What is Kava?
Kava kava, kawa, awa, ʻava, yaqona or yagona, sakau, seka, and malok or malogu. Called by many names throughout the world, we are proud to introduce our new, premium range of Kava (Piper methysticum), aka the intoxicating pepper.
Consumed traditionally in South Pacific Island cultures for centuries, Kava is closely related to the black pepper tree and is a hardy, slow-growing shrub embellished in heart-shaped leaves, but the real magic comes from kavalactones. These little compounds are the VIPs responsible for both the psychological and physiological effects Kava bestows upon the drinker, with each cultivar featuring its own unique composition for a variety of different effects: from sedating to uplifting, there’s a drinking experience for every Kava connoisseur.
Our Premium Single Cultivar Kava Range
We take quality seriously here at Happy Herb Co, which is why we’ve partnered with a trusted Kava supplier to bring you our premium range of some of the finest, most prized cultivars of Vanuatu. Each is sourced from 100% Noble Kava, which has been extensively researched and proven safe for human consumption, as opposed to Ignoble Kava which can be applied to a wide variety of Kavas that have not had this same human consumption safety proven. Noble Kavas are revitalising, and normal amounts can be consumed regularly by almost anyone without any adverse side effects. These powders are pure goodness: originating straight from noble cultivars, they’re packed with kavalactones like kavain and dihydrokavain and each has its own chemotype, resulting in different flavours and effects.
The effects of each cultivar may also depend upon the person consuming it, so some people greatly prefer one cultivar over another. If you’re after a different buzz, be sure to try them all! We primarily stock traditional grinds, but have recently expanded our range to include Instant Kava for a quick and easy fix.
So, whether you’re a Kava connoisseur or new to the Kava world: dive into our selection, try them all and find your perfect match today. Who knows, you may just find your new favourite way to unwind!
Download our Kava Range infographic here
How to make Kava:
Traditional Preparation
- Place approximately 3 heaped tablespoons (35g ~ 1/3 cup) of our Traditional Grind Kava into one of our kava strainer bags and place into a bowl
- Add about 600ml of room temperature water.
- Tightly close the strainer bag and knead the kava well under water for 10mins.
- Squeeze all the excess water out of the strainer bag, and set aside (you can be re-brewed it later).
- Serve in half sized cups (referred to as shells in Vanuatu). Kava is best swallowed down in 1-2 quick gulps. Have a piece of fruit ready to cleanse the palate. Enjoy!
See video below to view this method in action!
Blender Method
- Place approximately 3 heaped tablespoons (35g ~ 1/3 cup) of our Traditional Grind Kava into a blender with about 600ml of room temperature water.
- Blend on high for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Pour Kava liquid through a Kava strainer bag or cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Serve in half sized cups (referred to as shells in Vanuatu). Kava is best swallowed down in 1-2 quick gulps. Have a piece of fruit ready to cleanse the palate. Enjoy!
Instant Kava Preparation
- Add 1 -2 teaspoons (8g) of Instant Kava to a glass.
- Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Stir & Enjoy!
Kava Science
Kava chemotypes – we’re using some big words here, but what exactly are we talking about? Chemotypes essentially identify the distinct chemical profiles akin to fingerprints found in different biological organisms. In this case, we’re talking about Kava. Kava plants have very little variation in how they look (also called morphology), however they contain widely differing amounts and ratios of organic chemical compounds. By understanding the importance of chemotypes and how to discern them, you’re better able to determine which Kava cultivar you may enjoy most, particularly once you’ve had some experience in drinking Kava.
To take a deeper dive and explore more about kavalactones, chemotypes and cultivars, check out our blog on The Science of Kava.
Kava Culture
~ LISTEN TO THE KAVA ~
What does this mean exactly? Well, many of the kava drinking cultures in the South Pacific Islands say that in order to get the most out of your drinking experience, you must listen to the kava. What this typically means is to sit in a quiet, dark place, to be able to ruminate on your most intimate thoughts. As we briefly touched on before, Kava has been consumed traditionally in South Pacific Island cultures for a very long time. Consumed as both a social and ceremonial drink, Kava ceremonies in Vanuatu were once surrounded by complicated rituals and restricted to secret societies where only powerful men could partake. While used for a number of medicinal purposes, Kava was also considered a gateway to the realm of the ancestors, spirits and Gods. In fact, Kava was considered so powerful it was banned by Christian missionaries for roughly a century in an attempt to “eliminate competition with other gods” on many of the Vanuatu Islands between 1880 and 1980. These days, Kava has evolved in Vanuatu from this secret, highly prized ceremonial drink, to a relaxing beverage sometimes consumed daily while still playing an important role in ceremonial events.
Read more about the rich history of Kava in Exploring Kava Culture Around the World.
Kava FAQs
What is Kava?
As we’ve touched on, Kava is a crop closely related to the black pepper tree. A hardy, relatively slow-growing shrub adorned with heart-shaped leaves, it’s name means ‘bitter’ and the part we consume is made from the root or stump of the shrub. It is typically available in several different forms, including the brown powder which produces the brownish-coloured drink which makes up our range, as well as capsules, extracts and drops.
What is Noble Kava?
Noble Kava, as opposed to Ignoble Kava, has been proven safe for human consumption. Extensively researched, Noble Kava is revitalising, refreshing and in normal amounts can be consumed regularly by almost anyone without any adverse side effects. The term Ignoble Kava can be applied to a wide variety of Kavas that have not had this same human consumption safety proven.
Is Kava legal?
Prior to December 1, 2021, Kava was a controlled substance in Australia. While there are still regulatory controls around the importation and selling of Kava, this is purely to ensure the quality and safety, and in most countries drinking Kava is now, fortunately, legal, and many people can now enjoy the benefits of this ceremonial drink. It is important to ensure you are purchasing 100% Noble Kava.
What’s the difference between Instant and Traditional Kava?
Quite simply, Traditional Kava requires more preparation than Instant Kava. Think coffee grinds to instant coffee.
Does Kava get you high/stoned?
Kava will not get you high in the typical sense. It is known to elevate mood and wellbeing and produce a feeling of relaxation, so may be useful for those with anxiety, insomnia or other nervous disorders. Higher doses may produce more intense feelings of euphoria or sedation, but Kava does not produce the same sort of high that controlled substances do.
What are the benefits of Kava?
As discussed, Kava may be useful for people who deal with stress, anxiety, insomnia and other nervous disorders. It slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body, producing a mildly euphoric sedating effect. It’s a sweet little buzz without inebriating the senses.
What are the side effects of Kava?
It’s important to ensure you are always consuming Noble Kava in safe quantities. Some side effects you may feel, dependant on the drinker, is drowsiness and mood changes. Always make sure you are using Noble Kava, as Ignoble Kava may lead to liver damage.
More info on our Noble Kava Cultivars
TRADITIONAL GRIND
Borogoru
SINGLE CULTIVAR | TRADITIONAL GRIND POWDER
A heavier cultivar known for its soothing and gently sedating character. This peppery kava is best enjoyed later in the evening, or as a muscle-melting body refreshment after strenuous physical effort.
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 243516
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Muscle melting/body, mellowing/sedating, slow onset/long lasting.
Flavour profile: More of a bitter/peppery taste wit notes of fresh herbs, licorice and black pepper.
Bir Kar
SINGLE CULTIVAR | TRADITIONAL GRIND POWDER
A fast-acting cultivar offering a quick mental refreshment followed by pleasant muscle relaxation. This aromatic kava is particularly good for shorter sessions, mind and body refreshment after a long day, and joyful socialising.
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 423561
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Provides more of a cerebral/heady feeling, has a euphoric effect, rapid onset with short life.
Flavour profile: Roasted peanuts, black pepper, chocolate.
Melo Melo
SINGLE CULTIVAR | TRADITIONAL GRIND POWDER
As the name suggests, Melo Melo cultivar is famous for promoting a state of pleasant mellowness. This well-balanced, bitter-sweet and creamy cultivar acts in a slow and pleasantly warm manner. Great for lazy late afternoons, slow-paced conversations and gentle body relaxation.
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 243156
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Balanced between cerebral/muscle melting, blend of euphoric and mellow, mid-speed onset and mid-range lifespan.
Flavour profile: Balance of smooth/creamy and bitter/peppery with notes of black pepper, wood and toasted malt.
Kelai
SINGLE CULTIVAR | TRADITIONAL GRIND POWDER
A legendary cultivar of a remarkably uplifting character. A potent, fast-acting, pleasant and mentally refreshing kava with a relatively mild taste combining cashewy smoothness with a bit of zesty heat. Great for blissfully resetting the mind after a long day and for peaceful socialising.
Island of Origin: Eps Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 421365
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Very cerebral/heady, euphoric/uplifting, quick onset with short life
Flavour profile: Smooth and creamy with notes of dark chocolate, ripe bananas and almonds.
INSTANT KAVA
Borogoru – Instant
SINGLE CULTIVAR | INSTANT KAVA BLEND
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 243516
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Muscle melting/body, mellowing/sedating, slow onset/long lasting.
Flavour profile: More of a bitter/peppery taste with notes of fresh herbs, licorice and black pepper.
A heavier cultivar known for its soothing and gently sedating character. This peppery kava is best enjoyed later in the evening, or as a muscle-melting body refreshment after strenuous physical effort.
Melo Melo – Instant
SINGLE CULTIVAR | INSTANT KAVA BLEND
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 243156
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Balanced between cerebral/muscle melting, blend of euphoric and mellow, mid-speed onset and mid-range lifespan.
Flavour profile: Balance of smooth/creamy and bitter/peppery with notes of black pepper, wood and toasted malt.
As the name suggests, Melo Melo cultivar is famous for promoting a state of pleasant mellowness. This well-balanced, bitter-sweet and creamy cultivar acts in a slow and pleasantly warm manner. Great for lazy late afternoons, slow-paced conversations and gentle body relaxation.
Green – Instant
SINGLE CULTIVAR | INSTANT KAVA BLEND
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo + surrounding islands, Vanuatu
Average Laterals to Stump Ratio: 40-60
Typical Chemotype: 421365
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Slightly cerebral/heady, subtly euphoric/uplifting, relatively fast onset with short life.
Flavour profile: Balanced between smooth/creamy and bitter/peppery with notes of spices, black pepper and dark chocolate.
One of our favourite daytime strains of Kava. Enjoy with friends while socialising or add to a coffee for a vibrant mix of calming and stimulating effects. A potent and harmonious instant kava made from selected noble cultivars of balanced and heady character. Made by dehydrating fresh kava juice, this is the smoothest and the easiest to drink form of powdered kava.
Nextwave
