About Kava
Kava is a native plant taking its "roots" from the pacific islands. The Latin word is Piper Methysticum and is part of the pepper family. Only the root part of the plant is used. The leaves and stems are poisonous. There are many ways to prepare kava but the most common one is to sun dry the roots and then grind them. It makes a mild inebriant beverage that is relaxing for the mind and body.
Kava has been used for more than 3,000 years in the Pacific islands and was drunk during ceremonies, at social gatherings and for therapeutic means. There are many different varieties varying in potency. Nowadays kava can take many forms i.e. extracts, paste, instant drinks, pills. The kava plant doesn't propagate itself and needs the help of humans. We should be very grateful for the ancients to have enabled us to enjoy kava.
Drinking kava, the effects can be felt quickly, first with a numbness of the lips, tongue and throat, then comes a feeling of calmness and well being. After 5 to 20 minutes the mind expands and thoughts become clear and positive; thanks to the kava lactones, the chemical components that make us feel good. Kava promotes meditation and creativity. For those who know "The Secret" and follow its principles, kava is a great complement!
Since I take kava I sleep better and I have dreams that make sense and that are constructive (that really helps when I have to make a decision and have to sleep on it!). I read that the half life is 9 hours but for me it's more 24 hours. The numbness stays and sometimes I feel like the effect is coming back. Drinking lots of water to stay hydrated is a good idea after drinking kava.
It is not recommended to drink kava along with alcohol. Although a lot of people do it, even many kava bars along with kava serve alcohol, don't do it. If we want kava to be socially accepted, we have to give it a good name and not be stupid. I would not consume alcohol the same day I have kava. Cigarette and kava are not a healthy mix either. While we're at it, if you smoke, this is your chance to quit now! Let kava help you lose this very bad and stinky habit!
Kava is also good if you want to lose weight. You still need your will power though! You need a good plan and to exercise. I don't know if it's because kava tastes so bad but food tastes so much better!
It is said that kava is not meant to be sipped like you would a glass of wine. That being said a coco bowl is to kava what a wine glass is to wine.
Kava Recipe
Our Kava Regular Recipe
Serving: 1 cup of kava
1-2 Tbsp powdered Kava
1 tsp soy lecithin
1 cup water
Mix in blender for 4 minutes, strain in a bowl, using a knee high nylon stocking, squeeze the liquid out and poor into cup (coconut shell preferably).
It's best to make a big batch. Myself, I find the blender a bit loud and once a day is enough noise for me! For two people you can make 4-6 cups of kava in one shot and then just sit back and enjoy your cup of kava. We prefer to take kava on an empty stomach, at the end of the day before supper. Taking kava before going to bed can keep some people awake.
Lecithin is used as an emulsifying agent to release the kavalactones from the kava powder that is not water soluble. If you don't have lecithin you can use a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable. There are many different kinds of Kava. You might have to adjust quantities according to taste. You can try juice, soy milk or plain water. to help extract the kavalactones that are not water soluble. Also, the strength and quality varies greatly from one company to another.
Note: Never use hot or boiling water to make your kava, it will kill the good relaxing properties.