Kava kava (also simply referred to as Kava) is an herbal remedy that some people use to relieve stress and anxiety and boost sleep. This plant extract has a calming, euphoric effect that some people compare with that of alcohol.
Kava comes from the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to islands of the Pacific Ocean. Traditionally, people made a paste from the plant’s root and mixed it with water or coconut milk to create a drink. People native to the South Pacific islands use this kava kava drink during cultural and religious ceremonies to create a state of altered consciousness. People can also make powder or tablets from the dried roots.
Consuming kava has a relaxing, euphoric effect. Scientists call drugs that have this calming effect anxiolytic. Alcohol, which has similar effects to kava, is another anxiolytic drug.
Kava has been known for:
Managing stress and anxiety
Based on recent research, kava is thought to influence the brain in the same way as many popular antianxiety medications.
Treating insomnia
Kava has had success in helping induce sleep in people suffering from insomnia.
Getting Muddy
You will often hear people in the Kava community refer to drinking Kava as “Getting Muddy.” Getting muddy is a play on the texture and consistency of Kava - it looks like mud. Sometimes referred to as dirt water, one can also add flavoring to it, depending on the Kava bar. Some popular choices are sweeter flavors such as chocolate, hazelnut, caramel, and more decadent flavors to sweeten it up.
An Alcohol Alternative
Kava interacts with alcohol. Consuming alcohol while taking kava could increase a person’s risk of liver damage. We do not recommend consuming alcohol 6 hours before or after drinking Kava,
Kava can also interact with several other drugs, such as benzodiazepines and anti-depressants. For this reason, it is important to consult a doctor before making the decision to take kava kava.
Consumption of Kava
The best way to consume kava is by drinking it. The traditional beverage is made by steeping kava, either fresh or as ground into a dried powder, into cold water in order to extract its active components. The drink then has to be shaken or stirred before consumed.
If you’re looking for an alcohol alternative, while still socializing in a bar atmosphere, Dharma Kava Lounge in Largo, Florida has your kava needs covered. We look forward to seeing you!
Dharma Kava Lounge
(727) 223-9954