Kava is a popular drink in the South Pacific region, made from the root of the kava plant. In Fiji, it is consumed during ceremonies and gatherings, and is known to bring people together. Villagers sit around a kava bowl (Tanoa) and share stories, creating a relaxing atmosphere. This practice has been used for generations to share and preserve history and tribal knowledge.

Kava's beneficial psychoactive and medicinal effects are attributed to a special class of compounds known as kavalactones. Recent studies suggest that kava and its key phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects, in addition to the well-documented neurological benefits.

Our farmer has now been Certified 100% Organic so we will be changing our packaging to reflect that TUI KAVA is now Organic certified.

If you’re new to Kava and you want to get into it as fast as possible here is some guidance.  You will want to start out with Micronized or Instant kava. You will want to buy a smaller size.  This will ensure that you enjoy the experience before spending more.  Micronized is easier to use, you only need to add a teaspoonful to what you are going to drink.  Since kava has a strong earthy taste, maybe even like muddy river water, you may want to put it in a Protein Shake or Smoothie.  I recommend using a personal blender.  This way you get to enjoy your first exposure to Kava. 

Q: How often should I drink kava to feel its effects? A: A new kava drinker will need to drink it at least 4 times to start identifying/feeling its effects. Follow the recommended dosage on the packaging. After your 4th time, you can adjust the amount based on the intensity you want.

Q: What should I expect when I first drink kava? A: You should feel numbness in your mouth, throat, and lips. The stronger the kava the faster you will feel stronger mouth numbness. Kava has a 3-phase effect:

Phase 1: You’ll feel effects in your frontal lobe. Heavy kava makes you feel sedated and sleepy, while Heady kava makes you feel uplifted, motivated, and creative. Heavy kava is best for late evenings, while Heady kava can be enjoyed anytime and is great for gaming or taking care of business. For a more intense first phase, fast (don’t eat) for at least 3 hours before drinking.  If you do a Heady kava in your protein shake in the morning you will have already fasted for 8 hours.

Phase 2: After Phase 1, Heady kava keeps you focused and motivated for the rest of the day. Heavy kava makes you want to sleep or relax. Heavy kava can impact your motor skills, so avoid activities requiring coordination or decision-making. It’s best to do heavy kava’s in the evenings. Since everyone has a different body chemistry its good to experiment with different dosages to understand the effects it has on your body so that you can make good choices.

Phase 3: This is the sleep phase. Heavy kava makes you feel tired and ready for bed. Heady kava, taken earlier in the day, leads to restorative sleep. Heavy kava might cause a deep sleep with some morning fog, while heady kava ensures you wake up refreshed and ready for the day. If you have a Heady kava you will want to do it at least 3 hours before bedtime.  Both types enhance your dreams.

Q: Is there more to learn about kava? A: Absolutely! Check out the Q&A section and additional resources to enhance your knowledge. You still need to learn about Kavalactones which give kava its superpowers. Kava is not addictive but consult a medical professional if you have health
issues, are a heavy alcohol user, pregnant, or are on anti-anxiety medication or other meds.  Since kava has a strong anti-anxiety property it can amplify any meds you may be taking, and this would not be a good thing. 

Important: Do not drink alcohol with kava!

What is the age of the root? 
The best potency and kavalactone levels are achieved by roots that are over 4 years old.  Our roots are harvested around 5+ years old.

What is the kavalactone level of the kava?  Kavalactones are what create the benefits of
kava.  The higher the kavalactone levels the more powerful the kava and its affects. The older the root the more benefits. The levels of the different kavalactones predict the type of experience you will have with the kava. See our blog about Kavalactones. Our Waka is from 10-13% and Lewena is 6.5%.

Where is your kava from?  Some island groups produce better kava than others. 
There are also subtle differences in kava, being more Heady or Heavy and taste variations.  Tui Kava is a Heady kava which is more euphoric, uplifting and motivating. Some research will help you narrow down the type of kava and effects that you are seeking. The irrigation water used is important, is it piped water, is the farm close to vehicle traffic or high population areas.  Our kava is rain and spring fed on an island that has no roads or vehicles and is only accessible by boat. The US based testing lab we use has stated that Tui Kava has the lowest heavy metals of all the kava's they have tested, this is probably due to the remoteness of the farm. Fiji produces some of the best kava in the South Pacific. Our kava is from the island of Qamea.

What’s in my kava?  If you buy from companies that buy from distributors or source from many different farms you will get inconsistent products with many different varieties and quality of kava mixed together.  If you are looking for consistency, you need to know how the kava is sourced. 
We source from one plantation; we have known the farmer for 35 years and recently partnered with him and his family to allow us to sell in the retail market.

How is your kava processed? Does your seller provide you with information as to how they process and prepare their kava. We provide our process in the "How do you ensure no pathogens are in your product" question.

There are 4 popular forms of kava: Micronized, Instant, Traditional (Medium Grind / Pounded), and Extract kava.

Micronized kava is a more potent form of kava that is easier to prepare and consume. It is kava root that has been ground into an extra fine powder, with more fibrous bits of the roots removed, allowing it to be mixed directly into a liquid rather than having to be strained. Micronized still contains the Makas, Root flesh and Root skin, but since the part with the highest kavalactones is micronized, it doesn't get strained out by a strainer. The main advantage of Micronized kava is its convenience and greater strength. There is no kneading required, just mix with a liquid and you’re good to go. Micronized kava’s quick and easy preparation make it particularly attractive for busy lifestyles, when time is limited or when access to traditional preparation tools is not available. It also offers an appealing option for beginners or those looking to introduce kava to friends who may be hesitant to try the traditional method due to its time consuming nature. Tui Kava is great in Protein Shakes and Smoothies. Just add a Teaspoon.

Instant kava is commercially prepared by either freeze-drying or spray drying. It is the fastest way to enjoy a cup of kava but you lose a lot of the essential plant oils of freshly brewed kava through the instant drying process. The kavalactones are trapped in the oils and this is where all the benefits of kava reside. Those looking for a more impactful drink that reaps all of kava's benefits should either do Micronized or Traditional kava.

Traditional kava, often referred to as medium grind kava or pounded kava, is the most common form of this plant. It's less expensive than Micronized since it is in its raw form and due to its time to prepare. It’s prepared by grinding the dried roots into a course powder. This powder is then mixed with water in a strainer bag to create a potent beverage. The preparation of traditional kava is a bit of a process. It involves soaking the ground roots in water and then kneading and straining the mixture to extract the active components, known as kavalactones. This method is time-consuming but it’s worth the effort. The ritual of making the kava is relaxing and puts you into a meditative state. It’s great in a social setting with friends. When you feel the water turning oily you are close to a great brew.  The oily feeling is the roots giving up the kavalactones.

Extract kava, extracts have been known to create adverse health effects, like hepatotoxicity (Chemical driven liver disease). If you are going to do extracts you should consult with a medical professional. New studies show that some kava extracts have health benefits but you should seek medical advice. It is thought that certain chemical processing can adversely react with Flavokavains which can cause liver damage. We always recommend staying as natural as possible, as nature intended.

The benefits of Kava are varied depending on the person and dosage:

Stress Reduction: Kava has natural anxiolytic properties, reducing stress and social anxiety.

Enhanced Mood: Kava may induce light heartedness and connectedness to those you are with. (Heady Kava's)

Relaxation: It promotes a sense of calm and openness.

Aids in Sleep: It can create a sounder more restful sleep and promote better dreams.

Muscle Relaxation: Kava has muscle-relaxing properties. It's good after an intense workout.

Enhanced Focus: It can help focus when working on projects or gaming. (Heady Kava's)

Kava is a plant native to the Pacific Islands, and its root is used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, and euphoriant properties. The effects of Kava can vary depending on many factors, such as quantity consumed, individual sensitivity, type of Kava, preparation method, food or other beverages consumed before Kava consumption. It is not recommended to mix Kava with other substances. To maximize Kava’s benefits, it is best consumed on an empty stomach. It will take about 15 minutes to feel the effects, by which time you will feel a numbing effect in your mouth. The effect will last several hours depending on the Kava and a person's body chemistry. We cannot stress enough that it is always best to drink kava on an empty stomach not having eaten in the 2 to 3 previous hours. Since Tui Kava is a 'Heady' kava you don't get the heavy head or heavy brain effect that most kavas create. After reading numerous studies you should not drink kava if you are taking acetaminophen, for some reason this can cause liver damage. Too much acetaminophen by itself can also cause liver damage.

Heady kavas, such as Tui Kava have a greater effect on the mind, producing uplifting and euphoric effects. You will have a greater feeling of contentment and wellbeing, even experiencing a feeling of focus and concentration. Many people also experience better dreams. I personally use it when I need to focus for projects or when gaming, I have a tendency to get distracted. I also use it when I need a good restorative sleep. I will usually drink Tui Kava in my morning protein shake and a minimum of 4 of hours before sleep so I can utilize the heady effects. This type of Kava is sought after by people who drink their Kava during the day and want to stay energetic and alert, but relaxed at the same time.

Heavy kavas will make you feel heavy and relaxed, even a bit unmotivated. They are great for just shutting down or vegging out. I find heavy kava's make my brain feel heavy or tired. In some cases this is nice, but the uplifting feeling of a heady kava along with high lactone levels gives me the best of what I look for in a kava.

Lawena, known as Basil root is the stump of the kava plant and Waka, known as Lateral root, are the parts that make up the roots of the kava plant.

The Waka is stronger, having a higher kavalactone level. The lawena is not as strong but has a better taste than the Waka. The Lewena has milder euphoric effects and is better if you are drinking a lot of kava over a longer period of time as in ceremonies and social settings. 

If you want a stronger kava but has a stronger taste, then you will probably want Waka.  Blended kava that has a higher waka percentage and a good taste are optimal if they have the right mix between the two.  Starting with the right kava that has the right kavalactone level is important. This will give you a better tasting and higher kavalactone mix for an optimal experience.

It's good if a seller provides you with the certificate so you can see the kavalactone levels.  In some regions the lawena can be stronger than the waka from other places.  This all depends on the plants and micro climate it is grown in.

Tui Kava lewena is as strong as most sellers waka. Our waka has much higher kavalactones than all sellers on the Amazon marketplace that we have tested. Our Waka will generally test at 10% or higher kavalactones and our Lewena generally tests at 6.5% kavalactones.

Kava is personal, so trying different kava’s to find what is right for you may take some time.  It’s the same as when you try to find the right alcoholic drink, once you find the one that works best for you, your body chemistry and desired feeling, it becomes your regular “go to” choice.

In these fast times many people have moved to micronized kava which has the convenience of making it quickly.  It also provides the ability to consistently blend for the right taste and impact.

Women have different challenges than men.  Kava can help with the unique challenges of family stress, work stress, anxiety, normal hormonal rhythms and potentially menopause.  Kava can be a natural relief and support alternative to prescriptions. 
Again, it will be important to understand your kava and the results you want.  If you have a family, you still have much support you need to provide for them at the same time finding time for yourself, so finding the right kava will make you feel relaxed at the same time the ability to get things done.  You will need to find a kava with a consistent and predictable effect each
time. 

This is where Tui Kava shines above other kavas.  We only source from one farm so that we have a more predictable experience each time. 

Some studies suggest kava can help with PMS relief such as mood swings, cramps and irritability due to is muscle relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is best to avoid kava during Pregnancy and Breast Feeding as there isn’t enough research identifying the impact. If you are taking any anxiety or depression medications, you will need to speak with a medical professional before drinking kava as it interacts with medications.

Kava is great all-natural way to support both mental and physical wellness.

Given that our farmer also supplies to pharmaceutical companies, it is crucial to ensure that our product is free of pathogens. To achieve this, we follow a rigorous process. First, we wash the roots with UV treated water. Then, we soak them in a sodium hypochlorite solution (100ppm) and rinse them with UV treated water. After that, we give them a thorough final rinse with UV treated water. Next, we place the roots in an electrically heated thermostatic temperature controlled unit for 15 hours to kill any pathogens. Finally, we micronize and pack the kava before exporting. We also have US Based 3rd party lab testing for each batch for pathogens, Nobility and lineup. This process guarantees that our kava is free of pathogens.

Since our kava is grown on an island with no cars or roads we also test for extremely low heavy metals, since there is no water from road run off. Our kava is rain and natural spring water fed.

Our product undergoes rigorous laboratory testing in the United States to ensure its quality and purity. We test for biological contaminants, heavy metals, kavalactone levels and Nobility. Our partnership with a single farmer guarantees that our product is consistent and predictable. It is grown on a remote island with no cars or roads and only accessible by boat. Irrigation is spring-fed and rainwater, which ensures that our product is consistently predictable and of the highest quality. The testing lab noted that our kava has the lowest heavy metals results out of all the kava they have ever tested.

Our kavalactone Profile/Line up is 423 and our kavalactone potency for our Waka is 9-13% and Lewena is 6.5%. We have tested most of the best selling kava's on Amazon marketplace and their Waka tests between 6-8%.

Kava is a crop of the Pacific Islands and is consumed for its health, relaxation, and sedating effects throughout the Pacific Ocean cultures. The root of the plant is used to produce a drink with sedative, anesthetic, and euphoriant properties. Its active ingredients are called kavalactones. There are two main types of kava: Noble kava and Tudei kava. Noble kava is considered superior to Tudei kava. Tudei kava has a longer effect duration and can cause nausea, headaches, or lethargy that linger for days. It is also associated with a high risk of liver injury. You will find most Tudei varieties come from Vanuatu, which many think is the origin of the kava plant. Fiji kava that is exported must be noble as directed by the Fijian government. There is an old Fijian joke about why it's called Tudei. If you drink Tudei variety you will have a 'Two-Day' hangover. I invite you to research kava. There are some links in the "Where can I get more information? question below.

The potency of kava can be influenced by several factors, including the strain of kava, the climate, and the soil. The most potent kava is harvested after four years of growth, and higher kavalactone levels are attributed to a longer growing cycle. Tui Kava is only harvested on the remote Island of Qamea in Northeastern Fiji, which has a unique microclimate and soil content that produces some of the highest kavalactone levels in the South Pacific. Tui Kava is harvested around 5 years old. If your current provider doesn't reveal the age of their kava you may not be getting the best experience. Our testing lab has stated that the quality of kava over the past several years has dropped considerably, my assumption is that sellers are buying from many different farmers and mixing it together, this impacts the ability to control the quality and consistency of the experience.

Filtering will generally apply to Traditional medium grind / pounded kava. To filter kava, you can use any nylon or muslin bag. However, the best kava strainer bags are made of nylon with a screen size around 75 microns. These bags are strong and durable enough to withstand the constant agitation (more agitation releases more kavalactones) and squeezing required to prepare kava. They also have a cinch cord at the top to prevent the kava from spilling out while you mix. Even if you use a blender for a quick fix you will still want to strain the final product through a strainer bag. DO NOT filter through a paper coffee filter. Paper, filters out the kavalactones.

There are many options available on Amazon for kava strainer bags. Tui Kava also provides a kava strainer bag.  If in a pinch, you can also use a "clean" T-shirt or sock. :)

Here is a video on how to make Traditional Kava with a strainer bag: https://youtu.be/OytcWFXIvkg?si=7OxUZ6aEJLpaOmO_

TUI KAVA is sourced from One Farm on the island of Qamea, which has been growing kava for over 50 years. The grower has been selling to pharma companies due to the quality and consistency of the product. The processing facility has FDA certification for the handling and packaging of the product to ensure quality and elimination of pathogens. The entire process is owned farm to shelf to ensure a quality product. Many sellers will buy batches of Kava from middlemen who buy from small growers, mixing batches together making it hard to ensure a quality and consistent product that was harvested at an optimal time and impossible for traceability.

TUI KAVA is available at TuiKava.org and on Amazon.com

We use Delivery by Amazon for both businesses to ensure a consistent delivery experience. Our online store will also offer more purchase options as we expand our product line. You will also be able to purchase bulk at the store by using the Contact Us feature to let us know your requirements so we can include them in future shipments. We have limited large quantities with each shipment.

TUI KAVA is a very heady kava. For the first 2-3 hours it will provide a euphoric boost of inspiration and motivation followed by continued motivation and relaxation. It's a great kava for drinking during the day if you want to stay energetic and alert. Since it is also high in Kavain it is ideal for social situations. It will also provide a restorative sleep once you go to bed. Many kava's will leave you with a heavy head feeling in your brain, but Tui Kava does not create this feeling. It's a clean pure subtle feeling. Plus with higher kavalactone levels than most kava's on the market you get the full benefits of its neuroprotective powers. After you try it a few times you will truly appreciate it. It's the perfect kava for creatives, gamers and professionals where you need focus and inspiration. It's a very motivating kava.

We only offer authentic Fiji Qamea Kava. Since we are just starting to sell in the retail market, we have a limited product line.

We offer both Micronized and Traditional medium grind. Medium grinds generally cost less than micronized, but you will need more product and time to achieve the same outcome. We can offer special arrangements such as 5kg , pounded (medium grind) or micronized root for larger consumers such as Kava Bars and big celebrations. We won't offer products that require chemicals to process. We prefer traditional methods with focus on quality, consistency and pathogen free products. We are developing new products that will come out in 2025 depending on how long testing and refinement takes. 

Use Contact Us on the website for any special needs and we will work to satisfy your needs or if you have other suggested products. Join our mailing list for new and upcoming product announcements.

If you are making kava the traditional way, using a Tanoa (Fijian wooden kava bowl) is recommended since the sides of the bowl have the right slope or angle for kneading of the filter bag. It’s a stable bowl and if you have guests it doesn’t fail to impress. Drinking from a “bilo” pronounced ‘bee-low’ or coconut cup is the preferred method. When the kava comes to you, there are traditions to follow. Clap your hands once with a cupped hand making a hollow sound, it’s a relaxed clap. Exclaim: “Bula!” (Fijian for hello) pronounced ‘Boo-la’. Drink the kava in one gulp if possible. Clap three more times with hands cupped to make that hollow sound again. Say: “Mathe”: pronounced ‘maw-they’, this means 'empty'. You will be offered the option of “high tide” or “low tide”. A high tide means you would like a full cup. If you ask for a low tide, it means you will be given a half cup of kava. The default will be high tide. Remember it is considered impolite to refuse kava, especially for males. Enjoy the experience - Bula!

• https://kavaforums.com
• https://kavaguides.com
• https://kavacoalition.org
• https://kavasociety.nz
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/search?qs=kava
• https://internationalkava.org
• www.kavalibrary.com
• www.iherb.com/blog/kava-health-benefits/1307

If you have a special order such as a large quantity for Kava Bars or Celebrations. We can offer 5 kg vacuum packed Traditional and Micronized kava. We can also provide pure Waka or pure Lawena or a custom mix of the 2 but you will need to use contact us. Use Contact Us to strike up a conversation and give us the opportunity to meet your special needs.

Medical Disclaimer

All information posted on Tuikava.org was created for informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a trained physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. All information presented on this website is for general informational purposes. While every effort has been made to portray information accurately, the owners will not be held responsible, whatsoever, for any anomalies or discrepancies therein.