New user, specific guidance needed

[hotwired]

Hi
I'm a brand new user of Kava. I think from what I've read I'm going to love it. However, I think I've been too conservative with my dosage and haven't really gotten too noticieable of an effect yet. I am also aware of the reverse tolerance effect so that could be a factor. I am also generally aware of how the chemo types work. I have alot of aches and pains that come and go. I ahve adult ADHD. Other than that I'm as fit as a fiddle. I drink 2-3 glasses of wine a week and eat mostly organic food.

I am looking for two things: First is the closest thing to a "liquid massage" I can find. I have minor scoliosis and with it alot of aches and pains. Alot of neck and back tension that comes and goes. I've heard reviews on a few Kavas that have drinkers reporting their muscles feel like they've gotten a massage. Sign me up.

I'd also like to have some that is good to drink during the day but won't make me anxious. I was a coke addict 20 years ago. Substance induced anxiety is something I want no part of. I just finished my 2d glass on instant M'oi from GHK. 2 heaping tsps over an hour. JUST now starting to get a little "spine tingle" and ear ringing. I've heard this one is "heady" so I'm assuming this is my "day time" go to.

Question: What Kavas can I drink in the evening. Sitting in front of my computer, 5 in the morning, experimenting with cold glasses of water and powder has its moments...but I'd also like to feel comfortable in my easy chair, sipping and feeling "ah...all is well for no good reason!"

I have been trying Kavas for only a couple weeks. ONE BAD experience. Before I discovered the whole world of KavaForums, I knew only about Happy Hippo. They have this (what I thought was reasonably priced) bag of King Solomon Hippo Kava for $70 (1/4 LB?) micronized. I did a heaping tsp once, then next day did single tsps in water at 3 hours invervals -- nothing first two...then like a bad cocaine high the 3rd ... jittery, hoarse, super tense neck and back, nervous. 180 degrees different than I was looking for. Someone suggested it was another herb they sell (K@). I don't think it was, but it might have been CUT with it. So I'm going to hold off on that brand and mix it in with my next LB bag!

Question: What is the most economical way to purchase? I know there's instant, micronized, then the full bore (medium grind) powder that you have to strain. The instant is sold in grams, and dosages aren't 100% consistently displayed so I'm not quite sure how to do the math. I do see regular for as low as $40 per LB. I'd like to have some of ALL types hanging around, but want my "bulk" consumption to be as economical as possible.

Question: What "concentrates" (pastes) are worth the purchase? I just bought one from Kona Kava R Us but it's TINY and $30. I haven't been able to glean any effect yet from it but I've been super cautious on dosage ... grain of rice sized ...

okay! that's it from me! Thanks in advance for answering my questions. I've done my homework, pretty much, but am stuck a little, that's all.

 

[Deleted User01]

Welcome to the forum @hotwired! Nobody wants Kava that makes them anxious but we never know who is going to get anxious from what. And sometimes being anxious is not related to Kava but something that happens after kava. Like a nerve wracking event right after you take your kava and sit on the couch. Been there. I'm biased towards Hawaiian Micronized Kava because I think it gives me the most bang for the buck and I like buying direct from the grower. The GHK Micronized has the the Makas (hard fibers) removed so you are getting pure kava. I love Mo'i in the afternoon for a pick me up but I may take a tablespoon of Nene right before supper to pave the way for some relaxing couch time after supper. I think you just need to experiment. Some people have stomach issues with Micronized and some don't. Some people claim to get anxiety with Mo'i but get an uplifting feeling. However a messed up telephone call from a messed up customer can ruin that. Especially if they call at 4:55, right before quitting time.

On cost, you can google Gourmet Hawaiian Kava and look at their price for Micro and Instant. Yesterday I did 1 tablespoon of Moi and later 1 of Nene. That was all I needed and so I didn't try to do any more. That is the secret. Don't quaff it like a six pack of cold beer, just take what you need and put it down. Most of us here have plenty of experience with drugs and this is the number one mistake we make. We keep taking doses even though we already got good effects. Kava is for people who want to take a measured amount and then leave it alone. It's like we want to get rid of all our past bad habits and start a new way of thinking. Good luck!

 

[hotwired]

Thank you @Deleted User01, this is helpful. I've used a bit of instant M'oi with no real effects so far (something, but so subtle it could almost be my imagination). I've only used Kava 7-8 times now so I may indeed be a "world class" reverse tolerance case. I've been studying it and taking it for 2 weeks but haven't gotten to "experience" it yet! I've got some micronized nene coming.

Are there any "pastes" that are worth having (my thought is to have some with me in vehicle, or traveling). But the $30 70% CO2 "sample" I got from Kava Kava R Us seems akin to paying $50 for a shot of whiskey.

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

If you feel like slight indescribable feeling thats almost placebo your definitley in RT and that feeling is real. That's how it usto feel for me long time ago.

 

[hotwired]

Today. Moi. 2 heaping tsps instant. drank half, waited 20 min. drank only sip of other half. Got my "effect" -- sort of like a mild but not edgy coke high (which makes me a little uncomfortable because I left that behind) but very soon after, it was relaxing. In fact, hour later, a little sleepy sitting in chair watching movie. I seemed to be missing a couple neck and shoulder muscle knots I had as well. Although the GHK is a "heady uplifting" Kava, I don't think I'll use it before going to do any physical labor. I'm guessing "uplifting" in Kava speak means it doesn't put you immediately to sleep?? haha!

 

[Zac Imiola (Herbalist)]

None will immediatley put you to sleep but yeah low doses of heavy is your best option for work.

 

[hotwired]

Update: Only having GHK Moi to go by, here's what I've found.

My effect became predictable after a few consecutive days (3-4 days straight). I would does in early a.m. then 2-3 times throughout the day but not past 5 pm (yet). 1 big rounded tsp of Moi Instant in 6 oz. tap water.

First, my neck and between shoulder blades gets bound up, and I get an effect similar to a c*** high but pleasant and subdued (not too edgy). This is after 5-10 minutes max, though the muscle tensing is almost instant. I have a bit of scoliosis and have always been a little tactile sensitive so this is probably fairly unique to my experience. (I have to have all the tags cut out of my shirts, etc. and I get the same tenseness instantly when I eat sugar or hard alcohol. )

After 20 minutes, then I'm more relaxed, pleasant feeling. Not really drowsy but relaxed. I do find I get dopy and sleepy though after 2 sessions. What I've discovered though is that (at least this) Kava is NOT conducive to concentration or mental productivity. I can write checks, balance checkbook, stuff that I already know how to do and don't have to think very hard about. In other words, I can keep up with the busy work if needed. But I have ZERO ZERO motivation to pleasure read, or do anything that requires thinking. (think: anything that might make one's brow furrow...even slightly.) So I would be an innefective human being if I did Kava during "civilized" time. I don't even feel particularly motivated to socialize. This may change with different strains, but otherwise, I think this is an "end of the day ready to be mindless" activity much like a good movie or sitcom.

I do really like the feeling. That's for sure!