Side effects are possible with a variety of substances. A common misconception is that an herbal remedy is always safe in whatever quality it is consumed. Many people with this thought in mind run into difficulty when they disregard, or fail to respect recommendations of use for herbal products. This is true of anything from teas to table salt. Taken in too frequent doses, or large amounts side effects are possible from almost any substance. Kombucha tea has health and medical benefits, but there are warnings on its usage, which should be respected.
Kombucha is different than most herbal teas in that it is fermented. This tea is also unusual from other herbal remedies in that there is scientific data supporting Kombucha tea’s ability to promote health. Most such claims made of holistic medications are based on anecdotal information and accounts of those who use them. There are many unsubstantiated claims made about the effects of Kombucha, but the one proven benefit is the tea does have antioxidant and immune influencing abilities. It can protect the liver and lower the stress level. Benefits attributed to drinking this tea that aren’t proven at this time include preventing cancer, acting as a sleeping aid, and stimulating the re-growth of hair. For this reason, along with it’s boosting of the immune system the tea is very popular with those in middle age or older.
The way that Kombucha is made is responsible for both its benefit, and possibly some of the tea’s side effects. Brewing takes place when a culture, looking like a large pancake, is placed in sweetened tea since the sugar will assist in the fermentation. The mixture is allowed to “breath” with a cloth covering. Keeping this culture and mixture safe from contamination is a serious concern as it can easily develop mold.
Aside from the risk of mold, there are relative few reports of side effects or toxicity when drinking Kombucha tea. There is a possibility of harm to liver, especially for those who drink the tea on a daily basis. The tea has also been linked to myositis, which is an inflammation of the muscles. Myositis is usually seen during an infection of some type or the use of lipid lowering drugs. There are also some reports that drinking as little as 4 ounces of Kombucha on a daily basis can cause lactic acidosis which is demonstrated by so low a pH in the body tissues and blood that a buildup of lactate occurs. This type of illness is usually seen when cells receive too little oxygen. In some circumstances, this can be fatal.
Kombucha was first used in Russia in the late 19th century. The drink later became popular in China and Japan, where it is referred to as kocha kinoko. As the herbal drink is called Kombucha in America and the U.K. it is often mistaken for the Japanese tea kombucha, a different drink that is made from dried or powdered kelp.
