New to kava, need some advice

[lori_dwyer]

I tried Stone a few years ago, but kept getting nauseous and gave up on it after a few tries. I must admit I probably made it too strong and am also not a fan of the taste. I'm in recovery from having addiction to alcohol and have a problem with serious insomnia since not drinking and knocking myself out with booze every night. I have been reading through the forums and found opihikao and nene to be good choices for sleep. I ordered some micronized opihikao and have tried it the last 2 nights. I think it is starting to help, but I've woke up feeling really sick both days after. I used 3 1/2 tbs both times. The thing that is different with this as opposed to Stone is that I felt sick soon after taking stone, where with the opihikao, it's been the morning after. I was wondering if maybe I just needed to get used to it and it would eventually go away or if maybe I used too much for not being used to kava. I know I've got the reverse tolerance thing to tackle as well. Also, I was wondering what might be a good kava to mix with the opihikao to add some heady effects. Thanks much for any advice!

 

[Roaddog]

I tried Stone a few years ago, but kept getting nauseous and gave up on it after a few tries. I must admit I probably made it too strong and am also not a fan of the taste. I'm in recovery from having addiction to alcohol and have a problem with serious insomnia since not drinking and knocking myself out with booze every night. I have been reading through the forums and found opihikao and nene to be good choices for sleep. I ordered some micronized opihikao and have tried it the last 2 nights. I think it is starting to help, but I've woke up feeling really sick both days after. I used 3 1/2 tbs both times. The thing that is different with this as opposed to Stone is that I felt sick soon after taking stone, where with the opihikao, it's been the morning after. I was wondering if maybe I just needed to get used to it and it would eventually go away or if maybe I used too much for not being used to kava. I know I've got the reverse tolerance thing to tackle as well. Also, I was wondering what might be a good kava to mix with the opihikao to add some heady effects. Thanks much for any advice!

well allow me to be the first to you to the Kava Forums. I would say @Gourmet Hawaiian Kava , has some nice mid grind, kava that would work for your needs. I think Mahakea, is a good strong kava. Much love. Roaddog....

 

[HeadHodge]

WELCOME @lori_dwyer!!!!


Yeah, Stone might be a little too strong to use at first. What I did, was use it at first blended with something a little more mild (like 1/2 and 1/2).

To add some headiness to my kava, sometimes, right before I drink my kava I will add some Shaman instant from N@H or some Instant from BKH to the grog and stir really well. This technique is called a "kicker". But I would only do it with a milder kava (not stone) because it will make it stronger as well as more heady.

 

[Vekta]

Another thing you could try is cut it way down to 1 tbsp and prepare it with 10-16 oz. of water. See how that works for you and then increase the amount of root to water if you feel ok after that. Also try having a very small light snack with it. Maybe a piece of fresh fruit to keep it simple.

 

[Roaddog]

Another thing you could try is cut it way down to 1 tbsp and prepare it with 10-16 oz. of water. See how that works for you and then increase the amount of root to water if you feel ok after that. Also try having a very small light snack with it. Maybe a piece of fresh fruit to keep it simple.

Yes, I agree. I had some Stone this morning. It is good. I like it. But I cant imagine using it every day. Hell no, its too much. But It might go good with Freaky Friday. Just as long as @Kapmcrunk , dose not try that quiet Friday thing. That one was hard. Anyway, I have felt the Stone all day. I did some micro, and the room is spinning again. That Stone, sticks with ya. Much love. Roaddog....

 

[kavadude]

Lori, I've had similar problems with micronized. It's good if your digestion can tolerate it but it just isn't for some of us. And Stone is indeed very strong. I suggest trying some of GHK's instants or powdered roots, all of which will be gentler than Stone.

 

[lori_dwyer]

Thanks all for the replies! I will try cutting down the amount to a tbs and add more water. I've not been using much water as I was trying to drink as little as possible. It did seem quite thick though, ha! I'll have to give the med Mahakea a try as well! I thought the Stone seemed like some strong stuff! One night when I had some, the entire room felt like it was spinning, but it didn't last long!

 

[Roaddog]

Thanks all for the replies! I will try cutting down the amount to a tbs and add more water. I've not been using much water as I was trying to drink as little as possible. It did seem quite thick though, ha! I'll have to give the med Mahakea a try as well! I thought the Stone seemed like some strong stuff! One night when I had some, the entire room felt like it was spinning, but it didn't last long!

Yes, the same thing happened to me with Stone, this morning. Much Love. Roaddog....

 

[The Kap'n]

Stone is the Dwayne Johnson of Kava. Seriously strong stuff. I drank it for years before it obviously became laced with diamonds and platinum....or at least the price led me to believe that.