Kava As An Alcohol Alternative
For thousands of years, natives of the South Pacific Islands have used Kava, also known as Kava Kava, as a ceremonial and social drink. Kava has risen in popularity due to the claimed calming effects that it produces in the body. With more and more kava bars popping up around the country, many people wonder: is kava a replacement for alcohol? First, we must understand what Kava actually is. Are Kava bars meant to replace traditional bars? Read on to find out.
What is Kava?
Kava is an evergreen shrub that has heart-shaped leaves and grows in tropical environments. It has a long history in both the Southern and Western Pacific Islands. Kava is popular in areas like Fiji, Polynesia, and even Hawaii. As we previously stated, in its traditional use, it has been a drink for social gatherings. Within the root of the kava plant is a compound called kavalactones. Kava has become known to be similar to alcohol and is used as a relaxant. It’s gained popularity is due to its relaxing and stress-reducing claims. The kava plant’s root is ground into a powder, mixed with water, and strained in this drink’s modern-day creation. Most people describe the taste as bitter and earthy.
Due to its strong earthy flavor, here at Elixir Lounge, we will give you something sweet or fruity on the side with your Kava to counteract the beverage’s bitterness. Whether you drink it straight up or need a chaser, we’ve got you covered on all things Kava.
Kava Vs. Alcohol
If you’re looking for a way to relax after a long workday or to chill on the weekends with close friends, at first, you may contemplate cracking open a beer or pouring a glass of wine. However, the idea of indulging in Kava may come to you right before getting yourself an alcoholic beverage. Both alcohol and Kava are plant-based relaxants that often are enjoyed in a social setting in the later afternoon to evenings. Though both these substances have this similarity in common, there are also a few differences between the two that we’d like to note.
The Effects
Have you noticed that the more alcohol you drink, the less it seems to affect you with your long term use? After your body gets used to the alcohol, you will gain tolerance to the substance and need to drink more to get the same effects. In direct contrast, most Kava users claim that the effects of Kava become stronger the more that you partake in it. This is known in the Kava community as “reverse tolerance,” which means that the more kava that one drinks, the less they need to feel its effects.
Peaceful Nature
When you gather with friends at a traditional bar that serves alcohol, it may meet you with loud music, large, boisterous crowds, and rowdy individuals. On the flip side, when venturing to a Kava bar, you will experience the complete opposite. Drinking Kava has previously been associated with a peaceful mindset, attitude, and outlook on life. We believe this because of the relaxing feeling that it can give or that kava bars, much like ours at Elixir Lounge, are soothing environments for Kava and other health-inducing beverages to be consumed. According to Trove, “Drinking Kava is very much like meditating, which is like an altered state of consciousness and a positive psychological benefit…likely to lead a non-violent, sacred life.”
Non-Addictive Substance
The chemicals in alcohol can be addictive; however, fortunately, Kava is free of those chemicals and can stimulate an individual’s brain chemicals to make them happier. Have you ever noticed that your body can go into withdrawal if you drink too much alcohol in any given length of time? When ingesting Kava, there are no withdrawal symptoms associated. Not only do you not become addicted, but there are also no withdrawals or cravings.
Kava Benefits
Some studies have suggested that Kava can help with inducing a calm state. While there is not enough research to fully support these claims, some of the benefits that are claimed by Kava drinkers are:
- Kava May Reduce Anxiety
- Kava May Reduce Chronic Pain
- Kava May Aid In Better Sleep
- Kava May Protect Neurons From Damage
We recommend speaking with a doctor before taking part in this Kava experience as it may interact with medications you take.
Experience Kava At Elixir Lounge
When you come into Elixir Lounge, we want to give you an experience that you won’t find at your typical bar. If you find that you’re tired of the traditional bar scene or want to take place in a new type of experience, we urge you to give Elixir Lounge a try. We offer something truly unique that we can assure you are going to love. For further information on our business and what we offer at our lounge, please explore our website. Aloha!
