2013: The Year in Kava!
A big aloha to all of you readers out there in this new year of 2014! As we say goodbye to what was undoubtedly a tumultuous year worldwide in 2013, I thought it might be a good time to look back at some of the strides, both large and small, local and global, that my beloved kava has made in the public consciousness. What were the biggest news stories you discovered about kava in 2013? Please write me if something you were expecting doesn’t appear on this list; I always love to hear from our dear visitors! Now then, on to the year in kava! May 13th, 2013- The University of Melbourne released...
Read MoreTraditional Uses of Kava Leaves
Hi everyone, Makaira here! I hope you’re all keeping healthy, happy and enjoying the frosty days! Though on Hawaii it never gets too chilly, I often find the changing weather can be tough on our beloved kava plants as the sun recedes and the winter rains set in. On the farm, we all have to work hard to nourish and care for our plants in their entirety, from roots to vines to leaves. The challenging physical work of managing the farm often makes me contemplative, and lately I’ve been mulling a question many of you out there may also have—are kava leaves good for anything? Of course, such a...
Read MoreHoliday Kava Drink Recipes
Aloha, everyone! As many of you know, I believe the possibilities of kava drinks are endless, and the traditional brew made with plain water is only the tip of the iceberg. As the winter holidays approach and the days get colder, I thought it might be the perfect time to put a spin on some cold-weather classics with holiday kava drink recipes. Most people don’t exactly think of kava as tasty, but add creamy coconut, almond or dairy milk and scrumptious flavorings such as cocoa powder, cinnamon and vanilla, and you have a delicious holiday beverage that will make you feel as good as it...
Read MoreBust Holiday Stress with Kava Kava!
The winter holidays are supposed to be a time of reflection, giving thanks, and reconnecting with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many of us the holidays turn into a time of strife, disappointment, and pressure on our free time and checkbook. Let me be the first to tell you, dear readers, that it doesn’t have to be this way: with a few simple coping methods, you can cut down on your holiday stress and focus on what really matters during this special time. Kava kava can be one such ally in managing the turmoil and disruption of the holidays: proven effective for the management of daily...
Read MoreDo Kava and Exercise Mix?
Long-time visitors to this blog may recall my post a couple years back about the curious case of a New York man who collapsed while biking to work after he took kava tea. He was diagnosed with muscle weakness and rabdomyolosis, a condition where the kidneys begin to break down muscle fibers. Like coffee or tea, kava can have diuretic action; I speculated that by taking kava and then attempting strenuous activity, he could have become dehydrated which led to these symptoms. Both then and now, I was surprised that anyone would drink kava and then engage in a demanding activity like bicycling....
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