Kava is a plant that can be widely found on the Pacific Islands. The extract from its roots is used as an herbal supplement for various health benefits. Drinking kava is known to treat a variety of health conditions such as stress, anxiety and insomnia. The root extract contains kavapyrones which work on the brain similarly to alcohol. It helps the person feel more relaxed and happier, just like having a high but without the addictive part.

Many people have started taking kava to enjoy its amazing health benefits. If you’re still new, you might need to know how to prepare kava first before you could enjoy a healthy cup. For starters, there are two quick methods you could try out to make your own kava drink. Read along to learn more.

Traditional Grind Kava

Before trying any other method of preparing kava, you should try the traditional way first. You can buy bulk kava online for fresh roots that you could grind or you could also buy traditional grind kava powder from health supplement shops. Aside from the main ingredient, you’ll also need a strainer bag and warm purified water.

To prepare a traditional kava drink, put in the kava grind into the strainer bag. Place in a bowl then pour warm water over it and let it sit for a few minutes to loosen the fibres. After, slowly knead the kava grind inside the strainer and twist occasionally to let the water out. Just continue doing it for a few minutes until the water becomes densely brown in colour. Be sure not to let any kava root particles get mixed with the water. Pour it into a separate bowl or glass, ready for drinking.

Instant Kava

When you’ve tried the traditional kava drink, you could now proceed to other methods which is instant kava preparation. This method is the easiest since you don’t need to strain and squeeze the roots anymore. All you need is good quality instant kava powder and your favourite drink. Simply add a few teaspoons to a glass of your favourite drink such as juice, milk, or just plain water. Stir it well before drinking it.

Tips When Drinking Kava

Kava drinks have a natural earthy taste. Since it doesn’t really taste that pleasant at all, it is best to drink kava with a chaser. It could be any drink that you like, just to cover the unpleasant taste. Aside from that, it is also best to chug kava directly than sipping it little by little.

This is to avoid the sediments from settling down and to lessen your exposure to its bad flavour. After drinking a cup, wait for about 15 to 20 minutes before getting the next one to give time for the kavalactones to take effect. If you want to experience the full effect of kava quickly, be sure to take it on an empty stomach to boost its efficacy.

Although kava has a lot of amazing health benefits, always remember to take it moderately too.