Before people try Kava for the first time, most are curious about the effects of kava. These range from concern about the possible negative effects of kava (or even long-term effects that the drinker should be aware of) to curiosity about exactly what they will feel when they first try Kava.
Here are some common effects of Kava:
When trying Kava for the first time, the first thing you will notice is that it has an earthy taste. Most will describe it as an “earthy” taste. It’s not a strong flavor, but the potency is enough that most people don’t particularly enjoy the flavor. Many, however, claim that they don’t care about taste either. This is the first of kava’s effects that you should be aware of: it tastes strange and brightens your flavor palette (the same way wine or coffee does).
After continuing to drink Kava, be aware of the second effect of kava: a slight numbness of the lips and tongue. This is not enough to “block any sensation” on the lips and tongue, but it mutes the sensation in these areas. The numbness is brief and goes away quickly.
The third of the effects is physical relaxation. The drinker’s body will gradually relax as he continues to drink, releasing muscle tension from the entire body. This is one of the main effects that one looks for when drinking Kava.
As you begin to get this kava effect, you may experience a “lag effect” in your eyesight, which means that when you quickly look at a different object (for example, you look at the person to your left, then quickly look at the person on your right) your vision may seem to “take a second” to catch up. Not all people who drink Kava have this effect.
The fourth of the effects of kava is mental relaxation. As the drinker’s body relaxes, so does the mind. This mental relaxation releases stress and worry, and effectively counteracts most forms of anxiety. In some countries, this important aspect of kava’s effects is considered proven for medicinal purposes, and kava is prescribed for anti-anxiety purposes.
The fifth of the effects of kava is drowsiness. It is not recommended that you drive under the influence of kava, as it is the equivalent of driving with a lack of sleep. Most kava drinkers enjoy drowsiness as one of the effects of kava, as the sleep that follows is very restful. In some countries, kava is clinically proven as a solution for insomnia. In most countries, it is one of the leading homeopathic remedies for insomnia.
The sixth of the effects is euphoria. This is not something first-time drinkers are likely to experience, but after repeated use, the build-up of “kavalactones” (the active ingredient that causes these various effects of kava) can produce a general euphoria while drinking.
The seventh of the effects of kava is detoxification. Kava is a detoxifier and can help cleanse the body of harmful substances. I’m not saying this is an antidote to poison, but it can help eliminate some of the other harmful things that you are ingesting into your body!
The eighth of the effects is long-lasting relaxation. Some kava drinkers report that their relaxation, resistance to anxiety, and overall level of peace are significantly better after drinking kava. Different users report different durations for these effects, from a few hours after ingestion to a few days (or, in rare cases, weeks).
Some people are wary of kava due to rumors of kava’s negative effects. Here’s the blunt and simple reality: If the people who are making kava or kava powder don’t know what they’re doing, you need to worry! If the preparer uses the stems and leaves of the kava plant, rather than just using the kava root, then there is a toxic effect that can severely damage your liver (especially with prolonged use)!
The moral of the story is that the effects of kava are wonderful, but you need to make sure you trust your source of kava.
