When asked if people have tried kava before, it can be harder to answer than expected. While it can be found in health food stores and co-ops, these are usually easy-to-use kava supplements and extracts. Because of the processing involved, this isn’t what we consider “true” kava.
“True” kava is found in the Pacific islands. It’s an earthy beverage made from the powdered root of the pepper plant. Local farmers plant and nurture the shrub to full maturity, where the roots are dug up, dried, and ground. Then, the powder is steeped at room temperature or lukewarm water and massaged to create the tea that has traditionally been drunk for over 3000 years.
While this difference may not seem like a big deal, there’s more to it than most realize. The kava supplements you find in pill or other liquid forms are highly processed. They often contain added ingredients that can interfere with how kava affects your body., which is why many people who try these don’t think kava works.
The tinctures or extracts are particularly worrisome because many contain concentrated kava mixed with some form of alcohol … a big no, no in the kava world.
In fact, it’s the extracts and supplements that gave kava a bad reputation. Back in the 1990s, there was a huge misconception about kava causing liver damage, which is still circulating today. It started in Western Europe when people started reporting health-related liver conditions after taking herbal kava supplements. There were even some deaths, which rightly caused alarm and led to the EU banning kava in many countries based on safety concerns.
However, it turns out kava wasn’t the problem. After an in-depth investigation by the World Health Organization, they found that many of the studies were flawed. They used kava supplements or extracts containing unwanted or misunderstood ingredients that impacted health outcomes. Some study participants were taking other medications along with the kava treatment, which introduced potential interaction effects. And no one looked at kava tea, as it’s drunk on the islands.
Fortunately, the report not only considered the evidence of poor research design, contaminant issues, and related limitations but also considered the traditional uses of kava in the South Pacific. Kava has been used for thousands of years, both traditionally and medicinally, with no history of liver disease or damage. This highlighted the differences between using kava as a supplement and drinking it as traditional tea, as well as the need to re-educate people on the benefits of the kava plant.
Unfortunately, the myth that kava causes liver damage continues to circulate among some skeptics. The truth is, like many substances, kava requires cautious use, especially regarding how it interacts with other drugs or alcohol. Research concludes that kava is safe to use, especially when used in its pure form as a beverage.
We understand that store-bought kava supplements and extracts are easy and familiar. But if you choose that route, remember to proceed with caution. Be aware that if you don’t feel the effects you expect, it may be the product, not the kava. That is one reason we wanted to create our own easy-to-use kava product, Kava Nectar. We wanted to introduce people to traditional kava tea by making it as easy as buying it in a store. It’s made from 100% sun-dried kava root juice of the kava plant grown in the South Pacific. It’s grown on a family farm in Fiji and is NOT an extract. It’s real kava that’s been dried and powdered into an instant form. All you need to do is add water or your favorite beverage. Compared to store-bought kava, there are zero additives, making it one of the purest forms you can use, ensuring you have the best experience when you use it.
* Please note that the majority of kava research pertains to kava extracts, which often undergo significant processing and may contain additional ingredients and fillers that can influence their efficacy. It is crucial to consider this distinction when reading about kava studies. To draw an analogy, enjoying natural kava as a beverage can be likened to experiencing a freshly brewed cappuccino, whereas kava extracts are akin in functionality to a caffeine pill. Both forms have their unique benefits and can cater to different preferences and needs. While it’s helpful to understand research on kava extracts, please view it critically and remember that natural kava offers a uniquely holistic experience.
