People make a drink from the fungus and swear their health is better.
Kombucha isn't really a mushroom at all. It contains gluconic acid, lactic acid and B-vitamins, and appears to work primarily in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the jury is still out for some experts. While no adverse affects have been reported, some warn that risk of contamination is high. Others counter that fear by pointing out the mushroom has such strong antibiotic properties that it kills any harmful bacteria.