Hello Kava Lounge

[kl.Boux]

Hi everyone. I've been reading through your forums this afternoon and thought I should say hello along with the other new kids on the block. I am a newbie to kava and know very little, though I'm learning quite a bit from reading here. Recently I received some kava samples from an online shop where I have had good experiences in purchasing K@, which I enjoy regularly at low to moderate amounts (preferably of the bali strain for a more relaxing experience). I have yet to try the kava, but right now I've got what they call 'kaviar', an instant powder which is described there as a 33% extract, and a tincture labeled as Vanuatu. The powder says it only takes a teaspoon, but I don't know whether that is specific to someone with kava experience or whether that will matter. On the tincture, I have no idea of where to start, though their description says to start low (the site says their dose is 10 drops and that some folks go up to 30) and work your way up.

Reading here so far has taught me that reverse tolerance is important in the experience, as is an empty stomach and also the fat content of any liquids you might be mixing in. So, my question for all of you more experienced people is, do you have any recommendations for me on which to try first, and best method to try for starting out? I'm guessing that since the powder is described as 'instant', I can just mix it in with some juice or milk, but I'm not sure if I'm supposed to mix the tincture with anything or not. I don't plan on taking it in close proximity to any K@ (at least not right now) as I'd like to really get to know the kava first. I have a history of general anxiety and I am looking for something to 'take the edge off' as it were. Any recommendations that you all might be willing to share are definitely appreciated. Thanks (smiley: happy)

~B

 

[Paradise Kava]

Aloha and Welcome Boux!

General recommendation is always to start with a powder (anything except ISA) from Fiji, Hawaii or Vanuatu. Once your body gets acquainted with kava, then try the extracts so you get the most from them.

I have tried Kaviar a while back and we don't carry it because of being so picky with our extraction process. Ask the vendor you bought it from on ideas for mixing. I'm sure some members here may have an idea as well.

Some great information on this forum.

Peek around and all the best!

A.G

 

[Ed!]

Welcome!



My advice would be to buy from a respected seller (Paradise Kava, Bula Kava House, Nakamal at Home, etc.), *but* don't try to shoot for the primo stuff from the get-go (wait on the black bag, etc.). Like a good cigar you won't be able to appreciate it fully until you've had a few. Reverse tolerance makes that even more pronounced. Get a good budget kava.



My second bit of advice would be to stick with it, build up your reverse tolerance, because you probably won't feel much (if anything, like me) at the start. It took me a month of drinking kava before I felt it.



Third piece of advice, go with the root powder, not instants, and try the traditional way. I've never seen anyone say that the traditional method doesn't work. You can always refine your technique from there.

 

[Prince Philip]

I say go with the instants.



For one, it is more traditional. Seriously - instant is fresh-squeezed kava with the water removed. When you use dried roots, you're not getting what people in Vanuatu Nakamals are getting.



For two, one teaspoon of instant in 1/2 cup of water is pretty invariable. You'll learn what "one shell" means and you won't have to worry about "did I soak it/squeeze it/blend it enough?" or if you're ratio of roots and water is too high or too low. It's a no-guesswork solution.



Really, the only downside is the expense. There's also the fact that some people prefer viscous kava, and instant has less viscosity. A good analogy would be diet soda vs. regular soda. Cans of diet float, whereas cans of regular sink, due to their relative densities.