5 Tips For The Best Kava Experience

If you’ve heard of kava, chances are you’ve looked up its potential benefits. But if you’re ready to try kava for the first time, what is the best way to go about it? Are you supposed to mash the roots yourself, mix a powder into water, or make a latte? Luckily, Elixir Lounge knows kava like the backs of our hands, and we want to make sure you have an excellent experience with our favorite wellness plant.

How To Use Kava

When getting started with kava, it’s best to read up on reviews, how-to’s, and information first. While users claim that kava is calming, relaxing, and happiness-inducing, it is crucial to choose the right type of kava and prepare it correctly to have the best experience. To get started, here are five tips for the best kava experience:

1. Use Hot Tap Water: When preparing a kava drink, make sure to use hot tap water. Using boiling water can break down the starch in the roots, leaching into the drink and ruining the texture and making it difficult to strain. It’s also possible to use cold or room-temperature water, but a hot water will help brew a stronger tea. Knead the kava in a muslin or cheesecloth pouch submerged in a bowl, and allow it to seep into the water.

2. Take Kava On An Empty Stomach: To get the most out of kava, it’s essential to drink the tea on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, kava tends to be underwhelming on a full stomach. For the best results, wait at least three or four hours after eating before drinking kava. If kava on an empty stomach produces nausea, try it with a chaser such as fruit, nuts, or something else light. Expect the kava to make your lips, mouth, and throat to feel slightly tingly or numb; this is a sign of quality kava that will be more likely to produce the desired results. 

3. Follow The Serving Sizes: It is always important to follow the serving size and dosage directions when taking a supplement or anything else that might produce effects on the body. Check the kava’s packaging for a dosage chart or serving size to ensure safety and effectiveness. Also, keep in mind that a portion size per drink is typically different from a “session size”, similar to alcohol. While many people can enjoy several drinks in one session, it is common for kava drinkers to enjoy several kava drinks in one sitting. Start with one, and assess how you feel before you continue.

4. Understand Reverse Tolerance: Kava differs from many other substances because it typically has a reverse tolerance. Unlike alcohol, which tends to build tolerance in a person’s body, a kava drinker will require less potency over time. According to Cup of Kava, “we have to drink enough kava to start building up a reserve of kavalactones, the chemical compounds in kava that produce a psychotropic effect”. WIth increased use, kava is though to produce stronger effects over time.

5. Do Your Research: As with any supplement, it is vital to find the best quality kava available to have the best experience with it. The Kava Society in New Zealand says that “some kavas are more sedative, others more euphoric, some kavas are mild-tasting, others are very bitter, etc.” Doing research on kava should help you choose the best fit for you. Look for key terms such as “noble kava”, which is considered safe for everyday use instead of “two day kava”, which is stronger and may produce nausea and a hangover similar to that of alcohol. 

It’s important to check with a healthcare provider to get the go-ahead before starting any supplement, kava or otherwise. A physician can help you decide if kava works for you, as everyone has a different body and may even experience kava differently. 

What Else Can I Do To Enhance My Experience?

Getting started with kava doesn’t have to be a chore. By following these five steps, you’re well on your way to enjoying a relaxing night alone or with friends. But how can you make your experience even better? We recommend a few more tips to enhance your kava experience:

• Have a chaser ready; kava is known for its bitterness and you’ll want something to combat the intense flavor. Oranges, grapes, apples, pears, and pineapples are great.
• Some of the kavalactones may take a little while to start working, so give your kava time to kick in.
• Enjoy some relaxing activities such as playing music, reading a book, or chatting with loved ones. Kava may be able to enhance these activities.
• Prepare a warm meal after you drink your kava; kava should be drunk on an empty stomach, but don’t forget to eat afterward. This activity can also give it time for it to kick in.
• Most people enjoy their kava at night to unwind after a long day. Try taking kava when you get home after work to give yourself a night of relaxation.

Learn More

Ready to get started? At Elixir Lounge, we offer a variety of kava types to help you relax and rejuvenate. Our company is centered around kava, which means our team knows the root inside out. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us by phone or send us an email. You can also check out our blog to learn more about kava. We look forward to hearing from you!