First time - prep question

[kl.TheAlchemist]

Hello!


I just received a bag of Fu'u from BKH and am planning to try it tonight with my girlfriend.  I tried kava once back in the 90's when you could still find kava bars in NYC.  Happened upon the place by accident and stopped in just to see what it was about.  I had one drink and had a very nice effect from it.  I guess i was lucky with side stepping the reverse tolerance.  I have no idea what it was that i drank but do remember distinctly that it felt really nice.  But, regardless, the experience stuck with me and i've always been meaning to try it again.  However, I couldn't find the stuff any time i searched for it in the years after that time.   The only one i found was from kona.  I had bought their 84% pills or whatever it is, and had no effects at all even after taking nearly half a bottle.  Kind of gave up on it after that.  


So, I was very excited to stumble upon this forum and see that it's making a comeback!  I ordered some Fu'u from BKH just two days ago and it's already here - great service!



So, my question is, for a (more or less) first timer, who will be drinking it with his girlfriend who has never touched the stuff, how should i prepare it? and how much should i drink?  I ordered the ceremonial kit, so i have two pretty large shells, and a filtering bag.  The instructions on the back of the bag call for 1 cup of kava to 3 or 4 cups of warm water.  Is that a good ratio for us?  and is that going to enough volume?  or should i make a larger batch?


Thanks in advance!

 

[Ed!]

I think the consensus that seems to be building here is that starting with about a half cup is a good amount for one person. So for the two of you a cup sounds good. The ratio is good, 1 to 4 kava to water is pretty standard (I don't measure my water).


You might not actually drink all of it, but you can always hang onto some in the fridge. I knead for 15-20 minutes in the bag, but honestly with Fu'u it's so fine that you could just blend and drink, much of it will push through the strainer anyway... not that I recommend not straining in general. It can be hard on your tummy for sure if you don't strain, and dry your skin quicker.


Fu'u is also a very heady kava, not much by way of body effect. So be aware of that in comparing it to your previous experience.

 

[kl.TheAlchemist]

First experience done - nothing too exciting to report. Let the fu'u marinate for about 40 mins or so and then filtered the mixture twice. Drank about three shells worth within an hour. But had no effects. Will have to keep at it a couple more times.


Thanks for the tips!

 

[kl.TheAlchemist]

Is it common to have a, for lack of a better term, hangover from Fu'u? I had made up 1 cup powder in 4 cups of water last night. My girlfriend drank one cup and i drank most of what remained - about 3 cups. The day after, my head has not felt right. It's not quite nausea, but, a little disoriented, foggy mild dizzy kind of feeling. Also, sort of lethargic and spacey. Can't seem to shake it.


Think i Probably went overboard with it and will take a much smaller quantity next time.

 

[krunkedout]

First experience done - nothing too exciting to report. Let the fu'u marinate for about 40 mins or so and then filtered the mixture twice. Drank about three shells worth within an hour. But had no effects. Will have to keep at it a couple more times.



Thanks for the tips!

did you knead the kava as well? I wouldn't be supprised if you didn't get much effect from not kneading.

 

[kl.TheAlchemist]

I soaked the kava in water for a period of time. Then i put the kava water mixture into a filter bag and kneaded, squeezed the water out of it. Took that filtered water and ran it through the bag with the kava in it again, kneading and squeezing out the water again.


Was weird, i didn't really get any of the desired effects that night, but, the next day i felt not quite right.