The Best Tips For First-Time Kava Drinkers
Whether you are a first-time kava drinker or a seasoned pro, there are some things you should know before you try this drink. First of all, Kava is meant to be drunk in a relaxed space away from distractions. That means turning off the television, putting your phone on silent, and picking up a book or light music to listen to. Then, try to close your eyes and relax.
Body sedation
Kava has long been a popular drink among Pacific Islanders, but the effects of kava on the body have only recently been studied. The plant, which is actually a member of the pepper family, is a physioactive “tea” that can have various effects, from muscle relaxation to a general feeling of well-being. There are several kava species that grow throughout the Pacific, but they all have the same basic effect.
The kavalactones in kava make the drink feel like an extremely powerful NyQuil. The taste, however, isn’t very pleasant. In fact, it’s chalky and dirty-tasting, and makes the throat clench. It’s best consumed all at once.
Headiness
Kava is a traditional drink from the Polynesians that comes from ground kava plant roots. Although you may think that kava is a potent intoxicant, it is actually a natural sedative that doesn’t impair your mental clarity. In fact, the effects are subtle and last for between 20 and 30 minutes. Many people use kava for anxiety or stress.
During the first few minutes after drinking kava, you may experience some headiness. This is completely normal. Some people experience mild headiness, while others experience more intense headiness. Some people may even experience nausea. It’s important to be aware of your personal tolerance to headiness so you can avoid this unpleasant side effect.
Nausea
One of the side effects of kava is nausea. It’s normal for first-time drinkers to feel a little queasy, but kava can cause nausea in some cases. People who are sensitive to light or who are under the influence of alcohol may feel queasy. Other symptoms include an edgy feeling, sensitivity to sound, and a tingling sensation in the neck. Kava is an effective sedative, but it can be dangerous when mixed with other drugs. It can even put you into a coma.
If you experience nausea from kava, you should start off by eating some food. You should also avoid drinking it on an empty stomach. The reason for this is because the numbing effects of kava can affect your stomach. It can also cause tingling or numbness.
Numbness
If you are a first-time kava drinker, you might be feeling some numbness in your mouth and throat. Kava’s kavalactones are very potent, and it feels like you’re getting a powerful dose of NyQuil. However, unlike the medicine, kava is not particularly pleasant to taste, and you may want to avoid it if you have a sensitive throat or stomach. It tastes like watery clay and is chalky and dirty. It’s also incredibly strong and must be drank in large quantities.
The numbness in your mouth is a sign that the kava is high in kavalactones. It’s important to note that this effect only lasts a minute or two. Once the numbness has passed, the relaxation and calmness of kava will begin.
Side effects
Before you drink kava for the first time, it is important to understand the side effects of kava and what to expect. Kava causes a buzz when consumed, although the buzz is not the same as being “high.” Most people report feeling calm and sociable after they’ve had a cup of kava, but it’s important to note that this feeling will vary depending on your body mass index and mental state.
Several studies have indicated that kava can cause liver problems in some people. While a single unintentional dose is not harmful, long-term and chronic consumption of kava can cause severe liver damage. In extreme cases, this condition can lead to liver transplants, and can even cause death.
Alternative medicines
The drink is made from a plant known as piper methysticum. It is commonly consumed by drinking it from a shared kava bowl made of a half coconut shell. The plant is known for its ceremonial use and is one of the most common plants consumed in the Pacific Islands. Although it still occupies an important place in island life, its role as a medicine has diminished over time.
The drink is not pleasant to drink and has a bitter taste. However, it is a good alternative to alcohol and can be beneficial to those who struggle with alcohol use. Kava is said to break bad habits and be a quasi-therapeutic medicine.
When to drink
Kava has several benefits, including the ability to relax your muscles. However, consuming too much kava can be dangerous, so it’s important to know when to drink it. According to Dr. Vincent Lebot, a kava expert based in Vanuatu, the root of the kava plant contains kavain, a compound that’s responsible for the relaxing effect of the drink.
The FDA warns against taking kava if you have liver problems, or are taking liver-related drugs. Heavy kava users may experience shortness of breath, facial swelling, and scaly skin rashes. They also may develop a tolerance to the substance and have to cut back to lower doses.
