hi all, I used kava for the first time two days ago, using instant Makahea from a very reputable supplier. My hope was to get some relief from chronic insomnia, and I wasn't expecting much effect the first night. I took a small dose, and within 25 minutes noted definite relaxation, which increased a little at 45 minutes when I went to bed. About an hour later I woke up with pronounced activation: heart pounding, mild muscle tension, and a strong feeling of wakefulness that persisted several hours and finally wore off about 4 am. It was very different from my usual insomnia and not like anything I've experienced before. Has anyone heard of anything like this?
First Time User: would appreciate comments on this
- Thread starter Jasmine
- Start date
Are you taking any other medications ? were you nervous about trying kava and how it might affect you ?
every once in a while I'll see someone come through with similar symptoms. I'd say, if not an interaction with another med, you could have a personal allergy to kava that most people don't have...or it's a transient response that will go away with successive kava days, if you feel up to trying.
every once in a while I'll see someone come through with similar symptoms. I'd say, if not an interaction with another med, you could have a personal allergy to kava that most people don't have...or it's a transient response that will go away with successive kava days, if you feel up to trying.
kilakila
Kava keeps me going.
Hi Jasmine! I've been indulging in kava for relief of anxiety and to help with tapering off benzos. I was trying to find an old list of mine about an issue I had with one variety and I'm darn sure it was the mahakea. It didn't relieve the anxiety at all and actually I felt more activated on it. Not even relaxed. So it could be that you're like me and Mahakea doesn't suit you.
So far I've found Nene, moi and borogu to be anxiolytics, and most recently started enjoying hanakapa'i. I think basically it's a matter of trial and error until you find one that suits you. Just buy the smallest pack, or even take a look at the sampler packs that the reputable sellers offer!
Hope this helps. Compared to some of the many fine people on these forums I'm a newcomer, and still educating myself!!!
D
Deleted User01
Welcome to the forum @Jasmine! 
Two quick things. Try taking your kava 2 hours or more before bedtime. Second, I agree with "@kiilakila about Nene. When you look at the chart of Nobility, Nene is number 1. It is supposed to be milder but nothing enhances my sleep like Nene. The old Hawaiian Islanders used to use it on their "fretful children" and I'm sure it is because sleep is a cure all for cranky or sick children. Mahakea is pretty strong and I like it plenty but maybe you should start with the safest and most noble kava and work your way up .... or not if Nene fits the bill. Oh, it is also the mildest tasting kava I have ever had. To me it tastes like paper and that's just as good as kava can taste. 
Two quick things. Try taking your kava 2 hours or more before bedtime. Second, I agree with "@kiilakila about Nene. When you look at the chart of Nobility, Nene is number 1. It is supposed to be milder but nothing enhances my sleep like Nene. The old Hawaiian Islanders used to use it on their "fretful children" and I'm sure it is because sleep is a cure all for cranky or sick children. Mahakea is pretty strong and I like it plenty but maybe you should start with the safest and most noble kava and work your way up .... or not if Nene fits the bill. Oh, it is also the mildest tasting kava I have ever had. To me it tastes like paper and that's just as good as kava can taste. Thanks, all! I do have some instant nene and will try that tonight. Deleted User01, no kidding about the taste. Kava tastes even worse than I thought it would.
So many people get such good results that I'm sure it's worth persisting. Maybe I'll also try the Makahea again during the day, on a weekend when I have a lot to get done. It certainly made me want to get moving.
So many people get such good results that I'm sure it's worth persisting. Maybe I'll also try the Makahea again during the day, on a weekend when I have a lot to get done. It certainly made me want to get moving.
D
Deleted User01
@Jasmine, here is my typical routine. I put in about 10-11 hours a day sitting at my desk on the computer. At about 3 to 3:30 I get a major case of the "blahs". So I may do 1 or 2 doses of Mo'i or in your case, Mahakea spaced about 45 minutes apart. When I finish in the office (5pm), I do about an hour of work outside tending to the garden, watering the plants, and maybe going for a swim if time permits. Right before supper, I do a tablespoon of Nene. I eat supper (6:30-7) and then I either watch TV or listen to an audiobook or both. By the time I'm ready for bed (9pm), the "Heady" kavas have worn me down and the Nene is in charge. I sleep very well after that. I hope this helps.
@Deleted User01, this is so helpful! I think I understand more now about how to fit it into daily life.
D
Deleted User01
@Jetsman, I think @Deleted User may have answered your question in another thread. It seems that my precious Mo'i doesn't set well with everyone. Especially those with anxiety issues. Some of the side-effects you mention remind me of what MJ does do me. So switch to a couch potato kava. There is a reason why Hawaii has 13 kavas, it takes that many to please everyone. I guess there are 13 human chemotypes.
I guess there are 13 human chemotypes.
nhoeg
Kava Manliness
@Jasmine, I have also experienced Mahakea to give a bit of heartbeat and tensed anxiety-like feelings, and I have therefor stopped drinking it. Nene however, is very calming and sedating for me and very good for insomnia.
So where does checking kavaforums.com fit into that plan?
D
Deleted User01
Dude, I'm on the computer all day long and I'm self employed. So I check the kava forums all day long. Jeez, I wouldn't want to miss any "late breaking news".@Jasmine So where does checking kavaforums.com fit into that plan?
Oops, I did it again. I just took my afternoon dose of Mo'i and right on schedule. How's dat for late breaking news.
nhoeg
Kava Manliness
I imagine that your avatar is actually youDude, I'm on the computer all day long and I'm self employed. So I check the kava forums all day long. Jeez, I wouldn't want to miss any "late breaking news".
Oops, I did it again. I just took my afternoon dose of Mo'i and right on schedule. How's dat for late breaking news.
the spear also doubles as a selfie-stick...for your fancy new camera:@nhoeg, that Avatar, that's a "selfie". That spear laying onthe ground next to my computer, I use that whenever my customers get unruly. It seems to help. But I never use that spear when I've had my kava. So that also seems to help.
