New from NC

[aroundhky]

New to Kava here and thought I would educate myself a little by finding out other kava drinkers experiences.

I have been using k***** for several months and have had some success with it helping my back pain. I stay fairly active with lifting weights and other forms of exercise, but being in my early 40s, I've got some mileage on this old body...mostly due to my football days. Anyway, I found out about kava a few months ago and thought about trying it and maybe alternating it if it's effective at helping my ailments. Also, I do have a drink or two (alcohol) from time to time but the calories are more than I care for. So maybe I can still relax and de-stress once a week, but without the empty calories that beer or wine bring? Again, this new to me, but I'm always willing to try something new.

I've ordered Gaia kava caps to take daily since there's this reverse tolerance thing I've read about. I've also ordered some ground Waka vanautu (?) to settle into as my kava source once I finish my capsules. Still looking for ways to prepare it as I've heard the drink form seems to be the best way to use kava.

I'm very much open to any suggestions or insight that anyone may have in leading me in the right direction.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

Gaia seems to be one of maybe two 'kava pill' companies that's on the up-n-up. Usually that type of stuff is bunk. Pills aren't likely to represent the true kava experience, especially at the recommended dosages. Feel free to try traditional kava during your Gaia period.

Instant kava is an option for quick prep, you just stir it well into liquid and chug, but it's pretty expensive relative to the amount of powder you go through. Micronized is similar, but a bit more cost effective. It's slightly grittier though, so some people's stomachs don't handle it very well. You can attempt to strain micro, even though that's not what it's intended for.

Kneading your own medium grind is easy, but it will take some trial and error for your to learn your preferred root:water ratio. Just get a couple nylons or paint strainers (or a muslin bag etc...)...dump anywhere from 4-12 Tbsp of kava in it, then submerge it into 2-3+ cups of water and start pinching, kneading and squeezing for about 10 minutes. Stir the mixture up before you chug, drink several ounces quickly and then wait for about 15-20min to see how you feel...repeat as necessary.

 

[aroundhky]

Thank you SHAKAS! So far, I've just been kind of blah after having kava. It seems to actually depress me a little. Not sure what that's about and not what I was looking for.....

 

[SelfBiasResistor]

If you've only tried one form of real kava (not the caps), you really need to try others before discounting it. Kava that is less sedating is what you want to use for daytime/socializing and sedating kava for getting rest. Sedating kava will not give the mood lift that the less sedating types will. If you feel effects are lacking, definitely spend the extra money and start out with some instant kava, that will ensure it's not the prep causing it to be disappointing. If the kava is causing you to feel depressed, then you need to experiment with different types. It will not create the "high" that accompanies alcohol but it has a very unique way of uplifting mood if used properly. (if there are lots of loud noises and other annoyances, it will make you feel more agitated, in a relaxed environment, you can achieve more relaxation than alcohol) If you are using Kr@ with success, I would recommend doing your weight lifting early, use the Kr@ to relax and alleviate the pain, then use a heavier kava to sleep. I have used this method to some success. (i think it would be total success if I weren't fighting daily drinking/benzo use) On you're non Kr@ days, try using heady kava's like Moi to get through them with additional comfort, though pain killing will be minimal.

 

[aroundhky]

Thank you SBR! I did order some Moi though it was regular ground root I think, so we'll see how that works and I will try some instant as well. It's all pretty new, so I really have no idea what I'm going, but I am willing to learn.