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Colloidal Silver, Essiac and Kombucha


COLLOIDAL SILVER - The Universal Antibiotic


Colloidal silver is making a comeback and this is hardly surprising because this amazingly versatile and safe substance is considered to be the strongest broad-spectrum antibiotic currently known. It can be very easily made with the right equipment at a very low cost and in a very short space of time. Again, it is hardly surprising that many small companies are manufacturing the stuff to sell at a profit. Nowadays, many more are also offering colloidal silver generators so you can make your own in the comfort of your own home. In this chapter I'll be having a look at what it is all about.
Before 1938 colloidal silver was one of the main forms of antibiotic treatment and was prescribed for an incredibly long list of ailments. It was used for cases of acne, arthritis, athlete's foot, bladder complaints, burns, blepharitis, colitis, cystitis, diphtheria, dermatitis, diabetes, dysentery, ear-ache, Eustachian tube problems, eczema, fibrositis, furunculosis, genital herpes, gonorrhoea, impetigo, influenza, intestinal trouble, keratitis, leprosy, lupus, lymphagitis, malaria, Menier's disease, meningitis, neurasthenia, ophthalmic disorders, canine parvo virus, pneumonia, pleurisy, prostate disease, pruritis ani, quinsy, rheumatism, ringworm, rhinitis, scarletina, seborrhoea, septic ulcers, sepsis, septicemia, skin cancer, shingles, soft sores, spruce, staphylococcus infections, streptococcus infections, subdies inflammation, tuberculosis, tonsilitis, toxemia, typhoid, trench foot, ulcers, warts, whooping cough and yeast infections.
If that is not impressive enough, in 1994 in a lecture entitled Electro-Colloidal Silver: the Amazing Anti-Microbial given at the Natural Products Expo West in Arnheim, James South stated that in micro-concentrations of 3-5 ppm (parts per million) it has been proven to be effective in combating over 650 different infectious conditions.2 The use of traditional antibiotics, which are used to treat only six or seven types of infection, hardly compares well against these figures.
E. M. Crooks stated in Metals and Enzyme Activity that colloidal silver kills pathogenic organisms in three or four minutes after contact and that there is no known microbe that is not killed in six minutes or less. Further, that there are no side-effects whatsoever from the highest concentration of it.
Echoing this, A. B Searle in The Use of Colloids in Health and Disease also pointed out that an important advantage of using colloidal silver is that it has no recorded side-effects.4 It is nearly tasteless, completely odourless and non-toxic.
The evidence from laboratory tests shows that destructive bacteria, virus, protozoan and fungal organisms are all killed within minutes of contact and that there is no known disease-causing organism that can survive in the presence of even minute traces of the chemical element of metallic silver. This is because these micro-organisms use a specific enzyme in their metabolism which the silver, acting as a catalyst, effectively disables.
So, if it can do all that then why have we not heard about it before? Some people feel that knowledge of its properties, although known, have been deliberately withheld from the public so that vested interests can make huge profits from antibiotics they manufacture and sell. It is significant to note that it was in the 1940s that antibiotics were first being aggressively marketed by the pharmaceutical companies around the time that public knowledge and use of colloidal silver was on the wane. However, a far less conspiratorial reason for its lack of widespread use until recently again could well be the very high cost of production on a commercial scale. Retail price has ranged from $100 to $200 an ounce.
The American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated in a letter of September 13th, 1991 from Consumer Safety Officer, Harold Davies that because it is a pre- 1938 drug (by over 50 years) that it may now be marketed. The FDA has no jurisdiction over it because it is a pure mineral element in any case.6
Whatever the truth of the matter is, colloidal silver is back and easy enough to make at a very cheap price. Part of its comeback can be traced to the 1970s, when the late Dr. Carl Moyer, chairman of Washington University's Department of Surgery, obtained a grant to research a better treatment for burn victims and began working with a Dr. Harry Margraf, a biochemist, on discovering a strong but safe antiseptic to treat large areas of the body. Dr Margraf is reported to have claimed that " Silver is the best all around germ-fighter we have."7 From this research, and that of other scientists, hundreds of new uses for silver colloids were found. Nowadays, people are finding new uses for it all the time. Some examples of its versatility are that it can be used as a gargle or mouthwash, as a deodorant, as a sterilising solution and disinfectant for cleaning purposes, it can be made into a spray for plant-care or used to rinse fruit and vegetables. A few drops can even be added to milk to help delay it spoiling.
So what exactly is a colloid and how is it made? A colloid is the smallest particle a pure element can exist in before being diminished even further down to atomic size. A colloidal particle can be suspended in a carrier liquid like water. The colloid still keeps its individual properties and, because it is so small it means that it can far extend its range of potential contact when in this form. A lump of silver has a small surface area but broken down into countless microscopic colloids it can obviously go very much further indeed. Taking its healing properties with it the silver in this state can reach all areas of the human body, which it would have been unable to have made contact with if it had stayed as a metallic lump. Colloidal silver is made by the basic process of the electrolysis of water using pure electrodes of silver (.999 fine). It is vitally important that the silver is that pure because impurities might be toxic even though colloids are reported to have a zero toxicity due to their minute size. Sterling silver is no use because it contains traces of nickel and copper and we are seeking to make colloidal silver not colloidal nickel or copper and silver mix!
Mark Metcalf writing in an article for Perceptions, tells of an experiment he conducted on himself by preparing and drinking a 16 ounce solution of well over 250ppm and repeating this for another four days so that he had a daily intake of five 16 ounce glasses of a 5ppm solution. Besides testing its toxicity he was also seeing if it harmed beneficial bacteria and intestinal flora and so he deliberately took no precautions of eating live yogurt or taking cultured acidophilus. The only side-effect he noticed was that he felt better than before he started. This confirms what pharmacist Ron Barnes, R.Ph. (Capitol Drugs, Los Angeles) says for he claims that " Many strains of pathogenic microbes-viruses, fungi, bacteria or any other single-celled pathogen-resistant to other antibiotics are killed on contact by colloidal silver and are unable to mutate. However, it does not harm tissue-cell enzymes or friendly bacteria." 8
In fact colloidal silver is the only form of the metal that can be used safely as a health supplement. This is because it gets absorbed into the bodily tissues at a slow enough rate, which does not inflame them in any way unlike silver nitrate, which is damaging due to its caustic nature.9
Getting back to the manufacturing process by electrolysis: a positive electrode of pure silver and a negative electrode of the same material are placed so that they reach down into a glass vessel containing distilled water. It is important that they do not touch which would short circuit the process. A small electrical current is sent through water and the silver colloidal particles break away from the positive electrode or anode. This causes a visible cloud of plumes like smoke to appear around the electrode and to quite rapidly start to fill the vessel as the particles move away from their source. These particles are 1.26 angstroms or .00001 microns (a micron is 1/1000 of an inch) in size and this is the only size they can be despite claims by some advertisers who may say that their colloidal silver contains " the finest particle size, etc." The strength of the suspension, measured by how concentrated it is, is dependent on the quantity of water and the length of time the process is allowed. Ideally the procedure should be conducted in a darkened room because light can spoil the colloidal silver by oxidising it and causing it to blacken. A black deposit of silver oxide often forms on one of the electrodes too and this should always be wiped clean. The problem is that the silver is light sensitive but, fortunately, nowhere near as sensitive as the silver nitrate that enables camera film to be developed. It does. however, mean that colloidal silver should always be kept in a thoroughly opaque or tinted container after making it.
As stated earlier on, there are many firms selling colloidal silver generators at a variety of prices from around £50 and upwards. These are ideal for their purpose and represent a considerable saving in the long run because a small bottle of colloidal silver sells between £10-£20 and most of this liquid is water! The only thing about the generators is that if you buy one you may well be disappointed when you discover what it actually consists of. A workable generator can be easily put together at a fraction of the usual selling price and you don't need to be a skilled electrician either! According to Dr. Robert C. Beck's instructions his design is "idiot proof!" This is how you go about constructing one for yourself:
Get three 9v regular transistor radio batteries, three battery snap-on lead connectors, two insulated alligator clips, either one 'grain-of-wheat' 24v 40mA miniature incandescent bulb or a sturdier 12v 60mA bulb, about a foot of 3/32" heat-shrink insulation tubing, about 10 inches of pure silver wire and another foot of 2-conductor stranded insulated wire to go on the clip-leads. Most of these components should be readily available from shops that sell electrical spare parts and tools. Pure silver wire is available from electro-plating firms, foundries, precious metal dealers, etc. but always insist on its purity. You may wish to mount and house your generator in a plastic container or some form of box and this can either be bought or constructed to your own design. Most commercially available generator models come in solid plastic boxes.
Take the three snap-on connector clips for the batteries and solder them in series (red to black) to provide 27 volts. Then connect the miniature lamp in series with either (positive or negative) output lead. Solder a red alligator clip to the anode (positive) and a black insulated clip to the cathode (negative) connector lead wires and then, using a heat-gun or match shrink insulation over the soldered connections. Assemble this in your choice of container and you are ready to make your first batch of colloidal silver.
Fill a glass with about 8 oz (half pint) of distilled water (for best quality colloidal silver for internal consumption) or bottled or tap water for all other purposes, and then take two pure silver wires about 5" long and bend the top inch over so it will rest securely over the rim of the glass. This should leave you with 4" which can be submerged in the liquid. With distilled water it is best to stir in a very small amount (no more than a drop) of dissolved sea-salt solution, available from health stores. This will lower the resistance of the water for better results. Make sure you never use table salt, however, as this contains impurities such as aluminium, iodine and silica. There is no critical spacing between the electrodes but if they touch it will short circuit and waste your batteries. As soon as you connect both wires to alligator clips the lamp should glow and show you that it is working. Leave it for about three minutes and at a temperature of about 72F it will produce colloidal silver of around 3ppm strength. You should see a cloud, like smoke under water, forming around the one electrode and this will increase to colour the water in the glass. If you increase the temperature of the water, each additional 10%F will double the ppm for a given time. After the three minutes disconnect the silver wires and stir the liquid with a plastic non-conductive fast-food knife, fork or spoon. Store your colloidal silver in a brown glass or plastic container. Never make or store colloidal silver in metal containers. Clean the blackish silver oxide deposit from the anode with scouring pad and wipe with a paper tissue so you are ready for next time.
The batteries will make hundreds of batches of colloidal silver but when the bulb is glowing only very slightly and hardly any colloidal smoke can be seen in the water then is the time to replace them with new ones.
The suggested adult dosage is one to several 8oz of colloidal silver stock solution straight or diluted in another 6 to 8oz of water and taken no more than three times in twenty four hours. An 8oz glass can be ingested directly with no harmful side-effects.10
Many manufacturers are advertising 'golden colloidal silver,' but the only advantage this has is a longer shelf life. It is harder to make and has an unpleasant bitter taste but if you wish to produce this use a tall, narrow glass for the 6 to 8 oz of distilled water but add no saline solution at all. Because the water will not gain conductivity, as it does with added salt, a much longer time is required and the process will take about 45 minutes. This should make a concentration of about 10ppm colloidal silver. Keep an eye on it though, or if left too long it will turn a murky brownish colour and then go black.11 If this happens throw it away and start again and remember that the process is best conducted in a darkened or low-light room.
So, there you have all the basic details of colloidal silver and how to make it. Further research and literature you may wish to consult are appended below.
SOURCES:
1 H.E.L.P.ful News Vol.9, No.12 pp 1-3, 2 South, James, Electro-Colloidal Silver: The Amazing Anti-microbial, lecture given at Natural Products Expo West, Anaheim, 13 / 10 / 94, 3 Crooks, E. M. Metals and Enzyme Activity, Cambridge at The University Press: MA,1958, pp 15-18, 4 Searle, A. B. The Use of Colloids in Health and Disease, E.P. Dutton & Company: New York, 1919 p 75, 5 South, James, op. cit. 6 H.E.L.P.ful News,Vol.9, No.12 pp1-3 op. cit. 7 Powell, Jim, Science Digest article, "Our Mightiest Germ-fighter," March 1978, 8 Metcalf, Mark in Perceptions article- HEALING SPIRAL-Banishing Disease with 3 9-volt Batteries, May / June 1996, 9 Hartman, R.J. Colloidal Chemistry, Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston 1939 p359, 10 Beck, Robert C. D. Sc. Currently Preferred Silver Colloid Making Apparatus, Means and Methods, ( Revised 10 / 10 / 96), 11 Metcalf, Mark, op. cit.

 © Steve Andrews

 If you don't wish to make your own equipment and you've money to burn then try the Colloidal Silver page at www.justmagnotherapy.com.


Eradicating Cancer The Natural Way

We have all been brought up to believe and accept that cancer is a killer and that no definite cure exists, although scientists are doing their utmost to find one. Millions are collected by charities and invested in research, which means more brutal and pointless vivisection experiments. Every week brings reports of deaths caused by it and there are few people, who do not know someone who has it, and are receiving treatment, or who had the disease and are now sadly deceased.
It strikes down rich and poor, the famous and the unknown, but what many people don't realise is that several alternative and natural remedies, which really work already exist. The magazine racks, these days, are becoming increasingly filled with publications devoted to conspiracy theories, New-age material, alternative culture and 'Fortean' phenomena and information and adverts for these remedies and therapies can often be found in these. NEXUS- New Times magazine is probably the best example of one of these. Books on the subject also exist with a growing body of evidence and personal testimonials backing up the claims for the effective nature of these cancer treatments. One of these reported 'cures,' attracting much attention in these circles is commonly known as 'Essiac,' the Canadian Indian herbal remedy, named after its 'discoverer,' Rene Caisse, by spelling her surname in reverse.
The story goes that Rene came across it while working at a hospital, where she met a patient who had been cured of cancer when she had been given a herbal potion by an Ojibwa medicine man. She left the hospital in 1922, aged 33, and moved to Bracebridge, Ontario, where she began giving 'Essiac' to all who came to her. Many of these arrived with letters from doctors testifying that the patient had incurable and untreatable terminal forms of cancer.1
She started to make the remedy in her kitchen, after collecting the necessary plants she needed and word soon spread like wildfire about her marvellous cure. The amazing thing is that the herbs are all very common in Canada and North America and are equally widespread in Europe and other areas of the world. I'll explain what they are and about the recipe for the treatment a bit later on.
Many people were cured, others with severe damage to vital organs lived much longer than was predicted by the medical authorities and lived virtually pain-free lives while receiving the remedy. Still others, without such damage, lived another 30 or 40 years and some are still alive today!
In the early 1960's the clinic run by Dr. Charles A. Brusch worked with Rene and this doctor treated thousands of cancer patients. He also worked with the Presidential Cancer Commission, the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute. After ten years of research he concluded that "Essiac is a cure for cancer, period. All studies done at laboratories in the United States and Canada support this conclusion." Gary Glum says that the federal government silenced Dr. Brusch with threats of prison and we have heard no more from him since.2
Rene, herself, believed that the world would welcome her discovery with open arms and cancer sufferers, indeed did, but many authorities with vested interests in research funds and the pharmaceutical industry went the other way and soon she was in legal trouble.
"Cancer is the second largest revenue producing business in the world," according to Dr. Gary Glum, who happens to be the author of Calling of an Angel,3 which is the full story of Rene and 'Essiac.'
Unfortunately, money equals power and power is often used to suppress the truth. The Canadian Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Parliament of the nation became involved. A panel of six physicians were appointed as members of the Royal Cancer Commission in August, 1938, to investigate alternative and unorthodox cancer treatments and in particular, they focused on Rene and her remedy.
55,000 signatures from former patients were collected and presented to the Canadian official authorities for Rene to be allowed to continue to administer it to anyone asking for it without threats or intimidation. It came within three votes in 1937 of being made a legal remedy by the government of Ontario as a treatment for terminal sufferers.4
The final outcome was that she was allowed to carry on as long as she stayed within certain criteria. She could only treat people who had been officially given up on and a pathologist was needed to certify this. The remaining criterion was that she was not to charge for the treatments. So, Rene administered 'Essiac' for a period of 40 years, however, when she died in 1978, all her documented evidence and case reports were burned and destroyed.5
Dr. Glum, himself, had terrible trouble finding a publisher for the book he had written due to fear of wrongful death suits that might result if a family member of someone deceased, or a lawyer for such a person, should decide that death resulted from past use of the remedy, which does not have the official blessing of the AMA or the FDA. He decided to self-publish but after he had done so the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) slapped a half million dollars tax demand on him, which, he says, they admitted was not to do with tax but with cancer. Pallets full of books were taken from his offices. Thousands of copies were also confiscated by Canadian customs officials and never returned.6
So, what are the wonder herbs that have generated all this fuss? The herbal ingredient reported to destroy the malignant cells is the common Sheep's Sorrel, a weed of fields, lawns and pastures. According to a published interview with Dr. Glum, the Canadian government, in their wisdom, have banned it from distribution and sale.6 The other herbs, which are all blood purifiers are Burdock (Arctium lappa), Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) and Turkish Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum). The Turkish Rhubarb was added by Rene to the recipe, thereby altering it, but you can also substitute ordinary Rhubarb, which is grown in gardens and allotments.7 The Burdock can also stimulate sweating, has diuretic properties and contains antibiotic substances.8 All the necessary herbs are readily available without too much difficulty. Sheep's Sorrel and Burdock are found growing wild and the Rhubarb and Slippery Elm are easy to obtain from herbal suppliers and some good health stores that stock loose herbs in bulk.
An article published by the Canadian Journal of Herbalism, entitled 'Old Ontario Remedies' states that "Essiac is not a hoax or a fraud. To hear experiences described by the patients themselves cannot help but convince observers that dramatic and beneficial changes definitely took place in many but not all of those who received the remedy. Although the focus on Essiac has been as a cancer treatment, it alleviated and sometimes cured many chronic degenerative conditions because it cleanses the blood as well as the liver and strengthens the immune system." 9
Gary Glum, echoing this, reports that Rene found that it healed stomach ulcers in three or four weeks. It was also found that it helped regulate the function of the pancreas and that diabetics with diabetes mellitus became insulin-free when treated with Essiac. Dr. Glum states that since he has been taking it himself he has experienced " almost perfect health," coupled with "all sorts of energy, and no sickness, not even a common cold or flu." Essiac, it is further stated, elevates the enzyme system and gives all cancer patients and all AIDS patients the enzymes that have been destroyed….It elevates the hormone system, which elevates the immune system , so the body can cure its own disease.10
Dr. Glum, continuing to expound its virtues claims that "Even its worst enemy could never lay claim that Essiac had any deleterious effects whatever. You can take Essiac safely, through all the clinical trials that have been done, up to six ounces a day. That's two ounces in the evening, two in the morning and two around noontime. That's a high dosage. Rene had the correct herbs and she used as little as one ounce a week." 11
All that being said, a word of caution is needed because there is ongoing debate about its safety for people with gout, arthritis and impaired kidney conditions. This is due to the high oxalic acid levels produced by the Sheep's Sorrel and anyone suffering these ailments should not take it without first consulting the advice of a professional herbal practitioner.
Also, Gary Glum tells us that some businesses are substituting Curly Dock for the Sheep's Sorrel so people are receiving the wrong ingredients in some cases.12
Besides these problems there is a continuing war of dis-information and other tactics between opponents that have concerns in the use and distribution of this herbal remedy. Dr. Glum states that before his controversial book was published the public had no access to the formula save for a few articles that had been written. However, the Resperin Corporation from Toronto, supposedly a private institution, who bought the formula from Rene for one dollar13 have researched Essiac since 1978 and went on to market it claiming that only they have the correct formula. Gary Glum says that Rene thought that she would be leading their research team and that the Corporation would get Essiac into the public sector without compromising her values of an honest non-profit making venture. He states that they told her they had no further use for her after they had got the formula and that they actually were working hand in glove with the Canadian Ministry of Health and Welfare who work directly with the American Food and Drug Administration.14 Whatever, the truth of the matter is it appears that the Resperin Corporation have taken steps to actually copyright the term 'Essiac,' which, as I said is merely the reversal of Rene' surname, and are now aggressively campaigning against anyone using this name to market the herbs.15 It seems very sad that all this fighting and bickering is going on over something which has been shown to save lives. Dr. Glum distributes the preparation instructions away for free whilst the Corporation stand to make vast sums of money. As to what you decide about all this it is up to you. The following is the details of preparation and formula as published by the Truth Campaign in liaison with Gary Glum:


ESSIAC PREPARATION
Supplies Needed
5 gallon stainless steel pot, with lid.
3 gallon stainless steel pot.
Stainless steel fine-mesh double strainer.
Stainless steel funnel.
Stainless steel spatula.
12 or more 16-ounce amber glass bottles with airtight caps (not childproof caps).
2 gallons sodium-free distilled water.
Measuring cup.
Kitchen scale with ounce measurements.
Essiac Formula
6.5 cups of Burdock root-cut (Arctium Lappa)
16 0z. Sheep's Sorrel Herb- powdered. (Rumex Acetocella)
1oz. Turkey Rhubarb Root-powdered. (Rheum Palmatum)
4 oz. Slippery Elm Bark- powdered. (Ulmus Fulva)
Preparation
1. Mix Essiac formula thoroughly.
2. Bring sodium-free distilled water to a rolling boil in 5 gallon pot with lid on. (Approximately 30 minutes at sea level)
3. Stir in 1 cup of Essiac formula. Replace lid and continue boiling for 10 minutes.
4. Turn off stove. Scrape down sides of pot with spatula and stir mixture thoroughly. Replace lid.
5. Allow pot to remain closed for 12 hours; then turn stove to full heat for 20 minutes.
6. Turn off stove. Strain off liquid into 3 gallon pot, and clean 5 gallon pot and strainer. Then strain filtered liquid back into 5 gallon pot.
7. Use funnel to pour hot liquid into bottles immediately, taking care to tighten caps. Allow bottles to cool and tighten caps again.
8. Refrigerate. Essiac contains no preservative agents. If mould should develop in bottle, discard immediately.
CAUTION: All bottles and caps must be sterilised after use if you plan to re-use them for Essiac. Bottle caps must be washed and rinsed thoroughly, and may be cleaned with a 3% solution of food grade hydrogen peroxide in water.
Directions For Use
Heat 4 tablespoons (2oz) sodium-free distilled water in a stainless steel pot. Add 4 tablespoons of Essiac (shake the bottle first). Mix and drink.
Take at bedtime on an empty stomach at least 2 hours after eating.
Questions regarding recipe should be directed to the author:
Dr. Gary L. Glum, Silent Walker Publishing, POB 92856, LOS ANGELES, CA 90009, USA.
(Information extracted from Nexus Magazine Dec-Jan and Feb-March 1993)15
For information on how to purchase the herbs as a liquid or cream preparation or the dry herbs see the Essiac Info.org by clicking on the banner below.

SOURCES:
1 Robinson, Elizabeth interviewing Dr. Gary L. Glum for Wildfire Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 1, 2-7 Op. Cit., 8 Launert,Edmund, The Hamlyn Guide to Edible and Medicinal Plants of Britain and Northern Europe, published by Hamlyn, London, 1981, 9 Dr. Glum, Op. Cit., 10-14 Op. Cit., 15 Fraser, Ivan, Article, 'Essiac- Nature's Cure For Cancer, The Truth Campaign Newsletter, Issue 1, June, 1996.

© Steve Andrews


Clouds Trust is a secular charitable organisation based in Hampshire, UK that continues reserach into complementary medicine, especially in relation to cancer treatment.  Mali Klein, the founder of the trust, along with Shelia Snow, have written a book entitled 'Essiac Essentials'. Sheila actually worked alongside Renee for 3 years and learned much valuable information. http://www.cloudstrust.org for further info.

KOMBUCHA-the Miracle Fungus


Fancy a cuppa char? Make mine a Kombucha!
These days, a lot of people are praying for a miracle. Well, one already is reported to exist in the form of Kombucha (pronounced kom-BOO-cha), the 'fungus' tea that is currently receiving the highest of praise in alternative health circles.
It's brownish, slimy and looks like something from a Sci-fi B-movie, an extraterrestrial invader maybe, and not at all appetising! But, be that as it may, the Kombucha fungus needs a bit of care and attention to do well. Once you've got it growing you usually end up with much more than you actually need and there's always plenty you can pass on to others. A healthy Kombucha culture, when given fresh tea and sugar solution, will produce a layer of gradually thickening jelly on top of the original 'mother.' This is often referred to as the 'baby.'
The fungus culture feeds on the simple diet of sugar and tea and the general idea is to let it brew a nourishing elixir, which it does by fermenting the ingredients and turning them into health-giving nutrients.
Kombucha has many exotic-sounding names such as Kargasok Tea, Manchurian Mushroom tea, Fungus Japonicas, Fungojapon, Pichia fermentans, Combuchu, Tschambucco, Mo-gu, Cembuya orientalis, Kvass(Russia), Tea Kvas, Teakwass, Kwassan, Volga Spring, Russian Mother, Manchurian Elixir and Champignon de longue vie (France) but in scientific terms it is known as Medusomyces Gisevii Lindau. It is not really a fungus at all, nor is it a lichen, which it has also been called. It is a symbiotic culture of many species of yeasts and bacteria all living together as a communal organism. The main yeast is Schizosaccharomyces Pombe, which is certainly a bit of a mouthful and most of its common names are a lot easier!
It's first recorded use was in the Chinese Tsin dynasty back in 212 BC but how all these bacteria and yeasts originally came together no one seems to know. Whatever the case may be, the history of its use in many parts of the world is very extensive and impressive indeed.
It was known as 'The Divine Tsche' or 'The Remedy for Immortality,' and in 414 BC a 'Dr. Kombu' is reported to have brought it into Japan to present as a treatment for the ailing Emperor Inkyo. From there, it was spread by traders and travellers, via Russia and India, to many other parts of the world along the trading routes. Many years later it re-surfaced once again in Japan between the Wars when a Japanese visitor to the Russian area of Kargasok discovered very many incredibly healthy and youthful people there even though many of them were over a hundred years old. The visitor was told that the Kargasoks drank an elixir on a daily basis, which gave them their good health and kept them younger than their years. A culture of Kombucha was given to this visitor, who, naturally impressed took it back home to Japan where friends who received it were soon to report great benefits too. Its use became widespread and it was a regular beverage consumed by the Samurai warriors of the oriental land.
The benefits to users are so many that an entire book could easily be devoted to detailing them all and, indeed, many books and web-sites on the Internet already exist on the subject. Probably the best-known book about it is 'Kombucha- Miracle Fungus' by Harold Tietze and published by Gateway Books of Bath.
It has been reported to be a remedy for migraine, skin diseases, allergies, anxiety, insomnia, bowel problems, impotence, respiratory disorders such as bronchitis, emphysema and asthma, kidney and bladder problems, gout and arthritis, impotence, constipation, menstrual and menopausal problems, cataracts and floaters in the eye and aids weight loss by regulating the appetite. The fungus is reported to have reduced alcoholic cravings for drink and also to have lessened the effects of hangovers. Kombucha has helped in cases of severe illness too including AIDS, ME, MS and cancer.
President Reagan, apparently, was said to have drunk it daily in the high dosage of 1 litre a day, when he had been diagnosed with cancer and it is reported that it enabled him to finish his term in office. American doctors remembered that Alexander Solzenhitzyn, who was living in the USA at the time, had described Kombucha as the cure used for cancer when at the Soviet labour camps. Solzenhitsyn was interviewed about it and a culture was obtained from Japan and flown to America.
Kombucha is also known to have cured alopecia, eliminated grey hair and reduced baldness, although I cannot say that it has made much difference to my own follicular challenge!
The health-giving powers of the fungus are attributed to the range of organic acids and B-vitamins that it produces in the fermented brew. When correctly brewed for an adequate length of time and thoroughly fermented it contains in varying amounts the following nutrients: Vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B6, B12, and B15, Acetic acid, Folic acid, Gluconic acid, Glucoronic acid, Usnic acid, Lactic acid and several beneficial enzymes and essential amino acids. It helps boost the body's immune system and brings about a general purification and detoxification process. The Vitamin C assists healing and is an anti-oxidant and the B Vitamins are used in carbohydrate conversion by the body as well as being needed by the nervous system. Gluconic acid is a food preservative and aids the breakdown of glucose. Glucoronic acid is needed to bind toxins that can then be expelled and Usnic acid is reported to have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
There is also the theory that Kombucha somehow seeks out and targets the areas of an individual body that needs the most attention and remedies them first. Some people have the rather attractive notion that it is a gift from the Mother Earth for us, her children, in these times of great pollution.
It should, however, be noted that it could have a few side-effects as well as all its beneficial properties. The tea can contain too much lactic acid, which consumed over a long period may lead to joint pains, dizziness and sinus problems.
However, that being said, it is also reported that cancer patients have too little L-Lactic acid (+) in their connective tissues and Gunter Frank states that 'So long as it (L-Lactic acid +) is predominantly present in tissue, cancer cannot develop. When there is a deficiency, the cellular respiration starts to fail and this leads to a build up of DL-Lactic acid (-) in the tissues. Kombucha can be regarded as uniquely able to re-balance the blood pH and, in so doing, prevent disease conditions from occurring.
If too much is drunk and detoxification is started too soon then headaches, fatigue, skin rashes and digestive disorders can result. It is very important to work up slowly, increasing the daily intake from a small 60ml glass to a greater volume, three such glasses spread over the day, for example.
Some people find that it works well if they take a break from their Kombucha routine and may prefer three weeks on and a break of a week off, before resuming their normal intake. It is also advisable to drink plenty of water to aid the ongoing purification and to counteract any unpleasant symptoms that might be experienced. The increased water will help flush out toxins from the system and is good for the body in any case. The tea has some blood-thinning properties if over consumed over a long time period so haemophiliacs should not drink it at all. Many Westerners drink more than is necessary and can run into problems stemming from its anti-coagulant effects, so, if you prick yourself and bleed far too freely then you are probably drinking too much Kombucha and need to cut it down. Fast free-flowing blood would not help much in an accident or if undergoing surgery! Because the fermentation produces a small amount of alcohol- up to 1%- Kombucha is not drunk in Germany during pregnancy, although in Brazil it is recommended " to avoid poisons forming in the cells." Due to its anti-coagulant effects it is best avoided in the first, second and third trimesters or seek advice from professionals. When breast-feeding it would be sensible to take only small quantities, if at all, to avoid colic in the infant. In the majority of cases though, no such problems are encountered and people start to feel the benefits after about a month of use, sometimes much sooner.
Like ordinary tea or coffee it can be brewed to personal taste. Some like it strong, some like a weak brew and while many go for a sweet tea, others prefer their Kombucha dry. It really is a matter of the time it is left brewing and how much sugar was originally added. Different types of tea, of course, also produce different flavours. The whole process leaves plenty of room for experimentation and the individual and personal touch. Some people like to try brewing Kombucha with mixes of black or green tea with some of the many herbal varieties. It is worth remembering that volatile oils in herbs like sage, chamomile, mint, thyme and St. John's wort can adversely effect the brew and culture and should be used sparingly. There are many recipes and more being added all the time. One individual who has done a lot of pioneering research on Kombucha brewing recipes and set up a successful business from his work is Rob Lewis of Lewtress Millenium Kombucha Elixirs. Rob, a specialist in natural medicines, gives his Kombucha a very long brewing time under the strictest of conditions and using the finest quality ingredients. So far, he has seven different elixirs available containing such things as Rose-hips, Japanese green tea, Echinacea herb and Elderflower. Like I said, there is plenty of room for experimentation and further research on the subject.
The longer the Kombucha is left to ferment the more acidic the brew becomes and if left too long it can often end up more like vinegar. When it is like this it can nevertheless be used to sprinkle on foods to give them that acidic tang many of us enjoy. Christopher Hobbs, in his book, 'Kombucha, the Essential Guide,' states that 'Vinegar was mentioned in the writings of the Assyrians, Greeks and Romans as an important medicine in its own right.'  However, most people like it best when it is slightly fizzy like a shandy or cider.
To make a brew of Kombucha you need a culture and some of its own liquid, water, tea bags (preferably Green Tea or Bancha), white sugar and a good sized china, glass or enamelled glazed terracotta pot, jar or dish with a wide mouth. Food grade acid-resistant plastic containers of material such as polypropylene have been used (and German commercially brewed Kombucha is made in such containers) but polyvinyls, polystyrenes and other cheap plastics can leak into the brew and cause a chemical reaction so are best avoided. First of all measure to find out how much your container will hold in litres. Then pour water into a stainless steel pan, adding 6-7 tablespoons of sugar for each litre and bring to the boil. Turn it off and add tea bags at a rate of 1-2 per litre. Allow these to brew for about 10-15 minutes and then remove the tea bags. Next let it all cool down to luke-warm and pour it into your brewing vessel. Add the culture and cover with an open-weave cloth, securing it with a rubber band or string to prevent insects or dust contamination. Leave it all at room temperature in a quiet and shaded spot to ferment for one to two weeks. You should then be ready to remove the culture and bottle and sample your first batch of Kombucha tea. If you can't wait that long and wish to have a look beforehand, you should find that after several days the culture has started to form a translucent skin across the surface and should have a few visible bubbles too. The skin is the new 'baby' and eventually this will form a thickened layer on top of the original 'mother.' It is possible to store these 'babies' in jars in a refrigerator for further use later on or for passing on to friends.
Sometimes a culture will die for no apparent reason or a layer of mould will develop on the surface. This is when spare cultures come in handy so you can start again. Often a mouldy culture can be saved by throwing the top layer away and rinsing the original 'mother' under running water. It's worth a try. Various reasons have been put forward for mould and sudden death of cultures including tobacco smoke in the air. Personally, I cannot verify the stated reason as I know a woman who grows Kombucha well and she is a chain-smoker! The only times it has happened to me is when I have experimented with herbs containing volatile oils and in the winter. I feel that Kombucha likes a steady temperature and fluctuations may not do it much good.
There is an ever-growing network of people who cultivate and consume Kombucha and a piece is readily available by mail. Good luck with your brewing. Cheers!



E-NUMBER FOOD ADDITIVES & THEIR DANGERS

The following list of food additives was published by the Hospital Centre of Chaumunt, France, and was based on information from the Research Centre at Villejuif. many of these additives are dangerous to varying degrees but have been widespread in foods and drink.  Please check the labels when you buy food and remember it is you, the consumer, who decides the options of the manufacturers. In other words, if consumers object and boycott a product the manufacturer is forced to change it until it meets with public approval.

E100 Harmless

E101 Harmless

E102 Dangerous

E103 Forbidden

E104 Suspicious

E105 Forbidden

E110 Dangerous

E111 Forbidden

E120 Dangerous

E121 Forbidden

E122 Suspicious

E123 Very dangerous

E124 Dangerous

E 125 Forbidden

E126 Forbidden

E127 Dangerous

E130 Forbidden

E131 Carcinogenic

E132 Harmless

E140 Harmless

E141 Suspicious

E142 Carcinogenic

E150 Suspicious

E151 Suspicious

E152 Forbidden

E153 Suspicious

E160 Harmless

E161 Harmless

E170 Harmless

E171 Suspicious

E173 Suspicious

E174 Harmless

E175 Harmless

E180 Suspicious

E181 Forbidden

E200-E203 (inclusive) Harmless

E210-E217 (inclusive)Carcinogenic

E220 Destroys Vitamin B12

E221-E223 (Inclusive) Intestinal disturbance

E230-E233 (inclusive) Skin rash

E236-238 (inclusive) Harmless

E239 Carcinogenic

E240-E241 (inclusive) Suspicious

E250-E252 (inclusive) Blood pressure incidents

E260-E263 (inclusive) Harmless

E270 Harmless

E280-_E282 (inclusive) harmless

E300-E309 (inclusive) Harmless

E311-E312 (Inclusive) Skin rash

E320-E321 (inclusive) Cholesterol

E322-E327 (inclusive) Harmless

E330 Cold sores

E331-E337 (inclusive) Harmless

E339-E341 (inclusive) Digestive disturbance

E400 Harmless

 

Key:

Carcinogenic - substance which can cause cancerous cells to grow

Forbidden - forbidden by the French Health Minister, 1st January, 1977

Harmless- no known harmful effects

Suspicious - products with side effects currently under study

Destruction of Vitamin B12 - destroys this vital vitamin

Blood pressure incidents- has been known to cause dangerous fluctuations in the blood pressure. These additives are present in cooked and processed meats.

Very dangerous - has been prohibited in Russia and America

 

 




© Bard of Ely 2003 - 2007


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