Kava Powder
Kava has long been associated with traditional ceremonies on South Pacific islands, as well as being used as a recreational drink.
In small doses, the effects of kava include muscle relaxation, mood elevation and overall contentment. When using Kava for recreational use, the powder is mixed with water and tradionally taken as a 'bowl'. The effects can be described as relexing, happy, and almost hypnotic.
Kava is endemic to Oceania, the name stemming from the local word meaning 'bitter'.
Our Kava is directly imported from Vanuata, which we have personally visited on our travels. Our powder is made directly from the root, and therefore does negatively effect the liver like some extracts which use the stem and leaves.
Dosage:
Starting dose: 1/2 tsp mixed in slightly warm water.
Higher dosages can range from 1tsp (5g) to 15g, with stronger effects felt with increased dosage.
*Please be responsible when using Kava, and stick within recommend dosages.
Special Precautions and Warnings:
Driving: Using kava can make it difficult to drive or operate machinery safely. Do not take kava before you plan on driving.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Kava is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It might affect the uterus while pregnant. Also, some of the chemicals in kava can pass into breast milk and might hurt a breast-fed infant. Avoid using it.
Liver disease: People who have liver problems should be cautious when taking kava, even though our extract is made using the root only, which is not known to cause any liver damage.
Parkinson disease: People who have Parkinson disease should avoid kava. It might make this condition worse.
Surgery: Kava affects the central nervous system. It might increase the effects of anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using kava at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Customer Reviews
First session: I took about 20 gram root powder and did the traditional massage in a fine mesh cloth method, using warm water and coconut cream. The first cup numbed my mouth. In a spam of 2-3 hours I drank about 10 cups, the first few being from the original extraction (still tasted bitter), and then a second and third extraction. Didn't really feel anything noteworthy, no relaxation, no mood shift.
I felt strange the next day, kinda chill, but also irritable (with myself, in my head about something, intrusive thoughts).
Second session: I took the remaining 30g and mixed it with warm water and milk, blended it with a stick blender for a couple of minutes and then strained and squeezed it through a fine mesh cloth. The solution (about 3 -4 cups?) was a nice tan muddy colour and once again was bitter and numbed my mouth. I proceeded to do the same with the strained root powder 2 or 3 more times, so giving me about ±9- 16 cups that I drank over a 2-3 hour period. For the most part I did not feel anything. But at the ±2 hour mark, I suddenly felt different, like my balance has gone haywire. Mentally I felt about the same and relaxation-wise..1 out 5. I tried to see where this could go but the rest of the liquid didn't make much difference.
The next day, I felt |unenthusiastic|. I was judging homebrew beer and struggled to make a a meaningful contribution, like I was just cruising along.
All in all, it felt like a lot of effort and liquid to consume for minimal results. 1 beer would've given better relaxation and mental effects in a 10th of the time. But I am grateful that I was able to experience it, since it is technically banned and unavailable in this country. Perhaps a different strain or root that didn't have to travel halfway across the world would work better on me.
