What is kava?
Kava is an earthy beverage that has been consumed by Pacific Islanders for over 3000 years. It’s made from a pepper shrub, Piper methysticum, where the root is harvested, ground down, and pulverized in water before it’s strained and drunk. It has a long and rich tradition as a ceremonial and medicinal plant in island nations. It’s known for its relaxing, calm, and social effects. It has recently been linked to health benefits such as reducing anxiety, relaxing muscles, and helping with insomnia (the inability to fall asleep). The origin of kava plays a major role in these effects and how it affects your mind and body. Kava nectar is an instant form of kava that makes enjoying kava easy and delicious.
It’s gained popularity in North America as an alternative to drinking coffee and alcohol due to its similar effects without the negative side effects. And kava nectar is one of the best ways to enjoy it,
The origin of Kava
There are eight different South Pacific Islands where kava is known to originate: Hawaii, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and French Polynesia. The different climates, soil conditions, and mineral compounds make each type of kava from these places different. The origin of kava, or where it comes from, is often considered the best way to categorize kava.
Each of these origins has different cultivars with their kava plants. A cultivar is a slight genetic variation within a species. These variations are what make each cultivar is unique and has slightly different effects. Kava nectar comes from Fiji, one of the most popular island kava producers.
The active ingredient in kava
Kavalactones are the active ingredients of kava. Kavalactones are chemicals that interact with the chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters to impact how your brain functions. This is what causes the calm and relaxing effects that kava is known for.
There have been 18 different types of kavalactones identified, but only six are known to be responsible for the effects of kava. These are Methysticin (M), Dihydromethysticin (DHM), Yangonin (Y), Desmethoxyyangonin (DMY), Kavain (K), and Dihydrokavain (DKM).
The origin of kava impacts the type and amount of kavalactones present.
Types of kava
There are more than 100 types of kava. However, they can be divided into two broad groups: Nobel kava and Tudei kava. These two varieties are incredibly different in their effects on the body and mind.
Tudei kava is not recommended. It has much higher levels of psychoactive kavalactones and unpleasant side effects of nausea, sluggishness, and major headache. The effects can last up to 48 hrs, leaving many feeling trapped in a drunk-like state.
Nobel kavas, on the other hand, have a much more balanced combination of kavalactones that promote relaxing and calming effects. The feelings from Nobel kava last only 1-3 hours without any extra unwanted side effects. This makes it possible to enjoy it every day. It’s a general rule that you should ONLY consume Noble kavas.
There are many different types of Nobel kavas that have three different effects: heady, heavy, and balanced.
Heady vs. heavy vs. balanced kavas
While kavas, in general, are known for promoting relaxation, calmness, and an overall state of well-being, the combination of kavalactones can slightly change their specific effects on your body and mind. These can be categorized as heady, heavy, or balanced.
Heady kavas affect your mind more than your body. They tend to have a higher concentration of lighter kavalactones and give off a cerebral effect by reducing 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 socializing with friends and family.
Heavy kavas are made up of the heavier kavalactones and give you a stronger body sensation. They have a calming effect, relaxing your muscles and often making your body and limbs feel heavy. 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.
As you may have guessed, balanced kavas are a good middle ground between heavy and heady kavas. These can be used both during the day or at night, depending on how much you take. Balanced kavas are a great option for anyone, beginners and seasoned users alike, who want to experience the full spectrum of the effects kava has to offer.
Kava nectar classic is a heady kava and a popular daytime drink at our LA bar. On the other hand, the kava nectar relax edition is a heavy kava that promotes sleep and relaxation.
Why knowing the origin of kava is important
Hopefully, by now, you’ve learned that not all kava is the same. And while it may not seem that important to know about the different cultivars and effects, it definitely matters if you are drinking kava or kava nectar for a specific purpose. You wouldn’t want to take a heavy kava if you were going to a social event looking for a heady experience, would you? Becoming more familiar with the different types, cultivars, effects, and origins of kava will both make sure you’re getting the effects you want and empower you in your experience.
