Hello there.
I have been reading through the forum for over an hour and still feel a bit lost since everything Kava is foreign to me. I figured I would just ask my questions and maybe someone can point me to the right links, threads, etc. Thanks in advance.
I am exploring Kava for two main reasons. I have already tapered a Benzo - which was brutal and I'm still not completely healed but it's been 3 years since my jump. I started tapering Mirtazapine (antidepressant) in hopes of being med-free. My current taper from the Mirt was going okay until recently. I've hit a rough patch. So my first reason for looking into the Kava is to ease the anxiety and agitation symptoms from the withdrawal. My second reason is to provide anxiety support in general when I'm off everything.
I am super sensitive and somewhat CNS compromised from the withdrawal so need to start slow and low to see how I do and if I can tolerate the Kava without it ramping symptoms. I have no idea what brand or strain is a good fit here and would appreciate suggestions.
I've also read the threads pertaining to Mirtazapine and Kava interactions (something I am concerned about). I don't know if they share enzyme pathways, but some studies shown here say yes and others say maybe ( Mirt uses 1A2, 2D6, 3A4/5). Because I have had other supplements inhibit the Mirt, I want to be careful about trying Kava, starting small and building up if all goes well. I can't afford to ramp symptoms or inhibit the med in a way that potentiates it while I'm trying to taper.
That said, I wonder what type of Kava might be recommend for my situation? I have no idea what instant, micronized and medium grind means. Someone recommended in a different post a concentrate or extract as a way to start small. That means nothing either. My research has only lead me to believe that noble variety is the safest with least side effects so I guess I'm leaning that way. I was also somewhat convinced by other posts that water based rather than solvent based extraction is best so I'm leaning that way as well.
Can you nice, experienced folks recommend a type and brand as well as starter dosing that might be for a sensitive, lightweight like myself?
Are there videos on proper preparation of whatever is recommeneded here? I read some of the prep threads, but still feel confused and a video might help more. I'm a visual learner.
Most on here seem to prefer the traditional method of prep with filter bags and squeezing. I'm guessing this prep is the real deal compared to capsules, tinctures or teas. Yes? However, if you were wanting to start small and increase very incrementally, would another type be better?
I know that is a lot of questions. Thank you for your help or links that would direct me to answers!
Sharkie
I have been reading through the forum for over an hour and still feel a bit lost since everything Kava is foreign to me. I figured I would just ask my questions and maybe someone can point me to the right links, threads, etc. Thanks in advance.
I am exploring Kava for two main reasons. I have already tapered a Benzo - which was brutal and I'm still not completely healed but it's been 3 years since my jump. I started tapering Mirtazapine (antidepressant) in hopes of being med-free. My current taper from the Mirt was going okay until recently. I've hit a rough patch. So my first reason for looking into the Kava is to ease the anxiety and agitation symptoms from the withdrawal. My second reason is to provide anxiety support in general when I'm off everything.
I am super sensitive and somewhat CNS compromised from the withdrawal so need to start slow and low to see how I do and if I can tolerate the Kava without it ramping symptoms. I have no idea what brand or strain is a good fit here and would appreciate suggestions.
I've also read the threads pertaining to Mirtazapine and Kava interactions (something I am concerned about). I don't know if they share enzyme pathways, but some studies shown here say yes and others say maybe ( Mirt uses 1A2, 2D6, 3A4/5). Because I have had other supplements inhibit the Mirt, I want to be careful about trying Kava, starting small and building up if all goes well. I can't afford to ramp symptoms or inhibit the med in a way that potentiates it while I'm trying to taper.
That said, I wonder what type of Kava might be recommend for my situation? I have no idea what instant, micronized and medium grind means. Someone recommended in a different post a concentrate or extract as a way to start small. That means nothing either. My research has only lead me to believe that noble variety is the safest with least side effects so I guess I'm leaning that way. I was also somewhat convinced by other posts that water based rather than solvent based extraction is best so I'm leaning that way as well.
Can you nice, experienced folks recommend a type and brand as well as starter dosing that might be for a sensitive, lightweight like myself?
Are there videos on proper preparation of whatever is recommeneded here? I read some of the prep threads, but still feel confused and a video might help more. I'm a visual learner.
Most on here seem to prefer the traditional method of prep with filter bags and squeezing. I'm guessing this prep is the real deal compared to capsules, tinctures or teas. Yes? However, if you were wanting to start small and increase very incrementally, would another type be better?
I know that is a lot of questions. Thank you for your help or links that would direct me to answers!
Sharkie