I'm developing a kava based ready to drink beverage for sale, following a couple of decades of enjoying kava at home and when visting/living in Vanuatu. I am experimenting with using kava extract (30%, nonsolvent, watersoluble) but have read some things, including on this forum, about whether using kava extract is a good idea as not enough is known about their effects as opposed to the extensive body of literarture on traditionally prepared kava. Would welcome folks thoughts on this, and whether it is feasible to make ready to drink beverage with the kava powder or instant kava powders out there? If anyone has links to larger-scale reputable suppliers of kava powders or extract, preferable close to where kava is cultivates please let me know (for refrence I am based on the West coast of the US). Thanks!
Kava for ready to drink beverage
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Honestly, unless you can get direct from Vanuatu, it won't be worth the effort imo. There are already, ready made beverages out there.
Again if you are bringing something new to the table, you are willing to abide by all the regulations to ensure a safe product for your customers, might be a different story, perhaps.
Alia
'Awa Grower/Collector
If you go down to "Kava News" in these Forums you can see what the FDA and State of Hawaii, separately say about extracts.
See " 'Awa Story for Hawai'i ". If you decide to make a beverage from kavalactones extracted from kava, it is not actually kava.
If you make the traditional beverage and flavor it, that would be a different story.
Thanks. It's been many years since I last went to Vanuautu. Do you know any suppliers there who can provide quality assured kava for export? Thanks!
Thank you ! I read your posts and the documents around this in Hawaii and the FDA, thank you for sharing, very interesting.
TheMood
Newbie
I have just begun production on a line of Kava Seltzers also using 30% extract water sol powder. I have done roughly 18 months of R&D. The benefits I have found using the extract vs. traditional biomass are noticed by most users during field sampling. They include no upset stomach for those who get an upset stomach when using traditional medium grind or micronized biomass as well as a quicker onset. The kava flavor is also not as prevalent when using the extract. The kava flavor is still present for sure but no near as prevalent. The label for my seltzers does state they are made using a kava extract. Eventually I plan to release a line of kava beverages using the traditional medium grind biomass. These are just observations from myself as well as roughly a 100 people whom have sampled the seltzer of the last year and a half.
No, I have never been, nor do I know anyone in Vanuatu.
Pretty sure that is not new either.
Gabbadict
Kava Curious
What seems to be an amazing product from what I have read is TruKava by Cameron George. It seems his quite a humble guy and an amazing advocate and embassitor for kava use and has had actual experiences on using kava for his deliberating auto immune disorder and benzodiazpine addiction in which kava saved his life and got him off alot of addictive pharmaceuticals. Some really good podcasts with Dave aspery and he talks about his carbonated kava beverage amongst many other things regarding kava. I have learned so much things about the science and pharmacology properties of Kava listening to him.
I don't want to continue to be the thorn on this thread but there is a distinct difference between kava and a kavalactone extract, calling an extract kava is incorrect and while he may advocate for kava. Real kava is dried root that is subsequently ground down and mixed with water. That is the beverage (and only beverage) that has been around for millennia.
Various forms of kavalactone beverages have become popular over the last 4-5 years and have created a small market, within an already small market (for lazy Americans, quite honestly lol) who can't stomach drinking kava, which isn't at all that bad.
It is not just about picking on something different or newer but there is an distinct difference in effects as well. Kava is almost multidimensional, kava beverages have stripped away any soul or essence of what once was an amazing plant. It lacks depth and therefore most kavalactone beverages, candies, tinctures, etc, are short-lived, effects may hit hard for 20 - 30 minutes and that is it.
You pay more to get less and then wonder why you need to drink so much more of the expensive "kava beverage".
Try to make it the traditional way and use cool water, don't listen to my advice 3+ years ago. I was wrong.
Use cold/cool water only, the notion you are loosing any strength because the water is not warm or hot is ridiculous. The taste is a million times better when using cool/cold water.
Gabbadict
Kava Curious
Oh wow, that definitely will help! That warmth feeling when I'm gulping down a shell is something I have never experienced in my life!
Cold water is for tonight's session
P.S it seems root and pestles Borongoru has been my favourite so far however I've had some hangover type symptoms whenever I have it. Mental slowness, little dizzy, mild nausea and a slight headache.
I don't want to stop thr Borongoru as it's really helping my anxiety and has stopped my from drinking alcohol, (3 weeks sober today!)
It also helps me not taking any extra benzodiazpine doses than my usal 1mg of clonazapam I have been taking daily for over 10 years.
I really do prefer the Borongoru over the Kelai as in terms of effect and feelings. (My head just spins to much with the Kelai)
I think i might be dehydrated, I try have a glass of water in between sheels but I think i might go to the pharmacy and grab some liquid iv packets as there on sale and have one of those before I hit the pillow and hopefully that will help with someof the hangover?
I'm also having about 40g a session, is that to much? Maybe do 35g which will be about 3-4 shells spaces out about 45min apart.
Just really enjoying the DHK/DHM feelings and benifits from this cutivater
Cold water is for tonight's session
P.S it seems root and pestles Borongoru has been my favourite so far however I've had some hangover type symptoms whenever I have it. Mental slowness, little dizzy, mild nausea and a slight headache.
I don't want to stop thr Borongoru as it's really helping my anxiety and has stopped my from drinking alcohol, (3 weeks sober today!)
It also helps me not taking any extra benzodiazpine doses than my usal 1mg of clonazapam I have been taking daily for over 10 years.
I really do prefer the Borongoru over the Kelai as in terms of effect and feelings. (My head just spins to much with the Kelai)
I think i might be dehydrated, I try have a glass of water in between sheels but I think i might go to the pharmacy and grab some liquid iv packets as there on sale and have one of those before I hit the pillow and hopefully that will help with someof the hangover?
I'm also having about 40g a session, is that to much? Maybe do 35g which will be about 3-4 shells spaces out about 45min apart.
Just really enjoying the DHK/DHM feelings and benifits from this cutivater
Nah it's not too much and you accurately pointed out that you might be dehydrated, it's a common problem and easily overlooked. Borongoru is my favorite as well, I find different effects from different vendors and there in lies the beauty of the kava plant. The same cultivar grown in different types of soils and climates will yield a different experience, not to mention the stump to lateral root ratios, the age of the plant. So many variables...So much to love.
And than there are extracts.
Gabbadict
Kava Curious
Needless to say I have since been hydrating better, especially before I hit the pillow I'll have a liquid IV and I've been waking up pretty good from the Borongoru.
I think the other thing is the body getting used to it.
Blissfully enjoying the sedation and slow breathing, such an amazing cultivator.
I've also got some Fijian waka premium coming, my reasearch as shown me that it is another amazing cutivater for sedation and really relaxing feelings. 100% lateral roots so im hoping that it will suffice and give me what the Borongoru does, maybe even be able to pick out some.diffrent nueoncess and feelings.
Anyone else tried the waka and it's comparison to the Vanuatu Borongoru?
I think the other thing is the body getting used to it.
Blissfully enjoying the sedation and slow breathing, such an amazing cultivator.
I've also got some Fijian waka premium coming, my reasearch as shown me that it is another amazing cutivater for sedation and really relaxing feelings. 100% lateral roots so im hoping that it will suffice and give me what the Borongoru does, maybe even be able to pick out some.diffrent nueoncess and feelings.
Anyone else tried the waka and it's comparison to the Vanuatu Borongoru?
I have tried most of them all. For a long time I loved Fijians only and then one day I bought Borongoru (for the 20th time prob, at the time) )and fell in love with Vanuatu. You should try whatever draws your attention, Try kava from The Solomon Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu, Hawaii. I love Hawaiian kavas, Nene is a personal favorite, it's probably the best kava I ever drank, I have been spoiled before with fresh frozen Hawaiian kava too, and fresh Nene is next level. Fresh kava is very expensive and only a once in blue moon treat for me.
Gabbadict
Kava Curious
Oh I definitely will be trying to source all different types of cultivators.
I would love to experience diffrent chemo type make ups and really try and feel the feelings of each one and just see how it plays throughout my central nervous system and beyond!
I am currently taking a break as I have started itching quite heavily all over my body.
I do understand this is a common side affect from kava use.
I have not had a break in the nearly 4 weeks I have been on kava, with daily use occurring at around 50g sometimes more. Just 5 days ago I started to itch everywhere, I just couldn't stop at times! I took antihistamines and made myself a oatmeal bath which I'm still doing now.
The symptoms though which I have doesn't seem to align with the "kava crocodile flaky skin thing" which is what I've read happans. I'm just itcy and scratching and sorta feel like.my skin is a kinda dry but notthing to the extent of flaking kind of thing.l, Just soooo itchy.
Slowly getting better as this is the 3rd day no kava but still feel little of the itch.
Is this normal? And can you just be itchy minus the crocodile type flaky skin?? And how long does it last? Should I wait maybe another working week and then recommence next weekend? I'm maybe thinking now to consume kava 3-4days a week rather then heavy daily use??
I would love to experience diffrent chemo type make ups and really try and feel the feelings of each one and just see how it plays throughout my central nervous system and beyond!
I am currently taking a break as I have started itching quite heavily all over my body.
I do understand this is a common side affect from kava use.
I have not had a break in the nearly 4 weeks I have been on kava, with daily use occurring at around 50g sometimes more. Just 5 days ago I started to itch everywhere, I just couldn't stop at times! I took antihistamines and made myself a oatmeal bath which I'm still doing now.
The symptoms though which I have doesn't seem to align with the "kava crocodile flaky skin thing" which is what I've read happans. I'm just itcy and scratching and sorta feel like.my skin is a kinda dry but notthing to the extent of flaking kind of thing.l, Just soooo itchy.
Slowly getting better as this is the 3rd day no kava but still feel little of the itch.
Is this normal? And can you just be itchy minus the crocodile type flaky skin?? And how long does it last? Should I wait maybe another working week and then recommence next weekend? I'm maybe thinking now to consume kava 3-4days a week rather then heavy daily use??
Yes It is normal, The flaky skin situation is at the very end of the reaction, we all experience varying degrees of dermo. For the most part you learn to identify the tell-tell signs before you get full blown dermo. The amount of time before starting is up to you, waiting for the itchiness to subside and feeling less lethargic is a good place to start again. The times I had severe reactions (I ignored the warnings) I would wait around 10-12 days, most mild reactions go away in 3-6 days.
YMMV
As far as how often to drink, well I am still trying to figure that out 10 years later. I find I drink kava in patterns, usually seasonal. Some people like Kapm who has gone through every possible experience under the sun, drinks kava daily, but only for an hour before bed. Some people find what works for them and stick with a routine, others like me and I think most are all over the place, lol. Keep experimenting till you get the best results with the least amount of negative side effects, got find the happy balance in your life and you may be able to avoid dermo (for the most part
)
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Gabbadict
Kava Curious
Well I couldnt but help myself to a brew of kelai for what was a splended Sunday today in Melbourne Australia. The lovely spring season is kicking right into action and the days seem to becoming more warmer.
I'm into my 3rd shell (mind you i haven't eaten since breakfast) so we're hitting the gastrointestinal system pretty raw lol!
Very fast, very potent, very uplifting.
My itching had mostly subsided today which would be day 4 of no Piper Methysticum, so I'll see how this lovely session pans out over the next couple of days, and by the way no flaking at all of the skin just a dry itch all over but like you said groggy it varies in its appearance and feeling for each individual.
I think tonight calls for some slow 90s R@B jams and a nice ginger tea i think will send me off....
I'm into my 3rd shell (mind you i haven't eaten since breakfast) so we're hitting the gastrointestinal system pretty raw lol!
Very fast, very potent, very uplifting.
My itching had mostly subsided today which would be day 4 of no Piper Methysticum, so I'll see how this lovely session pans out over the next couple of days, and by the way no flaking at all of the skin just a dry itch all over but like you said groggy it varies in its appearance and feeling for each individual.
I think tonight calls for some slow 90s R@B jams and a nice ginger tea i think will send me off....
Gabbadict
Kava Curious
Well tonight has been extremely eventful, I think I have consumed quite a large amount of kelai this evening. I have just been listening to the kava and being mindful and present and its actually feeling so nice and wonderful. I do know my limit as when I start to feel kinda sick I then back off and stop, have a liquid IV and then retire into bed, however I'm going pretty strong this evening, the slowness and quite solo euphoric feeling is nice, at times when I move my head left or right it takes a second or too for my brain to catch up to that movent.
Today is 6 weeks sober and tomorrow is Thursday.
I hope I'm not having to much as tonight I have decided to mix things up and use my alluball and I think I've had about 7 shells each shell 2 tbs in 250ml water.
It's nice not to be polluting my body and brain with alcohol and actually using something that is benefiting so many things.
Today is 6 weeks sober and tomorrow is Thursday.
I hope I'm not having to much as tonight I have decided to mix things up and use my alluball and I think I've had about 7 shells each shell 2 tbs in 250ml water.
It's nice not to be polluting my body and brain with alcohol and actually using something that is benefiting so many things.