Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub with large heart-shaped leaves and woody stems. Its scientific name is Piper methysticum and it is native to the islands of the South Pacific. The root of the plant is used to produce a beverage with sedative and anesthetic properties.

Kava has a long history of use in Pacific Island cultures, where it is traditionally consumed during ceremonies and to promote social bonding. It is also used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other conditions. The active compounds in kava, called kavalactones, are believed to act on the brain to produce a calming effect.

Kava is available in several forms, including as a dried powder, a liquid extract, capsules and in the form of a kava “tea” that can be consumed at Karma Kava Bar. It is typically prepared by mixing the powder with water or another liquid and straining the mixture before drinking. The traditional method of preparation involves chewing or pounding the root and mixing it with water, which is then strained and consumed. We prepare our premium Kava daily, by squeezing and straining by hand, much like the traditional method, but without “chewing our pounding” the root 🙂

Kava is generally considered to be safe when consumed in moderate amounts, however, like anything else, excessive use can may lead to side effects. If you have any serious health conditions, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare provider whether kava is right for you.

Research on the effectiveness of kava for treating various conditions is ongoing. Some studies have found that it may be effective for reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

Kava is a traditional herb native to the South Pacific, which is consumed to promote social bonding and as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness as an alternative treatment to Western healthcare protocols. When people began to refer to this herb as kava, it was probably because of its effects on both the body and mind. The history of kava’s use in mental and spiritual healing practices is long and colorful. It was used to treat a range of ailments in religious rituals throughout the Islands. It appears to have been especially effective against epilepsy, and records indicate that it remained popular even up until the early 19th century. By the time of World War II, more soldiers were coming home from service with complaints of headaches, insomnia, depression, and general irritability. Kava was an increasingly popular treatment for these and other disorders, and it was soon used as an alternative medicine for those who were either ill or concerned about their health.

The roots of kava are usually green, but they are sometimes red, too. Some of the most potent kava available today are red varieties, and they contain high amounts of kavalactone (the active ingredient). Karma Kava offers several drink options that include concentrated kavalactones.

While there is much evidence regarding the history of the herb, very little is known about its health benefits. It’s not clear how or why kava helps the body, and no one really knows what kava actually does for the body. However, there are some things that are known about kava and the possible health benefits:

This herb has been used in the United States to help with anxiety and to calm the nervous system. It has also been used in traditional therapy to treat a wide range of mental disorders, including depression, epilepsy, migraine headaches, nightmares, chronic pain, and even to treat sexual dysfunction in both men and women. While there is some evidence regarding the benefits of kava, there is no hard scientific evidence that shows that it is effective for any medical condition. Some doctors believe that there is some benefit to using the herb, especially for people who don’t get enough rest during their days off from work. The herb can be used in combination with a regimen of lifestyle changes, especially to promote better health in the elderly.

While kava may be helpful for some people, it is not recommended for others. 

Many people use kava for anxiety or sleeping disorders. If you suffer from anxiety, insomnia, depression, panic attacks, or tardive dyskinesia, you should discuss kava tea with your doctor before taking it. People with liver disease, kidney disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, or bone disease, should avoid excessive kava consumption, and consult with a doctor before consuming kava for these conditions.

Karma Kava specializes in serving the finest kava teas, cocktails and concentrated shots in an upscale, social and inclusive environment.