While kava is generally known for its relaxing and clarifying effects, there are actually differences in how different kava cultivars affect you. The varieties in the plant come from where it comes from and the number of different active components it has, called kavalactones.
Kava originates from 8 different South Pacific Islands: Hawaii, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and French Polynesia. Even though these islands are in the same region of the world, they each have unique identifying characteristics. They have different climates, soil conditions, and mineral compounds that affect the kava that is grown there. Each island has different kava cultivars. A cultivar is a slight genetic variation within a species. These variations affect the amount of kavalactones in each plant, impacting the different effects you get.
Kavalactones are specific compounds in kava that interact with the chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters to impact how kava feels in your brain and body. This is what causes the calm, focused, and relaxed effects that kava is known for.
They are:
- Desmethoxyyangonin(DMY)
- Dihydrokavain(DHK)
- Yangonin(Y)
- Kavain(K)
- Dihydromethysticin(DHM)
- Methysticin(M)
The numbers are used to identify the chemotype, which is the order of concentration of each kavalactone. For example, if a kava cultivar has a chemotype of 421365, we know what Kavain(4) has the highest concentration, with Dihydrokavain(2) being second, Desmethoxyyangonin(1) third, and so on.
In general, kava cultivars and their effects can be split up into two main categories: heady and heavy.
Heady kavas affect your mind more than your body. They tend to have a higher concentration of lighter kavalactones, like kavain and yangonin, giving off a cerebral, cheerful, uplifting effect. These can reduce anxiety and depression and make you feel mentally relaxed. These varieties are best drunk during the day when you need a little boost or when you’re socializing with friends and family. Heady kavas will have a chemotype that starts with 3 or 4.
Heavy kavas are made up of heavier kavalactones, like dihydrokavain, dihydromethysticin, and methysticin, and give you a stronger body sensation. They have a strong relaxing effect on your muscles, often making your body and limbs feel weighed down. These kavas promote deeper relaxation and are longer lasting than heady kavas, so they are best drunk at night when getting ready for sleep or downtime rather than socializing. Heavy kavas will have a chemotype starting with 2, 6. Dihydromethysticin(5) is also a heavy kavalactone but is not recommended as it has extreme effects like loss of muscle function and can last up to 2 days.
For this reason, we have created two versions of Kava Nectar: Original and Relax. While the sourcing and quality are exactly the same, they have different chemocodes to target your needs.
The Original Kava Nectar is the more uplifting, heady version. It’s perfect for drinking during the day when you’re socializing with friends or family or just needing a little pick-me-up and a sense of joy.
Kava Nectar Relax edition is the heavier version aimed at those looking for something to help them feel calmer and help with sleep. It’s the best choice when you are winding down your day, getting ready for bed or needing something to help relax after a stressful day.
Understanding the different kava cultivars is key to having a good experience. Imagine drinking a heavy kava when you are going to hang out with friends! Your sleepy, relaxed brain will probably not lead to the night you were hoping for. Knowing what you are looking for and which kava is best to achieve will only bring you joy, relaxation, and all the benefits kava has to offer.
