With its popularity as a relaxing herb* growing by leaps and bounds, many consumers are showing a greater interest in alternate ways to drink kava. Kava kava, traditionally and still often consumed as a drink, is made from the powdered root of the Piper methysticum plant. Traditional preparations are usually rather bitter and not pleasant to drink -- not to mention quite labor-intensive to prepare. So, it may come as something of a surprise that kava kava is now available in forms that are more convenient to prepare, and are not only palatable, but downright delicious!

There are several alternate ways to drink kava that are every bit as effective -- and far, far more delicious -- than traditional methods of preparation. Take, for instance, our kava powder mixes. These mixes, made with our organic, Hawaiian-grown Mahakea strain of kava, fuse this wonderful powdered root with organic, all-natural ingredients for an easy-to-use, tasty blend. Available in Cocoa, Tropical, Chai Spice, and Banana/Vanilla flavors, this mix can easily be blended with water, either by hand or in a blender. One of many alternate ways to drink kava, these mixes are quick and easy to prepare, tasty, and help support the ability of the body and mind to relax*. Gone are the days of tedious, messy extraction with cheesecloth, only to be followed by choking down gulp after gulp of bitter, barely-dissolved root powder. And for those of our customer who love curling up with a warm beverage, these powder mixes can even be blended into warm water to create "kava tea". Just be sure not to use water over 120 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve the constituents in your drink.

But why stop there? There are other wonderful alternate ways to drink kava. One of these is kava concentrates. These concentrates, which more or less have the consistency of a thick paste, are kava extracts blended with organic, unprocessed cocoa beans, stevia, soy protein, and other natural flavors, including cocoa, banana, and Chai spice. Again, this concentrate is made with kavalactone-rich extract from organic, Hawaiian-grown Mahakea kava -- some of the richest in the world.

Perhaps one of the most interesting and purest alternate ways to drink kava is by using Kavalactone Paste. This paste, extracted from kava root powder via cold, supercritical CO2 extraction, is available in two varieties: 55% kavalactone or full spectrum kava paste. The 55% kavalactone paste contains an extract of the kavalactones kavain and yangonin only, while the full spectrum kava paste features a full range of kavalactones. Since it is an almost entirely pure extract of the active constituents in kava kava, a very small amount can supply the user with the calm and relaxation otherwise reserved for larger amounts*. A tiny amount of kavalactone paste (145 mg for one serving) can be blended into water for an easy and authentic kava experience, making it one of the most cost-effective kava products out there. Stored in a sealed airtight container, kavalactone paste also has a shelf life of up to six months.

Yet another of the alternate ways to drink kava is Kava Elixir. These concentrated products, available only through Kona Kava Farm, are available in 1X and 5X concentrations, and are formulated with an organic blend of fermented grapes. These elixirs taste good enough to consume by themselves, or mixed in a little water. Also available are elixirs which blend kava and blue lotus. Blue lotus is thought to work synergistically with kava to enhance and broaden the relaxing experience of using kava. These elixirs represent the latest (and some would say, the best) of the alternate ways to drink kava.

It can’t be denied that the traditional method of preparing kava kava has a certain appeal, imbued perhaps by centuries of reverential, ritualized preparation done in this way. But in the areas of both taste and convenience, it is sorely lacking. For those who desire the soothing, gentle, yet full experience of kava kava, but want a better-tasting and easier way to prepare the root, it’s nice to know there are plenty of alternate ways to drink kava.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease.