YOUR ULTIMATE KAVA GUIDE
Welcome to Kava Community
WHAT IS KAVA?
Kava is a substance extracted from a root native to the South Pacific region. This herb has been used by the natives for centuries for both medical and religious purposes. Kava has been used for more than 3000 years by natives in villages on the Pacific Islands. It’s usually used in ceremonies, but it’s also used as a medicine by many people who struggle with anxiety, fear of social interactions, depression, and other serious conditions. Kava doesn’t contain alcohol, but it is considered psychoactive. However, the effects are mild meaning you won’t experience any heavy hallucinations, as long as it’s dosed correctly.
This substance causes a calming effect by producing and altering brain waves which is very similar to the effect of calming medicines such as Valium or Xanax. The main advantage of this substance in comparison to prescription drugs is the fact that it does not cause severe side-effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and addiction.
DIFFERENT FORMS OF KAVA AVAILABLE
Kava is available in many various forms. Traditionally, natives will usually either chew the roots or turn them into a pulp and combine with water. Once they finish preparing it, the last step includes brewing or boiling. However, in western cultures, Kava is available as a tea, pill, or liquid. In case you want to take a more traditional approach, Kava powder would be a good idea.
Tea
Kava tea is quite wide-spread amongst the enthusiasts or people who have anxiety issues. It’s not the most convenient method of preparation because it requires time, but some people love to take a 30-minute break from a rough day and drink a cup of tea.
Powders
Kava powder is usually regarded as an instant solution. In simpler words, it’s the closest one to the original form thus probably the strongest one as well. On top of that, this particular form is the most affordable one. It ends up being a potent and full-flavored beverage, and it takes only about 10 minutes to prepare.
Pills
People who usually don’t have the time or will to hassle with brewing or boiling end up opting for pills. Needless to say, it’s the simplest way of taking Kava, but it tends to be quite expensive. The tablets usually consist of dried root material neatly packed into a digestive capsule. Taking pills is sometimes a double-edged sword because there are many manufacturers who use low-quality extracts.
Liquids
The liquid form is known as the most concentrated of them all. Therefore, it’s probably the most dangerous one because it’s quite easy to overuse it, especially if you don’t have any previous experience or an idea of how much is enough. The most prominent advantage of this form is the fact that the body uses 98% of liquid extracts while it’s able to process only about 35-50% of capsules.
KAVA BENEFITS AND NUTRITION FACTS
Even though Kava seems quite dangerous to many people, it’s actually a great supplement as long as one uses it correctly and within limits. There are quite a few benefits as well as nutritious advantages, especially if you’re struggling with sleeplessness, stress, and etcetera.
Treats anxiety
The most well-known effect of this marvelous herb is its ability to alleviate the effects of anxiety and stress in general. While the whole concept is pretty complicated, it can be simplified down to a few important points.
The first and most important one is the fact that Kava activates GABA-A receptors which then produce a calming effect. On top of that, it prevents a decrease in serotonin and dopamine levels. Serotonin and dopamine are essential because their deficiency leads to depression, lack of motivation, mood swings, and sometimes even suicidal thoughts.
Sleep disorder
The sedative effects of this supplement are caused by the blocking of sodium and calcium ion channels. As mentioned, the consumption of Kava increases neurotransmitter bindings to GABA-A receptors which are responsible for keeping you calm. In simpler terms, it allows you to calm down, relieve the tension in your muscles and consequently eliminates sleep issues.
Helps with depression
Due to its calming effects, Kava is also a great alternative to antidepressants. While you definitely shouldn’t handle serious treatments such as these on your own, most medical experts will approve the use of this supplement in the battle against depression. It slightly increases dopamine, serotonin, and GABA levels but it’s not as significant of an increase as many people think. In simpler words, if you’re struggling with severe depression, prescribed drugs is still the best way to alleviate the issue.
Nutrition facts
A tablespoon of Kava Tea contains about 35 calories, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. The critical thing to remember here is that there are no saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, or even protein.
SIDE EFFECTS
Contrary to popular belief, there are some side-effects you should be aware of before deciding whether or not to try herbal therapy out. Make sure you are familiar with the do’s and don’ts because you may end up jeopardizing your health.
The most common side effects include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, diarrhea, and mild stomach discomfort. Even though it’s a pretty safe supplement, using ones that contain root peelings and leaves may cause liver damage. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that you use only extracts made of peeled rhizomes. On top of that, operating heavy-duty tools and machinery should be avoided after consuming Kava since it affects one’s motoric skills.
POPULAR SOUTH PACIFIC DRINK
The history of Kava is quite interesting, and it’s important to point out the fact that it’s a traditional drink in Fiji, Polynesia, and Hawaii. The vast majority of renowned anthropologists agree that it’s been a part of these cultures for thousands of years. When misused or abused, it can be treated as a drug, but it’s quite a helpful substance when dosed correctly. As we mentioned, it’s effective against insomnia, depression, anxiety, and most stress-related issues.
The biggest let-down most people face with is the fact that it doesn’t taste good in its original form. In fact, it’s bitter, and it has an “earthy” flavor. While taste is more a matter of personal preferences, very few people will say that it tastes good. If you ever had the opportunity to drink unsweetened Turkish coffee, you probably have a good idea of how Kava tastes like. In order to kill some of the bitterness, most people use pineapple juice or coconut water. However, it’s tough to eliminate the bitterness entirely.
