About Kava

 

Kava is a drink made from the dried root of the tropical shrub Piper methysticum. Kava originates from the South Pacific and has been used in South Pacific island countries for ceremonial, spiritual, social and medicinal purposes for thousands of years.

 

Kava is becoming more popular globally as a social drink and natural sedative. The happy & relaxed feeling caused by kava is great for socialising without alcohol.

Kava relaxes the body and mind, and improves sleep quality depending on the type & form of kava, the dosage strength & frequency of use. Too much kava can have opposite of the desired effect.

 

 


Kavalactones

Kavalactones are the natural active compounds responsible for the effects of kava. Older roots will generally have higher percentages of kavalactones than younger roots.


The lateral roots of the kava plant have highest concentrations of kavalactones followed by the root stock or basal root. The kava stems have no kavalactones and instead have toxic compounds which can cause side effects and damage to health.


Kavalactones are insoluble in water which is why they have to be forced out of the kava powder by soaking, kneading & squeezing it in water like in the traditional preparation method. Kavalactones are soluble in fats so liquids like milk and coconut water may help extract more kavalactones out of the root powder.

 

Tudei & Noble Kava

Tudei kava gets it's name from the 2-day hangover experienced after drinking it. This type of kava is generally only used for medicinal or ceremonial purposes by experts. 

Tudei kava has an undesirable chemotype or ratio of the 6 main kavalactones. It also contains other unwanted compounds. Drinking Tudei kava will cause nausea & extended hangovers and is unsuitable for social drinking.

Only Noble type kava is permitted to be imported and sold in Australia. Noble kava has a different ratio of the 6 kavalactones and there is no 2-day hangover. Origin Kava products contain 100% Noble kava from small-scale organic farms in Kadavu, Fiji.


 

Kava Safety

  • Avoid mixing with alcohol or liquids that may contain alcohol as it will be toxic.
  • Avoid kava pills or extracts that have been made using alcohol in the extraction process.
  • Avoid low grade kava which may contain young roots, stems and stem peelings. 
  • Check with your doctor before taking kava if you are taking medications or have exisiting health issues.
  • Avoid kava if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Avoid heavy consumption of kava and keep the doses & frequency of doses low. 

 Government Warning: Use in moderation; May cause drowsiness.