Kava Kava ___________________ The great calmer from Tonga

Kava Kava, (or Piper methysticum, it's scientific name) is a tree, and its roots are used to make a tea that relaxes and enlivens the person who drinks it.

Medical tests have shown Kava to be a very effective anti-stress, anti-anxiety and anti-insomia herb and I've heard that in the British Rave scene it is served as a legal alternative.

It is pungent, it numbs the tonge and throat in a pleasant way and makes everything more enjoyable... still, it is very cheap.

The uses and benefits of Kava Kava in my life:

- A great natural alternative to aspirin for headaches and aching muscles: I'll just drink two cups and any pain or ache be gone (The perfect cure for those of us just starting to exercise again!)

- When I don't feel like drinking alcohol in parties, I'll just bring a bag with some powdered Kava Kava and water and enjoy the night with friends... the only problem is that I'd still be having a great time while I see people around progressively losing coordination and coherence due to the alcohol

- I drink a cup when I want to add an extra edge when making music or playing instruments

- Nothing goes better in late-night conversations with friends than a warm cup sweetened with honey

- After a stressful day, a cup or two at night, before going to bed will make me sleep deeply and allow me to drift off very nicely.

- Sometimes I'll using when meditating, as it makes it much easier for my body to relax and remain still.

- Get your Kava online: I recommend Bouncing Bear Botanicals, our trusted supplier, you'll find their prices are literally unbeatable and you'll get the package in no time

- You can either get the cut and sifted root, or the powdered root, it really doesn't change the Kava effects, although the drinking experience is different. They also have available their legendary Kavalactone paste/extract, which is considerably more potent (and mouth numbing!)

- Now, making the tea is really easy, if you're making it with the powdered root, just heat some water and add a spoonful or two; otherwise just bring water to a boil, turn the flame down and add three spoonfuls of the cut root, let simmer for 2 minutes and turn off the fire, let site for a couple of minutes and sweeten with honey or sugar.

* There isn't really a fixed dose, I like to add one or two spoonfuls per cup and sometimes I drink up to 5 cups in one night, experiment with it and come to your own conclusions.

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Cautions

Please consider this information before experimenting with this herb:

There are medical reports that mention that abusing Kava Kava (drinking too much + too often) causes liver damage and a (reversible) scaling and yellowing of the skin; I recommend not using it more than once a week to allow the body to metabolize all the molecules.

As with anything, moderation is the key.

Enjoy!