Kava is a drink from the South Pacific made from the roots of the Kava (also called “Kava-Kava”) plant, Piper methysticum, meaning “Intoxicating pepper.” It is believed to have been domesticated on the northern islands of Vanuatu, and from there, spread throughout the region. Natives of the area have consumed it for centuries for both their ceremonial purposes, and as a social libation due to its ability to produce relaxing, sedative, and euphoric effects.
Kava is prepared by mixing the ground/pulverized root powder with water, letting it soak, then squeezing it through a strainer. The resulting broth is brownish in color, often resembling chocolate milk or creamed coffee, yet tasting nothing like it. As it comes from a pepper plant, there is a strong earthy, almost bitter taste, followed by an immediate numbing sensation of the mouth. The numbness lasts only a few seconds, but in case it is a little too strange for some, we serve the drink with pineapple (or other fruit) chasers, to help cleanse the palate.
Once consumed, kava has a mellowing effect, with alkaloids that react to serotonin, dopamine as well as GABA brain receptor sites. There is also a perceived reverse-tolerance effect to kava. Many report that, although they may not feel the effects very tremendously the first time, they get stronger with each subsequent use. This is probably due, to some degree, to a decrease in behavioral tolerance, where the effects become more noticeable to the user with repeated exposure. There are also theories on enzyme production – that it takes an exposure or two for your body to become accustomed to the new substances and allow your liver to develop the panel of enzymes necessary to metabolize them.
Whatever the reason, many users report that the effects increase over the first 3-5 uses, which actually makes a kava buzz cheaper to attain over time! There are no hangover-like side effects that have been reported, and you can drink it daily without fear of any physical dependence to it! In addition to providing a wonderful, relaxing buzz and sense of well being, many people have long used kava for issues such as restlessness, sleep problems, and anxiety. As a matter of fact, peer-reviewed research supports kava’s efficacy for many conditions treated today with prescription drugs! With all of these benefits, and a very minimal possibility of any serious side effects, we wonder: why would anyone want to consume alcohol to take the edge off ever again?
(These statements are not evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to treat, prevent, cure, or diagnose any disease or condition.)
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