  
Kava Kava Varieties
Kava-Kava is grown in the far off paradise islands of the South Pacific, but is easily
purchased from online stores.
The best Kava Kava tea is made from the ground-up roots of the Kava plant (Piper
methysticum). Kava's effects of reducing anxiety and producing a relaxed, alert state are well documented,
since Kava has been used for thousands of years by islanders in the South Pacific, particularly those on Samoa,
Fiji, and Tonga.
Premium Fiji Kava from Fiji - 1 LB - Pure Root Kava Powder
Today, the best Kava Kava comes from the South Pacific islands:
Fijian Kava - Pope John Paul II enjoyed a cup of Kava on the island of
Fiji, which is known to grow Kava with a very mellowing effect and a "body high." Fijian Kava can be purchased from
several reliable sources on the internet.
Vanuatu Kava - Vanuatu is the center of the Kava universe. More Kava
is grown here than anywhere else, and it is considered to be the most potent. Vanuatu is a tropical island located
east of Australia and west of Fiji. Vanuatu Kava can be purchased on the internet.
Hawaiian Kava (awa) - Many varieties of Kava are now grown in
Hawaii, mostly for the local market and for sale on the internet.
You can order fresh-ground organic Kava root powder or you can purchase a number of
products made with Kava root powder.
Melomelo Kava from Vanuatu 1/2 lb. - Pure Root Kava Powder
Kava Kava Tea's calming effects are produced by kavalactones which are present in the
plant. The older the Kava plant is, the higher the concentration of kavalactones and the more potent the tea. You
should look for tea made from Kava roots that are at least 4 or 5 years old if possible.
I have personally used Kava Kava Tea since 2001 to combat anxiety and mild panic attacks.
It has been a godsend. There's nothing like a cup of Kava Kava Tea after a stressful day. I find that Kava Tea
quickly produces a relaxed, calm state, and when I go to bed it induces a deep sleep and does not produce a
hangover effect. Each type of Kava produces a somewhat different effect. Some varieties help me sleep, while others
can sometimes keep me awake. You should experiment with several varieties and find the ones that you like
best.
One thing to know about Kava Kava Tea is that it can be an acquired taste. Beginning Kava
drinkers often need to sweeten and flavor the tea before drinking it since the taste of pure Kava Kava Tea is not
much different from mud. It also produces a tingling, slightly numb feeling in the mouth, throat and tongue, which
goes away a short time after drinking it.
Another important thing to know about making Kava Kava Tea is that you must not
use water hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat destroys the active ingredient in Kava Kava Tea
(kavalactones).
Another consideration is that the kavalactones are not water soluble, so adding some milk
or lethicin to the tea will help dissolve the kavalactones and make a more potent tea. Nevertheless, it still
works just fine by dissolving in water alone.
Several internet suppliers sell various varieties of Kava root powder used to make Kava
Kava Tea. Most are located in Hawaii and advertise organic Kava root along with other products made from Kava as
well as accessories used by Kava Tea drinkers. I've purchased my Kava from nearly all of the online suppliers and
have always had excellent service and quick delivery. A half-pound bag of Kava powder lasts me several months,
depending on how often I drink.
I generally limit my Kava Kava Tea consumption to twice a week. Occasionally I drink it
more often when I'm having anxiety issues, and sometimes I may go several weeks without drinking any. I believe
that everything should be used in moderation.
Finally, be sure to buy Kava root powder, not
Kava leaves and stems for making Kava Kava Tea. The root powder has more kavalactones, while the leaves and stems
have plant alkaloids whose effects are unknown and may be undesireable. Follow the old ways of the South Pacific
Islanders and use Kava root powder and enjoy the calming effects of Kava Kava Tea.
Also, I prefer using pure kava kava root powder rather than the various root extracts sold
as pills and tinctures. The South Sea Islanders have been using kava kava root powder safely for thousands of
years.
Note: By providing this information I am neither endorsing nor recommending any
specific Kava product from any specific retailer, grower or processor, nor am I making any claims as to medical or
other benefits related to Kava or derrivative products.
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