Buddhacide
Kava Enthusiast
Great. Thanks man. Can't wait to try them.
Well, this is a real bummer....kava allergy after 3 years?
- Thread starter kl.KarmaG
- Start date
Buddhacide
Kava Enthusiast
Yeah it was pricey for me to, prompting me to order several items to make it worth it. Its a trap I fall through often unfortunately.
Buddhacide
Kava Enthusiast
Soooo, regarding mulungu. The package they sent me is whole bark. Doesn't appear to be shredded at all. Is this normal? I took one large piece and broke it into smaller pieces by hand. Simmered it for about 20 minutes, and strained it. Not sure I felt too much. It was a nice tea though. Is this the same stuff you guys used?
kl.new2kava
Kava Enthusiast
The bark chunks are the best way to go, I actually got mine shredded about the consistancy of pencil shavings. Your going to want to shred it somewhat fine, I'm not sure how you would go about it. Possibly use a coffee bean grinder and put smaller chunks in a grind untill about kava consistancy. I used about an ounce for each mug and boiled it at a low temp with a squirt of lemon juice for a hour and then strained. It is fairly mild, but at larger doses it can be pretty sedating.
Dis you get turkish mint as well? Much more potent but the taste is something out of a horror movie.
Dis you get turkish mint as well? Much more potent but the taste is something out of a horror movie.
Buddhacide
Kava Enthusiast
No I didnt try that yet. I will at some point. FY the kavain from there mixes excellently with regular kava to increase the effects significantly. I added about 200mg to a fat shell of borugu and I'm flying, lol.
Well, I had high hopes after abstaining for a few months, but unfortunately I am still experiencing a similar reaction. Took diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 1 hour prior to ingesting any kava, used extract only (and a small amount, at that) to avoid ingesting cellulose/fiber, and woke up with a red face and hives on my neck and upper chest.
I'm not trying to scare anyone, but rather to offer my experiences for the benefit of all kava users and kava research. If anyone knows of someone who is doing research on kava, I'm happy to contribute my experiences, which as far as I can tell, seem to be pretty unique.
The one difference I noticed between taking Benadryl PRIOR to kava was that I was not as itchy as I was on previous occasions when I took antihistamines AFTER the fact, and I lacked the extreme sunburnt feeling. Sure, my face is red and feels warm, but I can comb my hair without bringing tears to my eyes. It definitely resembles an alcohol flush reaction in appearance (I've never experienced this but have looked at photos and think this is important), but occurs 4-8 hours after I ingest kava. And I have tried every brand, grind, variety/extract/candy, as well as food, water, location combination possible. The only constant is the kava. Of course, now my husband really wants to try kava so at least my stash won't go to waste, but I want to be like, "Why now? I was drinking kava alone for years and as soon as I can't drink it, NOW you want to try??"
I'm hoping that NDG will chime in, since it was his idea to try taking the antihistamine before any kava: "Preventing, the dumping of histamine in the first place by antagonising the H1 receptor should have a much stronger effect."
NDG: Does the lessening of my symptoms (although definitely still present) when pre-loading with diphenhydramine support my previous conclusion of a developed allergy or does this seem to point to an enzyme issue, like in alcohol flushing? It is worth noting that in addition to taking the Benadryl before the kava, I only had a minuscule amount, probably less than one typical serving. Could the lessening of symptoms simply be dose dependent and not affected by the antihistamine at all, in actuality?
This truly is a mystery and, despite the fact that I still can't enjoy kava currently, I do like a good mystery.
I'm not trying to scare anyone, but rather to offer my experiences for the benefit of all kava users and kava research. If anyone knows of someone who is doing research on kava, I'm happy to contribute my experiences, which as far as I can tell, seem to be pretty unique.
The one difference I noticed between taking Benadryl PRIOR to kava was that I was not as itchy as I was on previous occasions when I took antihistamines AFTER the fact, and I lacked the extreme sunburnt feeling. Sure, my face is red and feels warm, but I can comb my hair without bringing tears to my eyes. It definitely resembles an alcohol flush reaction in appearance (I've never experienced this but have looked at photos and think this is important), but occurs 4-8 hours after I ingest kava. And I have tried every brand, grind, variety/extract/candy, as well as food, water, location combination possible. The only constant is the kava. Of course, now my husband really wants to try kava so at least my stash won't go to waste, but I want to be like, "Why now? I was drinking kava alone for years and as soon as I can't drink it, NOW you want to try??"
I'm hoping that NDG will chime in, since it was his idea to try taking the antihistamine before any kava: "Preventing, the dumping of histamine in the first place by antagonising the H1 receptor should have a much stronger effect."
NDG: Does the lessening of my symptoms (although definitely still present) when pre-loading with diphenhydramine support my previous conclusion of a developed allergy or does this seem to point to an enzyme issue, like in alcohol flushing? It is worth noting that in addition to taking the Benadryl before the kava, I only had a minuscule amount, probably less than one typical serving. Could the lessening of symptoms simply be dose dependent and not affected by the antihistamine at all, in actuality?
This truly is a mystery and, despite the fact that I still can't enjoy kava currently, I do like a good mystery.
Hey mos3z, I've tried Zyrtec, Benadryl, and even Claritin, all at maximum doses, both alone and in conjunction with topical hydrocortisone cream. I wish it were more clear cut, but I seem to be one of the only people that this happens to that I'm aware of.
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you since it doesn't seem to be very common, nor very dangerous, just uncomfortable and slightly itchy. I've never had an itchy throat or anything even mildly resembling anaphylaxis or I would never have continued experimenting.
I think I've tried enough times with the same reaction that, at this point, I'm just going to hang up my kava hat for the time being. I'm really starting to think that it may not be allergic, but more something to do with my enzymes not being able to properly process the stuff, like in an alcohol flush reaction, but I just don't know enough about the topic to make this assertion. My only regret is that I won't be able to sample any of that awesome looking homemade instant a la the Kapm!
I wouldn't worry about it if I were you since it doesn't seem to be very common, nor very dangerous, just uncomfortable and slightly itchy. I've never had an itchy throat or anything even mildly resembling anaphylaxis or I would never have continued experimenting.
I think I've tried enough times with the same reaction that, at this point, I'm just going to hang up my kava hat for the time being. I'm really starting to think that it may not be allergic, but more something to do with my enzymes not being able to properly process the stuff, like in an alcohol flush reaction, but I just don't know enough about the topic to make this assertion. My only regret is that I won't be able to sample any of that awesome looking homemade instant a la the Kapm!
Ed!
Kava Enthusiast
Man, that sure is crummy. I thought for sure it would just take a bit of time and you'd be right as rain.
Have you had any liver tests done?
I still get alcohol flush reactions if I drink the day after a good kava session, mostly with red wine. It doesn't cause me the discomfort you're having, but it's definitely like my body temperature went up 30 degrees and I'm all splotchy red (especially in the face). I suppose I do get a little itchy as well, but I mainly just want to rub ice on my face. It does worry me a bit because it means I'm not able to process the alcohol in my body well. If you've got an extreme version of that going on then I'd want to know for sure I don't have a physical issue greater than just being unable to have kava.
Have you had any liver tests done?
I still get alcohol flush reactions if I drink the day after a good kava session, mostly with red wine. It doesn't cause me the discomfort you're having, but it's definitely like my body temperature went up 30 degrees and I'm all splotchy red (especially in the face). I suppose I do get a little itchy as well, but I mainly just want to rub ice on my face. It does worry me a bit because it means I'm not able to process the alcohol in my body well. If you've got an extreme version of that going on then I'd want to know for sure I don't have a physical issue greater than just being unable to have kava.
Hi Karma G,
it would be odd for an allergic reaction is the skin is burning etc. the latency also indicates that it would be an IGE mediated allergy and you should have many more symptoms.
If it is a liver issue, first thing is to get a liver panel. I suggest trying NAC and milk thistle for a period of time to help out the liver. I will have to get back to you, this is really odd and has signs of allergy yet it makes no sense physiologically.
it would be odd for an allergic reaction is the skin is burning etc. the latency also indicates that it would be an IGE mediated allergy and you should have many more symptoms.
If it is a liver issue, first thing is to get a liver panel. I suggest trying NAC and milk thistle for a period of time to help out the liver. I will have to get back to you, this is really odd and has signs of allergy yet it makes no sense physiologically.
Hi NDG, and thanks for weighing in. Yes, it feels very similar to a bad sunburn - hot and very sensitive to touch, but also itchy with splotchy red spots that resemble hives. The itchiness, redness/swelling, and hive-like appearance made me first suspicious of an allergy. Always delayed onset of symptoms by 4-8 hours. I've just gotten my health insurance back so I plan on having some bloodwork done soon. If anything abnormal shows up, I'll definitely let you all know. I think I've got some milk thistle around. Good idea to take it in just in case it is something hepatic.
hyperdown
Kava Curious
I've been a nearly daily kava drinker for 2+ years, love the stuff.
Recently I've been getting red, itchy (almost hive like) areas on my legs after drinking. :-(
I found this thread looking for an answer. I think I will try taking a break for a couple weeks, and maybe use some milk-thistle + NAC.
Recently I've been getting red, itchy (almost hive like) areas on my legs after drinking. :-(
I found this thread looking for an answer. I think I will try taking a break for a couple weeks, and maybe use some milk-thistle + NAC.
hyperdown
Kava Curious
KarmaG, my symptoms seem very similar to yours. The onset is a few hours after ingestion. The first thing I notice is an itchiness, and feeling warmer than normal. When I look at my skin (mostly the legs, but also a little bit on my arms and stomach), I see red patches with some bumpy areas. If I abstain from kava, the symptoms go away in a few days.
I haven’t changed anything about my diet or the kava prep method. Also, like you, I have noticed the issue with various types of kava.
I’m really bummed about this, because kava has been a genuine godsend for me. I will be experimenting with taking a break, using antihistamines, and better straining to see if I can get back on the wagon eventually.
I haven’t changed anything about my diet or the kava prep method. Also, like you, I have noticed the issue with various types of kava.
I’m really bummed about this, because kava has been a genuine godsend for me. I will be experimenting with taking a break, using antihistamines, and better straining to see if I can get back on the wagon eventually.
krunkedout
Kava Lover
If I had to choose between being krunk and itchy, and not krunk. I'd take the krunk.
I think if you experienced it, you would say otherwise. It's more than just itchy. It's itchy, swollen, and sunburnt all at the same time. I wish I could do it, but it really is a miserable feeling. (smiley: sick)Krunkedout said:
Plus, having to go out in public with a swollen tomato face is really not fun when you already have anxiety with a normal face. (smiley: tongue)
Yeah, I drink kefir on a fairy regular basis so I get some decent probiotics. I'm not an "allergic" type of person aside from the odd seasonal pollen allergy, and have never experienced a food allergy prior to this, so it's especially strange in this respect.Nihilist said: