I really can’t say enough about the virtues of kombucha. As someone with a sensitive stomach, I find it can have a very settling effect. Kombucha is a sort of tea or elixir made with cultured probiotics (derived from a kombucha mushroom), which are great (in fact, essential) to healthy digestion. Kombucha is known for its detoxifying properties, and some say it helps protect us against cancer. Also, I found this great tidbit on wikipedia:
“In addition to, or aside from any possible health benefits, many users report a relatively subtle but definite perceptual shift after consuming kombucha. This perceptual shift is generally characterized by mild euphoria, relaxation, and an overall sense of physical and mental well-being.”
No wonder I like it so much. Why isn’t everyone drinking this every day? Well, a lot of people are, but I’m guessing the vinegar taste and occasional live gloppy strands of cultures are a turn off for some.
I personally have found GT’s Synergy drinks to be not only drinkable, but delicious. He combines 5% juice with kombucha. Guava Goddess is my personal favorite. Most stores sell them for about $3.50, which is surely not cheap, but it’s les
s than a frappaccino at Starbucks and will give you more bang for your buck.
The day I make kombucha myself is the day I give myself the biggest pat on the back EVER. Apparently, it it very quick and cheap to make, so perhaps I’ll being patting sooner than I think. This recipe is illustrated and straightforward and here’s a link to buy a starter kit, which you only need once.
Guerrilla Health Watch 
To reduce the cost, I drink half of the kombucha one day, refridgerate the rest, and drink the other half the next day. It is a pretty big bottle. The only thing is that you can’t let it sit around for too many days (I didn’t do more than 3) because of the raw ingredients–you don’t want it to go bad.
I have heard of the wonders of kombucha, but have never actually tried it myself. From what I understand, though, it is super-easy to make. A friend of a friend is in possession of a kombucha “mother,” which I will probably be requesting a piece of soon. I’d bet if you asked at some mom-and-pop type health-food stores, they could direct you to someone who has their own kombucha mother they could give you.
Thanks for promoting kombucha as a healthy option. I’ve been making my own for a few months now and it is indeed easy and saves a lot of money. I used GT’s Kombucha (the non-fruit kind) as my starter.
Hey, Lee! Thanks for your comment. I see that you are, in fact, the Good Baker — I wonder if you noticed my link to your vegan nutella recipe. I’m putting you on the blog roll.
kombucha is not a mushroom. it is a SCOBY.
Thanks, Miles! Here’s what wikipedia says:
“The culture itself looks somewhat like a large pancake, and though often called a mushroom, or by the acronym SCOBY (for “Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast”), it is clinically known as a zoogleal mat.”
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kombucha
Any idea what a zoogleal mat is?
I love Kombucha! My fiance was reading about it not long ago, and ordered a Scoby soon after. While watiting for it to arrive, we were drinking GT’s Kombucha, which is delicious but too pricey for us to drink all the time.
It is much, much cheaper to make your own. I use leaf green tea as opposed to bags, as I have read that bagged tea is often of lower quality and potency.
The feelings you get after drinking it are not just hype. After I drink it, I have to pee really bad, like I just drank a lot of water when I only had about 8 ounces of Kombucha. I can only assume that this is my body ridding itself of toxins. After, I feel wonderful, and it’s as if a fountain of energy and well-being has been released.
Geurilla, here is the definition for zoogleal:
An aggregate of bacteria forming a jellylike mass with cell walls swollen by the absorption of water or other fluid.
That feeling of euphoria is the alcohol and lactic acid from the drink. I dont know about you guys, but whenever I take my first drink of the evening (beer, wine, mix, etc..) I get an initial mild rush.
I enjoy GT’s too, and want to try my own as well.
Where is a good place to get a mother?
Just put my first batch to brew. Does any one know how to flavor your Kombucha?
I found a rally informative website that offers nice starter scobys for sale at a very affordable price. http://kombuchagarden.com
yeah! I tried the Synergy drink my first time today and I felt great! I mean, I’m super health nut. I’ve tried many things, such as probiotics, chlorella, wheatgrass, AFA, bee pollen, royal jelly, and many more. The thing about kombucha is that it tastes great! I also feel great, so I really have no complaints whatsoever. I just wish it was a little cheaper! (;
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I do my own kombucha and don’t really understand why it is considered to be expensive??? I bought my ‘mother’ for £20 and its like lifetime investment! really cool!
Why don’t you wierdos just culture from the commercial brand instead of ordering something extra?