Unexpected Effects of Kava

[kl.Letharia]

Does anyone have any weird little things that Kava does to them? 
The first time I had it, I stepped outside and swore I was smelling Kava everywhere. I wondered if it was me... then I realized it was probably an ambient earthy smell that I never noticed before (or my mind just playing with me.) Now my second time, I step outside and all kinds of smells are hitting me in the face. Every few steps seem to bring a different kind of smell... My neighbor's grill seems like it's right in front of me (I live in the country...it's really not!) I normally have a really bad sense of smell (depression might play a role in that,) but now subtle things seem really amplified. I seem to normally lack a depth of perception with these kinds of things... but not with Kava.
I wonder what other little things might surprise me?

 

[kl.CarolinaBC]

Sounds seem louder and light seems brighter for me.......

 

[Ed!]

I haven't found any unique changes to my senses, but I have found kava to have surprising weight loss effects on me. That's probably because I'm not drinking beer and wine almost at all anymore, and I'm encouraged to keep an empty belly for the best effects... but still a very unexpected result. I thought I was thin already (I'm tall, so it hides), so I was shocked to see so much weight come off that I hardly knew was there.

 

[kl.Letharia]

How much did you lose? Granted I've only had Kava for two days, but I've noticed a similar effect... Aside from fasting, I'm just not hungry while drinking it... and afterward food doesn't seem as good. More than a little of anything is just unappetizing. This morning I thought I noticed more bones than usual... lol I don't think it's a good weight loss plan per se, but an intriguing effect.

 

[Ed!]

I don't have a scale to weigh myself, and probably wouldn't bother doing so unless I noticed that I was looking paunchy... but I would estimate about 8-10lbs in a matter of 2 weeks from past weighings.



Some people have mentioned that they get the munchies after kava, but I'm like you, food just doesn't appeal to me after drinking kava. I think that promotes healthier eating habits... less snacking, less alcohol. That little belly that I was worrying would become a big belly if I didn't change my habits is gone, with virtually no effort. Definitely a nice side-effect.

 

[kavalover]

Interesting, one of the unexpected effects that I have received with kava has been a sort of hypersensitivity all around my body. As if my sense of touch is exaggerated 10x, it can get almost unpleasant if it's cold or if there is a slight breeze, but usually it's just an amusement. With higher kavain varieties this aspect is almost non-existent, it's only particularly bad with higher DHM/DHK varieties. Even so, it's not enough to put me off of kava, as the euphoria usually makes up for any hypersensitivity.



It's interesting to hear of similar reports though... As for smelling kava all over the place I call this "kava breath" as I love that feeling after chugging a few shells and I can almost still taste and smell the kava wherever I go. I personally love that effect. Although I know that's not exactly what you meant.

 

[kl.Letharia]

For some reason it's only when I go outside that I get the Kava-ish smell. I really don't know what it is though. Could be me. haha



I know it's sometimes mentioned that Kava might help depression, but I didn't really believe it. I wouldn't think of it as something that can restore chemical imbalances or anything like that, but it has already helped to change my mindset. I think a good amount of my depression is caused by habitual over-thinking and stressing myself out. I've tried to change my mindset on my own and let myself be happy, but it's just too hard to sustain. Kava really seems to help take my mind off serious stuff, and I find myself having more fun and being far less depressed even after the effects wear off. I feel kind of like a goofy teenager again whose mind is free. I hope this is a long-term effect, cause it's great.

 

[kavalover]

For some reason it's only when I go outside that I get the Kava-ish smell. I really don't know what it is though. Could be me. haha



I know it's sometimes mentioned that Kava might help depression, but I didn't really believe it. I wouldn't think of it as something that can restore chemical imbalances or anything like that, but it has already helped to change my mindset. I think a good amount of my depression is caused by habitual over-thinking and stressing myself out. I've tried to change my mindset on my own and let myself be happy, but it's just too hard to sustain. Kava really seems to help take my mind off serious stuff, and I find myself having more fun and being far less depressed even after the effects wear off. I feel kind of like a goofy teenager again whose mind is free. I hope this is a long-term effect, cause it's great.

I know what you mean. Kava has been awesome for me in these regards, as I think a prime source of any depression or frustration I feel throughout my weeks is my tendency to over think, and over analyze to the point of exhaustion. This habit would put me into constant mood swings and it was almost impossible to get things done or keep a straight mindset. With kava things are "stable" in a sense that I still over think, and over analyze, but the stress doesn't accompany it as easily, so I can stay with a current mindframe even after it has long passed. If that makes sense. I don't know, it just makes things easier. Goals are easier to focus on and having fun in the process becomes a piece of cake. Sometimes literally, I get hungry with kava, and cake is awesome (smiley: laugh)

 

[sɥɐʞɐs]

i was just about to make a thread asking this same question until i found this.Every time I get into drinking kava I very distinctly smell the scent of the Earth outside (it does also kinda smell like kava). I find it pleasant. I seem to just enjoy being outside more too. Kava is definitely at it's best in the open air...maybe because being outside stimulates/makes you more aware of any slightly heightened senses that you may have missed out on if stuck inside.
...Also, if I walk through a neighborhood I can strongly pick up the different scents of people cooking dinner in their homes.

 

[Prince Philip]

Oh yes, kava in the woods... quite the experience.

 

[kl.hackysackhomie]

Yes I too get that "phantom grog" smell occasionally.  I think it may be a combination of my subconscious craving at the time and a heightened sense of identification with that dry, robust, earthy smell.  I think other plants and herbs may carry slightly similar scents to kava.  Kava may just smell MORE like that scent.... if that makes sense?

 

[Nihilist]

It for sure does something to the way I see colors and light. Hard to describe.

Also drinking it during Ohio winter sucks because the cold feels harsher.

I might got outside without a jacket on to walk a dog. When I drink kava I bundle up before I go outside.

It sucks because I wish I could go outside and it would be nice and warm.

 

[kl.bukukava]

kava definitely makes me feel the cold air easier as well.

 

[Ed!]

I have the same thing for sure. When I'm krunked I get cold very very easily. I love sitting on the porch in the summer and drinking kava though because that baking summer heat feels just about right.

 

[uuku pi]

I have the same thing for sure. When I'm krunked I get cold very very easily. I love sitting on the porch in the summer and drinking kava though because that baking summer heat feels just about right.

Me too!!  get very cold sometimes.  Like today...It was 70 last week here in Georgia..NOW going to be cold for a few days.  My hands and feet get cold.

 

[hyperdown]

Hmm, I guess I'm an oddball, because Kava tends to make me feel warmer than usual.

 

[kl.metacog]

Funny...I also not being a fan of Ohio winters, but conversely, kava helps me forget about the bone chilling, soul draining cold that is characteristic of our state in this season.



The biggest unexpected effect for me is a decrease in libido.

 

[kl.Lente]

Like others have mentioned:

weight loss (to the point my wife started to get worried)

feeling cold

connection to nature (I've started bonsai since starting kava, as well as non-food crops such as gourds, where my garden used to be all doomsday style food stuff. Although I don't expect the end of times anytime soon.)



Also, one of my hobbies is taking photographs with vintage toy cameras, and I feel like Kava helps me picture things flat, which helps, since most of my cameras don't have viewfinders. Or at least, not accurate ones.






-Lente.

 

[kavadude]

Interesting I have not noticed any effects on temperature at all. I also live in Texas and only recently started drinking Kava and it is mostly nice here during late fall/winter/early spring. I will have to see if Kava can help keep me cool during the summer.

 

[kl.Lente]

I didn't notice the cold effect until I started drinking Borogura all the time.

Kava is such an interesting plant. The roots are really a chemical cocktail. The difference between Kava by Rex's Tongan (which was nice but the puke effect was too much for me) to Nakamal at Home's Stone (still the standard by which I judge Kavas, like The Beatles) and Borogura are so different. Way more variation than alcoholic fermented drinks. Though probably on par with most herbals.