Is kombucha tea a herbal supplement?

Kombucha tea is not an herbal supplement in itself; it is a combination of yeast and bacteria that is used to ferment tea, such as black tea or green tea. The tea may be herbal, but the kombucha itself is not. The kombucha starter — the pancake-like patty of bacteria and yeast — is placed on the surface of sweetened tea in a jar. When left to ferment at room temperature, it is said to infuse the tea with beneficial nutrients and bacteria.

Some claim that a kombucha culture has health benefits including digestive improvement, an increase in energy, and a boost to the immune system. It has been said to cure many ailments. One component of kombucha, glucuronic acid, has been said to detoxify the liver. However, such claims have not been extensively proven by scientists or health professionals.

The tea can be purchased prepackaged in bottles, or it can be brewed at home from a starter. Even though kombucha is becoming popular in the health food arena today, its use allegedly dates back to ancient times.

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