SWFL Herbals

Our Fijian Waka Kava is prepared from the lateral roots of the plant and is one of the strongest types of kava. Our Fijian Waka kava is sifted and micro-ground. It is available in capsules or powder.
Kava lactones are the active ingredient of the kava root. Kava lactones are fat soluble, and are absorbed very poorly by the body. By adding lecithin, the kava lactones become dispersible in water and are more easily absorbed.
Lecithin can be used as an emulsifier, which will enhance the effects of the kava and make it more potent.
Kava preparation when using lecithin. Add 1 teaspoon of lecithin for 3 tablespoons of kava and 1 cup of hot water. Add lecithin to the hot water before adding the kava. Make sure it is completely dissolved, then add the kava. Let sit for 20 minutes and strain using a cloth or straining bag.
Kava preparation is personal preference. Basic prep – quick method:
Two to 4 tablespoons for each serving, 8 to twelve ounces of hot water (113 F) or as hot as it will come out of your tap. In a standard blender, blend on high for 4 minutes, empty and strain through a cloth strainer, agitate, chill (improves the taste) and drink.
The effects of kava are best felt on an empty stomach.
Kava has a reverse tolerance, meaning that the effects may not be felt fully with the first couple of uses.
What is reverse tolerance?
Reverse tolerance is defined by the kava community as the “break in” period where the new kava consumer may not feel any effects at all from kava. It is theorized that for some people a certain level of kava lactone buildup in the body must be present before one begins to feel the full effects from kava. The range of time it may take to overcome the reverse tolerance ranges per individual, from weeks to up to a month and a half. Some individuals feel the effects immediately.
Reverse tolerance also applies to the principal that the more often you drink kava, the less kava you need to achieve your desired level of therapeutic effects. Kava lactones build up in the body, and the more frequently you replenish them, the more effect you will receive off of your given amount.

How do I prepare kava?
There are a few general methods that have all been used with success and all seem to give relatively the same potency of the kava. The general methods include using: “Traditional” (kneading, massaging), a blender and using a rolling pin.
Detailed, tried-and-true methods can be found here: http://www.kavaforums.com/forum/wiki/kava-preparation/
Do I need to soak kava?
Short answer: No. Long answer: Kava is not a solution; the kava lactone resin on the roots must be agitated in order to emulsify it into the water. Soaking will not significantly increase the potency of your kava.

Should kava be strained? If so, how?
Instant kava does not need to be strained. While kava root powder can be consumed whole (“toss-and-wash”), it may result in intestinal discomfort, and there is the additional issue of consuming possibly dangerous compounds not present in strained kava. If you choose to strain your kava, it is important to AGITATE the kava and not just let it soak. This is because kava lactones are not water soluble; they must be mixed in with the water forcefully. For more details on how to accomplish this, see Kava Preparation.

What temperature water should I use for making kava?
A study by the University of Hawaii at Manoa concluded that using hot but not boiling (113 Fahrenheit) water significantly aided the extraction of kava lactones. Some forum users have found that using boiling water can increase the potency of kava. Regardless of what temperature the kava is prepared at, chilling it before drinking will improve the taste.

How does food affect the experience? Should I drink kava on an empty stomach?
The emptier your stomach is, the more mileage you will get out of your kava. If you have a sensitive digestion, you may find it helpful to eat a small, non-offensive meal an hour or two before consumption.
Some people have also found that having a light meal between 30-60min after drinking kava can have a positive effect on the experience.

Therapeutic Uses, Effects, Addiction
Kava is most frequently used to ease stress, insomnia and anxiety (as a treatment for panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder etc.) but has many other benefits. Kava can also be a great-antidepressant, helps with muscle tension and muscular pain, neuropathic pain such as sciatica and even as an anti-craving substance that has helped many people come off benzodiazepines, alcohol and other drugs.
Effects
The effects of Kava can be felt within 5 minutes, and last for about 3-5 hrs on average can be felt for up to eight hours. Some report longer-term effects, including a feeling of mental clarity, patience, and an ease of acceptance for days after ingestion.
Effects include:
• Relaxation
• A sense of well-being
• Increase in alertness
• Pain relief
• Muscle Relaxation
• Relief from Insomnia
• Treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Treatment for elevated anxiety disorder
• Treatment for depression
• Treatment for social phobia and specific phobias
• Increase in sleep quality
• Premenopausal symptoms
• Reduction of colon cancer risk
One of the best properties of kava is that it relaxes and eases stress and anxiety but does not make one “loopy,” “hazy” or in any way mentally impaired.

Kava has been demonstrated to be a very effective treatment for anxiety; equal to Buspirone and Opipramol and more effective than valerian or St. John’s Wort, without the side effects associated with benzodiazepines such as tolerance and negative cognitive effects and sedation.

How does Kava Work?
See this thread for a general overview of how kava works and gives us the feeling we all love!
http://www.kavaforums.com/forum/threads/how-it-works-kava.1580/
Is it addictive?
No. Kava is absolutely not addictive in any way and has been shown to have absolutely no withdrawal. In fact, Kava has what is known as a “reverse tolerance” where the amount needed at first to have an effect will be greater than the amount needed say, a month in the future. Some people report that they find little effect from kava their first few times using it and the best way to “break through” the reverse tolerance is to take kava daily until you start to feel an effect.
Is it safe?
Yes. Kava, as defined by the Kava Act of 2002 (an aqueous extract of the root) has been used for centuries safely and modern scientific literature is growing in support for its safety. However, it is important to know that 90% of the products one would find at the health food store, vitamin store or online have the potential for adverse effects. These products are usually extracted with strong nonpolar solvents that extract far more compounds than water, some of which may be toxic. Also, many of these companies have been found to use leaves and stems from harvested crops that have been discarded as waste in order to save cost. Above-ground parts of the plant have been shown to have compounds not found in the root that may cause adverse effects.

Will it impair my functioning?
Due to kava’s unique pharmacological profile, it does not impair mental functioning despite its relaxing properties. A study was conducted to establish the safety of kava (compared to a benzodiazepine and placebo) in operating a motor vehicle. The study found that “A medicinal dose of kava containing 180 mg of kava lactones does not impair driving ability, whereas 30 mg of oxazepam shows some impairment.” However, if you have to question your ability to operate a motor vehicle or heavy machinery after drinking kava we always suggest you err on the side of caution and refrain from doing such. The safety of kava consumers is paramount. Be alert. If you’re not, let someone else be and stay in the passenger’s seat.

**You must be 18 years or older to possess Kratom or Kava in the state of Florida