Kombucha Tea

How does Kombucha Tea 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.

Are there safety concerns?

Kombucha tea is possibly 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 possibly death.

Kombucha tea can be contaminated with disease-causing fungus (Aspergillus) and bacteria (anthrax). Kombucha tea is particularly unsafe in people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, who are more susceptible to infections. Also, lead poisoning has been reported from kombucha tea that was prepared in a lead-glazed ceramic pot.

Do not use kombucha tea if:

• You are pregnant or breast-feeding.
• You are recovering from alcoholism. The alcohol content of the tea could worsen this condition.
• You have an immune disorder. Kombucha tea can harbor organisms that can cause a serious infection.