For thousands of years, the people of the southern Pacific islands have drunk kava, a drink extracted from the roots of the pepper plant of the same name, whose scientific name is Piper Methysticum. Kava is known for its relaxing and calming effects. Many people consume it because it is a natural alternative to alcohol and anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs. There are a couple of ways to consume kava. Drinks can be prepared with minced roots, alcoholic extracts, or chewed or held under the tongue.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Chopped Kava Root
Step 1. Find some quality kava
Some grocery stores can get it for you or you can buy it online. There are many varieties of this plant and one can be stronger than the other. Those imported from Vanuatu or Fiji tend to be more potent. You will need powdered rhizomes for this method, but you can find them in other forms as well.
Step 2. Mix the kava powder with the water, but remember to filter it before drinking
You can use a large empty tea bag or strain the drink later. If you don't mind the taste and want a higher fiber content, you can leave the root residues in the water.
Step 3. The amount of kava depends only on your personal taste, the more powder you add, the stronger the drink will be
As a general rule, use one tablespoon of root for 240ml of water. Some like to add seed oil or a cup of milk (ie 480 ml of water, 240 ml of milk and 3 tablespoons of kava).
Method 2 of 3: Use a Sieve
Step 1. Add the kava directly to the water and mix
If you are making large quantities, use a blender or a simple spoon for one cup. Stir the mixture for 10 minutes at a minimum. During this time, if you are using the blender, stop the appliance a couple of times.
Step 2. Filter the drink through a sieve (wire mesh, cheesecloth or old shirt)
American coffee filters are not good.
Method 3 of 3: Knead the Kava
Step 1. Get a shallow bowl and fill it with the desired amount of water (eg 760ml of water or more)
Step 2. Place a square of fabric in the bowl and add the amount of kava you want
Step 3. "Knead" the kava in the water, through the fabric, preventing it from coming out and dispersing in the bowl
When you are done, remove the fabric full of kava root and squeeze out the excess water.
Advice
- You can grow your own kava plant to make sure there are no chemicals in it. Ask experienced growers for some suggestions.
- Fresh kava is stronger.
- Sometimes it takes two people to turn a cloth into a large "filter" filled with kava.
Warnings
- Supplements in the form of pills that you can buy at the pharmacy and parapharmacy have a minimal effect.
- Kava can sometimes cause nausea especially if it is taken as an unfiltered drink.
- People suffering from liver problems should not use kava, as well as patients taking hepatotoxic drugs and regular alcohol users. It is especially not recommended to take kava in combination with alcohol.
- Years ago the FDA issued "warnings" regarding the side effects of kava that have never been renewed. Apparently it seems that those responsible for these side effects were the producers of the plant who used the entire shrub instead of just the roots. Make sure you only use the rhizomes!
- As for alcohol consumption, regular drinkers may find kava an excellent alternative to alcohol. However, it is unwise to consume them simultaneously.
