Kava Preparation Methods

4 Methods of Preparation.  Ultra Quick, Traditional, Modern and Quick.

(See blog posts for more details)

  • Method 1: Micronized Kava (Micronized) – Shakes/Water/Juices
  • Method 2: Pounded Kava powder (Medium Grind) - Traditional
  • Method 3: Pounded Kava powder (Medium Grind) – Blender Method
  • Method 4: Micronized or Pounded Kava powder (Medium Grind) – Aluball

My favorite method is the blender followed by the AluBall and then the traditional squeeze & knead for relaxation.

Kava time Preparation

Method #1: Ultra Quick (Micronized)

Required: Spoon / Water, Smoothie, Juice / Micronized Kava

  • Step 1: Add the desired amount of Tui Kava Micronized kava to water (1 heaping teaspoon per 10 oz or 300 ml), coconut water or to your favorite juice, protein shake or smoothie.   Micronized kava can be slightly stronger than traditional pounded kava.  Adding to your Protein Shake or Smoothie makes an awesome drink.  You only get slightly muted primary effects but the secondary and sleep effects are still great.  Add a Teaspoon to a glass of Coconut Milk, Whole Milk or Almond Milk to a water based kava will increase the strength of the kava, since the Kavalactones attach to the fat cells.  It helps leach out the kavalactones and digest faster.  Or just add some micronized kava to some warm water and stir well for a straight up kava drink.  My favorite is the smoothie.
  • TIP - using warm water around 104 -110 degrees Fahrenheit will help release the kavalactones in the oils.  (Water should never be over 140 degrees or the kavalactones will break down) Add some ice to chill before drinking, if you like it chill.
  • TIP - Add 1 Teaspoon of Micronized heady kava to morning Protein Shakes or Smoothies.  This is my favorite way to use Micronized heady kavas. For micronized heavy kava's I will add to warm water before bed.

Method #2: Traditional Method (Medium grind / Pounded)

Required: Straining Bag / Bowl / Pounded Kava (Medium Grind)

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/OytcWFXIvkg

  • Step 1: Pour warm water (104 degrees) in a mixing bowl using 8-10 oz of room temperature or warm water (or coconut water) for each serving. (Warmer water releases more kavalactones in the oils from the fibers, but not to hot to the touch since this is a hands-on approach)
  • Step 2: (Recommended) Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut milk or other full fat milk.  Increases the strength of the kava.
  • Step 3: Place an appropriate amount of Kava root powder into the strainer bag. Use 2 tablespoons (10 grams) of Kava per serving for the desired effect.  Experiment to get it right for you.
  • Step 4: Let Kava in straining bag sit in water for 2 minutes before kneading. Let it drink up some of the water.  Dunk it to make sure it is wetted.
  • Step 5: Using the traditional method, knead with the palm of your hand and squeeze the sealed strainer bag or nut milk bag for approx. 15-20 minutes to release the kavalactones into the water. This method is the most effective and meditative.  If you have a lot of stress in your life, the process of making kava helps you enter a meditative state before drinking, enhancing the benefits of helping to relax and clear your mind.  The more you work the root the better the results.  This releases the kavalactones from the root. The wash will start to feel a bit oily, which means you're on your way to a good batch.  You are now ready for kava time.  Set aside and keep the washed kava in the straining bag for a 2nd wash in Step 6.
  • Step 6: (Optional) Make a second wash of the kava used in the first wash above, to get any remaining goodness out. It will not be as strong but its a good chaser.  Use less water.

Enjoy the ritual, 'Quality takes time'. The murkier the mix the better.  It will have a rich earthy taste.

Notes:

  • You should not eat at least 2-3 hours before drinking kava.
  • Drink it fast, it’s not a sipping drink.
  • Your mouth may feel numb after drinking, that's normal.
  • For larger batches, continuous drinking over a short period of time has the best effect.
  • Give it some time to take effect, about 15 min. Effect will last 2-4 hours after drinking.
  • Make sure to mix the kava up before serving each cup.  You want to get any fine particles that settle to the bottom, this is where a lot of the goodness is.
  • Make a second wash with less water, less time to ring out remaining goodness.
  • Best shared with friends listening to music or telling stories. 
  • Not recommended to use with other substances. Enjoy its natural power.
  • Best to drink the whole batch.  You can store in a refrigerator, but not recommended for more than a day.

Great Dreams and 'Sega na leqa', pronounced 'Senga na lenga' meaning "no hurry, no worry".

Method #3: Blender Preparation (Medium grind / Pounded)

Required: Blender / Strainer Bag / Pounded Kava (Medium Grind)

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/VEphBheaF-o

  • Step 1: Add 2 tablespoons per person to each 8-10oz of warm water (or use coconut water) into the blender. If you want you can use hot water in the blender, it should be about 120 degrees (Remember you want to release the kavalactones from the oils, but kavalactones will break down if the temperature is too hot - over 140 degrees). 
  • For optimal blending it is best to blend on the lowest setting or pulse between 3 to 5 minutes and then strain using a 75 micron filter bag.  The more agitation of the root the more goodness it gives up. Do not use paper coffee filters, the paper has a tendency to filter out the kavalactones, so use a kava filter bag to filter.  Again, remember that the fine sediments have a lot of goodness. Add a small amount of ice and blend if you want it chilled.  (Adjust the tablespoons for the desired effect). 
  • Step 2: Optional but recommended - add 2 tablespoons of coconut milk, whole milk, almond milk or 1 teaspoon of soy lecithin to pull the kavalactones out of the fibers. This makes a stronger kava.
  • Step 3: Put Strainer bag over the top of the blender, cinch the cord, then pour blenderized liquid through the bag.  You will have to squeeze the kava to get all the goodness out. This will allow you to work the kava more if you want, or you can drink it immediately.
  • TIP - Adding a splash of coconut milk/cream or whole milk will speed up the absorption of the kavalactones.  Kavalactones bind to fat molecules.  About 2 tablespoons of coconut milk.
  • TIP - No Filtering required if you use Micronized in the blender to make your favorite shake or smoothie.

Method #4: AluBall Quick Preparation (Medium grind / Pounded)

Required: The AluBall / Shaker bottle / Medium Grind Kava

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2X5NPk0Yvl8 

  • Step 1: The only real alternative to using a strainer bag is the AluBall. The filter ball has a 75-micron screen built-in.  You fill one half of the ball with kava to the top of the screen and then secure the top.   Add water (around 120 degrees) to the bottle and shake for about 2 minutes.  It's ready to pour into cups for consumption.  Again, remember the more you shake the more goodness you release.  Effort = goodness. 
  • TIP - The AluBall threads are really fine so don't force it, take your time or you will strip the threads.  Make sure there is no kava on the threads.
  • TIP - Adding coconut water, coconut milk or whole milk will help with taste and absorption.  Add some and then shake it to mix it.
  • TIP - Clean your AluBall as soon as possible so as not to clog up the fine screen.