Kava is the plant-powered extract that’s taking the wellness world by storm! While Pacific Islanders have known about kava’s benefits for generations, it’s more recently gaining popularity in the United States as a game-changing remedy for those who suffer from anxiety or stress; as well as a fun, social way to get a lively buzz without the booze. Keep reading to learn more about the types of kava and the best kava products for every scenario.
What is Kava?
Kava is a plant in the pepper family that’s native to the Pacific Islands. Interestingly, its scientific name, piper methysticum, translates to “pepper” in latin and “intoxicating” in latinized Greek. The plant’s root is ground into a powder that can be consumed as tea, added to a beverage, a supplement, or enjoyed as a tincture. Kava has been part of ceremonies and cultural traditions in the Pacific Islands for centuries.
The Benefits of Kava
The active compounds in kava are known as kavalactones. Kava acts as a depressant on the body, leading to effects like relaxed muscles, reduced stress, and feelings of wellbeing. These days, many people are choosing kava over alcohol for laid back socializing, treating anxiety, relieving stress, and achieving better sleep.
Types of Kava
Before we get into which kava product might be right for you, let's explore the main types. There are 103 different varieties, each with slightly different effects determined by the specific mix of kavalactones present (known as a chemotype); however, kava typically falls under three main categories: heady, heavy, and balanced.
Heady: This type of kava tends to be mentally stimulating, uplifting and euphoric, making it great for daytime use.
Heavy: Heavy kavas have a sedative effect, relaxing muscles and calming the mind, making them more suitable for use at nighttime.
Balanced: These deliver a good mix of the two types of effects above, resulting in a versatile, popular kava type.
Dive deeper into Kava varieties and chemotypes here: Kava Varieties: Know Your Kava
Choosing The Right Kava
The Best Kava for Socializing
Leilo’s Kava Relaxation Drinks - 12 oz can
Many people are reaching for kava as a way to socialize without the hangover and next-day regret of alcohol. Typically, you’ll want to choose a heady kava for a laid-back social gathering. Kavain is the kavalactone most closely associated with heady, social effects, so look for a kavain-forward product.
We recommend a Kava Relaxation drink from Leilo. These canned beverages are crafted for feel-good calm and relaxation, and available in delicious flavors like Lime Margarita and Raspberry Hibiscus, so you can sip, mingle, and feel your best. Bottoms up!
The Best Kava for Anxiety
If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety, you’re not alone. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 31.1% of US adults will deal with anxiety at some point in their lives. Anxiety might feel like a racing heart, difficulty concentrating, excessive worry, and irritability, among other symptoms. The good news is, kava is a plant-based remedy that may help soothe anxiety. Studies suggest that kava has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, particularly associated with the kavain and dihydrokawain kavalactones.
We recommend a balanced kava product like Green Roads gummies, which use a proprietary blend of kava for calming effects. They also happen to taste amazing!
Best Kava for Stress Relief
Cool Sour Breeze Kava Drink Powder From Jubi
Stressed out? Whether you’re dealing with work stress or just the obstacles that everyday life throws your way, you can calm your mind and ease stress with Kava sticks from Jubi. Even the package is stress-free and super convenient—just add flavored kava powder to water, stir, and enjoy! Jubi sources their premium kava from the South Pacific and crafts plant-powered wellness products in the USA. These balanced kava powder packets come in delicious flavors like Cool Sour Breeze, Hawaiian Fruit, and Strawberry Lemonade. Pick your favorite or try them all!
Best Kava for Sleep
Leilo’s Relax With Kava Shot - 2 fl oz
Trouble sleeping can leave you feeling groggy and irritated the next day. Fortunately, a heavy kava can help you catch some Z’s and improve the quality of your sleep, so you can feel better rested. For improved sleep, we recommend Leilo’s Relax With Kava Shot. Leilo sources kava from Vanuatu, known for its sleepy, relaxing effects. This quick and easy, pleasantly berry-flavored 2 ounce shot tastes great and will melt away tension, helping you unwind before bed.
Potential Side Effects of Kava
Like any plant-based wellness product, kava may affect some individuals differently than others. We would be remiss not to mention that some people have reported side effects of kava including:
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
In very rare circumstances, kava has also been associated with longterm side effects including cases of liver injury, dermopathy (dry, scaly, yellowish skin and reddened eyes), and neurological effects. You may want to consult your doctor before adding kava to your wellness routine.
Enjoy the Calm of Kava at Gold Dragon Kratom
If you’re seeking a plant-based way to socialize without alcohol, to reduce stress or anxiety, or to achieve better sleep, you may want to try kava! Gold Dragon Kratom carries the top brands and best kava products, so you can explore Leilo, Green Roads, Jubi, and more to find the best kava product for any situation. Join a long legacy of kava users and enjoy plant-powered wellness today!
Not sure which kava product is right for your unique needs? Contact our customer support team for a free consultation today.
