Newbie needs prep advice

[CanAwa]

Hello all!!
New to kava ..been looking for a better way to relax than alcohol or Canadian lettuce and have read of the benefits of kava . That being said I ordered a pound of premium Fiji kava from Paradise which I read was a reputable dealer. What's the best way to make it without any of the traditional tools e.g strainer bags and shells ? What can I use to McIver up a batch here lol help me out

 

[CanAwa]

Also have any Canadians out there ordered on amazon ? I see there are cheap prices on some varieties ..anybody have any experience with them

 

[infraredz]

All you need is a bowl, water, kava and a strainer. Many use nylon stockings as strainers here. Add between 4-6 tbsps of kava to the strainer and, over the course of 10-20mins, massage the kava in the water. Kavalactones aren't water soluble and must be agitated into suspension so it takes some work. One could alternately use a blender. Usually, the ratio is 2-3 tbsp of kava per cup of water.

Check out http://www.kavaforums.com/forum/wiki/techniques/

 

[CanAwa]

Thanks ..the strainer part was the mystery ! Any experience with paradise kavas? I'm looking for a happy mellow type feeling..more for anxiety ? I guess I'll just have to wait and see ..and how long does this reverse tolerance last or do some not have this effect ? Sorry for all the questions !!

 

[infraredz]

Paradise has really good stuff, although I'd personally avoid the ISA. Their Hawaiian is top notch, but it's more on the uplifting and euphoric side of the spectrum and (in my experience), not as effective for anxiety.

BKH has some really good stuff for anxiety (my personal favorites are Melo Melo, Boroguru and Nambawan) although the Nambawan would be better suited to enjoying after you have broken through the reverse tolerance. Also, as I advise to a lot of new ones, get the BKH sampler pack since kava affects everyone differently and there is a considerable amount of difference between various strains.

Speaking of that, RT can be non-existent or last for a few weeks although I'd say the average would be around a week. I personally felt it the first time though, so don't be discouraged. Usually, it's advised to drink kava every day and in pretty heavy doses. Since we don't know what causes the RT, I would advise taking a moderate dose (in case the RT isn't there, that way you won't get sick) every day, maybe even twice a day. I'd probably start with 3-5tbsp at first, but I am always one to be cautious at first and then add to that. You can always add, but you can never take it away...

Good luck!

 

[Vekta]

If you don't have a strainer bag you can use some other material to strain it. Women's nylon (dirt cheap and effective), cheese cloth, silk screen cloth...many things have been used.

 

[CanAwa]

Thanks for the encouragement and the advice!! I've heard good things about BKH and had a look at there sample pack after I ordered from paradise ..so I think I'll try it next! Hopefully it doesn't take forever to ship to Canada

 

[infraredz]

Yeah, definitely don't get to trying out more than one kava until you've broken through your RT or it's just a waste.

 

[CanAwa]

Okay good advice guys ..I'm hoping I'm lucky and break through on my first cup !! And hopefully the taste isn't as bad as some say it is ..but I think I can overcome that anyhow

 

[CanAwa]

I wonder if a pound will get me through the RT?

 

[CanAwa]

By the sounds of it ..prep is part of the experience ..I'll pour some love in there and make sure I get in the mood ..seems like it's best to have a good setting for it in the first place. I feel maybe I should have bought some shells (or perhaps make my own ) and give it some ritual