Kava, a plant found all over the South Pacific, is deeply rooted in the traditions of the islands. The kava drink has been used by island natives for over 3,000 years in ceremonial settings to promote peace and inner happiness. In recent years, kava has expanded far beyond the South Pacific Islands and is now commonly seen in countries all over the world.
As the kava drink becomes increasingly popular, it’s important to understand the different types of kava and how its effects vary from strain to strain so that you can have the best experience possible with the plant.
Understanding the varieties of kava
There are different varieties of kava depending on where the plant grows—from Fiji and Vanuatu to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. The types vary from island to island, often having different effects depending on where the plant is found.
Kava is made up of six primary alkaloids, each having their own unique attributes. The six alkaloids form the chemotype, which shows the order of prevalence each alkaloid has within a particular type of kava. The alkaloids toward the begging of the chemotype have the biggest influence on the effects of the strain.
If the chemotype begins with a 2, for instance, that variety of kava will primarily be relaxing and sedating. If it begins with a 3, it will be more mentally stimulating, promoting creativity. Chemotypes that begin with a 6 might offer more pain relief than others, while chemotypes starting with a 4 are focused more on promoting happiness and boosting mood. If the chemotype starts with a 5, the effects will be quite sedating and typically longer lasting than the other varieties.
Different forms of kava
In addition to different types of kava, there are also multiple forms. The kava plant has a network of roots that are used to make the drink—the thicker roots closest to the stem are called Basal roots, and the thinner roots furthest from the stem are Lateral roots. The roots can either be sold as they are or chopped into smaller pieces before being packaged and sold.
Fresh green kava is frozen as soon as it’s packaged to help preserve its freshness. Powdered kava is cut into smaller pieces before being ground down into powder. Premium powdered kava is similar, though it’s ground down a second time to make the powder even finer so that it’s ready to use as soon as you’d like. There are many other forms of kava as well—from micronized and instant to kava extract powder or paste.
Finding what’s best for you
Understanding how the different varieties of kava offer their own unique benefits is important for finding the best blend for your needs. Ultimately, kava tea should be enjoyed as a way of relaxing, calming your mind, and promoting internal peace. Consider what it is you’re looking for with the plant, and keep that in mind when enjoying the beverage.
