Newbie with Nene: is this RT?

[AuMaru]

Hello,
Have been reading avidly over the past couple of days - what a great forum! - and would appreciate a steer from more seasoned kava drinkers whether my experience so far is RT related or the 'real deal'.

I am using powdered Nene from GKE, stocking method for 6 tbsp in 3 cups of hot water pounded for c20m. Repeated for second wash (1 cup) then mixed with first and chilled. Taking 4 fl oz every half hour about 4 hours after last meal. Effects so far are:

- Numb mouth
- Stomach tightness and mild nausea
- Dulled reaction times (wouldn't/couldn't drive right now)
- Eyes on slight 'time lag', perception a bit wobbly
- Chills and sudden onset of stuffy nose

Not a dreadful experience so far, but far short of anything to eulogize about. Will persevere if it is RT however would really appreciate some insights.

Thanks!

 

[Deleted User01]

@AuMaru, welcome to the forum! If it was RT, you would feel nothing. Also, my wife woke up with a "cold". It's not a cold. Mexico or Africa or both are burning fields and they do this every year. People all over the world get nasty respiratory reactions to that. So it's either that or you are allergic to kava. The numbness, dull reaction time, and that stuff is what kava does depending on the dose. Mild nausea may be a side effect for some but we'll have to see if it goes away after a while or whether you are just plain allergic. Nene is the most noble of kavas and was used by the Hawaiians "for their fretful child". Just so you know. By the way, how did you sleep?

 

[AuMaru]

Hi @Deleted User01,

Thanks for replying, this is nothing I can't handle though far short of the pleasant experiences I have been reading about. And the chills plus nasal reaction came on exactly ten minutes after first shell so do suspect a connection. Sleep last night was broken, but I am a card-carrying insomniac which is why I plumbed for Nene in the first place. Going to wind it up now, have a bite to eat and try again tomorrow. Nothing ventured...

 

[kavadude]

Well chills, mild nausea, and numbness. That sounds like pretty normal kava side effects to me. Not sure about the stuffy nose -- usually people get quite the opposite as kava dries you out.

Nene is actually one of the less perceptual kavas I have tried. It is good for getting to sleep but it's less likely to lead to a whole lot of noticable effects.

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

Sounds like the opposite of RT to me, more like borderline krunk.
You likely just need more experience with different strains and different dosing until you find a zone that's enjoyable to you.
It could be RT in the sense that you might need to build up kavalactones in your system before you start noticing the pleasant effects rather than just the side effects.
When my eyes are laggin' and I feel a little wobbly, that's when kava is at it's peak enjoyable effects...but that's a bit beyond the point of mild.