The kava plant and it's many forms and processing

Kava comes in various strains and grades, each offering unique effects, along with specific attributes to the plants parts. Find out more about each strain below.

Waka

PART

Refers to the lateral roots of the kava plant and is known for its potency (high concentration of kavalactones). Waka itself isn't a classification of kava's effects, but when harvested from Noble strains, it maintains the Noble classification.

Lewena

PART

Refers to the kava plant's stump. While Lewena itself isn't a classification of kava's effects, it's often associated with Noble varieties when it comes to its quality.

Noble Kava

TERMINOLOGY

A broad classification for kava strains associated with a pleasant experience.

Tudei Kava (Two-day Kava)

TERMINOLOGY

This is essentially cultivated kava that, over time, reverts to a wild state. Its classification can vary, but its roots are typically in Noble strains.

Feral Kava

TERMINOLOGY

Cultivated kava that, over time, reverts back to a wild state. Its classification can vary, but its roots are typically Noble strains.

Wild Kava

TERMINOLOGY

Kava that grows naturally without cultivation. Like Feral kava, its classification can vary, but many wild kavas originate from Noble strains.

Borogu

STRAIN

Borogu is typically classified as a Noble kava, known for its balanced eltecis. Noble kavas are favoured for daily consumption due to their pleasant elecis and minal side enecis.

Borongoru

STRAIN

Borongoru is a Noble kava revered for its heavy, sedative effects. Like other Noble varieties, it's widely accepted for regular use.

Pouni Ono

STRAIN

This term refers to the lateral roots of the kava plant and is known for its potency. WKnown for its uplifting effects, Pouni Ono often originates from Tonga and is classified under the Noble kavas.aka itself isn't a classification of kava's effects, but when harvested from Noble strains, it maintains the Noble classification.

Fresh Green Kava

PROCESSING

Kava root in its natural, freshly-harvested state.

Dried Kava

PROCESSING

Kava root that has been dried after harvesting, usually for preservation, easier transportation & later use.

Kosa (or Makas)

PROCESSING

The hard, fibrous part of the kava root, typically discarded during preparation due to its low kavalactone content.

Micronized Kava

PROCESSING

Finely ground kava that can be mixed directly with water, without needing straining. Also called Instant Kava.

Fiji greetings & kava culture

The cultural significance of kava spans multiple Pacific societies. The list below covers aspects of kava-related traditions and ceremonies.

Bula

LANGUAGE

A Fijian term of greeting, also associated with kava culture.

Grog

LANGUAGE

A common term used in the Pacific Islands for a drink made from kava root powder mixed with water.

Malo

CLOTHING

Traditional attire and garments worn during kava ceremonies.

Nakamal

CULTURAL TRADITION

A traditional meeting place or area where kava is prepared and consumed in many Pacific Island communities.

Sevusevu

CULTURAL TRADITION

A traditional offering given, usually kava, as a gesture of respect or to seek permission

Kava ceremony

CULTURAL TRADITION

A traditional offering given, usually kava, as a gesture of respect or to seek permission

Kava dance

CULTURAL TRADITION

Traditional dance performed during kava ceremonies.

Kavatime

CULTURAL TRADITION

Designated moments when kava is traditionally consumed.

Moce Mada

LANGUAGE

Fijian for 'good night' of 'goodbye'

Kava products & preparation

Preparing kava is an art, blending tradition with innovation. This list covers various tools and methods used in kava preparation.

Bilo (kava cup)

EQUIPMENT

A traditional cup made from a coconut shell used for drinking kava in many Pacific Island cultures.

Tanoa

EQUIPMENT

A large wooden bowl used in thepreparation and presentation of kava.

Kneading

TRADITIONAL PREPARATION

The manual process of extracting kava by massaging the root or powder in water.

Straining

TRADITIONAL PREPARATION

The process of separating the liquid kava drink from the root material.

Toss & wash

DRINKING

A method of consuming kava by placing a portion of kava powder in the mouth, and then washing it down with a liquid.

AluBall

MODERNISATION

A modern Kava-making tool for quickly and easily preparing kava.

Mirconised or Instant kava

MODERNISATION

A modern finely ground preparion of kava that allows mixing of the powder instantly, without the need for straining and kneading, often in various ingredients.

Kava Capsules, Shots, Gummies, Tinctures and more

MODERNISATION

Various modern formats in which the benefits of kava can be enjoyed around the world

The chemistry makeup of kava

Kava's effects come from its unique chemical makeup. This section breaks down the primary compounds found in kava and their significance.

Chemotype

TERMINOLOGY

The chemical profile of a plant, including the types and ratios of compounds it contains. Kava varieties are often classified by their chemotype.

GABA

TERMINOLOGY

Gamma-aminobutyric acid, a neurotransmitter that inhibits the activity of nerve cells in the brain. Kavalactones are thought to affect GABA receptors, which may explain some of its calming effects.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

TERMINOLOGY

A technique used in analytical chemistry to separate, identify, and quantify each component in a mixture.

Kavalactones

TERMINOLOGY

A class of bioactive lactone compounds primarily responsible for the effects of kava.

Desmethoxyyangonin

KAVALACTONES

One of the six main kavalactones with potential euphoric effects.

Dihydrokavain

KAVALACTONES

One of the six primary kavalactones known for its sedative properties.

Dihydromethysticin

KAVALACTONES

A kavalactone that may have sedative and analgesic effects.

Kavain

KAVALACTONES

A prominent kavalactone often associated with kava's euphoric effects.

Methysticin

KAVALACTONES

A major kavalactone that might contribute to mood-enhancing effects.

Yangonin

KAVALACTONES

One of the six principal kavalactones with potential psychoactive effects.

Flavokawains

PROCESSING

A group of chalcones found in kava, heavily in Tudei Kava species, currently being researched for their biological activities.

Moce mada and stay kava strong!

This guide and manual to the world of kava is here to support you as you continue on your kava journey. If you think we missed anything or have any questions, please do not hesitate to let us know.


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This information is not intended as a substitute for advice provided by a competent health care professional. You should not use this information in diagnosing or treating a health problem. No claim or opinion in this email is intended to be, nor should be construed to be, medical advice. If you are now taking any drugs, prescribed or not, or have a medical condition, please consult a competent physician who is aware of herb/drug interactions before taking any herbal supplements. The information presented herein has not been evaluated by the FDA or the Department of Health and is not intended to diagnose, prevent or treat any disease or illness.

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