New to Kava and Liking it

[Sean D.]

Hi All: New here. Well, to make a long story short, I recently discovered the positive effects of kava. I've suffered from sore and fatigued shoulders and neck since elementary school, and at the time I was diagnosed with having nervous tics too. The tics are mostly gone in older age, but I still get sore. I work at a computer all day so that unnatural situation takes it's toll. I've tried changing my diet, vitamins, magnesium, omega 3s, glucosamine, other herbs (like passionflower and valerian), sleep. The results have always been subtle at best (or takes a long time to build up I suppose.) Chiropractors and massage therapies always tell me that it's just stress. I can't really drink alcohol for relaxation because it makes my shoulders tense up and hurt even more and gives me headaches. I did martial arts for years (also walk and bike), but the cardio never helped the shoulders. Chamomile makes me really sleepy, but doesn't do much for my nerves. The only relief I mostly got was some sensational Yoga poses, my foam roller, and menthol balm...

And Kava, now too, gives me instant relief: so happy that it helps. I started out with the Yogi Stress Kava Tea and already started to notice my mood was calmer and my communication with my wife improved (overall more relaxed.) I was worried about the liver thing, but information has helped me to focus on water extraction method. I also tried the instant kava from Bula and got a Fijian strainer and Paradise powder and made fresh batches. I love it when your body melts into sleep and I can even feel the effects into the next morning: a relaxed body on the way to work!

Now I'm interested in trying more instant methods for those late nights getting home: maybe Co2 extracts or candies for when I'm short on time.
Regards

 

[ApéroNoble]

Hi All: New here. Well, to make a long story short, I recently discovered the positive effects of kava. I've suffered from sore and fatigued shoulders and neck since elementary school, and at the time I was diagnosed with having nervous tics too. The tics are mostly gone in older age, but I still get sore. I work at a computer all day so that unnatural situation takes it's toll. I've tried changing my diet, vitamins, magnesium, omega 3s, glucosamine, other herbs (like passionflower and valerian), sleep. The results have always been subtle at best (or takes a long time to build up I suppose.) Chiropractors and massage therapies always tell me that it's just stress. I can't really drink alcohol for relaxation because it makes my shoulders tense up and hurt even more and gives me headaches. I did martial arts for years (also walk and bike), but the cardio never helped the shoulders. Chamomile makes me really sleepy, but doesn't do much for my nerves. The only relief I mostly got was some sensational Yoga poses, my foam roller, and menthol balm...

And Kava, now too, gives me instant relief: so happy that it helps. I started out with the Yogi Stress Kava Tea and already started to notice my mood was calmer and my communication with my wife improved (overall more relaxed.) I was worried about the liver thing, but information has helped me to focus on water extraction method. I also tried the instant kava from Bula and got a Fijian strainer and Paradise powder and made fresh batches. I love it when your body melts into sleep and I can even feel the effects into the next morning: a relaxed body on the way to work!

Now I'm interested in trying more instant methods for those late nights getting home: maybe Co2 extracts or candies for when I'm short on time.
Regards

Thanks for sharing Sean D.,

I know I've read several similar here and am happy you've happened upon this little site; one of the best kept secrets on the net. Anything which helps communication skills with ones Wife is good in my books

 

[HeadHodge]

WELCOME @Sean D.!!!

This may help too (after a few shells of course).

 

[Sean D.]

Haha

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

i'd say kava candies and extracts are fairly notorious for not having much of the body relaxation and are much more focused on the head buzz. however, if your tension is caused by your mind not being at ease, maybe you'll still get some relief from them.
your best bet for loosening up muscles though, is a strain that's strong and heavy.

 

[Sean D.]

Thanks. Definitely body reaction is what I need in my case, so that's good to know. Yes, that's what I've been doing mostly: I got Paradise Premium Fijian powder and have been straining it into a big bowl. It works. I've also had luck Bula Instant (green.) Worried I'll run out soon.

What about chew method? Is it worth it to get a bundle of dried sticks and chew? Seemed like it would be a pretty direct effect, no? Otherwise, I think I'll get more instant for those get-home-late nights.

Thanks again.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

Chewing rootlets is pretty mild, it's more like kava-candy...alright for bippin' around town and stuff, just to slightly take the edge off. properly kneaded/strained or micronized beverages are the most effective. the stuff that relaxes your muscles the most will not have you out doing things and getting on with your business...it'll force you to chill and just hang out, all cozy style.

 

[Sean D.]

Thanks again. Well taking the edge off while out and about doesn't sound too bad either

 

[Sean D.]

By the way, is micronized more effective than instant?

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

Between those two, I think you get more bang for your buck with micro. I've only had instant (ghk) once, and it was very effective though.

 

[Sean D.]

How does one prepare micronized? I want to avoid fiber/digestion trouble. Thanks all.

 

[HeadHodge]

How does one prepare micronized? I want to avoid fiber/digestion trouble. Thanks all.

The most promising prep technique I've found is in The Kavapedia Preparation Section called "Noukey's Bubble Bag Method"

 

[Sean D.]

Thanks. So it looks like micro requires some filtering too in order to avoid tummy ache? Can I use a regular strainer for micro? -- looks like it takes about as long as regular powder. Otherwise you just blend it up? Sorry for all the questions.

 

[ApéroNoble]

Thanks. So it looks like micro requires some filtering too in order to avoid tummy ache? Can I use a regular strainer for micro? -- looks like it takes about as long as regular powder. Otherwise you just blend it up? Sorry for all the questions.

At first I had a bit of an issue drinking micro straight and used the bubble bag method. I don't know if my body became more tolerant of it or GHK further refined their technique of removing absolutely all the makas.

This last pound of Moi micro I've been drinking it straight; gone through a bag in two weeks. That's over $7.00 dollars a day on kava I don't know what to say lol perhaps I shouldn't drink so much

 

[HeadHodge]

Thanks. So it looks like micro requires some filtering too in order to avoid tummy ache? Can I use a regular strainer for micro? -- looks like it takes about as long as regular powder. Otherwise you just blend it up? Sorry for all the questions.

I guess the easiest thing to do is just toss 'n wash the micro. Then if it gives you any gut issues then try the more time consuming exercise of straining it. Toss 'n wash just means mixing the micro with water, stir vigorously then drink (no straining). I find some micros are pretty gritty tasting and think it would be a good idea to strain those just to simply make it taste smoother. Right now I'm using 11 year old waka micro and it's ground so fine there is zero grittiness to it, so I just toss 'n wash with it (like I would do with any instant).

 

[Sean D.]

Thanks everyone. Eh, some folks spend $7 a day on their wild coffee shop drinks, so there you go.

 

[ApéroNoble]