My first Kava

[leckel]

Hello All,

I've recently just started looking into Kava, and was wondering what a good first type would be. Previously, I used another substance that wasn't the most legal thing, and I tended to gravitate toward the more heady variety opposed to the Kava's with more bodily effects. I was wondering if anyone knows how this would translate to Kava and it's different variations. I understand the effects won't be the same, and I don't have crazy expectations or anything, but I hope to replace all other substances with occasional kava usage.

Thanks!

 

[Gourmet Hawaiian Kava]

Hi Leckel, welcome, I am sure you will come to know kava as a great thing and your best friend and I mean that, kava will make you feel peaceful and friendly, here in Hawaii where I grow kava, it is called 'Awa, in Hawaiian history it is known that the kings and chiefs that were waging war against each other, when they wanted come together to talk, they would always have kava first and during the talks, that should say something for that effect that kava has.
I would say that you would like any Hawaiian kava and most Vanuatu kava, you need to learn how to prepare it so you can see where your dose for kava is, mine is a strong dose, I like it that way, some like it less strong but I am sure you will find what you are looking for with kava, it has and will continue to help people for thousands of years. safely I might add, please let me know if you have any kava questions, I or others here can give you the truth about kava and not hear say. Aloha.

Chris

 

[leckel]

Hi Leckel, welcome, I am sure you will come to know kava as a great thing and your best friend and I mean that, kava will make you feel peaceful and friendly, here in Hawaii where I grow kava, it is called 'Awa, in Hawaiian history it is known that the kings and chiefs that were waging war against each other, when they wanted come together to talk, they would always have kava first and during the talks, that should say something for that effect that kava has.
I would say that you would like any Hawaiian kava and most Vanuatu kava, you need to learn how to prepare it so you can see where your dose for kava is, mine is a strong dose, I like it that way, some like it less strong but I am sure you will find what you are looking for with kava, it has and will continue to help people for thousands of years. safely I might add, please let me know if you have any kava questions, I or others here can give you the truth about kava and not hear say. Aloha.

Chris

I didn't know that about the leaders coming together to drink kava! that is so awesome, and most definitely a testament to its effects. The culture/rituals/history of kava fascinates me greatly. Thank you for the info!

 

[kavadude]

Welcome! I think replacing other substances with kava is perfectly reasonable, many here have done just that.

When we describe kava as heady, we're generally referring to kava strains that have the highest concentration of the kavalactone kavain. Sometimes you will see a six-digit number called a 'chemotype' listed alongside kavas and in those cases the numbers beginning with '4' have the most kavain. Unfortunately most vendors don't provide this. But you can check the reviews on these forums to get an idea of the effect profile.

I would encourage you to start out by obtaining a good strainer and some samples from one of the fine vendors who are active on this forum (they are all good). Personally I wouldn't worry about the effect profile starting out, just try everything until you get a good idea of what you like.

 

[leckel]

Welcome! I think replacing other substances with kava is perfectly reasonable, many here have done just that.

When we describe kava as heady, we're generally referring to kava strains that have the highest concentration of the kavalactone kavain. Sometimes you will see a six-digit number called a 'chemotype' listed alongside kavas and in those cases the numbers beginning with '4' have the most kavain. Unfortunately most vendors don't provide this. But you can check the reviews on these forums to get an idea of the effect profile.

I would encourage you to start out by obtaining a good strainer and some samples from one of the fine vendors who are active on this forum (they are all good). Personally I wouldn't worry about the effect profile starting out, just try everything until you get a good idea of what you like.

I guess I just don't understand what the effects of a more heady kava are. The effects of the muscle relaxing kava's are tangible. I don't quite understand what the term heady suggests when referring to kava.

 

[kavadude]

Honestly, its hard to describe. It's a lot different from That Other Substance in that you retain a lot of mental clarity (up to a point). It's more like your brain is being dipped into a pool of water or something.

I mean, I guess that's not a satisfying explanation, but it really is hard to describe.

 

[leckel]

Is it like a change in perception, more than a body "high"? I guess it making me stupid would be something I desire. That's one of the reasons why I stopped using. I hate the feeling of not being able to remember things constantly. On top of that, I always had cravings even if those cravings weren't physical, they were definitely mental, and I always found myself going to it the minute I got bored.

 

[Deactivated Account]

Honestly, its hard to describe. It's a lot different from That Other Substance in that you retain a lot of mental clarity (up to a point). It's more like your brain is being dipped into a pool of water or something.

I have difficulty separating these differences also however the one diff i do feel diff from time to time is that my head feels as if its got a pressure inside…sort of like full of a heavy glue. I have always written these differences off as different kava strengths although be it falsely.

I find that if im drinking good strong kava then i get the lot anyway. Im weird.

 

[Vekta]

When in doubt, start with a classic.

Borogu is a nice middle of the road kava with no surprises.

 

[leckel]

When in doubt, start with a classic.

Borogu is a nice middle of the road kava with no surprises.

But I like surprises
I guess you're right though, not having ever had kava before, maybe I should start out with a more middle of the road kava to get my feet wet, and then branch out from there.

 

[leckel]

So I ended up getting some Solomon Island Kava and some Boroguru for my first time. Last night I decided to try the Solomon island. I had about 6tbsp worth, and woah! I was feeling really good. I had only the slightest stomach discomfort, but I wouldn't even qualify it as nausea. I eventually passed out, slept better than I have in awhile and woke up still feeling slightly Krunked and a bit groggy. I didn't feel hungover, but it definitely took a little bit more effort to get out of bed. Definitely an awesome first impression from this stuff!

 

[Vekta]

I suppose you'll be appearing more often around the forum then.

We understand...it's totally normal.

 

[kavadude]

Excellent! Solomon Islands is top shelf stuff. In fact now that I think about it its probably the best kava for a beginner, although I usually recommend others because people are looking for cheaper or different effects.

 

[leckel]

I got everything I wanted to get done today, so I decided to indulge in a bit of the Boroguru I have. Holy couch lock, this stuff melted my muscles. It takes quite a bit of effort to get up after several shells of this. And I'm loving it. In addition, I feel like my prep skills have gotten better since my first batch. I created some yellow foam in the drink.

 

[BULABUCK]

Lol Vekta !!! You are funny