First traditional shells

[sumguy]

I finally decided to try the traditional way, using some boroguru from GHK. I used a nut milk bag and followed the directions at kavalibrary.com. It didn't take anywhere near 10 minutes for the oiliness to go away, but it took about as long as it did in the Youtube video. And I did the second wash and then poured them both into a pitcher.

So I'm now drinking 1/2 cup shells, 1 at a time with about 15 minutes in between. I've done 2 so far. Do I need to stir the kava in between, or does it pretty much stay suspended in the water?

My son came in while I was kneading it, and asked about it. He said it smelled funny. It does smell and taste a lot like dirt, but it's not nearly as bad as I was expecting.

 

[Blippy5]

I use a water bottle for my batch and shake it when I pour a shell. You do get a bit of sediment with traditional prep. Did you use warm or cold water?

Let us know how you like it. Ghk Boroguru is one of my favs, and I just got some more in the mail today!

 

[sumguy]

Well, I'm not feeling much after the 2 shells, but I decided to stop there because I'm feeling a hint of nausea. I guess I'll eat dinner and see if that helps.

I used hot tap water, and then put the pitcher in the fridge for a while before I started drinking it.

 

[Blippy5]

I find that the effects of traditional are gradual, some quick onset, but but potent at about 1 hour from start.

 

[verticity]

You do need to stir it before you pour out a shell, because the good stuff tends to sink to the bottom.

 

[Kava Steve]

Well, I'm not feeling much after the 2 shells, but I decided to stop there because I'm feeling a hint of nausea. I guess I'll eat dinner and see if that helps.

I used hot tap water, and then put the pitcher in the fridge for a while before I started drinking it.

that's because you didnt mix a half kup of kava to 22 ounces water

 

[sumguy]

I used about 3 heaping tablespoons of kava with 24 ounces of water.

 

[verticity]

I used about 3 heaping tablespoons of kava with 24 ounces of water.

That's really pretty dilute. I generally use 2 tablespoons (not heaping) per 8 ounces of water.

Also, with a nut-milk bag you probably would benefit from kneading for a longer time. Just put on some tunes or something and knead for a full 10 minutes.

As for nausea -- I have seen different kinds of nut-milk bags for sale. Some of them have a 200 micron mesh size. If you have one of those, the mesh might be too large, letting through larger particles that can upset your stomach. I would recommend one with an 80 micron mesh or smaller. Alternately double layered knee high stockings work well to reduce stomach problems for me.

 

[sumguy]

Looks like it's 75 micron:

Amazon product

 

[Bradley666]

The strainer bag shoukd be fine
Also.. I would recomend using 1 tablespoon per 1 Cup, or 6-8 ounces of water..
So for 3 tbsp I would say 2-3 cups water...that how I do it and I get great results everytime
Also try cold water one day. And then try warm or hot water then next..figure out what gives you the best results and stick to it..
Me personaly, I strictly use cold spring water while kneeding...easier to drink ice cold kava as well...

 

[sumguy]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll keep experimenting and see what works best. I wanted to try small and go from there. Last night the way I was feeling I was about ready to give up. But I had the opportunity to go to bed a little earlier than usual, and actually managed to go right to sleep and slept well through the night (other than bathroom breaks), so I guess it was worth it after all.

 

[verticity]

Definitely, keep experimenting until you find what works best for you...

 

[Steve Mariotti]

Hang in there with it. It's really the best way to enjoy kava in my opinion. Micronized is nice and easy, and can really pile on the krunk, but traditional prep tastes better and has made for my best kava sessions.

 

[sumguy]

Tonight I got to 3 before the hint of nausea arrived. I guess I should have stopped at 2. I'm still not feeling anything terrific, but it at least seems to be helping with sleep (which is my main purpose - but helping with anxiety as well would be really nice).

 

[Steve Mariotti]

How long are you waiting between shells? If I rush it, I get nausea too.. too much numb in the tum, I think it triggers that reaction. 20 minutes between is ideal for me, with 4 shells taking an hour and a half. After the first 45 minutes it's usually taken hold.

 

[sumguy]

How long are you waiting between shells? If I rush it, I get nausea too.. too much numb in the tum, I think it triggers that reaction. 20 minutes between is ideal for me, with 4 shells taking an hour and a half. After the first 45 minutes it's usually taken hold.

Ah, I hadn't thought about that. I've only been spacing them about 15 minutes.

 

[sumguy]

Well, I ended up giving up on the boroguru after it literally kept me awake for 2 nights in a row (which is the opposite of what I had intended when buying it). The last few nights I've gone back to valerian, melatonin, and antihistamines as needed.

But I've still got most of a batch of boroguru in my fridge. How long will it keep, in case I decide to give it another try before I have to toss it?

 

[Bubba Bula]

If you're sure you're not in RT, I'd recommend the Mahakea or Hanakapi'ai next time. Very potent.

For me, I just kneaded 8 heaping teaspoons of Mahakea in 2.5 cups of water and chugged it down after 10 minutes. Made 3 washes. I'm krunked.

 

[verticity]

The prepared kava will last a couple days in the refrigerator, but the longer you save it, the funkier the taste will get. (Yes, the taste can get worse..)

For sedation/anxiety relief Nene from GHK is a good one; and second the Mahakea & Hanakapi'ai. Also Borongoru from Kalm with Kava.

 

[Blippy5]

Well, I ended up giving up on the boroguru after it literally kept me awake for 2 nights in a row (which is the opposite of what I had intended when buying it). The last few nights I've gone back to valerian, melatonin, and antihistamines as needed.

But I've still got most of a batch of boroguru in my fridge. How long will it keep, in case I decide to give it another try before I have to toss it?

That's awful to hear! I find it very body relaxing and sedating. Could be you didn't have enough? Everyone reacts to each kava a bit differently though.