truly healthy for them.  On a side note, to date they have never been on an antibiotic, which I attribute to whole and fermented foods in their diet, and mild silver protein for any infections that may occur.

Fermenting Kombucha

 Kombucha is a fermented tea made from sweetened green and/or black tea.  To ferment, one places a SCOBY, an acronym for a symbiotic colony of beneficial bacteria and yeast, that looks  kind of like a flat mushroom pancake, along with a little bit of liquid starter into a glass or ceramic pot.  In This contained ecosystem, the scoby will replicate itself leaving the "mother" and new "baby."

To make one gallon:

• Boil water and add 15 green and/or black organic tea bags.  Let steep, covered, for at least 15 minutes.
• Add 1 cup of sugar*.  Stir to dissolve.
• When tea has cooled to room temperature add scoby and 1/2 cup of starter (kombucha tea).
• If this is your first batch it is recommended to add 2 Tbs. of distilled white vinegar.
• Cover with a porous, breathable material (I use unbleached coffee filters w/ rubberband)
• Let ferment keeping out of bright light for 7-10 days.  Depending on the weather, it may take a shorter amount (warm weather) of time or longer amount (cooler weather).  The best way to gauge is to taste test during the process.  The longer it is brewed the more sour tasting it will become.  
• After fermenting pour into air tight containers to maintain effervescence.
• ENJOY!
• Pass on the "babies" to family and friends, so they, too, can enjoy this healthy elixir.

*White, refined sugar is recommended for optimal fermenting.  I personally use organic, raw turbinado sugar.

Scoby replication

 Remember this is a living process, so each batch, scoby duplication, may vary.  I would recommend getting the basic recipe down before experimenting with herbal teas, and or various flavours.

**Medical Disclaimer:  The information contained in this article is intended to provide helpful and healthful advice from traditional, home-health & well-being practitioners (Not medical doctors) and should not be construed as medical advice.  Please consult your primary health physician if you have or may have any pre-existing medical conditions.**