What is kava?
Kava is a root that is indigenous to the south pacific islands (Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, Samoa, Hawaii, etc.) It has been consumed for thousands of years both ceremonially and recreationally by native tribes on these islands. The ancient way of making kava tea involves straining kava root pulp through coconut fibers in order to strain out the bitter tasting root. In America, it is made in a similar fashion by straining the root into water by hand through fine nylon mesh bags.
Where does kava come from?
Kava or “awa” comes from tropical regions in the south pacific. Hawaii is also a big cultivator of kava.
How is kava made?
Kava root is strained through fine mesh bags by hand into plain water. Other versions of kava called extract are made using an advanced CO2 extraction method to isolate the active ingredient called “kavalactones” very similar to how THC is extracted from marijuana.
What does kava taste like?
Kava has a taste similar to wood or dirt, however can be made into many drinks where the flavor is masked. Kava is not consumed for the flavor, rather for the effect.
What are the effects of kava?
Kava produces a relaxing effect that is not similar to alcohol or marijuana. It has its own very distinct feeling. When the kava is consumed in the right amount (which varies person to person) it produces feelings of euphoria, relaxation, calmness and contentness. Needless to say it is a very pleasant feeling. Kava does not impair motor function or judgment unlike alcohol, unless consumed in extreme amounts.
How long does the kava effect last?
Kava can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, and the duration of effect is highly dependent on what the consumer ate beforehand as well as how hydrated they are.
Is kava legal?
Yes, Kava is 100% legal in all states
Is kava safe to consume?
Kava is safe to consume for every consecutive day for 2 weeks, and a 1 week break. There have been no studies that conclude that kava is an unsafe supplement in moderate daily doses. Kava however, should never be consumed in conjunction with alcohol, benzodiazepines and blood pressure medication, other interactions are known but will not list them all.
What is the recommended dosage for kava?
This varies from person to person. Kava has a “reverse tolerance” up to a point. Meaning that the more someone drinks, the less it takes to obtain the effect over time. Some people feel the effects the first session, some don’t feel the effects until the 3rd or 4th session.
Can kava be addictive?
No, Kava is not addictive in itself. The social aspect can be addictive
Can kava be used as a sleep aid?
Yes, kava works very well in calming a consumer down before bedtime, kava in itself does not cause drowsiness unless taken in large amounts
Can kava be used to treat anxiety?
Although not FDA approved, kava has been shown to relieve anxiety
Can kava be used to treat depression?
This is unknown
Can kava be used to treat pain?
Yes, kava is a mild muscle relaxer and has some pain killing effects
Can kava be used to treat muscle tension?
Yes, Kava is a mild muscle relaxer
Can kava be used to treat migraines?
It depends on the state of the consumer, but kava does have mild pain killing properties
Can kava be used to treat addiction?
This is unknown, however, kava is an excellent alternative to alcohol
Can kava be used with other medications?
Absolutely not, kava should never be taken with any medication
Can kava be used during pregnancy?
This is unknown, however is never recommended
Can kava be used while breastfeeding?
This is unknown, however is never recommended
Can kava cause liver damage?
There is no definitive evidence that kava causes liver damage. Further research is needed.
Can kava cause side effects?
In large amounts, kava can cause motor skill impairment, speech impairment, frequent urination, and drowsiness.
Is there a risk of overdose with kava?
There has been no evidence to support overdose with kava is possible
Can kava be used recreationally?
Yes, Kava is typically used recreationally, even among indigenous tribes in the south pacific
How can I make kava tea at home?
Yes, kava tea is very easy to make. You need the root powder itself, a strainer bag, a bucket, and water.