Kava is a traditional beverage made from the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), which is native to the South Pacific islands. Commonly called the “national drink of Fiji” (and Vanuatu, where it purportedly originated) and with a history of use going back over 3,000 years, it holds significant cultural importance and is often consumed in social gatherings and ceremonies for its calming and relaxing effects.
Renowned for inducing a sense of relaxation and calm, it can promote feelings of tranquility and social ease without impairing cognitive function.
In recent years it has become popular in the United States, with many kava “bars” popping up across the nation.
Despite being called “bars,” kava is not an “intoxicating” beverage. In fact, it’s been said that “kava is mood altering, not mind altering.”
Many health-aware people are increasingly turning to kava as a healthy tonic and a means by which to unwind and destress – all while promoting health instead of destroying it.
There are many questions to be answered when introducing someone to kava for the first time. We’ve compiled a short list of common and important questions – and their answers – below.
If there’s something you’d like to know that isn’t listed here, just reach out and we’d be glad to provide a response!
Frequently Asked Questions about Kava
Questions
Intro to Kava
Kava Benefits
Kava & Health
Answers
What is kava?
Kava is a beverage made from the roots of the kava plant, traditionally consumed for its relaxing, anxiety-reducing and uplifting properties.
The kava plant itself (Piper methysticum) is actually a member of the black pepper family. A single shrub can grow 10′ to 15′ tall and is typically grown for 5 years before harvesting.
As a beverage, it is consumed to promote relaxation and ease stress without interfering with alert mental functioning and has an over 3,000 year history of use.
What does kava taste like?
Kava has a distinct taste that is often described as earthy, bitter, and slightly peppery. It’s definitely an acquired taste, but in truth, you don’t really drink kava for the taste, but rather the positive effects. You quickly get over the strong flavor once you experience the benefits for yourself.
How is kava consumed?
Here at Mesmer we endorse consuming kava traditionally. That is, once prepared (see below), it is served in small servings of 5 to 8 ounces, typically at room temperature, and consumed all in one go – it’s not meant for sipping.
It’s not uncommon to refer to a single serving as a “shell,” as the traditional means of consuming kava involved drinking out of a small half coconut shell (a “bilo”).
Typically, several servings are consumed over a period of time (1 to 3 hours – or whatever schedule you like), allowing you to enjoy the effects for a prolonged period.
How is it made?
The traditional method of preparing kava involves grinding or pounding the roots of the kava plant into a powder, adding it to a strainer bag, placing the bag into water and kneading this with your hands to make a brown, earthy beverage.
Kava has also been consumed in tincture and pill form, but for the most part we don’t recommend that due to both efficacy and safety. There are some exceptions, but overall, you’ll be best served by a traditional preparation.
How does kava make you feel?
There are literally hundreds of different cultivars of kava, each with their own unique effects, but the effect common to them all is relaxation, stress-reduction and a general feeling of wellbeing. It promotes a sense of calm.
Beyond that, some cultivars also provide an uplifting, socializing experience, a blissful euphoric state or – if you choose a “heavier” kava – extreme relaxation, both mental and physical, while some act as fantastic sleep aids.
For that reason, each kava cultivar is typically referred to as a “daytime” kava or an “evening” kava (though you by no means have to stick to consuming them at those times!).
The beauty of kava is that it does all this without impairing your thinking, judgment or motor skills. Unlike alcohol, you remain perfectly “sober” and in control of your faculties, there is no increase in aggression (quite the opposite! It promotes compassion and understanding) and there are no lingering negative effects the next day.
Does it help with anxiety?
Kava is often explored as a potential remedy for anxiety due to its calming effects. Research suggests that kava may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, such as nervousness and tension. Some studies have shown promising results, indicating that kava can be as effective as prescription medications for anxiety, but with fewer side effects. However, it’s essential to use kava responsibly and consult with a healthcare professional if you are seeking an adjunct to your current program.
What about sleep?
Kava is often explored for its potential to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Traditionally, kava has been used in various cultures as a sleep aid due to its calming effects. Some research suggests that kava may help induce sleep by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces neuronal excitability in the brain.
Studies have shown that kava supplementation may lead to improvements in sleep parameters, such as increased sleep duration and decreased wakefulness during the night. Additionally, individuals who consume kava before bedtime often report experiencing deeper and more restful sleep.
That said, the right kind of kava is important for sleep. Consuming an energizing, uplifting daytime kava would not be the best choice for this purpose.
What else can kava do?
In addition to its potential to promote relaxation, alleviate stress, and improve sleep, kava may offer several other positive benefits:
- Mood Enhancement: Kava is often reported to induce feelings of mild euphoria and improve mood, contributing to an overall sense of well-being.
- Socialization: Traditionally consumed in social settings, kava can enhance sociability and facilitate meaningful connections with others during gatherings and ceremonies.
- Muscle Relaxation: Some users experience muscle relaxation and tension relief after consuming kava, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking relief from physical discomfort.
- Antioxidant Properties: Kava contains compounds with antioxidant properties, which may help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Cognitive Clarity: Despite its sedative effects, many individuals report feeling mentally clear and focused after consuming kava, leading to enhanced cognitive function and concentration.
- Pain Relief: In some cultures, kava has been used as a traditional remedy for pain relief, particularly for conditions involving muscle or joint discomfort.
Is kava safe to consume?
Kava is one of the most researched plants in the world. When consumed in traditional form by healthy individuals, it is perfectly safe.
Are there side-effects
The only side effects of healthy individuals consuming traditional kava tend to be related to the amount consumed, individual sensitivity, and the exact method of preparation. When side effects exist, they tend to be along the lines of upset stomach due to consuming too much plant material. Long-term and very heavy kava drinkers can sometimes develop dry skin, which is completely reversible by cutting back on the amount and/or frequency of consumption.
I keep seeing things online about kava and liver toxicity. What’s that about?
It’s extremely unfortunate that a quick Google search for “kava” typically turns up articles warning of the dangers of liver damage and kava consumption. These warnings all relate to a series of small and isolated cases in early 2000 in Germany wherein a small handful of individuals where believed to have had a negative outcome to an encapsulated extract of kava produced by a pharmaceutical company.
Extensive research since then – including by the World Health Organization (WHO) – has absolved kava as the culprit, with Germany’s Federal Administrative Court formally declaring that kava had nothing to do with these cases.
The WHO has even now gone so far as to formally declare kava, as traditionally prepared, to be perfectly safe, and the United States FDA has even issued a statement that they are in agreement with the WHO’s assessment.
Is it like alcohol / is it a drug?
Basically – no. Kava is certainly not a drug. In its powdered form it is considered an herbal supplement, and prepared traditionally, the FDA has stated that they treat it as a food.
Some people do draw comparisons to alcohol – with some profound differences. Kava does not impair judgment and, unless you’ve consumed a massive amount, does not impact coordination. There is, however, a similar level of relaxation and positive social lubrication that comes with drinking kava, and it’s true that some people utilize kava as a healthy, non-intoxicating alternative to alcohol.
Is it addictive?
No. In fact, quite the opposite! Kava exhibits something know as reverse tolerance. The more you drink it, the more responsive to it you become, so you actually need to drink less and less over time to experience the effects.
On a physical level, it is completely non-addictive. You can stop entirely even after drinking it for a prolonged period of time and there will be no withdrawal (try that with coffee!).
That said, as with anything you enjoy, you may miss it when you stop. You just won’t be addicted.
Can I take it if I take medications?
This is a great conversation to have with anything you’re considering consuming. Overall, it’s advised that you avoid mixing kava and any medications that have similar effects, because they may potentiate or interfere with one another. This includes other anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medications. If there’s any doubt, it’s always best to have a conversation with your doctor.
What if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding
Due to lack of scientific research into this particular question, we believe it’s best to simply avoid consuming kava if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
Is it legal?
Yes. Kava is classified by the FDA as simply an herbal supplement, and has also approved the Codex Definition of Kava for the United States as developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO)