LETS ENJOY

What is Kava?*

Kava, also known as Yaqona (Fiji), Kava-Kava (Tonga), Ava (Samoa), ‘Awa (Hawaii), and several other names is plant grown in the Pacific Islands. The root of the plant is harvested and used to make a drink, which has been shown to have a variety of both medicinal and psychological beneficial properties.

What is the history of Kava?*

Kava is believed to have been used for hundreds of years in the Pacific Islands. While it has been primarily used both medicinally and ceremonially, many islanders also use it for recreational purposes as well. After kava was first introduced to Europeans they gave it the name Piper (from the Latin “Pepper”) Methysticum (from the Latinized Greek “Intoxicating”). Currently, kava is being farmed and then distributed all over the world.

What is the difference between the Lawena and Waka?* 

Lawena is made from the Crown Root of the plant.  It is similar to the way a beet or turnip grows.  The bulb of the plant grows under the ground. The Lawena typically contains less Kavalactones and tends to have a more mild or subdued flavor than the Waka (Lateral Root) making it smoother and easier to drink. It's perfect for daytime use or when you need a mild sleep aid.

Waka is made from the Lateral Root.  These roots work are more like a web of smaller roots that extend out from the Crown Root.  They also grow below the ground. It is interesting to note that Fiji is the only place that will use these parts individually. In other places like Hawaii and Tonga, these two are typically combined or processed and consumed together as one. Waka tends to have a higher level of Kavalactones, be darker in appearance, and have a more intense or bitter flavor. Waka is sought after because it's stronger and more potent.

What is Kavalactone?*

I’m glad you asked! I could throw a whole bunch of science at you with words like Cyclic Chemical Compounds and Hydroxycarboxylic Acids, but all this really means is that Kavalactones belong to a class of Lactones that have been shown to have a wide variety of really cool uses including but not limited to:

Reminder, Lawena contains less Kavalactones and tends to have a more mild or subdued flavor compared to Waka.  It also tends to appear lighter in color. Conversely, the Waka has a higher level of Kavalactones, be darker in appearance, and has a more intense or bitter flavor.

While there are those who process and consume each of these parts individually, it's also enjoyable to mix Lawena and Waka together to create your own unique flavor and experience.

What are the medicinal benefits of Kava?*

While there are many medicinal benefits of kava, the most widely acknowledged is its calming and sedating properties. For this reason, kava can be an excellent choice for those who struggle with sleep issues. Unlike other sleep aids, kava has been shown to not interfere with the coveted REM cycle that is critical for feeling rested even after a full night of sleep. Another benefit of kava over other sleep aids is that it doesn’t impair your mental alertness. Essentially, kava doesn’t give you that “zombie” effect, it just relaxes you in the best ways possible.

Kava has also been shown to work well with people who suffer from depression. For those who prefer a more natural approach to anxiety treatment, Kava can be a great alternative to prescription drugs such as benzodiazepines and tricyclic antidepressants.

Along with its relaxation and sedation properties, kava has also been used with success to for the treatment of seizures, muscle tension, and pain management.

It is important to remember, as with all treatments, that kava is not a one size fits all experience. Everybody is different, and because of this, nobody can guarantee exactly what kind of kava experience you will have. Although kava has been used for hundreds of years, there is a limited amount of clinical data and trials. In general, kava should be treated like any other medical aid, and should not be mixed with other prescription drugs and/or alcohol. Ask you doctor before taking kava if you are on any medications that might interfere.

Is Kava safe?*

This is a question that gets asked frequently, and with good reason. There is a lot of misinformation circulating about kava. For this reason, it makes sense that some people might be hesitant to try it, especially as beginners when they haven't been given the correct information on the product. In these sorts of situations, educating yourself is going to be the best way to decide whether kava is right for you. We have provided you with an overview of our amazing product, but we would also invite you to do your own research as well. There are many blogs, websites, documentaries, and more on the history and the uses of kava.

As we mentioned above, kava has been used for hundreds of years by the people of the Pacific Islands, and for many years by people all over the world. So is kava safe? The short answer is YES! Kava, when used properly and as directed, is a safe. Beyond that, the fact that kava is all natural means that it does not carry the same sort of risks that you often find with synthetic drugs, be they prescription or even over the counter.

How am I going to feel?*

Everybody is different, so it is impossible to say what your individual kava experience is going to be like. That being said, enough people have used kava that we can give you a general idea about what to expect.

When it comes to a kava experience, it helps to think of it in terms of levels or layers. Your experience also depends on the kind of kava you are drinking. For many people, drinking just a little gives them a heightened state of mental clarity, and might even make you feel more energetic. The more you drink, the more likely you will experience the calming and relaxing sensations, while still retaining mental clarity.

One of the amazing properties of kava is that unlike substances that are either “uppers” or “downers”, kava has the unique ability to give you the relaxation you are after without feeling like you can’t function, think, or perform your day to day activities. Of course, as with all things, it is possible to overdo it, but typically speaking, you know when you have reached your happy place and it’s time to stop taking more in.

I tried Kava once and it didn’t work for me. What’s up with that?*

You are not alone; this is a fairly typical response for some who are try kava for the first time.

Let’s talk about a little something called “Reverse Tolerance” for a moment. This refers to people who may have to take kava several times before their bodies recognize it and give them the desired results. The more you use it, the more sensitive you become to its effects.  The good news is that the vast majority of people who “stick with it” do eventually see the same kind of results that others might experience their first time out the gate. The even better news is that once you achieve your desired effect, many people find that it takes less and less kava to get back to their ideal tranquility. 

Moral of the story? If you tried it once, twice, or even three times, don’t give up. Chances are you’ve just got a bit of “Reverse Tolerance” going on and your body just needs a little bit of time to build up to the awesome results we know are totally possible!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.