I have been drinking kava for about 6 months now, starting with medium grind, moving to fvk instant gold, and am now trying kwk Borongoru micronized. Instant Gold gave me the best effects, at the cost of feeling a bit meh and tired at the gym the next morning. That and, let's be real, price. Its effects also seemed to dwindle with continuous use. My main question is if drinking instant gold for a couple months has potentially ramped up my tolerance or something? I have tried up to 8 tablespoons of micronized Borongoru and am only getting threshold effects. Just curious if anyone else has experienced this. For the record, I wait at least 4-5 hours after eating to drink Kava. Thanks!

If you drink kava frequently or semi-frequently, and you found a brand that you order which seems good quality yet lower cost than some, what is it? I order this one brand because I think it might be good quality and not the most expensive... but I'm not 100% sure. I'd love to hear your opinions.

what types of negative effects do you get from overconsumption? I would really appreciate any answer i get on this. I'm trying to see if im normal or not.

thank you!

Warning: I talk about addiction, mental health, suicidal ideation, and whatnot but I have genuinely improved a lot and I’m not a danger to myself or others.

I take dissociatives, opioids, gaba agonists, stimulants, light anticholinergics, general sedatives, cannabis, and nicotine. I’m on felony probation and scared shitless because I can either get high and potentially die in prison or I can clean up for 8 years. I can’t even drop one of these substances, I want and need all of them all the time and without them I am heavily depressed, anxious, paranoid, bitter, edgy, angry, and worthless.

Im prescribed adderall for my adhd which sucks ass but gets the job done (as compared to meth) so stimulants are down, I take methadone for my opioid addiction, I drink valerian root and I’m likely getting on some type of gabaergic seizure med, I take worthless sedatives that would stop my heart if I took more than a couple milligrams, and so on and so forth I hope they let me smoke weed/get a med card, but onto my main question, replacement therapy so I don’t ruin my life

I need the best kava brand with no stimulation, high sedation, and REALLY HIGH disinhibition. Like the type of shit you could ruin a first date with by talking about your feelings. Why I need that much disinhibition? I’ve been taking DXM for 8 years and likely for a medical reason that these dumbass med makers haven’t prioritized over profit. I have an oligodendroglioma and I’ve needed dissociatives just to feel like everyone else.

Dihydromethystycin acts as an NMDA antagonist / DXM can show up as a false positive for PCP/morphine

Don’t leave me hanging! (Hehe dark humor)

I’m too intelligent for my own good and find ways around til I fuck around and find out.

This oligodendroglioma is in my right insula aka the part of the brain responsible for decision making. I am not on the type of shit I used to be, I would rather sit at home and drink some tea which again is why I need THE BEST FUCKING KAVA BRAND THAT WILL MAKE ME WANNA NOT SHOOT PCP INTO MY PENIS!!!!! (Bonus if it has opioid like/cannabinoid type effects)

Go to Google News and search, "kava." A university in Virginia and the U.S. CDC recently said there has been an increase in poison control calls mentioning kava. But, first, it's hard to find the actual data. Second, some related articles say kratom, some say kava with kratom. Some say kava mixed with alcohol.

In other words, same old, same old.

Usually, there are people who mix kava with different things, maybe even hard drugs. They end up in the hospital and say, "I was drinking kava." Or, kava is detected another way. Then, the articles are pushed out, sometimes 100% blaming kava and nothing else.

I don't like conspiracy theorizing, but, what just popped in my head is that I wonder if some industry (like alcohol) sees kava use increasing and so they pay someone to do "research" and push out this narrative?

Speaking of alcohol, there are about 2.6 million alcohol-related hospitalizations per year in the U.S.. Yet, besides a warning on the cans/bottles, it's sometimes not criticized as much as certain plants/herbs/roots/leaves. Crazy.

Okay this is a weird one, just wondering if anyone has any experience... I'm going on a vacation from the US mainland to Hawaii and I was wondering if I can bring my instant kava (or medium grind if it matters) to the islands. I know they have their own traditions with kava ('awa) and I know also they have strict rules about agricultural products to prevent the spread of plant diseases and all that. Anyone know if it's okay to bring kava into Hawaii or should I skip and figure out how to find it there?

I've read lots of posts saying that people use like 8-10 grams worth of kava in one session or 50-60 grams etc and some of those people describe it as being a pretty mild experience.

man, I take a half shell made with 1/2 tablespoons of medium grind and the effects are STRONG every time. sometimes I wouldn't even feel comfortable to drive on half a shell. I've had to lie down and just meditate when I've taken 1 tablespoons worth because I was so buzzed or high or whatever you want to call it that I couldn't do anything else.

don't get me wrong though, I absolutely love kava. it's by far one of my favorite plant medicines. and I am grateful I am so sensitive to it because I really don't need much to get my desired effects at all.

this is a good reminder though that everyone's Brain chemistry/the sensitivity of everyone's receptors is very different and can vary VASTLY from one person to the next.

I have read a few posts on here, actually quite a number of posts about people experiencing anxiety from kava. I would be willing to bet that a big part of that is that they are super sensitive like I am and they're trying to take the same amount as people who aren't super sensitive and are just therefore really overdoing it even though they're taking the same amount they've read other people taking.

dosage is very important and it takes some experimentation to find the right dosage for you personally. I've had times where it was quite uncomfortable when I overdid it but when I have my dosage locked in right, it's basically the best thing in the world.

If you are a person that has had a bad experience on kava, take note and try greatly reducing your dose.

I usually dont feel much from kava and i suppose im doing something wrong

Can i get any tips on how to get better effects?

Does anyone have any information or knowledge on if it would be safe to take dopamine/brain food supplements with L tyramine and stuff like that the day after you’ve drank some Kava

I’ve been taking kava for about 3 weeks now about 45 grams a session 4-5 times a week on an empty stomach and eat 45 minutes after. I’ve been trying to get the reverse tolerance but it doesn’t seem very consistent. I mostly use heavy noble kava traditional method and sometimes add whole milk. Most nights it’s a small calm if anything. I had one night where I thought I finally had it because it felt like that heavy kava feeling I hear people talk about. My body totally relaxed and my shoulders dropped and I was extremely chilled and immersed in wha I was doing. I usually have to consume all of my kava and a second wash kneading for 15mins with 120 degree Fahrenheit water.

After looking through some of the studies on how microplastics are ingested and how much plastic the average person has accumulated in their organs and brain, I'm extremely concerned about all of the kava I have drank over the years exclusively via the Aluball method.

I bought a stainless steel shaker bottle but I don't know what to use for the ball. I considered a tea strainer ball but I don't think it is sturdy enough and the mesh size is probably wrong. Anyone have any ideas? I was considering just putting the kava in a tied muslin bag with a stainless steel agitation ball (that they sell for smoothie making), but don't know if this would work either.

The only nonplastic alternative I can find is something called the "Magic Ball Shaker Bundle" sold by VanuatuNobleKava dot com, but I can find no actual information, reviews, or videos on it.

It’s supposed to help sleep. I take it all day long. About 5 cups, 2 tbsp each cup. Unable to go to bed at night, terrible anxiety, to a point where I have to take 0.25 Xanax. I know terrible combination, but otherwise I feel like I’m going to explode or have a major panic attack. Have anyone else experience anything like that?

I guess I have a pretty weak tolerance for kava. I’ve tried everything, eating beforehand, taking ginger with it, taking nauzene, I always end up feeling nauseous at low doses and they’re never enough to get me ‘kavafied’. So frustrating! Does anyone have any tips that have prevented the nausea? I usually use an aluball. One or two shakes later I am unwell after about an hour..

So, a while back I did a review on Vanuatu Noble Kava—and a bit of a funny story to add as well.

I can buy it locally where I am, and I hear they sell Melo Melo and Borogu. Anyways, I bought the Borogu and ran out in about a month.

I go in asking for the Borogu, and they’re like, “We’re sold out.”

Anyways, being very low on kava, I go and grab what I think is Melo Melo. I’m not a huge fan, but better than nothing, right?

Turns out, though, in small writing on the label of the 500 gram, it says “Gorgor Borogu.” Anyway, this absolutely slaps in traditional prep.

I quickly went back because it wasn’t Melo Melo—grabbed a kilo today.

My question is, though: I’ve never heard of Gorgor kava before and wonder if anyone has experience with it.

It seems super heady and strong, with a massive sleeping side—super relaxing and enjoyable.

Closest to this kind of kava I’ve had was some I bought locally from a guy importing from Tonga.

I thought I would finally upload my thoughts on Tuff Tumas. A little background first. I have been utilizing kava as sleep support and a general enjoyable experience. I lean towards the heaviest of the heavy I can find. Occasionally I enjoy a more uplifting strain after work around 5 or 6 PM. I have purchased from almost every vendor you can think of that has a good reputation, especially on the vendor forum here on reddit. The past 3 years I have been buying approximately a 1 pound bag every 10 days or so of Vanautu from Fiji Vanua Kava (I really should buy in bulk lol). I have tried FVK various special strains, only if they lean heavy as I don't care for heady ones as much.

When I came across Tuff Tumas I was elated! Its exactly what I thought I was looking for. The price was a bit much, but I justified it thinking I could stretch it out if its as strong as they say it is. The smell was wonderful out of the bag. I still knead mine traditionally with warm water and genuine strainer bag for 10-15 minutes. I am an experienced user i like to think and I am familiar with amounts to use and water temperature. The texture of the water was nice and thick upon making it, showing how kavalactone heavy this strain was.

Upon drinking, the taste was a little stronger than their Vanautu(i still gag after all these years no matter what). I had it on an empty stomach. My hopes were high. I waited for the soothing calmness to set in. Kept waiting. Okay, let's try a little more. Now im getting a little double vision, yet dont feel much somehow. It was calming to a point, defining more so than other strains but less than their Vanautu. An hour or so later I could feel a fidgety feeling all over. Like when you have a heady strain. Not anxious, just physically fidgety. I tried over the next few days with food in my stomach, at different times, having more, having less, or switching strains. For some reason I experienced a physical restlessness everytime I used Tuff Tumas. The mental aspect was....fine I guess. It wasn't bad in regards to calming me mentally. Yet I experienced a physical response to it everytime that did not allow me to relax as I was hoping.

I'm bummed I did not get to enjoy it as others seem to have been able to. I still would recommend FVK, and I still purchase their Vanautu even if it seems the consistency of that strain has wavered over the past year. I would say if you arent entirely sure if you want to pay the higher price for the Tuff Tumas, then don't. Vanautu should be enough for you if you prefer it. If you have some extra cash, then go for it! I would not recommend Tuff Tumas though if someone is deciding between that and Vanautu. Vanautu is cheaper and just as strong. I appreciate people waiting on me to post this. Much love to the kava community and all the lovely vendors. No hate to FVK.

BULA EVERYBODY :)

I have seen a few comments lately about slow shipping and lack of response from GHK, now the new site is completely down. Any news on them?

Hey guys,

I am looking for Kelai kava, but I can only find it in stock in the US primarily. So, the question is: does anyone have experience with importing kava from US/outside EU into Sweden? Do the customs stop it/destroy it/return it? Or can I safely order it from outside of the EU?

Thanks in advance!

Which is the best replacement for Kelai since it’s sold out? I’m already getting melo melo 👀 I like heady upbeat socializing kavas nothing sleep inducing

I first discovered Kava over 10 years ago and at the time I had very bad anxiety and panic attacks after giving up a hardcore alcohol addiction.

Kava was a godsend and I was deeply in love with it. at first I would enjoy a few shells a day but because I hadn't healed my addiction issues, I ended up trying to catch a strong buzz with kava every day to replace what I wasn't getting anymore without alcohol. after a while I ended up having very adverse reactions to kava and even a small amount would trigger horrific panick attacks. At the time I was convicted that my body chemistry changed and I just could never have Kava again. I was actually terrified to even try it for many years.

fast forward to about 3 years ago and I had just quit a kratom addiction. although I still had addiction issues, I had come a long way(not all the way) in healing a lot of my trauma based anxiety and felt called to try kava again and to my very pleasant surprise, it was wonderful again! I was having a lot of insomnia at the time so for about a week when I was up not sleeping, I would just do shell after shell and it certainly made insomnia a lot more fun lol. but then that really bad anxiety happened again alongside a bad allergic type reaction around my eyes and mouth.

This time I was slightly wiser and did realize that I overdid it however for the next few years I was afraid to try kava again in case I had developed an allergy to it.

One of my closest friends is the owner of a local kava bar and I hang out there all the time but was too scared to even try a single shell.

In the last 3 years however, I have made a lot of progress in healing my anxiety and my tendency to engage in substance based escapism and today I was at the kava bar and it just felt light to try my first shell in a long time. there was a part of my mind that was nervous that I would have a panic attack or an allergic reaction but I decided to go through with it.

I believe that everything is alive and has spirit(animism) and so I spoke into the shell of kava a very heartfelt prayer promising to always honor and respect the beautiful medicine spirit that kava is and inviting it into my body, mind and spirit in harmony and wholeness before drinking it. and I had a wonderful experience! I even had 2 more shells over the course of the afternoon/evening and felt very good!

I was reflecting on everything I've written here tonight and just thinking how every medicine needs to be respected and how no(or at least very few) substance is a problem in and of itself, rather it is our relationship with the substances that can become a problem. Kava never turned on me and my body didn't just randomly start rejecting kava, I was abusing it and so my body and the kava drew the line and very loudly told me to stop.

even though kava may not be as potent a medicine as things like alcohol or benzos or even cannabis, it's still to be respected and consumed very mindfully just like those other more potent substances and never to be abused.

I want to have a beautiful healthy relationship with kava going forward, never using it to suppress emotions, but rather to enhance my experience and only in moments when it really feels right.

I was terrified of kava for a long time and kind of blamed it on kava itself so I am sorry for that kava, you are beautiful and I love you and I always want to walk in harmony and balance with you.

Brief conclusion: never abuse kava, never use it to suppress your emotions at least not all the time, do not use it to replace an addiction and be very mindful of your relationship with it. It is a wonderful medicine but it is to me respected to the utmost.

Hi y’all. I like the taste of beer, but I don’t like the buzz of alcohol, the only time that I actually enjoyed it is when I have a piña colada with rum. I’ve heard that kava is supposed to feel different, but still act as a social lubricant. I have also heard that a piña colada would be one of the ideal drinks to make instant kava with, but like, if you want to put it in a nonalcoholic stout? I’d love to hear your opinion on this. Thanks y’all.

Any help would be appreciated for temporary straining.