New with qts... Vanuatu blend number 7

[avahZ]

New to kava and noted some what I consider large doses by many of the comments here. Not sure if what I purchased was a strong product or I just have a low tolerance (cheap date!). I can only handle about 1/2 teaspoon if I use anymore my fingers and toes go numb. Not a fun feeling. Not complaining as I get a good effect from my low dose. I was just wondering if this side effect is normal. The kava I purchased was from Paradice Kava and they have a good rep on these boards, it is the Vanuatu blend number 7. I do the toss and wash method (I think that is what it is called), In that I let It soak in a shot glass of water and quickly gulp it down...

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

Sometimes I hear people mention numbness so strong that their whole face feels numb. I never get much more than a mild numbing in my mouth, despite my fairly large doses. 1/2 teaspoon might set a new record for lightweight, I'm not sure of you should feel lucky or worried, that such a small amount has so much of an effect on you.
Van #7 should be good stuff, Toss-n-wash isn't typically recommended, but which such small doses, it's probably not a problem.

Just for the sake of experimentation, I'd suggest trying 1 or 2 tablespoons kneaded for 10 minutes in a strainer bag or nylon stocking. See how it affects you, to not be drinking all the plant material.

 

[avahZ]

I will give it a try this Friday. Thanks for the reply.

 

[Steve Mariotti]

The numbness in the extremities is concerning. I've never had non localized numbness from kava... that is, anesthetic results in the areas affected topically by it... tongue, throat, mouth, lips.

Numbness in the extremities sounds like a shock response, where the body pulls blood to the trunk during distress.

 

[avahZ]

The numbness is minor, and more on the tips. When I take the small dose, I don't have those effects (I do have the relaxation etc). Maybe having an interaction with a script. Could ambien be a possibility? Still taking half a dose, but the reason I am trying kava is to get off that crazy train of a pill (10+ yrs).

 

[avahZ]

Going to try straining method Friday after work, lay off the crazy pill, and see how it does.

 

[Steve Mariotti]

The numbness is minor, and more on the tips. When I take the small dose, I don't have those effects (I do have the relaxation etc). Maybe having an interaction with a script. Could ambien be a possibility? Still taking half a dose, but the reason I am trying kava is to get off that crazy train of a pill (10+ yrs).

Ambien is scary. I took that once for insomnia and it was so fun that I ended up going through the bottle in a week instead of a month. And I did all sorts of risky things like pick up my daughter from school though I should NOT have been driving. After the bottle was empty, and I got some distance between me and the ambien, I was pretty freaked out by the whole experience. Granted, this says more about me than about the ambien, but holy crap. I'll never touch that stuff again.

 

[krazyforkava]

When I first started on kava I got mild numbing in my hands and feet (actually caused some bad anxiety). It rarely ever happens anymore but sometimes it still does. Someone I introduced to kava not too long ago said they felt numbing in their fingers too. So at least you know it's not that uncommon.

 

[avahZ]

Ok my report, tried one table spoon the traditional way and I liked that much better last night and now. Most of the numbness is gone upper lip and the tip of my nose is very slightly numb, but fingers and toes are doing fine!!! Still a bit of a lightweight in that I think a tablespoon is more than enough for me.

Now I have read some things may be in the Makas(?) from the medium grind and it appears I may be a bit sensitive to it. My next purchase will be a good micro grind so I can avoid that stuff as much as possible.

Thanks shakas for the suggestion!

Sometimes I hear people mention numbness so strong that their whole face feels numb. I never get much more than a mild numbing in my mouth, despite my fairly large doses. 1/2 teaspoon might set a new record for lightweight, I'm not sure of you should feel lucky or worried, that such a small amount has so much of an effect on you.
Van #7 should be good stuff, Toss-n-wash isn't typically recommended, but which such small doses, it's probably not a problem.

Just for the sake of experimentation, I'd suggest trying 1 or 2 tablespoons kneaded for 10 minutes in a strainer bag or nylon stocking. See how it affects you, to not be drinking all the plant material.