First, I would like to thank everyone for their contributions to this forum. It's been very helpful for someone like me who is new to the kava experience. I'm more than six weeks in and have decided to seek advice because I'm not only still in RT but unfortunately kava seems to be increasing my anxiety!
I started with Gaia Herbs kava capsules (I know, I know...) and went through 3 bottles. I know this is primarily a forum for fans of the drink, but I would be quite happy to take capsules if it helped with anxiety in the way research has suggested, and Gaia Herbs is reputable and contains kavalactones at the researched levels. Initially I followed their dosing instructions (up to 3 capsules per day in-between meals) but ended up trying up to 12 capsules just to push through the RT. About halfway through I noticed my anxiety was higher than normal so I took a break, felt better, and started again only to have the heightened anxiety come back.
Three weeks ago I switched to drinking KWK's micronized powders and I'm 1lb in and having the same issue with heightened anxiety. I was drinking 2-3 teaspoons on an empty stomach up to 3 times each day (I tried 4 teaspoons a few times, thinking it would help push through the RT, but had quite bad nausea so ditched that approach). However, once again my anxiety increased noticeably so I stopped yesterday and now feel... calm.
Logically, I know that Kava isn't going to be suitable for everyone, but I thought it might be worth checking with forum members for advice before giving up. Has anyone else had a similar experience to this and/or have suggestions on how (or whether at all) to proceed?
I started with Gaia Herbs kava capsules (I know, I know...) and went through 3 bottles. I know this is primarily a forum for fans of the drink, but I would be quite happy to take capsules if it helped with anxiety in the way research has suggested, and Gaia Herbs is reputable and contains kavalactones at the researched levels. Initially I followed their dosing instructions (up to 3 capsules per day in-between meals) but ended up trying up to 12 capsules just to push through the RT. About halfway through I noticed my anxiety was higher than normal so I took a break, felt better, and started again only to have the heightened anxiety come back.
Three weeks ago I switched to drinking KWK's micronized powders and I'm 1lb in and having the same issue with heightened anxiety. I was drinking 2-3 teaspoons on an empty stomach up to 3 times each day (I tried 4 teaspoons a few times, thinking it would help push through the RT, but had quite bad nausea so ditched that approach). However, once again my anxiety increased noticeably so I stopped yesterday and now feel... calm.
Logically, I know that Kava isn't going to be suitable for everyone, but I thought it might be worth checking with forum members for advice before giving up. Has anyone else had a similar experience to this and/or have suggestions on how (or whether at all) to proceed?
You didn't mention the strain you purchased. If it is heady, try the heavier types. If it was heavy, try the headier types. If none of them work, then try Tudei (just kidding). if that doesn't work, it's 3 strikes and you are out. I love micronized kava but as mentioned above, some people do have problems with it. For me, it 's part of my high fiber diet. So switch to powder with a good strainer as kastom suggested.
