FAQs
KAVA FAQ
What is Kava?
Kava is a root from the plant Piper Methysticum, that’s related to peppers, but offers stress relief rather than spice. Kava has been cultivated, brewed, and enjoyed for its uncanny ability to relax the mind, body, and spirit for close to 3,000 years in its tropical homeland – the South Pacific Islands.
What should I expect after drinking Kava?
After drinking – within seconds expect a mild numbing of the mouth that fades away quickly. In its place you’ll begin to feel stress melt away as an uplifting calm takes its place. In addition, Kava exhibits a rare trait referred to as “reverse tolerance”. What this means is that the more Kava the body is consistently exposed to over time, the less it takes to have an effect. Remember – it’s not uncommon for it to take 2-3 kava drinks to start feeling the effects for a newcomer, whereas experienced kava drinkers will often experience the entire range of kava’s benefits after just 1 or 2 drinks!
Sound too good to be true?
Sound too good to be true? Trust us – it’s not. Kava is exactly as amazing as it sounds, and a host of clinical studies and happy kava drinkers backs it up! Check out some of the studies cited below to have a look at the clinical applications for Kava, as well as the user reviews on the homepage to see what others are saying!
How is Kava used?
The traditional method of Kava preparation involves a prolonged process of steeping ground-up kava root, and then filtering it through specialized strainer bags using bare hands and raw grip strength! It’s an arduous process, and one that we wanted to make easier (and more sanitary) for new and experienced Kava drinkers.
To use KavaKwik – simply measure out ½ tablespoon (7.5g) and pour into 8oz of a beverage of your choice. No grip strength required!
Is Kava safe?
Kava is absolutely safe when used as directed. In the past, there was concern over studies that suggested Kava may be causative for liver damage in a very small percentage of individuals. These claims, however, were later redacted when it was revealed that the cause for the liver damage could not be identified. Speculation suggests that the liver damage may have been caused by medications or drugs, contaminated Kava batches, or use of a type of Kava known as “Tudei Kava”. As such, we take your safety and health very seriously. We want everyone to try Kava; however, we also want everyone to be safe. As such, we take the following measures to ensure the safety and consistency of our Kava products:
- We do not use Tudei Kava for any of our products. All of our kava is lab-tested and certified to be Noble Kava, free of contaminants – microbial or otherwise.
- We recommend heavily that if you have any preexisting liver conditions, or are taking any medications known to affect or be metabolized by the liver, that you check with your healthcare provider before trying any Kava products.
- We do not use Kava extracts or source our Kava from anywhere besides where it is traditionally grown – the south pacific islands.
- We strongly advise you not to consume alcohol within 24 hours of consuming Kava beverages. They use a similar mechanism of metabolism through the liver and could theoretically lead to additional side effects or health risks.
- As Kava affects everyone slightly differently, we advise against operating motor vehicles or machinery after consuming Kava.
How does Kava work?
Kava is an amazing plant, with most of its effects coming from 6 bioactive substances contained in the roots. These are referred to as Kavalactones, and each one boasts different effects. Different types of Kava have different “Kavalactone Profiles”, meaning that every type you try may have slightly different effects. For example – The Vanuatuan Kava we use in KavaKwik is known for its relaxing, yet uplifting effects – making it ideal for socializing or after work. Others boast a more sedative effect, making them great for sleep aids or unwinding.
Above we mentioned Tudei Kava, which is a type of Kava sometimes used for religious ceremonies. It is typically less known for its positive effects and more for its hangover-like side effects.
Are there other reasons to try Kava?
Yes! Here are some additional reasons we love Kava:
- No side effects!
- No hangovers!
- No impairment!
- Become part of a growing culture sweeping through the United States!