Kava Kava Root
If you have had the chance to visit Hawaii or one of the other islands in the South Pacific, there’s a good chance you’ve come in contact with kava kava root. Kava kava root is an essential and integral part of life in the Pacific Islands, often thought of as one of the most precious gifts from the Earth. Not only is it a pleasant drink that is reportedly used as an alternative to alcohol, but Kava Kava has also been prescribed as a folk remedy to help with anxiety, insomnia, and back pain for thousands of years!
(If you have questions related to medical advice of any kind in relation to Kava, please see our Kava Medical Advice article for important information.)
Kava Root (the only part of the plant that is used) is largely employed as a celebratory drink much in the same way that alcohol is used in the West. It helps mark momentous occasions such as weddings, public festivals, political powwows and holidays, and it is even used in official ceremonies. Unlike alcohol, kava root is not known to produce or stimulate aggression. (And we’ve never heard of a Kava hangover here at Kava dot com!) Kava, when properly harvested and properly manufactured into a dietary supplement, has proven to be very safe and effective at supporting a wide range of conditions as it naturally promotes relaxation and helps ease the mind from daily stress.*
Many people find other uses for kava, including many medicinal ones. It’s interesting to note that kava has been shown to help ease anxiety, depression as well as producing a restful sleep. It is used by athletes, businessmen and diplomats to help “take the edge off” and focus concentration. Widely prescribed throughout Oceania and Europe to treat hyperactivity in children, it has also been used to aid children who have difficulty sleeping on occasion.
(While we’re on the topic of kava root, we just had to briefly mention something about our new excitement over vegan chocolate. To us, it’s the perfect accompaniment to all-things Kava, and just wanted to let you know you can read all about our excitement on our “Kava & Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven” article.)
Anyway, it seems that much disinformation may have been spread concerning kava and liver toxicity. The truth of the matter is that as the popularity of Kava grew in the early 2000’s, unscrupulous manufacturers may have used the potentially poisonous tops and leaves of kava plants in their kava supplements instead of just the kava roots, thus setting off a chain reaction of rumor and speculation worldwide. Unfortunately, unjustified bans on kava subsequently spread across the world, most of which have been since removed, but the mindset still remains.
For a great article on this very topic, see “The Real Story of Kava” by Makaira Kealoha.
The best way to make sure you get safe and effective kava is to know where your kava comes from. Do your research. Support the small farmer. Make sure your kava is ethically grown and that any supplemental kava used in your products contain only the kava root. Do not believe misleading studies that have been refuted, or any opportunistic lawyers who dedicate websites to “ambulance chasing” kava users. All in all, kava is a proven relaxant with thousands of years of history and safety in use behind it.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kava
Q. Where Can We Buy Kava?
This is, of course, our #1 asked question, and we’ve got a NEW answer we’re super excited about. We list anywhere between 6-12 of our favorite Kava suppliers on our “Where to Buy Kava” page, but after a great deal of contemplation, we decided to open the KAVA MARKETPLACE, which offers Kava from as many high-quality Kava Kava suppliers as we can find, in one convenient place!
We’d love to list YOUR Kava Bar, online store, or Kava-related service here at Kava Dot Com. Just drop us an email at “kava at kava dot com”, and we’ll get you on here as quick as we can. We’re always happy to post eZine like articles from anyone’s Kava-related business as well; just submit them to the same email address, and we’ll add you in the place we feel is most appropriate here at Kava Dot Com.
Q: Is it addictive?
Kava has not been shown to be physically addictive. It has been used safely for over 3,000 years, without any reported withdrawal symptoms.
Q: What does kava do?
- Relaxes muscles
- Calms nerves
- Creates a general feeling of well-being
- Induces a feeling of peace, relaxation and contentment
- Enhances mental alertness and concentration
- Has historical use as an herbal aphrodisiac
- Reduces inhibitions and makes people more sociable
There are many, many more properties of kava, so read on!
Q: Can I take it any time of the day?
In the South Pacific, drinking kava is mostly used for ceremonial, recreational and social purposes. Kava is consumed at the end of the workday, and the ritual of kava preparation and drinking provides one with both an opportunity for individual meditation as well as a social time. with inhibitions alleviated.
In our hectic, modern society “kava time” is anytime. The fact that kava does not slow one’s mental capacity that allows it to be used during the day especially when we find ourselves anxious or in stressful situations like:
- Going on a date
- Visiting the dentist
- Giving a presentation
- Attending a party
- Business meetings
- Enhance athletic abilities
- Boarding a plane
- Taking an exam
And for the most part, kava is best consumed after work when the kava’s delightful, pleasurable, relaxing effects can be experienced while one is able to relax into a happy, peaceful state with complete mental alertness. When kava is taken before bedtime, it induces a restful sleep and encourages a refreshed feeling upon awakening.
Q: Does kava have side effects?
Kava has no side effects when taken in moderate doses, although its abuse can lead to health problems. A study of heavy abusers in the South Pacific showed evidence of shortness of breath, dry scaly skin, and slight alterations in red and white blood cells and platelets. The reports of liver damage have widely been dismissed – it may have one irresponsible kava manufacturer which used the poisonous tops of the kava plant in one of their products that lead to potential liver damage after long-term use. Even the country that hosted the study (Germany) has repealed their ban on Kava Kava because it has been proven a safe and effective herbal product.
Q: How much can I drink? Can I overdose on it?
The most significant anti-anxiety studies show that an effective daily dose of kava is 70-210 milligrams of kavalactones. The amount of kava to take depends on your purpose for using it and your individual sensitivity to the effects of kavalactones.
Death or severe illness from exclusive use of kava has not been reported in any medical literature.
Q: Is it safe?
Whenever you first try a new medicine, herb or supplement, it is always best to start with low dosages and build up. Kava, if used appropriately, can reduce the stress in our daily lives, as well as alleviate the amount of anxiety one might anticipate becoming exposed to, such as in a stressful negotiation. Studies show the occasional use of kava presents no health problems. Years of use in Germany have produced no reports of troublesome drug interactions as well.
If you have any questions or concerns about your health or possible interactions with prescription medications, simply consult your doctor.
Many people find other medicinal uses for kava kava. It is interesting to note that kava has been shown to help ease anxiety and depression, as well as help induce a restful sleep. It is used by athletes as well as businessmen to help “take the edge off” and focus concentration.
Q: Why so much negative press on Kava?
We at Kava dot com know that most people don’t want to hear “conspiracy theories” about “secret agendas” of the government or giant corporations. We here at Kava dot com agree that many we have met who espouse conspiracy theories are less than credible. There was a major disinformation, conspiracy campaign about Kava Root – a safe and effective herb used by countless peoples for thousands of years – when it was perhaps demonized by the media and by those who wanted to see this safe and effective herbal supplement disappear from our minds and the market.[/box]
Lastly, although we try to remain as unbiased as possible, we’ve found a blog that is actually enjoyable to read and authored by the owner of a Kava Farm in Hawaii. The author’s name is Makaira, and she’s writing an informative, insightful, growing body of information about everything related to Kava. She offers the present legal status of Kava throughout the world on her very readable “Kava – Worldwide Legal Status” article, but what we most enjoy are her personal journal entries (which appear sporadically, but are always a joy to read). Look at “From the Mind of Makaira” – the section of her blog where she shares personal information about her life, her farm, and her family business, as well as official news of kava use throughout the world. She will also answer any questions that anyone may have for her.
Don’t worry about Kava Kava. As its popularity grows and as Kava Bars start popping up all over the world as mainstream gathering places, rather than oddities or curiosities, and as more and more people like you discover and enjoy the many benefits of Kava, feel safe that kava kava is here to stay. Even though we here at kava dot com have been offered fair sums of money to sell our kava dot com website to a large corporation, we’re still not going anywhere because we want to provide a free source for kava kava information.
If you still want more info, see our “Geography of Kava” section as well as our “Origin of Kava” article as well.
Mahalo,
Bryan Kava
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose or prevent any disease.
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Is Kava Kava safe for recovering addicts?
Dear Andrew,
Many recovering addicts use kava to great effect. Kava is not physically addictive, so as long as you feel confident that you can not use it to excess, kava will be perfectly safe!
All the best!
I have recently suffered from anxiety and panic attacks. My Doctor wants to immediately put me on antidepressants like Lexapro, and when I said I was having trouble sleeping he also prescribed for me xanax and Ambien. I don’t think those pills are for my well being…instead I feel they will make me reliant on them to continue my normal life. A friend mentioned kava, and Im just interested in what your thoughts are in regards to my situation.
Thank you, Tony
We get so many comments asking about Kava in relation to anxiety, prescription medication, drug interaction, and drug withdrawal, but unfortunately our answer is always the same: We are not doctors and cannot legally offer any advice in this regard. In fact, we’re asked this SO MUCH that we’ve made a post called “Kava and Medical Advice“ on our own blog, and one of our favorite Kava sites says virtually the same thing in their blog entry called “Kava and Prescription Medication“ as well. So we highly suggest simply reading through either post to get a complete, comprehensive answer.
THANK YOUR FOR BEING SO INFORMATIVE OF KAVA KAVA. I WORK AS A PEACE OFFICER FOR LA COUNTY AND HAVE A VERY BUSY, AND STRESSFUL JOB. I WOULD LIKE TO BUY DRINKS FOR RELAXING, AND FOR SOCIAL GATHERINGS. WANT TO STOP DRINKING, NOT A HEAVY DRINKER BUT WOULD LIKE TO TRY A KAVA KAVA DRINK INSTEAD OF A BEER AFTER WORK. LET ME KNOW WHERE I CAN BUY IT, AND HOW MUCH WOULD IT BE TO SEND TO CALIFORNIA. AGAIN, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
And you are VERY welcome, Richard! We love Kava (easy to tell, yes?) and are happy to point kind folks in the right direction for Kava. We’ve even dedicated a page to answering that question on our “Where to Buy Kava” page. In short, though, sometimes we sound like a broken record, but our absolute favorite place to buy Kava as of this writing is a place called Kona Kava Farm in Hawaii. They’re a family-owned, organic farm, with a unique brand of Kava that’s as potent as any other we’ve tried, but not nearly as bitter. Let us know how your experience goes, though, wherever you decide to purchase your kava from.
Can you Drink Kava and Drive?
Very good question! – But, we cannot stress enough that Kava and driving DO NOT MIX! Wherever we’ve purchased Kava, we’ve been pleased to see a notice to that effect on every package we’ve purchased as well. Kava can have some very pleasant but noticeable effects that have the potential to impair judgment. Just because something is a natural, safe herbal supplement, doesn’t mean that it’s safe to operate heavy machinery of any kind while ingesting it. And Kava is certainly no exception. We don’t even recommend mixing it with alcohol because alcohol can increase the effects of Kava. We think Kava is perfectly pleasant on its own!
Can Kava help you lose weight or control your appetite?
Another interesting question, but the answer is no. We researched Kava for weight loss online and couldn’t find any examples or stories, although we did find a popular natural product called Hoodia gordonii that’s supposed to be extremely effective. Might be worth a try.
Wow! Thanks so much for all this information. I took your advice on where to buy kava and ordered some kava root from Kona Kava Farm. Being a little skeptical, I also ordered a similar product from another online kava company. I’m not going to name the other company because I don’t want to give them bad press — but Kona Kava Farm’s kava was leaps and bounds better than the other kava root I got. I was so happy with the kava I got from Kona, I took their advice and tried the 84% kavalactone paste, which from what I understood is kava extract and is very strong. Well, I recently got the paste and it’s AWESOME! It’s exactly what I was looking for. I’m interested to know what you guys at Kava.com think about pastes and extracts in relation to normal kava root. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the kava root but I find the paste to be great!
Anyway, keep up the good work on this site — a lot of awesome history information here and definitely the place to be for a new kava user. THANKS!
And thank YOU for visiting us; it’s nice to know that visitors appreciate the effort and take our advice as well!
In terms of kava root or kava paste, the entire staff is very particular in how we take our kava: We make drinks from the powdered root, and then blend in a few dabs of Kavalactone Paste for that extra “kick” we love.
We like the full spectrum of alkaloids that the pure root releases when a drink is made, but we all also like to give it a little extra “oomph” with the concentrated Kavalactone Paste. Also, many don’t think that they can ever get used to the taste of Kava root, but we’ve all come to really enjoy the flavor!
We wish you all the best in your Kava journeys, and update us on any new discoveries you find along the way. Aloha!
Great information. I do have a question – what is the best way to take kava kava – tea, tincture, or capsules?
Wow…so many interesting questions recently! Thank you for another great one, and since I want to answer that as fully as possible, I’ve posted a new “Best Ways to Take Kava” article for a proper explanation. Please feel free to comment and ask questions there…I’ll do my best to be as clear as possible. Aloha!
Thanks for all the general info. I discovered this website about 3 months ago but didnt get around to commenting until now. I’ve been occasionally doing kava now for about two months. I do it about 3-4 times a week. Generally once or twice during the workday at work to relieve stress (generally around 60-120 mg kavalactones) during day and occasionally at night where i’ll take around 180 mg kavalactones. I find that it eases me during the day while not affecting my attention span or making me tired. And when i do it at night it doesnt knock me out or anything but i’ll do it about an hour or two before i plan to go to bed and it definately gives me a restful sleep with somewhat vivid dreams.
I use kava powder to drink at night and i use kava capsules ( from the south pacific islands of Vanuatu) during the day.
I just quit smoking around 2 weeks ago and kava has helped me chill out during the day (without being intoxicated) without the use of nicotine.
Kava is awesome and I reccomend everyone to try it!
Are there any known contraindications to drinking kava during pregnancy? Where can I find more information on this topic?
And that’s another question we get quite often; whether or not Kava can be used during pregnancy. Instead of discussing the possible drug interactions and dangers of Kava, we found an article on a website that belongs to our favorite Kava Shop. It’s a general article on the potential dangers of kava root, but they actually specifically mention pregnancy during the discussion. The article is called “Kava Dangers” and if we find a more in-depth article regarding this question, we’ll add it to these comments. Thanks for another great question!
Kava is amazing. I’ve had anxiety problems since the day I was born, it runs in my family, and I have always had social anxiety, until I started taking Kava. It relaxes me, makes me think a little more positive, helps me sleep when taken at night, and I am not an airhead when I take it during the day like most relaxers. I suggest Kava for absolutely everyone. It’s AWESOME!
Why is Kona shipping from Chicago if it’s a family farm in Hawaii?
This is another type of question we get asked; question about the companies we talk about here on kava dot com. We are Kava dot com. As of this writing, we use the same blog software as the blog at Kona Kava Farm (there are probably only a few green themes to choose from). We are an information site about Kava. They are one of the few sites who sell quality Kava. So, any general questions about Kava; please feel free to ask us. Any questions related to any of the companies here, especially in relation to orders, products, pricing, or why anyone ships from one state but has a farm in another state…needs to be addressed to whatever company you made your purchase from.
But, as a courtesy, we went to the website we’re guessing your referring to and found the answer to your question right on the front page of their blog. It’s an article called “Do You Ever Accept Visitors to Your Farm?” and it’s probably more than you’re looking for, but it also explains how they grow it and Chicago (a big manufacturing town), manufactures it. Aloha!
does kava have sugar in it? is it good for diabetics?
Is Kava safe in the pediatic population? I have a 7-yr. old child who is terrified by dentist and doctors appointments….LOTS of anxiety surrounding visits. Is there any information, documents, websites where I am learn more?
We wish we could give a different answer than what has become our mantra: Kava is a natural herbal supplement and we are not doctors. Therefore, we cannot legally offer any medical advice regarding kava, especially when it comes to children. We do know that many places in Europe regularly prescribe Kava Root and Capsules to excitable and/or hyperactive kids without any reports of ill-effects, but we do not know all the facts. You must speak with your doctor, sorry.
I’m very excited to discover Kava, and just tried it for the first time. It is in a liquid herbal extract form and tastes bad. Can you recommend what is safe and good to mix with it?
We typed in “kava recipes” into Google, and the first couple of results were a Kava Recipes page and a Yahoo! Answers Kava Recipe question. There are so many recipes, it’s just a matter finding which one you like the best. My personal favorite is making a smoothie out of banana and vanilla, but others on the staff here love your basic coconut/pineapple/kava drink. Hope this helps!
Hi there. Thanks for having this website up. I recently discovered and have been enjoying Kava extract and capsules for a few months now. I have yet to try the Kava powder but i am quite excited about trying it.
Im wondering what blend on Kava Poweder would be best to order to get to make a good high quality potent brew.
I saw you guys said Kona Kava Farm, any other good places to check out?
We also enjoy kava from another place in Hawaii (see a pattern developing here?) called Kanaka Kava. All of their kava is also quite nice and they also offer (but not always) frozen fresh kava root for those more adventurous.
Feel free to report back to us if you decide to purchase from them; just like KKF, they’re a small operation that cares!
Thanks, I’ll be sure to try some soon!
Hello, I was wondering if I can take kava while I’m nursing? Or like alcohol, do I have to pump and dump? Thanks
Dear Shirley,
I would certainly consult your doctor about this. If you aren’t sure, then pump and dump is the way to go!
All the best!
Thanks for the info, I’ve been using Kava for around 9 months and found the best (outside of fresh of course) to be the dried powder root (either Kona or Kule’a Fiji (more expensive)) with some soy litchen and then add digestive enzyme.
I tried it after reading about the old preparation of chewing and the amylase helping to breakdown the root, so tried something similar with the blender and enzymes.
I love the feel of relaxation after a hard days work and a nice long run, and a nice large cup of kava root.
Now if I could ever get used to the taste!
Hey there Steve!
I’ve been enjoying Kava for about 6 months myself now and im definately used to the taste by now (and I like the numbing effect as well).
I agree it is great after a long day at work occasionally but even better i enjoy drinking a moderate kava beverage AT work (matter of fact i just drank one about 5 minutes ago). It helps me focus and puts me in a better mood and helps me concentrate more (and all without dangerous synthetic prescription drugs the pharmaceutical industry wants to put everyone on!) without any negative effects whatsoever.
It’s good to see more and more people out there are learning about the benefits of this natural plant. I consider Kava to be a sacred plant (as with ganja, perhaps the medical industry will realize the benefits of that plant too, but big pharma is having trouble patenting that, which is whats blocking its legality).
We also should express to some minors out there who simply want to get “messed up” that kava is not for them. Kava does not alter ones senses in the way that alcohol does, and many young folks i talk to on the internet dont understand that. But if they want something that will naturally and safely calm them and help them focus, than Kava might work (although i read that Kava isnt reccomended for minors under 18, im not sure way but it is).
There should also be more research into proving that Kava is safe. That one German study is mentioned nearly everywhere but most people dont know that that was a bad batch of the Kava plant and not the root (the root is used for kava products/beverages).
Reccomend your family members and friends to try Kava, I think it should be mandatory :)
HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE!
Many Blessings,
Jay P.
Hi, I take Kava when I work, Kava is amazing. It gives you a feeling of well being and releaxes you too. I deal with lots of stress at work (3 days per week) and I take Kava and it helps me focus and close more sales than usual just because my attitude is not stressed anymore. You feel like when you are a happy drunk without seeing double or acting stupid, yet you can still be super happy.
It has been over 6 months i have kava root powder at home but never really got around into using it because of these stupid liver toxicity fears. Anyways i had tried it the other day i put 3 spoonfuls of kava root and extracted that with water. My tongue did go numb and all, but i still felt somewhat tense and anxious. (As i was doing job applications) lol. But luckily for me i just read in other places that kavalactones need to be built up in your body progressly in order for it to work! Guess im going to give this long thought to be good plant a second chance!
what are the different strains of kava that will give me the most bang for my buck?
We have found that any *quality* Kava powder is worth the investment. The trick is finding quality Kava Kava, especially now that it’s getting more popular and it’s appearing almost everywhere! One thing we have found is that smaller companies have, 100% of the time, provided Kava that was FAR superior to anything commercially available. Places like GNC and Walgreens carry Kava products (mostly capsules), but it’s nothing compared to what comes straight from the people who grow it. Our personal favorite is Hawaiian Kava, especially the Hawaiian Kona Kava that we buy for ourselves on a regular basis. High quality Fiji Kava is also quite strong, but you’ve got to be careful; there are so many growers in Fiji, and it’s just as easy to get really low quality Kava as it is to get high quality Kava. So, in short; we look for the location that the Kava was grown, the reputation of the company, and the size of the company offering the Kava rather than the specific strain, at least as of this writing.
I have read that it is better to use fresh kava root that has not been dried is this tru? I cannot find pure kava root that has not been ground and dried online.
Fresh Kava Root is, of course, unlike any other experience. But, finding true and potent Kava Root is another story altogether.
If you have a chance to experience fresh Kava Root first-hand for yourself, by all means; take that opportunity! As with anything (in our opinion), no matter what we choose to eat, fresher is always better, especially when it comes to fruits, vegetables, and herbal products.
the trick is finding reputable online Kava Shops who offer the freshest Kava Root possible. Those who sell direct from the farm, and who have a lot of orders to ensure constant product rotation are typically the best choices. Properly-manufactured Kava Root can be quite a rewarding treat and experience; no question.
I don’t drink and havent sense 2000 don’t miss it at all. I have been told I have idiopathic pancreatitics ( in other words they don’t know why i get) I was told to stay away from fatty foods and not to drink and I do, as well as live a very healhy lifestlye…. But have I still gotten pancreatitics twice since 2000.
Do you know of anyone who developed attacks of Pancreatits as a result of drinking KAVA ?? I hope yopu dont ask me to consult my Doctor.( which I intend to do anyways..I’m sure he will advise me not to use it.) But I miss that slight relaxing feeling I would get after a drink…But have no intention of drinking alcohol… Curious ….But I don’t think anyone is going to give me a thumbs up go ahead, but thought I would ask.
Dear Michael,
Unfortunately, we are not doctors, and know very little about pancreatitis. There is not much literature on the topic of kava and pancreatitis, either. So, as you said, I must recommend that you speak to your doctor before consuming kava.
All the best!
I read this whole page and I tell you what it’s all true at least for me. I was on a date and this guy wanted to stop at a friends and it just so happened to be his friends Kava Bar in hollywood,Fl not far fromw where I live. He told me about it and I figured why not, right. Im hooked, I have it 4 to 6 times a week. I feel so more at ease at work and what stress? I have been sleeping so well it takes minutes not hours to fall asleep and I feel happy and good when i get up. It has changed my life alot being I am always worried about things and stressed out. Kava Rocks, don’t mind the taste at and love the numbing feeling. Also I drive my GSXR sport bike on this stuff and it has no effect on my driving, just makes me chill. Love the web site so happy to read all the positive things other people have to say. Have fun! BULA!!!!
Love the website! I’m a recovering alcoholic with a panic/anxiety disorder. Got the idea for kava from “Anxiety for Dummies”. Would like to get off Xanax. The past couple of nights I’ve taken the capsules and mixed the extract with juice. I think it’s really helping! Question: Is it best to take on an empty stomach or should I eat? Thanks for your help!
You’re not the first person who’s reported enjoying the many benefits of Kava as a recovering alcoholic. All the best you with that! As far as taking kava on an empty stomach or not; truly, every person is different, and you simply need to find out what works best for you. We know just as many people who prefer taking Kava with other food, and those who like the pure Kava experience on an empty stomach. Personally, I don’t like to enjoy Kava with any food, and don’t make any kava drinks within an hour on each side of a meal.
hi is there a maximum length of time you can take kava for
thanks
Kava helps you eat less and therefore lose weight. Users must try not to drink it on an empty stomach, otherwise it can eat into the walls of your intestine. It doesn’t sound as bad as this. Like in all things, balance is essential. I normally drink kava before dinner but after lunch, and have done so the past 10+ years. It will also help if you drink as much water as you can when you can.
If you get double images after drinking kava, close one eye as this eliminates the second image. I’ve done this while driving. From what I’ve read on this site I gotta say the generalization that the smaller the kava operation the stronger the strain may be true, but kava from the growers is the best.
While KonaKava enjoys a good reputation Makaira’s website ranking shows me she doesn’t get as much traffic as a Fiji-based site. A downside however is that Fiji being such a small market leaves them at the mercy of merchant account providers, I’m thinking, so many retailers only accept cash currently. For ‘pure unblended kava root powder’ to be drunk the water soluble way, I have tried this and have been extremely happy with the potency. BULA!
Dear Alison,
The FDA recommends only taking kava for up to four weeks without a break. After this time, it is good to take about a week break, and then you may continue for another month.
All the best!
I’ve just started drinking Kava last week, after buying some from the Kona Kava Farm. The shipping was fast, and I really enjoyed the customer service, and am very pleased.
However, I have read that Kava is supposed to make your tongue and lips numb, and that it’s supposed to be relaxing (which is why I bought it). I’ve been drinking it, and I have yet to feel any of these effects. Does it take a while to build up in your body, like some medications do? I’ve been making it the traditional way, as instructed on the Kona Kava site. Is there a better, more effective way to make it?
Thanks for all of the awesome information on the site. It really is an awesome resource.
Yeah one can drink some alcohol after Kava but i find it best by itself so one fully enjoys the kava more instead of mixing it with something else. I think substance-wise Kava is more safer than alcohol (same with cannabis), and i think if less people drank alcohol and more drank Kava, people could be more relaxed, productive, and the addiction rates for alcohol could drop some.
Not that im bashing alcohol as i like a occasional Heinekin or glass of wine but i think Kava is best by itself.
Just my opinion though, oh and i agree the best Kava is the water soluble form.
BULA
I’ve just given up the weed and I’m looking for a herbal high that will keep me from relapsing without morphing into another addiction. I’m no stranger to unrefined, natural tonics, I already consume kola nut, yerba mate and cacao tea. I’d like to know if kava pastes are safe, since I’ve read that the traditional way of drinking the extracted product puts the least strain on the liver and immune system. I’m contemplating buying some powdered root and then some ‘full spectrum’ paste. As a first time user would I be better off trying the powdered root before I invest in the paste?
Dear Bushtea,
We know the most about the safety of powdered kava root, because kava has been used traditionally this way for so long. That said, I have not heard any reports of negative health effects from kava pastes, as long as they are produced to a high standard. I would recommend purchasing both and seeing which works best for you!
All the best!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: We have a great many comments waiting in queue on this particular post (probably because it’s on the front page of our website), but most of them are not actually relevant to this particular post. So, although we love answering our visitors personally, we’ve decided to close comments on this one page.
The good news is that to encourage relevant posts, we are leaving comments open throughout the rest of our website. In fact, the best way to get a question answered is to post it in the relevant page, category or post.
We’re working on a general public comment page where everyone can voice their thoughts and if we can find a way to move the many comments that are waiting in the queue for this post to that one, we will. We’re sorry if this inconveniences some, but it’s the only way to stop this page from being 100 miles long and taking an hour to load! We’re convinced, though, that it will allow our entire website and all the comments and questions to remain much more relevant and concise, making it a much more enjoyable and informative Kava experience for everyone.
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Kava definitely should make your mouth numb. Since Kona Kava Farm is known for their consistent Kava quality, we doubt it’s their product that isn’t working for you; it’s likely your extraction method. We recommend using a blender for 5 minutes, allowing the Kava Kava to brew for an additional 15 minutes. Also, to get all 25 active lactones contained within Kava root, you need both a fat (like milk, soy milk, coconut milk, soy lecithin) as well as water. Make sure you water down your milk with water.
We feel the above little recipe is the most effective way to make it, and you’ll know you’ve made it correctly when your mouth gets numb within a minute of ingesting the Kava drink.
Mahalo,
Bryan Kava
It absolutely depends on the product. Powdered Kava Root definitely has no sugar in it. We know that the products from Kona Kava Farm such as the Kavalactone Paste and the 30% capsules are sugarless and vegan. Their instant Kava Mixes are sweetened with Stevia, but there is some dehydrated cane juice in there.
Hope this helps!
Mahalo,
Bryan Kava