KOMBUCHA TEA Overview Information
Kombucha is a type of yeast, although it is sometimes described incorrectly as a mushroom. Kombucha tea is made by fermenting kombucha and bacteria with black tea, sugar, and other ingredients. People use kombucha tea as medicine, but there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective treatment for any condition.
Kombucha tea is used for memory loss, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), joint pain (rheumatism), aging, loss of appetite, AIDS, cancer, high blood pressure, constipation, arthritis, and hair regrowth. It is also used for increasing white cell (T-cell) counts, boosting the immune system, and strengthening the metabolism.
Some people apply kombucha tea directly to the skin for pain.
How does it work?
Kombucha tea contains alcohol, vinegar, B vitamins, caffeine, sugar, and other substances. However, there isn't enough evidence to know how kombucha tea might work for medicinal uses.
KOMBUCHA TEA Uses & Effectiveness 
Insufficient Evidence for:
- Memory loss.
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
- Joint pain (rheumatism).
- Aging.
- Loss of appetite.
- AIDS.
- Cancer.
- High blood pressure.
- Increasing white cell (T-cell) counts.
- Strengthening the immune system and metabolism.
- Constipation.
- Arthritis.
- Hair growth.
- Pain, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
KOMBUCHA TEA Side Effects & Safety
Kombucha tea may be UNSAFE for most adults. It can cause side effects including stomach problems, yeast infections, allergic reactions, yellow skin (jaundice), nausea, vomiting, head and neck pain, and death.
Kombucha tea, especially batches made at home where it’s hard to maintain a germ-free environment, can become contaminated with fungus (Aspergillus) and bacteria (including anthrax). In Iran, 20 people got anthrax infections from taking kombucha tea. This tea is particularly unsafe in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, who are more likely to get infections. Also, lead poisoning has been reported from kombucha tea that was prepared in a lead-glazed ceramic pot.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Kombucha tea may be unsafe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Alcoholism: Kombucha tea contains alcohol. Avoid it if you have a drinking problem.
Diarrhea: Kombucha tea contains caffeine. The caffeine in Kombucha tea, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Kombucha tea contains caffeine. The caffeine in Kombucha tea, especially when taken in large amounts, can worsen diarrhea and might worsen symptoms of IBS.
Weak immune system: Don’t use kombucha tea if you have a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS or other causes. Kombucha tea can support the growth of bacteria and fungus that can cause serious infections.
KOMBUCHA TEA Interactions
Minor Interaction Be watchful with this combination
- Disulfiram (Antabuse) interacts with KOMBUCHA TEA
Kombucha tea contains alcohol. The body breaks down alcohol to get rid of it. Disulfiram (Antabuse) decreases the break-down of alcohol. Taking kombucha tea along with disulfiram (Antabuse) can cause a pounding headache, vomiting, flushing, and other unpleasant reactions. Don't drink any alcohol if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse).
KOMBUCHA TEA Dosing
The appropriate dose of kombucha tea depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for kombucha tea. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
