I had my first Kava experience last night with KwK Puoni Ono. I didn't have the reverse tolerance issue, I have seen mentioned here. I went with 1/3 cup of root to 16 oz of water. I blended it for a couple of minutes in my Vitamix and then strained through a nut milk bag. I did do a few minutes of kneading as well although I am unsure if that was truly needed. I ended up drinking I would say 12 oz of the grog in 3 shells spaced 20-30 minutes apart.
Drinking the first shell I immediately felt a mild to moderate numbing effect in my mouth, tongue, and upper throat. The taste to me was very earthy with a peppery after effect. I would not say I enjoyed the flavor but I was able to accept it. After 20 mins and no real effect other than the numb mouth I decided to consume another shell. About 2 -3 after the second shell I felt warmth rush over me which at this point I figure was endorphins being released. At first I almost worked myself into an anxiety attack but talked myself down and tried to use mindfulness to accept the experience. I had some pleasurable feeling in behind eyes or temples almost like I was mildly baked. I did feel relaxed in a way but also had this feeling of underlying giddiness or antsiness that I can't really put a finger on. I was feeling stimulated in a way. It did make me fairly talkative.
I drank the last shell about an hour into the experience, which I would say lasted a good 3-4 hrs. I found that the giddiness made it hard for me to sleep. Once asleep I did have vivid dreams. I am going to try this kava a few more times to get a better feeling for it and see if I can get past the giddy/antsy feeling. I didn't really dig that feeling very much, though.
Drinking the first shell I immediately felt a mild to moderate numbing effect in my mouth, tongue, and upper throat. The taste to me was very earthy with a peppery after effect. I would not say I enjoyed the flavor but I was able to accept it. After 20 mins and no real effect other than the numb mouth I decided to consume another shell. About 2 -3 after the second shell I felt warmth rush over me which at this point I figure was endorphins being released. At first I almost worked myself into an anxiety attack but talked myself down and tried to use mindfulness to accept the experience. I had some pleasurable feeling in behind eyes or temples almost like I was mildly baked. I did feel relaxed in a way but also had this feeling of underlying giddiness or antsiness that I can't really put a finger on. I was feeling stimulated in a way. It did make me fairly talkative.
I drank the last shell about an hour into the experience, which I would say lasted a good 3-4 hrs. I found that the giddiness made it hard for me to sleep. Once asleep I did have vivid dreams. I am going to try this kava a few more times to get a better feeling for it and see if I can get past the giddy/antsy feeling. I didn't really dig that feeling very much, though.