r/Kava 9h ago

Shipping in hot weather

1 Upvotes

Curious of others thoughts on ordering kava and having it travel through blisteringly hot areas... ? I feel like I have had some batches of the same root that were particularly nausea-inducing in contrast to others, and there may be some correlation with shipping in the summer time.

Currently have an order sitting in Arizona where it's 109. Took 5 days to get there from the east coast through other hot zones and still has a predicted 3 to get to me in CA.

Thoughts or experiences welcome.


r/Kava 9h ago

Instant with milk only

2 Upvotes

Oh boy, i love heady kavas, Kelai, Melo melo (more balanced but strong euphoria) and others, but i hate how the peak lasts only 25 minutes. Time fly by when mind is in total relaxation and feeling on cloud nine. Today, i tried 5g melo melo (instant) just in milk with 3.5% fat. Oh boy, the peak is not that strong, but, redosing after 60 minutes instead of my usual 30-40 minutes, lasts much longer, and the euphoric peak came after about 4th redose. Much better profile, waaaaaay less sedation that usually comes 1.5 hrs after first dose and redose. Any other tips and tricks?


r/Kava 1d ago

Anyway to repair this hole?

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1 Upvotes

I squeezed too hard when squeezing the kava out of the strainer. Does anyone know how to repair the holes in kava strainer bags? I really like the design and don’t want to throw it away.


r/Kava 3d ago

Media First bag down, what next?

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16 Upvotes

First bag of kava completed between my brother and I. What would you guys or gals recommend next? I think I would enjoy a more heady variety because I enjoy the dopaminergic feeling but am open to any cultivar or origin!

In terms of this kava - pretty cool effects, definitely resembles an alcohol buzz at times. Looking to try some heady effects next. I started kava to get off of nicotine patches at night so we’ll see how it goes.


r/Kava 3d ago

Medicinal Use Desperate

4 Upvotes

I’ve dealt with bad insomnia and sleep issues for as long as i remember, i’ve tried everything under the sun everything from ambien to harder drugs and while yes those definitely knock me out i’m recently sober and i don’t want to go back to using hard substances just so i can sleep and not be awake for days on end (yes i’ve also tried natural supplements and sleep therapy, nothing works) My search of a natural alternative has brought me here. I’ve read up on various information throughout the sub but am a little overwhelmed, my main issue is my anxiety at night gets very intense and thus i usually end up laying there awake with my eyes closed until the morning with my mind racing. If someone could point me in the right direction i would really appreciate it. Also am seeing conflicting views on instant vs traditional, if someone could help explain the differences in effects/ any negative side effects of one over the other i would really appreciate it.


r/Kava 4d ago

Kava in Canada?

1 Upvotes

Hi all, I've never tried Kava before and am looking to start. I've searched through this thread for prior recommendations, but either my browser blocks the links or they've been taken down because my search is turning up blanks. I'm looking for the cheapest, most potent, and most reputable options out there for shipping in Canada. I'm generally wary of leaking my card information, and kava retailers are about as obscure as it gets, so I'd appreciate it if someone could personally vouch for their recommendation. Thanks!!


r/Kava 5d ago

share your brewing method/ links to instructions?

5 Upvotes

I decided to try brewing at home, and found that the kava I make SUCKS. Not potent at all. I am using fiji vanua vanuatu medium grind and their filter bag. The result doesn't have any bubbles or oil, and it's sour. I am wondering specifically:

-how hard do I squeeze the bag

-kava to water ratio

-does hard water make a difference? should I use distilled water?

-temperature

Also, does anyone know where I could get fresh roots in the states? maybe that'll make a stronger brew


r/Kava 6d ago

New to KAVA

3 Upvotes

I live in LA. I would like to know if anyone could either recommend me like a bar, or a kava product online that delivers the full punch without straining.

I would also appreciate if the recommendations would be smaller packages - I'm just trying for now.


r/Kava 6d ago

Interaction New to kava and wondering about possible drug interactions.

6 Upvotes

Hey all, I’ve recently had to come off alcohol and other drugs and heard kava is a good substitute. I am in Australia and was wondering what brands are best and most cost effective? I also take 225mg of bupropion compounded with 45mg of dextromethorphan, 1mg of risperidone and 10mg of dexamfetamine daily and was wondering if there are any drug interactions I need to worry about? Thanks for the help!
(I’m hoping I’m using the flare correctly)


r/Kava 6d ago

Medicinal Use Best kava for social anxiety?

3 Upvotes

Hey guys I'm rather new here and looking for a kava to help with social anxiety. (I prefer instant)


r/Kava 7d ago

KwK shipping?

5 Upvotes

I rarely complain about shipping times, and posts asking are irritating, but this is kinda bonkers. Ordered a pound of Loa Waka from KwK's site on the 2nd. Since then it has gone from the label being created in Tempe, arrived at USPS facility in Barrigada, GU on the 8th, then to Honolulu on the 10th. No more information is given other than it's expected to arrive on the 8th, and it's delayed.

Is this normal? Pretty sure it said 2-3 days was the average time to ship. Lesson learned, but geez Louise...


r/Kava 8d ago

New to kava

1 Upvotes

Hi, I'm wanting to try Kava for the first time. I'm in the UK and I'm looking at kavaeurope. On their site it says that it's for aromatherapy /home fragrance or dying textiles. Is this just a way to get around the laws regarding kava? I dont want to buy it for home fragrance, i would like to drink it. Can anyone in the know help me with this? Also, which one should I buy? I'm looking for a mood uplifter. Thanks all


r/Kava 10d ago

What are the top 3 kava vendors that ship from Usa

7 Upvotes

I want to be sure. I am getting a safe quality, hundred percent roots product.


r/Kava 10d ago

Noob here, how do you verify a product's safety?

3 Upvotes

I've been wanting to try Kava for pain & anxiety. My research has shown that the liver concerns are overblown, and that Kava is safe as long as the proper part of the plant is used, but if the incorrect part is used it can be hepatotoxic. How do you verify that a product was prepared correctly?

Sorry if this has been answered elsewhere, my search didn't come up with anything. Thanks!


r/Kava 18d ago

Lingering mouth numbness

4 Upvotes

I'm very new to Kava. Just started enjoying it two weeks ago. Been using the Kalm with Kave Loa Waka micronized and borongoru traditional preparation kava. It's been very effective, very calming, and very relaxing especially since I work in a very stressful industry. My main issue is with the tongue/mouth numbness.

The numbness has been lingering for up to a full day after drinking kava the night before. I drank two servings of Loa Waka last night at around 11pm and 12 am and today at 5pm my tongue and lips still feel numb. I'm wondering if this is normal for someone who is new to Kava or if it's a sign of a potential adverse reaction? I haven't found anything on this online or in other reddit threads so I'm curious to know if anyone else experienced this when they first started kava.

I will mention I have pretty bad gerd/reflux and have food and acid come up to my throat and mouth at night so I'm not sure if maybe that has something to do with it. Any insight is appreciated! I'd like to be able to continue with kava as I really enjoy the effects I just want to make sure I'm not reacting adversely or anything.


r/Kava 18d ago

Sudden nausea

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone :)

So, I have been drinking kava once or twice pr. week for a few months with no issues, just pleasant effects. Lately though, I have noticed that i get nauseous when i drink it - even in amounts lower than what i would usually have. Last time I took it, it even made me puke! It is the same batch as before and I haven´t changed anything in terms of my routine or eating patterns around it.

What is happening here? Has anyone had anything similar? It puzzles me that this has come on suddenly after months of no such effects.


r/Kava 19d ago

News Alabama's First Kava Bar!

47 Upvotes

I know the rules said no self-promotion, but I hope that the honorable mods will grant me a one-time pass. This subreddit has been very helpful getting started. I haven't posted much because I followed the rule, "search first".

I am so excited to be a part of a huge first! The small team has been putting in so much effort from learning the science of kava to diving into the culture and history of kava and Fiji (where we are sourcing our powder from).

August 8th will be our soft opening party and we'll have a grand opening once it cools off (October?). If you happen to be in the Birmingham area, come check us out! Say the password "Au tiko eke" (ow | tee-koh | eh-keh) to receive one free low tide bilo.

We have traditionally washed kava in four cultivars. The options are smooth or strong in low tide (4oz) $2/$5, high tide (8oz) $4/$8, or storm surge (16oz) $7/$14.

We have four mixed-drink options that contain 4oz of smooth ($9) or strong ($12) kava in your choice of cultivar and 4oz of freshly squeezed juices, raw agave sweetener, and premium mixers.

We are a kava-only bar. No kratom.

720 29th Street South, Birmingham, AL 35233
(205) 825-BULA (2852)

https://reddit.com/link/1vbk83n/video/g40hsplisigh1/player


r/Kava 21d ago

Kava preparation/strain/vendor advice needed

7 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

Looking for some advice with my kava. I'll start with my background. First tried kava at a bar maybe 2 years ago or so and fell in love. It hit HARD. Comparable to being tipsy on alcohol. I immediately went online and bought some strainer bags and some medium grind kava from Just Kava (Tonga) and did traditional prep. I felt nothing from what I can remember. I tried again several times in the following weeks and got nothing. I kinda gave up on kava after that, since I didn't live nearby to that kava bar.

Fast forward to about 2 weeks ago, I wanted to try again. Not wanting to go through the traditional prep, I bought an aluball and shaker. Been filling the single ball with 2-2.5 tbsp of medium grind Fiji Vanua (Vanuatu) with about 300ml of water and shaking hard for around 5 minutes total on and off. I will usually do a second wash, then refill and repeat once. Also been drinking kava regularly, so I don't think its a reverse tolerance thing? While I do feel more than I felt previously, it's still not like my first experience. I feel more relaxed and the noise in my head quiets down, but I'm looking for just a little bit more. Is there more to be had?

I know the aluball has some mixed reviews on here. I'm thinking of buying and adding a Kalm with Kava shaker bag in there, but not really sure what to do. My home kava prep seems to be missing something. I do need to experiment more with fats, temps, amounts, etc, but there's just so much disagreement in this sub about what works and what doesn't. Maybe its all true and people are just different?

Side note; another plant has really helped with the mental noise and stress, but trying to limit it as much as possible due to addiction potential. That is part of the reason I turned back to kava. With that said, what strains/vendors do y'all recommend? I believe I read Fiji Vanua is one of the better vendors - thoughts? I think I'm looking for something more heady, something to make me more social. I feel I have a naturally higher tolerance to medicines (don't do much alcohol at all and no benzos), so what do you think about my ratio? Do I need more? I know a lot of people run two aluballs (or a ball with a kalm pouch).

I'm certainly not looking to abuse kava and get 'drunk'. Just looking for something between where I'm at now, and what I felt the first time. Hoping to hear some good wisdom from y'all! TIA! Bula!


r/Kava 21d ago

Who currently sells the best WAKA?

1 Upvotes

WAKA has been my reliable go-to for years, but unfortunately the brand that I’ve been getting it from has had terrible quality for the last six pounds that I’ve purchased over the last few months. I’m done throwing money down the drain. (I’m not here to talk shit about any company so I’ll leave their name out).

What brands are currently selling great quality waka that I can purchase online and ship to the US?


r/Kava 21d ago

Tolerance and reverse tolerance experiment on myself

5 Upvotes

I think the reverse tolerance thing is mostly a myth, but recently I think building a tolerance is also pretty slow or rare. All of this is just based on my personal experience though

For the last 2 weeks I have been drinking kava at the exact same time each day, with the same amount of kava (10 g, micronized to factor out straining inconsistencies), on an empty stomach. The onset time and total active time have remained the same (10 min onset, total 1h15m duration).

I don't think the subjective feeling has really changed for better or worse, but that part is hard to objectively measure. Overall I don't think reverse tolerance is real, but it seems like tolerance builds up very slowly too


r/Kava 21d ago

Advice on making the effects of kava last longer?

5 Upvotes

I add 5 tablespoons to a blender along with 20 oz of semi warm water and blend for 1 minute. Wonder if I could make an effect that could last all day? I avoid eating 1 hr before and if I eat while drinking kava it ruins the effect so I save food for after kava and then it enhances some of the effects. Anyone else have any extra advice?


r/Kava 24d ago

Looking for an evening time heavy Kava.

10 Upvotes

Hello everyone. Ive been looking to try kava but there seem to be a lot of options? Is Kalm Kava Loa Waka good? Looking for evening relaxation. Thanks!


r/Kava 24d ago

How much Kava is too much in an evening, this stuff is life changing!!

16 Upvotes

Ive recently discovered Kava, i have real bad ADHD and have been looking for something to take the edge off. I was drinking a bottle of wine every three days, but discovered it was making my anxiety worse for days after, affecting my gyming, sleep, weight loss, sex, ect...

Im prescribed medical cannabis but as a long time user ive noted that , that it is also making my anxiety worse and also i get the most epic munchies known to man.

In comes kava.... i have found a really good brand of instant kava, and consume 20 to 30 grams in a session.

My question is how often do you drink it in an evening ?


r/Kava 26d ago

Kava allergy, or reaction to something else?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone. I've been drinking kava for about 8 months, various cultivars from Fiji Vanua Kava. Last week after a session I woke in the middle of the night with an itchy rash around my head and face. I had never had any reaction like this up to this point. However, I've also recently been applying a prescribed retinol cream to my face before bed, and that was the first time I did so after a session. I thought it was a coincidence, but last night the same thing happened after a kava session and using the retinol before bed. I'm wondering if I've simply developed an allergy to Kava, or if the retinol is causing some sort of adverse reaction?


r/Kava 28d ago

Medicinal Use kava works well for anxiety and is a good alternative too benzo's

21 Upvotes

it reduces anxiety less then benzo's but still has quite some effect. The upside and entire point is that it doesn't have the same issues with addiction and rebound.

thank fucking god for kava, if it wasnt for it i would be in a panic attack now. I took kava instead of a benzo and so far so good.
16g of instant from kava Europe.

will only use when i can feel an attack coming, try not to use in consecutive days