So what is Kava? Kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is a tropical evergreen shrub from the pepper family (Piperaceae). Kava was discovered and domesticated in Melanesia from the wild variant (relative) the Piper wichmanii. This process could have helped in creating the eighty if not more types seen in Vanuatu. A number of these nobles of kava found their way eastward to Polynesia and westward/northward to Papua New Guinea and Micronesia through migration and trade.

Kava is commonly used to help make the Pacific drink known by the same name - Kava. The brew comes from the ground basal and lateral organs of the plant. The ground "mash" is blended with water and strained via coconut fibre (muslin cloth is the perfect substitute), removing the insoluble active elements (Kavalactones) off the fibrous rootstock, creating the kava infusion. The drink has been used in ceremonial and communal events for hundreds of years through the entire Pacific. It causes relaxation, contentment and deep understanding, in essence, a dark, mysterious, and extremely tranquil euphoria without the side effects or hangover to the individual.

The initial step for your personal Kava session within the home's convenience is to obtain the kava. Many web sites advertise kava but always purchase from websites that have been in the market and have experience with the product because the quality, regarding taste and strength, is significantly better.

Steps to make your Kava brew:
Get ready to make your first kava drink! The measurement given here is for the typical everyday strength brew, but the amounts of water or kava powder may be fine-tuned for a much stronger or weaker brew. Stick to it carefully, and you will be thrilled by how easily and quickly you're going to get used to making kava. 

*Our own suggested blend is 2-4 tablespoons with 8-20 fl oz of water. (This will likely make two-four coconut shells of kava).

Instructions:

(Traditional Method)

Place your measured kava powder into your kava strainer bag or cheese cloth. Dip the bag contents into the bowl of water. You should apply good pressure when kneading and squeezing the bag contents while dipped in the water for 5- 10 minutes.

You will see the water changing to brown and then frothy brown. The kavalactones have now been thoroughly extracted. Discard the excess root material inside the bag, your brew is ready for consumption! 

Drink by chugging 4-8 oz at once, slam it!!! The first sip should be the biggest so don't be afraid to drink almost half of the mixture (if you dont mind the bitter taste otherwise try to sip as much as you can even if you have to pinch your nose and hold in your breath). After that take small shots of the remaining liquid every 5-10 minutes until you reach your desired effect. If you require more kava, repeat the steps again.

Note: Sometimes people don't feel the effects of kava due to poor preparation, you must really squeeze and knead the kava in the water thoroughly to get the desired effects.

(Blender Method)

Place 2-4 tablespoons of kava in 8-20 oz of water in blender and blend on high for 3-5 minutes. Strain the liquid through our kava straining cloth or muslin bag/cheese cloth then discard the excess root material and enjoy!

Getting more out of your kava

Some people (especially new users) do not get the euphoria out of kava merely because they are not getting enough kavalactones out of the root powder. Remember, Kavalactones are soluble in water so apply pressure during the kneading process to extract as much as possible. The trick with kava is that if you don't get the mix right, you will miss the euphoria, though your body will relax and have a good sleep. Kava does not affect your mind, and in fact it clears it up even if poorly prepared.

Kavalactones are also highly fat soluble which means it will dissolve in the fat like sugar dissolves in water. Don't be afraid to add a little Mct oil or milk in the water before preparation to enhance the drink. Coconut or almond milk works well and will improve the taste. If you're out of stock, vegetable oil is perfectly fine.

Now that you have had your first sip, turn the lights down low and turn on some music. This will give you a pleasant buzz all evening. If you want more kava, you could always mix your second batch but remember to delay dinner until you are finished.

So for new fans, please follow out instructions carefully. For two persons, double the amount of kava and water accordingly. The education we have given above is sufficient enough to get that real kava buzz.

The content here presented above on kava and alternative health principles is for general information only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease Any health or safety related issues rising due to individual application of our products should be further researched. Therefore the advice of a medical professional is requested for hypersensitive reactions to unique ingredients.