Kava Dosages First shell vs. next couple and Varying effects.

[UmbrellaOps]

So I’m still pretty new. I’ve tried Kavafides Supreme blend, Kalm with Kavas loa Waka Fijian and bula House namb. With all of these, the first shell gives me the most euphoric/energetic Bust. After that though the effects of my shells are purely sedating. Should I try something else that’s more energetic? I like the sedating effect but I’m curious with all kinds of kava at this point, with the exception of micronized. Also note I am using the Alubottle with 2 tbsp in 2 spheres.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

The first shell of a sufficiently strong batch of kava will always have it's own unique feeling associated with it, because it's the first transition from sobriety to mild inebriation. I often experience something like you describe here, where the first shell or two have this promising feeling that successive shells will be increasing the feeling you got from the first...but instead it just becomes a dull sedated slog.

There are many variables involved, some are unknown. Firstly, you shouldn't go into kava thinking it should be energetic. In most case, sedation will be the main effect late into a session. Perhaps less so with heady kava vs. heavy kava...but for me, in the end, they become sedating. Some people are wired to actually get truly stimulated from certain varieties, but that just depends on the person. So things like personal genetics, cultivar/chemotype, potency, mood, set & setting, stomach fullness/fasting, pacing of kava consumption and the random unknown variables all play a role in how the experience turns out.

When things go correctly, you can "peak" on kava sometimes, which is hard for some people to achieve than it is for others, and is unpredictable when it will happen. In this case, you have your initial enjoyable buzz from your first shell, then the next couple start sliding into that more dull sedated vibe, but then instead of that just furthering until you sleep, you might have another shell or two, and a meal, then suddenly your ears and mind will warp. You'll feel a flood of kavalactone effects rush through your mind and body, in which you feel the feeling that you enjoyed from your first shell but x5 or x10. (this may also be achieved by drinking several at once or in a much shorter time span) You wouldn't be 'energetic' per se, but your mind and body will be very pleasantly sedated and stimulated simultaneously. Not energetic, not desiring physical activity, but definitely not sleepy. You will be fully engaged with enjoying the feelings flooding through your self, being very content to sit down, lay back and enjoy them. It might pass in 15-45 minutes...and then it will return to sedation.

 

[Zaphod]

So I’m still pretty new. I’ve tried Kavafides Supreme blend, Kalm with Kavas loa Waka Fijian and bula House namb. With all of these, the first shell gives me the most euphoric/energetic Bust. After that though the effects of my shells are purely sedating. Should I try something else that’s more energetic? I like the sedating effect but I’m curious with all kinds of kava at this point, with the exception of micronized. Also note I am using the Alubottle with 2 tbsp in 2 spheres.

I find this to be true for the most part. You can also find that if you, for a variety of reasons like too much food, don't get that initial kavain rush on the first shell can chase it all night and not get it. I tend to front load my kava drinking for this very reason. I will make a very strong first shell or two and down them very close to each other to get ramped up. Then the rest of the night is just adding shells as I need them to keep rolling. Usually my last shell is around 8pm and let things settle down before hitting the sack around 10-10:30.

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

The first shell of a sufficiently strong batch of kava will always have it's own unique feeling associated with it, because it's the first transition from sobriety to mild inebriation. I often experience something like you describe here, where the first shell or two have this promising feeling that successive shells will be increasing the feeling you got from the first...but instead it just becomes a dull sedated slog.

There are many variables involved, some are unknown. Firstly, you shouldn't go into kava thinking it should be energetic. In most case, sedation will be the main effect late into a session. Perhaps less so with heady kava vs. heavy kava...but for me, in the end, they become sedating. Some people are wired to actually get turly stimulated from certain varieties, but that just depends on the person. So things like personal genetics, cultivar/chemotype, potency, mood, set & setting, stomach fullness/fasting, pacing of kava consumption and the random uknown variables all play a role in how the experience turns out.

When things go correctly, you can "peak" on kava sometimes, which is hard for some people to achieve than it is for others, and is unpredictable when it will happen. In this case, you have your initial enjoyable buzz from your first shell, then the next couple start sliding into that more dull sedated vibe, but then instead of that just furthering until you sleep, you might have another shell or two, and a meal, then suddenly your ears and mind will warp. You'll feel a flood of kavalactone effects rush through your mind and body, in which you feel the feeling that you enjoyed from your first shell but x5 or x10. (this may also be achieved by drinking several at once or in a much shorter time span) You wouldn't be 'energetic' per se, but your mind and body will be very pleasantly sedated and stimulated simultaneously. Not energetic, not desiring physical activity, but definitely not sleepy. You will be fully engaged with enjoying the feelings flooding through your self, being very content to sit down, lay back and enjoy them. It might pass in 15-45 minutes...and then it will return to sedation.

Exactly .. lol