Relaxes the body & Calms the mind
Useful Kava information
History & Culture
When people hear the word Kava, most immediately think of Fiji. But it may interest you to know that it was discovered in the Pacific islands of Polynesian, Melanesia and Micronesia with the current evidence suggesting that Vanuatu was the place of origin.
Credit for Western discovery goes to Johann Georg Forster a scientist and explorer who named the “Piper methysticum” which means, “intoxicating pepper.” While Forster gave the first detailed description of kava, some believe that a botanist Daniel Scholander and artist Sydney Parkinson from Sweden were the first foreigners to document the plant and its properties between 1768-1771.
Waka is the Fijian word for lateral roots of the Kava plant. It was traditionally used for medicinal, political and cultural purposes. The Yaqona or Kava ceremony was a way of paying respect, and was served when tribal leaders and chiefs came together for discussions.
What is Kava and how is it used today
Kava is a nutraceutical that is extracted from the roots of the plant Piper methysticum. The presence of kavalactones and flavakavains in kava have been reported to have anxiolytic and muscle-relaxing properties; and today this nutraceutical has been used to alleviate generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, fatigue, and muscle strain.
The active ingredients in Kava are kavapyrones (kavalactones), Kavapyrones have well-known psychotropic properties. The most common actions of the extract are relaxation and euphoria. Several other actions have been reported such as anticonvulsant properties, neuroprotection and analgesia. Neuroprotection refers to mechanisms and strategies that aim to protect the nervous system from injury and damage, especially in people who sustain an injury or develop a health condition that has neurological effects. The term Analgesics encompasses a class of drugs that are designed to relieve pain without causing the loss of consciousness.
Who is most likely to benefit
Adults work long hours, prone to stress, have trouble unwinding or suffer sleep disorders can take advantage of Kava’s medicinal benefit.
Kava is an easy, non-invasive and non-expensive way to manage mild cases of anxiety—Australia’s most prevalent mental illness. However, in more severe cases it’s better to see a medical professional.
What to expect from Kava
In local languages, the word “kava” refers to its bitter taste however it’s more of an earthy taste which takes getting used to. Many Fijians say it’s less about the taste and more about how it makes them feel.
Kava isn’t a mind-altering drug that gets you high, although some numbing of your lips and tongue is often experienced. This numbness is caused by the kavalactone content in the kava and may take up to 15-20 minutes for the euphoric effects can be felt.
How long does Kava last? Normally 1-3 hours depending on how much you consume.
Is it like alcohol? No, although I suppose depending on who you speak to, opinions may vary—best not to compare the two and enjoy the multitude of health benefits Kava has to offer.
The effect of Kava may differ from person to person depending on body type, weight, how much you consume, and over what period of time. Like all things it’s best to practice moderation
Even if you’re a connoisseur it’s hard to distinguish the variety of Kava root by taste. Kava’s earthy flavour is an acquired taste and modern drinkers have been known to experiment with flavour by adding citrus, like lemon and lime or different types of berries to improve the taste. Once accustomed to the taste many still prefer to have it au natural.