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Author:
Bojana Radovic
Whether you have gotten your hands on some high-quality Kava powder, or this root was recommended to you as a natural relaxant, this article will surely help you discover all the benefits of the Kava Kava plant.
And if you’re serious about giving this traditional remedy a try, we will share with you our secret to steeping the ultimate Kava cuppa and what to do to ensure a pleasant taste with every single brew.
Kava Kava is a traditional herbal remedy that is derived from the roots of the Piper methysticum – a plant in the pepper family that is native to the Western Pacific.
The Islanders have been using this magical root for thousands of years both as alternative medicine and for ceremonial and ritual purposes.
Traditionally, the West Pacific people would make a paste out of the Kava root, mix it with some coconut milk or water, and drink it for its sedative and euphoriant properties.
Today, Kava Kava is generally consumed as a tea, but it is also sold in a tablet form, as a natural supplement.
Although its relaxing and stress-reducing actions make Kava Kava a popular medicine and recreational drug, it is important to know that this plant is non-addictive, and if taken in moderation, it shouldn’t cause any side effects.
Okay, so, it is a recreational drug that is relaxing and euphoric, but it is not addicting and has no particular side effects. It sounds almost too good to be true, right? So one cannot help but wonder, does Kava actually do anything?
Kava is known to be an anxiolytic drug with similar effects to alcohol. Studies have found that this plant has a powerful anti-anxiety effect. It is also used as a bedtime tea, alternative medicine to promote healthy sleep.
Kava Kava has active compounds – kavalactones – that are sticky and insoluble. Once the system absorbs them, experts say that the consumed plant starts acting as a muscle relaxant. There are six kavalactone types in the Kava plant, but the most significant of all is found in its root.
So, if you’re thinking of cutting back on alcohol but still want to experience these anxiolytic properties, a cup of Kava might be just the solution.
There are two ways in which you can make authentic Kava tea:
Kava Kava is prepared by steeping the root in hot water, the same way you brew your regular tea. The only difference here is that it is recommended that you place the root in a straining bag first and then infuse it in water.
At the beginning, you will notice that the water is taking on a milky color, but it will soon turn darker, resembling chocolate milk.
If this seems like too much of a hassle, we know of a shortcut. Instead of putting the Kava root in a strainer bag, you can just pop it into your blender. Add your 8-12 ounces of water there, and just push the blend button. After 3-4 minutes of blending, strain through a cheesecloth, and serve as desired.
Kava root is popular but not exactly sold as tea in every coffee shop for one simple reason – it is an acquired taste.
If this is your first time trying Kava, be prepared for some face scrunching. Because, as famous as it is, Kava tea is, basically, root with water. And as such, the taste will be earthy, dirt-like, and well, not so pleasing.
But don’t give up on it just yet. If prepared with some yummy add-ins, Kava tea will not only make you feel better, but it will also taste amazing.
Here are our favorite things to add to your brewed Kava root:
Now that you know what Kava can do for your health and how to whip up the ultimate cup, the next step is to try your Kava tea hot, chilled, and with a variety of your favorite herbs, fruits, spices, and add-ins, to find the best flavor that your taste buds will simply adore. So, what’s your most pleasing Kava combo?