When asked if people have tried kava before, it can be a more complicated question than expected. While kava can be found in health food stores and co-ops, it is usually in the form of extracts and supplements. This is not considered “true” kava because kava supplements involve extensive processing.
“True” kava is what is found in the Pacific Islands. It’s an earthy beverage that’s 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 in room temperature water and massaged to create the tea that has been drunk traditionally 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.
It’s the extracts and supplements that gave kava a bad reputation to start with. Back in the 1990s, there was a huge misconception about kava causing liver damage, which still is circulating today. This 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 the fact that no one looked at kava tea, as it’s actually drunk on the islands.
Fortunately, the report not only took into account 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 any liver disease or damage. This highlighted the distinct differences in using kava supplements versus drinking it as the traditional tea and 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 in regards to 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 the store bought kava is easy. And it’s familiar since many are used to using tinctures and supplements. But if you choose that route, remember to proceed with caution. And be aware that if you don’t feel any effect that you expect, it may be the product not the kava
That is one reason why we wanted to create our own easy to use kava product, Kava Nectar. We wanted to introduce people to traditional kava tea but 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 by 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.
