Since learning how to make my own lactic acid bacteria (LAB) serum, it has become an integral part of my everyday life.
From enhancing my skincare routine and boosting my health to tackling household tasks with eco-friendly solutions, this versatile probiotic has transformed how I care for myself and my home.
It even helped me recover quickly from a tummy bug!
Today, I’m documenting my process so you can make your own from scratch.
What You'll Need:
Rice Wash (or any carbohydrate-rich liquid)
Milk (preferably unpasteurized)
Sugar or Molasses (optional for long term preservation)
How to Make LAB Serum
Prepare the Rice Wash:
Use any rice.
Rinse rice and save the milky water.
Let it sit for 2–7 days at room temperature until a sour smell forms and three layers develop. The lid is not necessary at this stage.
Carefully extract the middle layer (the LAB-rich layer) without disturbing the top or bottom layers.
Mix the extracted LAB layer with milk at a 1:10 ratio.
If you already have a LAB serum, you can just add 1 tablespoon to the milk to jumpstart the fermentation, rice water will not be needed.
Label and store in a sealed container for a week, allowing curds to form.
It must have a sealed cap or lid as LAB is anaerobic; they thrive in environments with little oxygen.
Once fermented, the curds will form.
Strain the mixture to separate the curds.
Press to extract more liquid.
Save the milk curd.
The LAB serum
Stabilize the LAB Serum by mixing the liquid serum with sugar or molasses in a 1:1 ratio.
Mix it well. This mixture ensures the LAB serum remains potent and shelf-stable.
Store at room temperature or refrigerate for longer shelf life, some say it can last up to 3 years.
Or refrigerate the LAB serum and use it within a few weeks or months; do not use it if it turns mouldy or has an off smell.
Bonus: The curds can be salted and turned into fresh cheese or cottage cheese. If pressed longer, the harder it gets.
Add herbs and spices for a delicious probiotic treat!
Nice with salad or just by itself.
How to Use LAB Serum
For Health🩺
Take 1 tablespoon daily, either directly or mixed into water or smoothies.
For Skincare🧴
Face Mist: Dilute 1 tablespoon in 1/2 cup water and mist after cleansing.
Mask: Mix 1 teaspoon with honey or aloe and apply for 10 minutes.
Scalp Rinse: Massage diluted serum (1 tablespoon per 1 cup water) into your scalp to reduce dandruff.
Bath Soak: Add 1/4 cup to bathwater for hydrated skin.
Spot Treatment: Dab undiluted LAB on blemishes to calm inflammation.
For Pet Care 🐈
Odor Control: Spray diluted LAB (2 tablespoons per 1 cup water) on bedding or litter boxes.
Skin Soother: Rinse pets with LAB solution (1 teaspoon per 1 cup water).
Gut Health: Add 1/4 teaspoon to pet food or water weekly.
Wound Care: Apply diluted LAB (1 tablespoon per 1/4 cup water) to minor cuts.
For Household 🏠
Odor Reduction: Mix 2 tablespoons with 1 cup water and spray on smelly areas.
Clogged Drains: Pour 1/4 cup directly into drains overnight, then flush with warm water.
Septic Maintenance: Pour 1/4 cup into your toilet or drain monthly to support septic health.
For Gardening 🏡
Plant Growth Aid: Dilute 1/4 cup in 1 gallon of water and use as a weekly plant fertilizer.
Tips for Success
Use clean, sterilized tools to prevent contamination.
Always label containers with the date to track fermentation time.
If trying LAB serum for the first time on skin, pets, or plants, test on a small area to ensure compatibility.
Lactobacillus serum is a simple, cost-effective, and sustainable solution to enhance your health, skin care, pet care, household, and gardening routines.
Why not give it a try? You might find it transforms your life as much as it has mine!
Have a lovely day everyone!
Mariah 😊💗