Kava FAQ Heavy vs. Heady

[kavapup]

I'm wondering if my first experiences with kava are normal...
I've been working through my bag of Mahakea, gradually increasing the dosage, and while I've been feeling more effects, they aren't what I expected. After drinking my last batch of grog, I mostly experienced a heavy headedness that could best be described as feeling like my brain was being filled with clay, after coming off a tilta-whirl while being lightly hungover, wearing new prescription glasses. Not the effect I was really going for...

I've only got about 4-5 tablespoons left of my med. grind Mahakea. I'm thinking of trying the instant Moi next, since it's described as more heady and the kavapedia describes headyness, in part, as "light, clean, whimsical contentment", which is what I'm aiming for. Also it's described as tasting better. I wonder if my issues could be induced by the taste...
Does this sound like a feasible plan? Is the heavy headedness experienced with the Mahakea normal for newbies? I'd appreciate any insights folks may have.

 

[DirTJerz]

Early on, I had similar negative feelings if I had what I figured was "too much." It turns out that since then, I have been drinking larger amounts and been getting very positive effects. So maybe there's something about reverse tolerance that affects not just the quantity of effects but also the quality. Then again, you may have just been expecting different effects from what kava can deliver. Either way, I wouldn't give up yet.

 

[Prince Philip]

A hangover is a failure of the krebs cycle due to dehydration, according to the movie "A Beautiful Mind." Make sure you're drinking water along with the kava.

 

[Deleted User01]

Prince is on target, more water. Mahakea is a favorite around here and I had a round of it yesterday Sometimes its heady and sometimes its heavy. It is really a balanced kava and you can't really put a label on it. One more thing, space out your shells in 20 minute intervals and stop when you feel the love.

 

[kavapup]

Ok. I'm usually drinking water all the time, but I'll take extra care to be hydrating from now on.
Thanks!

 

[Deleted User01]

Well if you are hydrating, then look at the rest of the facts. How much are you drinking, are you spacing them, are you taking other medications or alcohol , and so on. That being said, let's see how the easy going yet heady Moi instant sits with you. Maybe you just need a change of Kava scenery.

 

[kavapup]

I don't drink alcohol when drinking kava. I had started with about 3 tablespoons kneaded and strained in 2 cups of water, followed by a 2nd rinse using one cup of water, then mixing the two. I started drinking about 2/3 of a cup, spaced out over 15-20 minute intervals. I wasn't feeling much, so I increased the dosage, eventually working up to 5 tablespoons using the same amount of water, and drinking more per serving. I noticed a slight headache with the last few times, but wasn't sure if they were coincidental or not. The last time I drank about 2 cups for the first serving, followed by the 3rd cup for a second serving. I was starting to feel effects, which was good (?) but they were the effects described above, so not so good. Perhaps I'm just rushing working through the reverse tolerance? I'm about to start kneading my last batch now...

 

[Deleted User01]

I see no problems with how you make and drink your Kava. Maybe just switch Kava Types like you suggested. The instant Moi is certainly a good starting point. I think that I have experienced a headachy feeling before but I think I was already going to have one and the Kava didn't help. Perhaps one of those days when you are sick and tired of the whole universe and under a lot of stress. Kava is not a cure all after all .... but it helps 99% of the time.

 

[yepimonfire]

Sounds like you just need to keep drinkin'. The effects will shine through soon.

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk HD

 

[Prince Philip]

@kavapup, have you ever been Tonged by a strong Tongan kava? It's very heady. It makes one feel as if one has just had the most brilliant idea ever, only the feeling is utterly divorced of any actual ideas. It's uncanny.

 

[kavapup]

I've only ever tried the Mahakea. Never tonged by Tongan. I've heard that kava from Vanuatu is supposed to be some of the strongest in the South Pacific. Does anyone know how it rates against Hawaiian? I went with GHK because I like the fact that Chris grows and processes it all himself.

Last night's kava experience was better than the previous time. No headache, but still a bit heavy feeling. I think the RT may be finally ebbing away. Also probably helped that instead of plunking myself in front of the computer, I carved a pumpkin instead. Better vibes!