Kava, a South Pacific herb that WORKS!
Kava (Piper Methysticum)
Native of the South Pacific Islands including Micronesia,
Melanesia, and Polynesia. Now grown commonly in
Hawaii and possibly soon in Florida and California.
The kava plant is a large, rangy shrub with deep green,
heart shaped leaves that grows 12'-15' tall. The
leaves and stems have some medicinal values but the
network of long, thin lateral roots supply kavas
strength. It requires a minimum of three years
to produce enough roots to make a harvest worth-
while. However, Pacific Islanders often wait 5 to
8 years because the roots will be more abundant
and the older, more mature plants produce a stronger
beverage. In addition, unlike a fruit tree which
continues producing for many years, the entire
kava plant is used, because the roots are the
principal crop.
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Now, some history, then many uses.
Kava was first reported to Europeans in 1777 by the
naturalist George Forster of Captain Cook's crew on
his second Pacific voyage on a stop at Tonga. The
naturalist, and likely the whole crew, was outraged
by the method of preparing the Kava. The natives
chewed the root and spit the chewed root, saliva
and all into a pot containing coconut milk and water.
When the mix was considered charged with enough
chewed root juice, the roots were then squeezed
repeatedly in the fluid, strained and drunk from
coconut bowls.
Later european visitors (mostly missionaries and
speculators, all too often both in the same person)
demanded the islanders give up their culture and
behave as the europeans wished. The europeans
made it against the law to make kava drink in
this fashion and kava drink is now made by crushing
the dried root, placing the chips in a squeeze bag,
and squeezing in water or in a coconut milk/water
mix.
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ACTIVE INGREDIENT
kavalactones.
This herb has strong effects and IT WORKS!
IF YOU DON'T SHOW SOME EFFECT FROM TAKING
KAVA WITHIN AN HOUR, YOUR KAVA DOES NOT
CONTAIN THE ACTIVE INGREDIENTS. Normally
this is caused by old roots that have exceeded a
reasonable shelf life or because they were leached
during treatment prior to encapsulation or shipment.
Some sellers put the stems and leaves rather than
the roots in the capsules. While this is technically
Kava, the leaves and stems contain little active
ingredient. We KNOW this herb works, We have tested it personally.
Kavalactones, the active ingredients of Kava may
range widely from virtually zero (0.00) to as
high as 70 percent(0.70) in some extracts.
Testing of Kava in most studies I've seen tends
to use the higher percentage extracts. Purchases
over the counter have yielded Kava capsules with
NO active percentages shown on the label,
to the best I've found so far with 30 percent
certified kavalactones. Natural root
products range from 0.00 percent (in old, leached
root) to about 20 percent in fresh, well-treated,
dried root.
Fifteen lactones have been isolated from Kava to
date, there are six major lactones (Kavalactones)
known to provide psychoactive activity: kawain,
yongonin, demethoxy-yangonin, dihydrokawain,
dihydomethysicin, and methysticin. All Kavalactones
react with the chemistry of the human body, though
it is the fat-soluble Kavalactones derived from Kava
resin that have the principal effect on the central
nervous system.
An unusual aspect of Kavalactones found in the
studies showed that extracted Kavalactones
alone were less effective than similar dose levels
when given with the whole root. In our
science-oriented society, that seems counter to
what we'd like but for me (even with a number of
degrees in science), I like a more natural
approach when it's available and effective.
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HOW DO YOU FEEL? HOW DO YOU KNOW IT'S WORKING?
Within one hour after taking Kava you should feel
more relaxed, clear-headed, and filled with a
gentle energetic excitement as though you had
been exercising or meditating. Some people report a
wave of warmth and relaxation washing through their
body, akin to a flush from embarrassment arising
gently from inside. For the kava drink, you should feel
a numbness of the mouth area soon after drinking.
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SUGGESTED DOSAGE LEVELS
We suggest starting with a dose large
enough to cause these reactions, then lowering
until there is only a slightly noticed reaction
which will be a functional daily level. For
specialty times of great stress or reaction to
internal fears and anxiety, take enough to have a
noticeable reaction. Even more may be asked for
in ritual work and the practitioner is reminded to
use caution.
As noted, this herb does cause a physical and
neurological reaction. We have tested Kava from
various sources and those that don't have
an active ingredient listed and/or the percentage
given are normally empty of any usefulness.
The bottle or material you purchase must state a
certified percentage of active kavalactones.
Commonly, this will be 20 to 30 percent.
To test the activity at first, take approximately
100 to 150 mg of active kavalactone at one time.
If there is no reaction to this within one hour,
the activity of the herb has been lost. The
kavalactones are physically reactive. You WILL
have a physical reaction to those levels of
kavalactones if they are present in the herb
you purchased.
Observe carefully your reaction (and have
someone with you) to the first dose of kava.
A very strong reaction will need more adjustment
than a slight reaction. Cut down the dose (or
increase it) according to the observed level of
reaction. Test each new supply to get an idea
of the strength of the Kava.
Therapeutic doses commonly triple your body
weight in milligrams (mg) per day. Thus, a 120
pound human would use about 360 mg of active
ingredient per day. Divide this into four (4) hour
dosages (it does wear off quickly) and use
appropriately. This gives the 120 pound
person 6 doses of 60 mg each day. We have had
Kava capsules which gave almost no reaction at
all and others from the same source that had a
stronger reaction. Thus, we used 6 to 8 capsules
one time and 2 to 3 capsules the next time.
Best is to get herbs that have a certified active
ingredient label.
HIGH DOSAGE CAUTION
There are side effects to watch out for from
large doses. These are as follows;
Long-term effects of high doses could
possibly include;
However, these possible long term effects have been
questioned by researchers and could be caused by
Commonly suggested dosages range from 70 mg
kavalactones per day to more than 400 mg per day
kavalactones. To calculate your dose, get the
percentage of active kavalactones from the label,
multiply that times the mg per capsule
(eg; .30 X 150 mg = 45 mg of activeingredient for
a 30 percent formula at 150 mg per capsule).
A reasonable consideration might be not to exceed
three mg per body weight (in pounds) per day.
Remember, it is not always true that more is better.
HERBAL HEALTH USAGE
Kava is reported to have four main
therapeutic properties.
spasmodics especially useful for relieving
nervous tension.
fears and apprehensions that are so much a part
of the hectic lifestyle.
and anti-pathogenic properties making it useful
for genitourinary dysfunctions such as cystitis,
prostatitis, gonorrhea, vaginal leucorrhoea
(including yeast infections), nocturnal urination
and general fluid retention.
and digestion.
The combination of these properties makes Kava
useful for the treatment of arthritic and rheumatic
conditions, a traditional medicinal use among
South Sea Islanders.
Topically, kava can be applied as a fomentation or
ointment for mild general anesthesia for the local
relief of sore muscles. It can also be chewed and
kept in the mouth for the temporary relief of
toothaches.
Besides the above described properties and uses,
among the many traditional medicinal uses for Kava
are as follows:
reproductive organ infections
colds and fevers
infections and leprosy
the urinary tract
relaxant properties
fluent and lively speech and increased sense of sound.
including vaginitis, gonorrhea and menstrual cramps
congestion, cystitis and prostatitis
and ibuprofen
anger, sadness, and other emotions)
sleep and appetite
social anxiety,separation anxiety, or
performance anxiety
Some people believe all of the above. I'm certain
all claims can be supported by the claimant.
However, use caution and think of herbal treatment
as additional treatment. Use all the methods you
can to stay alive and well. Pharmacy related items
may not be my first choice but alive and well is
better than righteous and dead. Pay attention to
the above four major therapeutic uses of Kava
and be wise in their use. This is not like
St. Johns Wort, it does not build up and
it works NOW.
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RITUAL USE
A traditional ritual involves a large woven mat with
a tanoa (large, carved, hardwood bowl) placed at the
head position of the mat. From the front of the tanoa
is a short length of reddish cord made from the fibers
of the coconut husk. At the end of the cord is a pure
white cowry shell which will be directed toward a
chief or honored guest. The participants seat
themselves on the mat in a circle beginning
and ending at the tanoa. Behind the tanoa will be
the kava mixer and to the right, the kava server.
The Kava server is usually a young woman, very
often the prettiest in the village. The kava is served
in coconut shell cups. The tanoa is filled with
water or a mix of water and fruit juice or coconut milk.
The mixer places some kava in a strainer cloth, dips
the cloth into the water and begins massage it
strongly. The water takes on a tan color and after a
while begins to turn opaque. When the mixer
deems it to be the proper strength, a cup of kava
is passed to the honored guest to judge if it is too
weak or too strong. If too weak the cloth is returned
to the water for more massaging, if too strong, a
little water will be added. Once the proper
strength is attained the mixer runs both hands
around the rim of the tanoa, claps three times
and proclaims "the kava is ready, my chief".
NOTE:
First impressions of the solution commonly are:
After the second or third cup however
most notice subtle pleasant changes.
It also doesn't cloud thought in the same way as
alcohol. It is genuinely calming and relaxing
The Kava is ready to drink. The mixer dips a cup of
kava and gives it to the server to pass to the first
participant. In turn each drinker will clap once in
acceptance and drink the content without pause.
Afterwards the drinker and the rest of the kava
circle clap three times in appreciation and the cup
is passed back to the server. This process is repeated
until all have had a cup to drink. During the
intervals between the rounds of the cup, the
partakers relax and talk. There is no standard
interval length, and at the mixers discretion
another round is served. The object is not to
simply empty the tanoa as quickly as possible,
but to enjoy each others company and the shared
mutual experience of the kava ceremony. When the
tanoa is empty, and if the group desires, a fresh bowl
is mixed and the party continues. Often many
tanoa are consumed as the hours slip by in the
pleasant conversation and the feeling of mellow
well being.
From this standard Polynesian ritual, you can make
your own to fit any of the sacred rituals you have
chosen. Simply fit it into the ritual sequence as
you desire and it will enhance the effectiveness
of your ritual flow.
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KITCHEN USE
Kava can be used as an addition to most cold or
room temperature foods. The kavalactones will
change chemistry at cooking temperatures and
will be rendered (at best) useless. Kava can be
mixed with selected spices and kept in a shaker
for table use. If added to cooked foods, add AFTER
cooking, at the table.
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RECIPES
Place approximately 3 to 6 rounded tablespoons
of kava (your preference) in a filter or
cloth and immerse in one quart of room
temperature water; there is no need to either
heat or chill the water. Fabrics that work well are
pantyhose, paint strainer bags, cloth tea bags, etc.
For 1 -2 minutes massage the cloth to thoroughly
extract the fine wet powder into the water keeping
the coarse left-overs in the bag. For stronger flavor
massage longer. You need to strongly squeeze and
work the kava in the strainer bag, don't just let
it soak like a bag of tea! Wring out
the cloth with the left-overs of excess water and
your kava is ready to drink. For larger amounts
use about 4 to 6 oz. of kava powder to 1 gal. of
water. Treat in the same way. This is the
Polynesian method. You can learn to enjoy the
unique flavor of kava, but you may wish add
sweetener as well as fruit juice or herbs such
as licorice powder, grated ginger, etc.
Kava is not soluble in water therefore it will require
frequent stirring. Use more kava for stronger mixes.
KAVA NUAI
Brew a pot of concentrated spiced kava to be
added to a desired amount of hot milk,
sweetened with honey to taste. To do this,
simmer a pot of water with a desired qantity of
kava. Add cloves, cinnamon, ground ginger,
allspice, cardamom, and nutmeg to taste.
Brew to desired strength. Pour the mixture
through a filter to remove solids. This leaves
a brew that you can add hot milk as desired.
You can make as much as you like and refrigerate.
Note: heating may remove much of the active
ingredient.
KAVA SMOOTHIE.
Mix Kava powder through a strainer bag into
your favorite smoothie mix. Blend to desired
grain and enjoy.
CRYSTAL LEMON KAVA
Mix roughly one half cup of kava brew with 32 oz of
water and flavor it with lemon flavored crystal light,
just enought to add a hint of lemon to the taste of
kava (about 1 tsp per quart made).
CINNAMON KAVA This is the recipe for 3 cups.
Fill fine mesh strainer with: 3 to 6 heaping teaspoons
Kava powder, 1 or 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
powder. Dip strainer bag in water and be sure to
agitate contents strongly for good dispersion of the
Kava. You can make this as strong as you like.
Use caution.
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Federal regulations bar us from claiming that kava
can allay anxiety disorder. In fact, Federal
regulations, while certainly made in an effort
to stop wildly inaccurate claims, do stop us
from directly stating the fair functions of
many helpful herbal products. Such as Kava.
However, we have relayed our experience and
noted the uses made by others and their methods.
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A FEW LAST HINTS
Don't discard your old, squeezed out roots. They
contain kavalactones. Grind them fine in the
blender and reuse.
Use the old roots as soon as you can. They will
deteriorate quickly.
Don't get your mixture or kava hot. The kava-
lactones degrade in hot water.
Don't drink a lot of this and then drive.
Impairment from ANY source is a hazzard and
is illegal when operating a motor vehicle.
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