The Royal Origins of Kombucha

During the Qing Dynasty, in ancient China around 221 BCE, the legendary beverage known as Kombucha was first created. Kombucha is made from sweetened tea, fermented with a seemingly magical yeast and bacteria culture. Kombucha is believed to possess the power of immortality. Today, you can find Kombucha at your local grocery store, supermarket, and many restaurants. But how did it all begin?

It is said that the great Qin Emperor, Shi Huang, who ruled China in the 3rd century BCE, discovered the secrets of kombucha and used it to preserve his youthful vigor and longevity. According to legend, the emperor was so delighted with kombucha's power that he ordered it to be consumed by all his citizens throughout his kingdom. It became known as the "Immortality Tea" and the "Elixir of Immortal Health" inside and outside the kingdom.

History of Kombucha since the Ancient Chinese Kingdom

Kombucha was first mentioned in ancient Chinese texts, including the "Records of the Three Kingdoms," a historical text dating back to the 3rd century CE. The text describes kombucha as a "deity" or "divine tea" and attributes many healing properties to it. Kombucha is also mentioned in the Compendium of Materia Medica, a 16th-century Chinese medical text that again lists several health benefits associated with its consumption, including improving digestion and boosting the immune system.


Over the centuries, Kombucha spread by might and will beyond the borders of China, transported by merchants and travelers along the Silk Road for sale and trade. It became a household staple in Japan and Korea, where it is known as "Kocha Kinoko" or "Mushroom Tea" and "Chungjin-cha" or "Golden Tea," respectively. Kombucha is handcrafted at home, and the simple yet potent kombucha recipe is passed down from family to family to support overall health and immunity.

From East Asia, it mainly spread to Russia, where kombucha is mentioned in several ancient Russian texts. Kombucha is known in Russia as "Chaynyy Grib" or "Tea Mushroom" and has been consumed there for centuries. One of the earliest written mentions of kombucha in Russia dates from Domostroy, a 16th-century Russian handbook on household management. The handbook includes a recipe for kombucha, used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion and fatigue.

Kombucha, nowadays

It wasn't until the 20th century that North America discovered the healing properties of kombucha. But, as before, it spread from family to family, kitchen to kitchen. Then, in 1995, it began to be offered throughout North America, and since then, it can be found on the shelves of many stores.

To this day, traditional kombucha is still fermented in small batches like we do at GUT2BE, just as it was centuries ago—and just as many people originally brewed kombucha themselves at home.

Kombucha in the Future

In the modern world, the legend of kombucha has endured—a legend so true you can taste it. Kombucha has become one of the most popular health drinks, and people all over the world enjoy it as a coveted alternative to sodas and juices for its refreshing taste and legendary health benefits. Some, like those who first created it in 221 BCE, say kombucha holds the secret to eternal youth, while others believe it simply possesses magical healing powers.

Today, no matter what you believe, we know that kombucha has a rich history full of secrets, legends, and a delicious, invigorating bite. Most importantly, kombucha's benefits have stood the test of time. So why not try kombucha and see if the magic of the "Elixir of Immortal Health" can work wonders for you?