We love kava. We love its tradition, culture, and earthy flavor. We love how it makes you feel, mentally calm, and relaxed while focused and social. But it’s normal to want a little variety in your life. Rarely do we eat the same foods every day, so why would we expect to drink the same drink exclusively? There are a number of drinks that share kava’s taste and benefits.
We’ve put together a list of three other earthy beverages that are similar to kava in taste, health benefits, and mental effects. We hope that this will give you some other great additions to your drink cabinet.
Matcha
Matcha is a form of green tea. It usually comes in a dark green powder that is whisked into hot water to create a type of tea. Much like kava, it has a very strong, earthy flavor and is popularly mixed with coconut milk for an added sweetness. It is often bought as lattes, teas, matcha shots, and desserts in coffee shops and cafes.
Like green tea, matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. However, it has a unique nutrient profile and is grown differently than traditional green tea. Farmers keep matcha plants in the shade most of their growing period, which boosts chlorophyll production and amino acid content and gives the plant its dark green color.
There are many health benefits linked to matcha. This is due to the fact it’s packed with antioxidants which help reduce cell damage responsible for chronic disease. The potential health benefits include:
- Protecting the liver
- Improving brain function
- Preventing cancer
- Promoting heart health
- Supports weight loss
It’s a great complement to kava, as both have different health benefits that enhance one’s overall well-being.
Chicory root coffee
This may seem outrageous to some of you, but for those looking for an alternative to coffee, this may be a good option. It can share kava’s taste and earthy flavors.
Chicory is a flowering plant that’s part of the dandelion family. Most commonly grown in the south, it has a tough, fuzzy stem, light purple flowers, and leaves commonly used in salads. The roots of the chicory plant are roasted and then ground into a powder to make chicory root coffee. Much like coffee, it has a nutty, earthy flavor that is drunk either on its own or mixed with coffee as a compliment. It is thought it was first drunk during the 1800s during a coffee shortage in France, where people would combine chicory coffee with real coffee to stretch out their coffee supply.
Research has found several nutrients in chicory root. It’s a good source of inulin, a prebiotic that may support weight loss and help with gut health. Manganese and Vitamin B6 are also found in chicory root which are tied to boosting brain health.
Other possible health benefits are:
- Helping with constipation and improving bowel function.
- Lowering blood sugar
- Decreasing inflammation
- Naturally caffeine free
A word of caution: Some people have had an allergic reaction to chicory root, leading to pain, swelling, and tingling in the mouth. People who have an allergy to ragweed or birch pollen should avoid chicory root.
In the end
As much as we love kava at Kavahana, we also love a varied palette. We love using other drinks that share kava’s taste and have health benefits. Other earthy, alcohol-free beverages are a great complement to your kava routine not only for their flavor but also for their powerful health benefits, which can further boost your health and well-being.
* 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.
