Just wanted to say "hi" to the forum members, I am new to Kava (hence my post in the new members forum). 
I came to discover Kava as one tool to combat general anxiety & mild social anxiety/depression. Ironically I first heard about the herb through my boss, where work is my number 1 "obvious" stressor. I have tried Kava now on 5 separate occasions in the past 2 weeks, and today i'd definitely say I've broken through reverse tolerance. Experiences noted below, maybe this will help a few who aren't experiencing effects yet? Or maybe it won't... ;-)
Day 1: 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups warm water filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Definitely felt a bit of a calming sensation & reduction in anxiety. I'm really not sure how much of this was contributed to me wanting it to feel like that. I did feel different though. Definitely felt tired & a little headache-y a few hours later.
Day 2: (not consecutive days): 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups cold water (forgot to add warm) filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Didn't feel any effects. I don't think this was on an empty stomach either.
Day 3: (not consecutive days): 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups hot water (accidentally made it too hot) filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Didn't feel any effects (besides numb mouth).
Day 4: (yesterday): 1 level Tbsp 11 year micronized Waka from Bula Kava House, mixed in water and ran through a kitchen strainer. I read some notes on this Kava here that people with stomach sensitivity should strain this, plus my bag has a lot of splinters in it so I didn't want to take the chance. I took another level Tbsp about an hour later. I felt a little odd, a little more relaxed, but nothing to write home about. Based on the experiences from the people on this forum, it sounds like Kava, when taken properly and past any reverse tolerance, isn't something that is left up for interpretation - you're going to feel it! Anywho, I took this about 3-4 hours after eating a pretty huge breakfast.
Day 5: (today): 1 level Tbsp 11 year micronized Waka from Bula Kava House, mixed in water, dash of half&half, and ran through a kitchen strainer. Took another level 1 Tbsp 45 min later. Both on empty stomach - had some crackers after the 2nd serving. Ummmm... wow..!! There was definitely no placebo effect here. I really don't know how else to describe it but as a very buzzed, "heady" effect. To be honest, I'm not totally sure if this is what I was looking for, and maybe I overdid it for my own personal tolerance level, although what I did love is there was no mental impairment. I know this Kava has been noted as strong. I'm really not looking to get "messed up" (which I realize most here aren't either). I just want to feel calm, relaxed, and able to sort through all my irrational negative thoughts in a more rational way. At the same time, I'm not gonna say I hated it either!
Well, there's my story! Do with it what you will... I also am sitting on a sample pack from Bula Kava House and Nambawan, perhaps these will be better suited to the effects I'm looking for.
Here's hoping I am able to contribute something worthwhile to this unique & wonderful forum!
I came to discover Kava as one tool to combat general anxiety & mild social anxiety/depression. Ironically I first heard about the herb through my boss, where work is my number 1 "obvious" stressor. I have tried Kava now on 5 separate occasions in the past 2 weeks, and today i'd definitely say I've broken through reverse tolerance. Experiences noted below, maybe this will help a few who aren't experiencing effects yet? Or maybe it won't... ;-) Day 1: 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups warm water filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Definitely felt a bit of a calming sensation & reduction in anxiety. I'm really not sure how much of this was contributed to me wanting it to feel like that. I did feel different though. Definitely felt tired & a little headache-y a few hours later.
Day 2: (not consecutive days): 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups cold water (forgot to add warm) filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Didn't feel any effects. I don't think this was on an empty stomach either.
Day 3: (not consecutive days): 3 heaping Tbsp. Ahouia from Noble Kava in 1.5 cups hot water (accidentally made it too hot) filtered through 2 nylon socks, kneaded for 10 min, 1 wash.
Results: Didn't feel any effects (besides numb mouth).
Day 4: (yesterday): 1 level Tbsp 11 year micronized Waka from Bula Kava House, mixed in water and ran through a kitchen strainer. I read some notes on this Kava here that people with stomach sensitivity should strain this, plus my bag has a lot of splinters in it so I didn't want to take the chance. I took another level Tbsp about an hour later. I felt a little odd, a little more relaxed, but nothing to write home about. Based on the experiences from the people on this forum, it sounds like Kava, when taken properly and past any reverse tolerance, isn't something that is left up for interpretation - you're going to feel it! Anywho, I took this about 3-4 hours after eating a pretty huge breakfast.
Day 5: (today): 1 level Tbsp 11 year micronized Waka from Bula Kava House, mixed in water, dash of half&half, and ran through a kitchen strainer. Took another level 1 Tbsp 45 min later. Both on empty stomach - had some crackers after the 2nd serving. Ummmm... wow..!! There was definitely no placebo effect here. I really don't know how else to describe it but as a very buzzed, "heady" effect. To be honest, I'm not totally sure if this is what I was looking for, and maybe I overdid it for my own personal tolerance level, although what I did love is there was no mental impairment. I know this Kava has been noted as strong. I'm really not looking to get "messed up" (which I realize most here aren't either). I just want to feel calm, relaxed, and able to sort through all my irrational negative thoughts in a more rational way. At the same time, I'm not gonna say I hated it either!
Well, there's my story! Do with it what you will... I also am sitting on a sample pack from Bula Kava House and Nambawan, perhaps these will be better suited to the effects I'm looking for.
Here's hoping I am able to contribute something worthwhile to this unique & wonderful forum!
