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Forum Tips A quick plan for the perfect kava session

TheKavaSociety

New Zealand
Kava Vendor
Many new kava users seem a bit lost about how to enjoy kava and make the most out of their kava sessions. A few months ago we published a quick blog post for those who are new to kava, today we are publishing a very quick guide to have to make every kava session enjoyable. Let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

"This guide is meant to be of use to those who want to drink kava at home, by themselves or with their partner/friend. We will soon publish another post dedicated to those who, like us, usually drink kava with a bunch of other people.

1. Again, make sure you choose the right kava. Some kavas are better for tired muscles, other kava are better for creative writing or contemplation. It's important that you know your kava. Obviously sometimes it's great to try a completely new kava and just be surprised by it, but often we like to know what we can expect from a particular strain or variety.

2. Some kavas are good for day-time drinking (especially in stressful situations), but most people tend to drink kava in the evening, after work and before dinner. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your kava. Even if you only want to drink a little bit of it, you don't want to do it in a rush. VERY IMPORTANT: Kava works best when it's consumed on an empty stomach! Make sure you don't eat anything for at least 4 hours before your kava session. In general, it's a good idea to only have a light lunch on your kava drinking day (or just a large breakfast and no lunch).

3. You will need more time if your kava comes in a traditional grind form. Get a small bowl, find a good strainer and measure the right amount of powder. Most people use around 50g (half a cup) of dried, traditional powder, but you might require less or more depending on your body chemistry and what you want to get out of your session. If you want your kava to be fairly strong per serving, we would recommend using around 2 cups (500ml) of water. Some people prefer their kava to be more diluted (and less bitter) and choose to use more water, but in our experience consuming a large amount of kava liquid can make one feel a bit bloated, so we prefer smaller, but stronger servings. Either way, make sure your water is warm (but not hot). Put the powder into a strainer, tie it up and place it in your bowl with water. Squeeze and KNEAD the bag for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze out the liquid until the last drop. You can put the bag aside for later use (the so-called "second-wash" - a much weaker, but sometimes effective second round of kava).

4. If your kava comes in a micronized or instant form, the preparation is a bit quicker. We use around 10-20g per session, but again, the exact amount depends on your preferences and body chemistry. We know people who use not more than 5g of instant kava (apx one teaspoon) but also those who sometimes use 30g+ of micronized or instant. Try with a lower amount and see how you like it. Again, use around 300-500ml per session for a start. If it's too strong/bitter you can use a bit more water. Or you can choose to mix your instant or micro powder with some soft drink (we recommend apple juice with freshly grated ginger).

5. Always remember that some of the kavalactones take a long time to start working, so don't drink all your kava at once. Separate it into small servings (100-150ml each) and take 15-20 min breaks between each serving. We like drinking our kava in coconut shells, but any small bowl or cup will work.

6. Kava is bitter. Some kavas are milder tasting than others, but nobody drinks kava for its taste. If you use instant or micro you can improve the taste by using some nice juice instead of water. If you prefer the more "traditional" flavour (or use traditional grind), make sure you get a good kava chaser. Juice is good, but it's best (and the healthiest!) to eat sweet fruits. We recommend oranges, apples, pears, pineapples or grapes.

7. Depending on the type of kava you drink, play some nice music, read a good book, talk to your partner or friend. In other words, try to do what you would normally do to relax after work. Kava won't replace these activities, but it can help you to enjoy them with more peace and tranquillity.

8. After your kava prepare a light and warm meal. After dinner you should still feel relaxed and peaceful.

Obviously we are all different so you may want to plan your kava session differently. The above plan is meant to be used as a rough guide only, but if you follow the above steps you should have an enjoyable kava experience."

http://kavasociety.nz/blog/4587940980/A-perfect-kava-session/10281622
 
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Transcent

Kava saved my life
How much traditional root would you use to make a gallon of kava? I've asked different vendor's and everyone say's something different.
 

Sir_Drew

Newbie
Many new kava users seem a bit lost about how to enjoy kava and make the most out of their kava sessions. A few months ago we published a quick blog post for those who are new to kava, today we are publishing a very quick guide to have to make every kava session enjoyable. Let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

"This guide is meant to be of use to those who want to drink kava at home, by themselves or with their partner/friend. We will soon publish another post dedicated to those who, like us, usually drink kava with a bunch of other people.

1. Again, make sure you choose the right kava. Some kavas are better for tired muscles, other kava are better for creative writing or contemplation. It's important that you know your kava. Obviously sometimes it's great to try a completely new kava and just be surprised by it, but often we like to know what we can expect from a particular strain or variety.

2. Some kavas are good for day-time drinking (especially in stressful situations), but most people tend to drink kava in the evening, after work and before dinner. Make sure you have enough time to enjoy your kava. Even if you only want to drink a little bit of it, you don't want to do it in a rush. VERY IMPORTANT: Kava works best when it's consumed on an empty stomach! Make sure you don't eat anything for at least 4 hours before your kava session. In general, it's a good idea to only have a light lunch on your kava drinking day (or just a large breakfast and no lunch).

3. You will need more time if your kava comes in a traditional grind form. Get a small bowl, find a good strainer and measure the right amount of powder. Most people use around 50g (half a cup) of dried, traditional powder, but you might require less or more depending on your body chemistry and what you want to get out of your session. If you want your kava to be fairly strong per serving, we would recommend using around 2 cups (500ml) of water. Some people prefer their kava to be more diluted (and less bitter) and choose to use more water, but in our experience consuming a large amount of kava liquid can make one feel a bit bloated, so we prefer smaller, but stronger servings. Either way, make sure your water is warm (but not hot). Put the powder into a strainer, tie it up and place it in your bowl with water. Squeeze and KNEAD the bag for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze out the liquid until the last drop. You can put the bag aside for later use (the so-called "second-wash" - a much weaker, but sometimes effective second round of kava).

4. If your kava comes in a micronized or instant form, the preparation is a bit quicker. We use around 10-20g per session, but again, the exact amount depends on your preferences and body chemistry. We know people who use not more than 5g of instant kava (apx one teaspoon) but also those who sometimes use 30g+ of micronized or instant. Try with a lower amount and see how you like it. Again, use around 300-500ml per session for a start. If it's too strong/bitter you can use a bit more water. Or you can choose to mix your instant or micro powder with some soft drink (we recommend apple juice with freshly grated ginger).

5. Always remember that some of the kavalactones take a long time to start working, so don't drink all your kava at once. Separate it into small servings (100-150ml each) and take 15-20 min breaks between each serving. We like drinking our kava in coconut shells, but any small bowl or cup will work.

6. Kava is bitter. Some kavas are milder tasting than others, but nobody drinks kava for its taste. If you use instant or micro you can improve the taste by using some nice juice instead of water. If you prefer the more "traditional" flavour (or use traditional grind), make sure you get a good kava chaser. Juice is good, but it's best (and the healthiest!) to eat sweet fruits. We recommend oranges, apples, pears, pineapples or grapes.

7. Depending on the type of kava you drink, play some nice music, read a good book, talk to your partner or friend. In other words, try to do what you would normally do to relax after work. Kava won't replace these activities, but it can help you to enjoy them with more peace and tranquillity.

8. After your kava prepare a light and warm meal. After dinner you should still feel relaxed and peaceful.

Obviously we are all different so you may want to plan your kava session differently. The above plan is meant to be used as a rough guide only, but if you follow the above steps you should have an enjoyable kava experience."

http://kavasociety.nz/blog/4587940980/A-perfect-kava-session/10281622
Well said and thank you for the tips
 
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