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What is Kava and where does Kava Come From?
The Kava Plant
Kava is a plant that comes from the Pacific Islands, where it has been used as a ceremonial drink for over 3,000 years. It’s known for its relaxing properties and ability to reduce anxiety.
The scientific name for kava is Piper methysticum. It’s a member of the pepper family, which includes black pepper and other spices like nutmeg and clove.
Kava’s Origins
The Lapita culture, emerging around 1600 BCE, is notable for its maritime skills and expansive oceanic navigation. As these early settlers spread across Pacific islands, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji, and Polynesia, they brought with them various cultural practices.
Among these was the use of kava, which became central to their ritualistic and social practices.
What does kava do?
When you drink kava, it can cause feelings of euphoria and relaxation that last for several hours. Kava was and still is traditionally used for celebrations and mediation. In summary these are the answers to “what does kava do?”
✔️ As a social tonic substitute for alcohol – nothing beats enjoying some shells of kava with friends!
✔️ A natural alternative to pharmaceutical products that treat anxiety and stress
✔️ Following the Pacific Island Tradition of using it to assist with sleep
What is a kava drink and what to be aware of when drinking your first shell of kava
If you are curious and want to know what is a kava drink or what does kava do or you are about curious our what is a Kava drink? Lets discuss key elements of what your first kava experience will be like:
The Taste
When you drink kava, you might be surprised by how bitter it tastes. To get around the taste in the most efficient way, simply drink the serve of kava in one quick draft. Some people like to mix it with juice or coconut milk for a more pleasant taste. It’s easy to forget what your first wine or beer tasted like. It was pretty awful for most people. Much like these drinks, the taste of kava soon becomes a non-issue over time.
Reverse Tolerance
Some people have a reverse tolerance with kava. This means that when they first start drinking kava, they don’t feel the effects of kava straight away. It can often take a few kava sittings for some people to feel the effects. This can be disappointing and leaving you with question re what does kava do, I’m not feeling anything!
If this happens to you, don’t be dismayed. We recommend revisiting kava over the next couple of days and then again then next few days after that. By this time your body has become used to processing the kavalactones (the feel good component of kava) and we are sure you will feel the effects.
Mixing with Alcohol
We often get asked “What does Kava do when you combine it with drinking Alcohol?”
Kava is known for its relaxing effects, so it can be tempting to have an alcoholic drink with your kava. However, combining alcohol and kava can cause some serious side effects. These include hypertension, increase blood pressure and slurred speech. We recommend that if you are going to drink alcohol, that you wait an hour or so after kava to avoid any issues.
What to be aware of when buying Kava
Let’s look at the key areas that you need to look at when buying kava. This is particularly important if you are unsure about what is kava or what does kava do and it’s your first kava purchase.
Noble Kava
What is Noble kava? Noble kava varieties are those roots have been traditionally used for only social and ceremonial purposes. They’re generally considered to be safer than other varieties because they contain high amounts of the good kava lactones and less of the potentially damaging ones.
Vendors who sell certified noble variety kava will always have the test results published on their website. Here at Australia Kava Shop, we certify all our kava products using the Kavalytics testing protocol. To see up to date test results check HERE.
Kava Tablets and Teas
If you’re looking to try kava, it can be tempting to pick up some tablets or a tea. However, these forms of kava are simply not effective.
Kava tablets and teas do not contain enough active ingredients to create the calming effects that kava is known for. In the adjacent video Cam from Australia Kava Shop discusses why.
If you are asking the question what does kava do to you and you try these product, you will be disappointed. We recommend trying out our Instant Kava powder instead.
Instant Kava – Make Sure it’s REAL Instant Kava
Dehydrated kava juice, or soluble instant kava, is the best form of Instant kava because it retains all the active ingredients. There are many kava products that claim to be “instant” that are simply not. As an example any product claiming to be Instant Kava that is made in Fiji is not TRUE instant Kava. It si simply mincronized kava root. This is not nearly as effective as Instant Kava made from dehdrated fresh green kava juice. We understand that our Instant Kava is more expensive than micronized root, however if you’re looking for the best possible experience from your kava drink its the best Instant option available.
What is Kava's legal status in Australia
Australia has had a rocky road with the legal status of kava. Recently there have been some major changes in Australia that means almost everyone can now enjoy the the famous Pacific Kava Drink.
The Dark Days – 2007-2021
Between 2007 and November 2021, kava’s legal status in Australia saw significant changes. Initially, in 2007, the country banned kava imports due to health concerns and misuse. This was primarily due to some small instances of abuse in indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. This appeared to be a kneed jerk reaction from officials struggling to understand what does kava does to you when you drink it.
During this period you were allowed to bring kava back for personal use, initially only 2kg, then in 2019 up to 4kg per person.
Kava Becomes Legal again 2022
Since 2022, kava has become legally accessible in most parts of Australia under the Phase 2 Kava Trial. This initiative allows kava to be imported and sold commercially, excluding the Northern Territory, which maintains its restrictions.
The trial aims to regulate and monitor kava’s distribution and use, ensuring it is consumed responsibly while respecting its cultural significance, particularly for Pacific Island communities.
Unlike the US where kava can be used in ingredients in food and beverages, in Australia this is not allowed. Only kava in aqueous format or extracts made using an aqueous are allowed.
Kava is a plant from the Pacific Islands that has been used for over 3,000 years as a ceremonial drink due to its relaxing properties. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum, and it is a member of the pepper family.
Kava can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation that last for several hours. Traditionally, it has been used to reduce anxiety, assist with sleep, and act as a social tonic and alcohol substitute.
Yes, kava is legal in Australia. Since January 2022, kava can be imported under a permit system and sold as a food and beverage under the “Phase 2 Kava Trial.” However, it must be properly labeled, sold in aqueous form (mixed with water), and not used as an ingredient in other food and beverages.
First-time drinkers might find kava bitter and may not feel its effects immediately due to reverse tolerance. It is advised to drink kava quickly in one draft or mix it with juice or coconut milk. It’s also important not to combine kava with alcohol, as this can result in serious side effects like hypertension and slurred speech.
