Rice mushroom: benefits and harm. Indian rice mushroom: reviews

What it is

Despite its name, this amazing medicine is not a mushroom. By the way, it has other, no less popular names. It is known to many as Chinese, Indian or sea mushroom. But behind all this lies the same thing - zooglea. This word means “sticky substance” in Latin. Much to the disappointment of many, zooglea is simply a waste product of several species of bacteria. These microorganisms secrete mucus or have a mucous capsule, so they stick together into one whole. Zooglea is formed during the fermentation process. It contains acetic acid bacteria. And the properties of this substance have been known to healers for many centuries. Based on the product we are considering, a special drink (infusion) is prepared, with the help of which they quench their thirst and improve their well-being.

Storage Features

The finished drink can be drunk immediately or stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days in a sealed container. After 24 hours in the cold, it becomes pleasantly sparkling due to the decaying fermentation processes. You can drink it pure or mix it with juice or tea.

In the cold, the fermentation process slows down greatly. Therefore, if you do not plan to use it immediately, place the dishes in the tibikos refrigerator. So he can withstand 1-2 weeks. Then remove the container from the refrigerator, leave it for a day, drink it and continue to infuse normally. If water kefir remains in the refrigerator longer (more than 4 days), drain the water, add new water and start steeping again.

You can also freeze rice. This way the product can be stored for months. Place it in a bucket of ice, add water and freeze. Thaw at room temperature, discard the first 3 batches as... they may contain undesirable substances. Another storage option is drying, but this method is used less frequently.

Varieties of rice mushroom

The most common zoogles in the world are Indian sea rice, Chinese milk rice (Tibetan) and kombucha. They all differ in appearance and method of preparing drinks. Tibetan and kombucha are more like a living organism. Indian sea rice is strikingly different from these types of zoogles. It can be small and large. Both of these varieties have the same medicinal properties. They differ only in the speed of development of zoogles. Thus, a small rice mushroom grows much faster than a large one. At the same time, the latter has a more pleasant fruity and milky taste.

The sea mushroom received this name due to its appearance, reminiscent of translucent grains of boiled cereal. The epithets “Chinese” and “Indian” were given to this substance for a reason, because it was from these countries that it spread throughout the world. It is most likely called sea salt because it looks a little like coarse salt extracted from salty reservoirs.

A common feature of all types of zoogles is the presence of acetic acid bacteria in them. Rice mushroom is considered the most healing, and few people doubt its benefits for the body. A slightly carbonated drink is prepared from the infusion of zoogles. Its taste is reminiscent of kvass or whey.

Composition and varieties

The biochemical composition of zooglea is unique. It includes:

vitamin complexes;
alkaloids;
polysaccharides;
enzymes;
aldehydes;
organic and inorganic acids;
ethanol;
tannins and fat-like substances;
resinous compounds;
glucosites.

This remedy is often called a “living” medicine for a reason. During the research, it turned out that under a microscope the respiration process of this community of many microorganisms is visible.

It is not surprising that sea rice received only the most positive reviews from doctors. This remedy is highly valued for its healing properties and healing effect not only by traditional healers. Many practicing doctors have also recognized the effectiveness of this natural remedy.

There are several varieties of this mushroom. Among the most popular types it is worth highlighting:

Tibetan (Chinese milk);
marine (Indian);
tea

There are a number of differences and similarities between them. The table below outlines the differences between these types of “live” medicine.

Differences	Tibetan mushroom	sea mushroom	Tea mushroom
Appearance	Similar to cauliflower, gelatinous consistency. 1 grain reaches 6 mm-5 cm.	Similar to coarse salt, but comes in large and small.	Looks like a living microorganism
Development speed	Grows the fastest.
Taste properties	Refreshing taste, quenches thirst well in hot weather	Milky fruity taste	Black tea taste
Medicinal properties	Often used in treatment by Tibetan monks and Chinese healers	The most useful of all types	Highly valued in alternative medicine
Cooking method	Raised on dairy products	Making a carbonated drink	Making a carbonated drink

Despite some differences between the designated species of zooglea, they all have certain common properties. So, all varieties contain acetic acid bacteria. A medicinal infusion is made from all types, which tastes like whey or kvass.

The unique Indian rice mushroom has a variety of beneficial properties. In this case, the specific variety practically does not matter, since the spectrum of action of all types is very similar.

Composition of zooglea

Rice mushroom has a rich chemical composition. It contains polysaccharides, vitamins, inorganic and organic acids, enzymes, aldehydes, fat-like, tannins and resins, alkaloids, vitamins C and D, glucosites, ethyl alcohol. Thanks to its composition, this substance has gained fame as a very effective healing and health remedy. Despite this, doctors treat it with some prejudice, since very little scientific research has been carried out on zoogles. Rice mushroom is a unique community of microorganisms. It is often called alive, since under a microscope the process of zooglea respiration is clearly visible in an aquatic environment.

Chemical composition of the product

Indian sea rice, the benefits and harms of which are determined by its composition, contains the following lactobacilli (probiotics):

alactosus;
brevis;
casei subsp. casei;
casei subsp. pseudoplantarum;
casei subsp. rhamnosus;
casei subsp. tolerans;
coryneformis subsp. torquens;
fructosus;
hilgardii;
homohiochi;
plantarum;
pseudoplantarum;
yamanashiensis.

It also contains streptococci/lactococci:

Streptococcus cremeris;
faecalis Str. lactis;
Leuconostoc mesenteroides;
Pediococcus damnosus

The composition of Indian sea rice is rich in the following mushrooms (yeasts):

Saccharomyces cerevisiae;
florentinus;
pretoriensis;
Candida valida;
lambica;
Kloeckera apiculata;
Hansenula yalbensis.

Milk rice mushroom

It is also often called Chinese. It has been used in Tibetan medicine for many centuries and has recently spread throughout the world. Chinese rice mushroom, unlike other types of zoogles, is grown on dairy products. This gelatinous protein substance has a whitish tint. Its “grains” grow up to 6-50 mm. When they become very large, they begin to divide into small fractions. The overgrown Chinese rice mushroom resembles cauliflower in appearance.

This substance is a collection of lactic acid bacteria and yeast fungi. The microorganisms contained in it ferment milk. Under their influence, 2 types of fermentation occur in it:

lactic acid;
alcohol.

The finished drink has healing properties: it improves the functioning of the digestive system and activates the gastrointestinal tract. Thanks to it, you can restore the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract in a short time. The drink, obtained by fermenting milk rice mushroom, is a natural probiotic. It fights well against dysbacteriosis and putrefactive processes. In addition, this is an excellent thirst quencher during the hot season.

Properties of Chinese milk rice mushroom

Chinese rice mushroom, reviews of which prove its unique healing properties, is capable of:

• strengthen the immune system;

• activate metabolic processes in body tissues;

• accelerate metabolism, facilitating the process of losing weight;

• treat some gastrointestinal diseases;

• restore intestinal microflora;

• activate the work of the gallbladder and liver;

• improve the functioning of the heart muscle and the condition of blood vessels;

• heal ulcers and cracks.

Milk Tibetan mushroom has antiallergic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The drink obtained with its help promotes concentration and improves memory. It prevents the progression of atherosclerosis.

Making a drink from milk rice mushroom

To prepare a healing drink, add 4 teaspoons of Chinese rice mushroom to 500 ml of milk. After a day, it will collect on the surface of the liquid. Fermented milk, which looks like kefir, will settle to the bottom of the container. The liquid is filtered through cheesecloth into a glass container. The milk mushroom is washed with running water and then used again for fermentation.

Directions for use and dosage

The use of the drink depends on the purpose of its use:

fermented milk with mushroom is used 1-2 times a day in a course for 20 days, taking a break of 10 days, subsequently repeating the treatment;
medicinal liquid with Chinese rice mushroom is used 3 or more times a day; it can be drunk throughout the year without intervals.

Dosage

They usually drink kvass according to the instructions, 100 ml half an hour before meals. Depending on how you feel, the permissible single dosage is up to 200 ml. At the same time, a single dosage for children is not recommended to exceed 50 ml of the drink.

Irina Selyutina (Biologist):
What is usually recommended for practitioners of growing sea rice at home:
It is usually recommended to have two servings of sea rice at home: while one is “working”, the second is in a glass container in the refrigerator at this time – “resting”.
Do not forget that the drink prepared from Indian rice seasoned for the first time will be weak in richness and carbonation.
An infusion based on dry sour apples will be weaker in its healing qualities than one prepared using figs, dried apricots or raisins.

If you go on vacation, then naturally you cannot leave Indian rice in a “working” state. How to save it? To do this, use the following tips:

Drain the infusion from the jar and rinse the sea rice thoroughly.
Strain it from the water until it becomes almost dry.
Place sea rice in a food container (jar, container), close the lid tightly and place it on the bottom shelf in the refrigerator.

In this state of “sleep” it can be stored for a month without damage. When you return, rinse the rice to remove any acetic acid that has formed and then season as usual.

Properties of rice mushroom

Zooglea infusion contains lactic and acetic acid bacteria and yeast. This “mushroom” is capable of synthesizing polyunsaturated fatty acids necessary for the body, which stimulate sexual function, lower cholesterol levels, strengthen blood vessels and normalize the lactation process. They promote the production of prostaglandins. The chemical elements contained in this drink protect a person from heart disease, allergic reactions, autoimmune diseases, and asthma. They prevent the process of premature aging. Rice kvass inhibits the growth and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms such as salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and many other bacteria.

Keeping and growing rice mushroom

What to do after you have purchased a rice mushroom? How to grow it in sufficient quantities to be enough for daily use? Don't despair if you only get 1-2 spoons of zoogles. Growing rice mushroom from scratch is not at all difficult. Zoogleas reproduce quite quickly. Moreover, the larger the volume of this product, the more drink you can prepare.

Rice mushroom, the benefits of which should be obvious, is not at all difficult to maintain. For its normal functioning it is only necessary to create favorable conditions. To do this, pour unboiled clean water at room temperature into a glass jar (3 l). Add 6 tbsp to it. spoons of sugar. If a different container volume is used, sugar is taken at the rate of 2 tbsp. spoons per 1 liter of water. After adding the sweet product, you must wait until it is completely dissolved. Then add rice mushroom to the water (4 tablespoons per 1 liter of liquid). Place some raisins, dried apricots or other dried fruits in the container and cover the jar with gauze. They give the drink a pleasant taste. The future drink is stored in a dark place. When preparing the infusion, sugar should not be allowed to come into contact with the zooglea, as this can cause disease. Rice mushroom is added only to water in which granulated sugar has completely dissolved.

It may take 2-3 days to prepare the drink. The duration of mushroom ripening directly depends on the air temperature and the amount of rice product in the jar. After the drink is ready, it is carefully poured through cheesecloth or a sieve into another container. The jar is thoroughly washed without using detergents. The rice mushroom is washed directly in gauze or a sieve with running water and used again according to the above described scheme. In this case, the used raisins are thrown away and new ones are added.

Some people add toasted slices of black and white bread to the jar to give the drink a more attractive color. In this case, it will strongly resemble ordinary kvass.

Rice fungus diseases and their treatment

Like any other organism, rice fungus can get sick. Most often this happens due to improper care. Signs that indicate disturbances in its development:

The grains stop increasing in size.
The infusion loses its rich taste.
The drink gives off an unpleasant odor.
The grains die, floating to the surface, or transform into white flakes that precipitate to the bottom of the jar.

To cure rice mushroom, the infusion must be completely drained, and the body itself must be thoroughly rinsed with running water. Then prepare a fresh solution, leave the mushroom in it for a day, and then drain it. To improve the fungus, the procedure is repeated at least 3 times. Proceed in the same way when the solution thickens.

To prevent the infusion from turning sour, you need to store it at a temperature no higher than 25 degrees. Dead grains are promptly removed. If signs of illness appear, you need to check whether the correct amount of ingredients is taken to prepare the classic drink: 1 liter of water, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 3 tablespoons of rice mushroom, 10 raisins.

If the mushroom stops growing, it is recommended to move it to a warm place. You can place an electric kettle nearby, which will act as an additional source of heat.

An infusion obtained from a diseased rice fungus cannot be taken orally or used externally.

Storage conditions

Rice mushroom, the preparation of which, as you can see, is not at all difficult, requires compliance with a certain temperature regime. So, if the room temperature is below +17 °C, then zooglea quickly dies. In warm rooms it grows much more intensively. So, at a temperature of +25 °C, it will take only 2 days to obtain the finished drink. It is stored for only 24 hours, so you should not stock up too much, as the product quickly deteriorates and loses its beneficial properties. The drink can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 2 days.

Cultivation of sea rice

It doesn't take much effort to grow rice mushroom. It's easy to care for. First of all, it is necessary to maintain the correct temperature in the room (23-27 degrees), because... at lower temperatures, the fungus may stop reproducing or die altogether.

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The care process includes the following steps:

You need to pour filtered, unboiled water into a 3-liter jar. Add 8-9 tbsp to it. Sahara
Place 4 tbsp in a sweet aqueous solution. fungus, cover the jar with gauze and place it on the windowsill (preferably on the sunny side).
Let the mushroom brew. You can drink the drink after 2-3 days of active fungal growth.
Rinse the zooglea thoroughly and fill it with a new sweet solution.

In addition to sugar, you can add pieces of dried apricots, raisins, bread and loaf crusts, and dried apples to the water.

Applications of rice mushroom

Rice mushroom, instructions for preparation and use of which are passed on from one person to another, can be used in different ways. Most often, to improve general health, people drink 0.5 liters of mushroom infusion per day. The daily dose is divided into three doses. Take the “medicine” 15-20 minutes before meals. After just a month, the person’s well-being noticeably improves.

For preventive purposes, you can drink it between meals. Optimal norms for consuming rice kvass:

• adults - 2-3 times a day, 100-170 ml;

• children over 3 years old - 2-3 times 50-100 ml;

• children under 3 years old - 2-3 times a day, no more than 50 ml at a time.

The duration of taking the infusion is determined individually for each person. Most often it is taken in short courses of 3 months, then they take a break, after which treatment is resumed again. Some people drink it daily for many years.

If a person does not want to drink such a drink, he should not drink it against his will. Such reluctance may indicate that the body is already saturated with the necessary nutrients.

Rules for growing and caring for mushrooms

Making your own infusion should begin with growing a culture. But it will not be possible to grow it from scratch at home; the raw materials will have to be purchased at a herbal pharmacy or borrowed from friends.

For cultivation you need to: prepare a clean glass container, choose a warm, dark place and pour clean water. To prepare the drink, you need to take:

0.5 liters of clean cold water;
a tablespoon of mushroom;
2 tablespoons of sugar, brown cane sugar is optimal, but regular white will work too. Pre-mix sugar in water;
several small dried fruits or pieces of large ones to create a fermentation environment.

Having prepared all the ingredients, pour the rice with water and sugar, add a few pieces of dried apricots, raisins or any other dried fruits, and put it in a warm, dark place. It should spend two days in this form, and three at a reduced temperature.

At the end of the period, the liquid is drained into a clean container, preferably glass. You need to drain carefully, using cheesecloth or a very fine non-metallic sieve, so that particles of “rice” grains do not get into the drink itself.

Dried fruits should be thrown away. To prepare the next portion, take a tablespoon of the already grown culture, washed in running water, as well as all the listed ingredients. And - again on the shelf - to grow.

Contraindications

Is rice mushroom safe? Any means, even the most harmless at first glance, can cause harm to a person, so it is necessary to strictly follow all recommendations for its use. First of all, Zoogle infusions should not be consumed by diabetics. In general, rice mushroom, the contraindications to which have not been studied in detail by specialists, should be used with caution. Some people suffering from respiratory diseases may experience discomfort when first taking the infusion. They usually go away after a few days. If no improvements are observed after taking the infusion for a long time, it is better to abandon it. Those who are allergic to this product should not drink rice mushroom drinks.

Before resorting to the help of zooglea, it is necessary to consult with a specialist, since self-medication even with such a seemingly harmless remedy can lead to unpleasant consequences.

Harm and contraindications

Despite all the benefits of rice mushroom, a drink based on it cannot always be consumed.

Contraindications for use:

Diabetes mellitus type 1 (insulin dependent). The infusion contains polysaccharides, so it can only be taken at an early stage of the disease.
Diseases of the digestive system in the acute stage. The infusion can be taken only after the acute inflammatory reaction has subsided.
Individual intolerance to the product.
Pregnancy. This contraindication is not absolute, but before you start taking rice mushroom, you should consult a specialist. This recommendation is due to the pronounced effect of the infusion on the body.

People prone to allergic skin reactions should use rice mushroom for cosmetic purposes with caution. It should not be applied to the dermis if there are wounds and cracks.

Reviews of rice mushroom

In the East, this healing remedy is used for many diseases. It is believed to help with 100 ailments, ranging from the common cold to cancer. Of course, such versatility is not considered an axiom for traditional medicine, but many people simply idolize the Indian rice mushroom. Reviews from his admirers boil down to the fact that he helped against diseases that people had been fighting for many years using traditional methods and could not overcome. This is most likely true, since an ineffective remedy would not have been used for centuries.

A drink made from Indian mushroom helps eliminate salts, toxins and waste. It eliminates inflammatory processes. The use of this infusion has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair, nails and skin. Rice kvass is an excellent remedy that not only quenches thirst, but also improves overall tone. When used, the protective properties of the body are mobilized and the physical and mental performance of a person increases.

Sea rice tincture as a preventative and tonic

Indian rice can be equally beneficial for a healthy person if you drink it every day. Even a completely healthy, active person may have minor troubles, such as fatigue, too much sleep, or a mild but annoying headache. Lethargy or short temper and irritation due to minor troubles. In addition, it is obvious that in order to stay healthy, the main thing is prevention.

Regular consumption of rice mushroom helps improve metabolism, normalizes acidity in the stomach (prevents heartburn). Removes metabolic products (sand, salts) from the body, cleansing your kidneys, joints and gallbladder. If you sometimes have a headache due to nervousness or during stress, systematically consuming an infusion of Indian rice will help relieve you of the unpleasant consequences of psychological overload. Drinking the tincture has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and hair. Infused rice mushroom water is used to wipe the skin for a disease such as acne. And if you are worried about oily hair, it is recommended to rub the tincture into the scalp once every two days and, soon, the production of sebum from the sebaceous glands will normalize. Vitamin Q slows down the aging of the body. The effect of use is felt after about 3 weeks, which is not as long as it might seem at first glance.

Losing weight with rice mushroom

People suffering from excess weight also often use rice mushroom. Reviews of it as an effective means of losing weight have good reason. Its effectiveness is due to its complex chemical composition, which accelerates metabolism and improves all oxidative processes in tissues.

Zoogle infusion is rich in lipase, an enzyme found in the human body. It is responsible for the process of breaking down fats. Lipase is produced by the endocrine glands from the day a person is born. Under the influence of various unfavorable factors, such as poor nutrition, poor environmental conditions, their work is disrupted. As a result, the amount of enzymes produced is reduced. As a result, fats are not broken down and accumulate in the body, causing a rapid gain of excess body weight.

Daily consumption of Indian mushroom infusion helps normalize lipase levels. At the same time, enzymes not only begin to perform their main function - the breakdown of fats entering the body, but also act on already accumulated deposits. Thanks to this drink you can normalize your metabolism. To reduce weight, drink the infusion 150-200 ml three times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

The effectiveness of taking rice kvass can be increased several times if you switch to a balanced diet and engage in physical exercise. Thanks to such comprehensive measures, you can significantly speed up the process of losing weight.

Beneficial features

The fungus has a lot of useful medicinal properties, which explains its active use in medicine and cosmetology.

Indian rice contains several types of acids:

Folic. Thanks to this acid, the proper functioning of the immune system, heart, and blood vessels is ensured. Folic acid entering the body with rice fungus has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, relieving anxiety, irritability, and normalizing sleep. A sufficient level of acid in the body helps prevent the development of anemia.
Glucuronic. It is a component of hyaluronic acid. Its entry into the body with rice fungus ensures the preservation of the integrity of bone and cartilage tissue and the normalization of intestinal microflora. Glucuronic acid promotes the production of heparin, which is responsible for blood clotting.
Kumaric and chlorogenic. Chlorogenic acid affects blood pressure, preventing thrombosis, and promotes the burning of fat deposits. The use of sea rice tincture for diabetes is explained by the ability of chlorogenic acid to lower blood sugar levels. Coumaric acid, which has antioxidant properties, reduces the risk of free radical damage to healthy cells in the body.
Lemon. Rice mushroom as a source of citric acid increases the body's ability to absorb minerals and promotes the breakdown of kidney stones.

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The culture contains enzymes such as lipase, amylase, protease and coenzyme Q10, which explains its beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system, musculoskeletal system, and gastrointestinal tract.

Lipase is an enzyme that promotes the dissolution and digestion of fats. Lipase entering the body along with the infusion of rice fungus stabilizes metabolism. Therefore, the drink is effective for weight loss.

Amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch. Due to the amylase content, the product is useful for patients with diabetes and helps lower blood sugar.

The protease enzyme helps maintain the immune system, the proper functioning of the digestive system, and stimulates muscle recovery.

The presence of coenzyme Q10 in the rice fungus makes it possible to effectively use it for diseases of the cardiovascular system. Cardiologists call coenzyme a heart vitamin, linking the health of the heart muscle to the level of coenzyme in the body. The more it is, the “younger” and healthier the heart.

The coenzyme also has the property of lowering blood sugar and cholesterol levels. In this regard, Indian rice is recommended for consumption by patients with diabetes.

The fungus contains many vitamins and microelements. In addition to vitamins A, B, PP, it contains zinc, iron, calcium, and iodine.

An infusion based on rice fungus is not only suitable for internal use, but is also used for local treatment of arthritis, radiculitis (compresses based on rice fungus). Enemas with infusion of Indian rice help in the fight against hemorrhoids.

Rice infusion is widely used in cosmetology. Using it as a tonic helps cleanse pores of sebaceous plugs and impurities. The skin takes on a moisturized, radiant appearance.

Using the drink as a hair rinse helps your hair look healthy and well-groomed.

Use of rice mushroom for cosmetic purposes

Kvass from zooglea is also used as an effective cosmetic product. It can be used as a lotion. It perfectly cleanses the skin of dirt and oil. Rice kvass saturates tissues with minerals and vitamins. From this infusion you can make a variety of masks. They perfectly refresh the skin and increase its elasticity. Rice kvass added to bath water is an excellent substitute for sea salt. This infusion restores the natural acidic environment of the skin.

A drink made from Indian mushroom improves hair condition. To do this, you need to use masks made on its basis. They are applied to weakened and split ends. Substances contained in rice drink prevent hair loss. In 2-3 months of weekly use of masks, your curls will become strong, smooth and silky. When using rice kvass, strengthening of the nail plates is observed. Nails stop peeling and grow faster.

The use of rice mushroom for the preparation of cosmetics has no contraindications, so it can be recommended to everyone. That is why some large companies have begun to produce various skin and hair care products based on this product. Now on sale you can find rinses and masks for hair, creams and lotions for the face and deodorants for the body, the main component of which is zooglea.

How to Grow Indian Sea Rice

Indian rice can be grown at home. To do this, you will need settled mineral water, dried fruits and a few spoons of Indian rice. It is pre-dissolved in water. All components are mixed and the container is covered with gauze. It is placed in a dark and dry, but warm place.

Rice division will begin in 2-3 days. The speed of this process depends on the quality of crop care. Every 2-3 days the water needs to be changed to clean. If mucus appears in the container, it is better to get rid of such a product. From the second day of infusion, rice can be used for personal purposes. The grains are washed and filtered using gauze. Then pour hot water and combine with dried fruits. The resulting drink can be taken orally.