If there's one thing our customers ask again and again, it's "How do I make sure my kava is effective?" This is a very important question: studies on kava have recorded a number of effective kava uses, from reducing daily stress* to improving mental focus*, but you have to prepare your kava drink correctly in order to enjoy its benefits. There's a bit of a learning curve when it comes to brewing kava, but the result is well worth the effort. If you've had disappointing kava experiences in the past, have no fear! Avoid the common mistakes below and you'll end up with a kava drink that is rich in active kavalactones.

Brewed kava is basically a cold water extraction, sort of like iced tea. However, there are a few common kava-brewing traps people can fall into that will result in a weaker brew:

1) Steeping kava in hot water (above 140 degrees Fahrenheit). The active constituents in kava, such as kavalactones, are relatively delicate and may be destroyed by temperatures of 140 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. This is why all of our Instant Kava Powder Mixes are meant to be enjoyed as cold drinks and not hot ones! For those who prefer a warmer brew, kava can be steeped in warm water up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit without destroying its active constituents.

2) Not steeping kava long enough. While tea leaves require only a few minutes to infuse into water, plain kava root should be soaked in water for at least 30 to 45 minutes to allow the kavalactones to leach into the brew. You'll know the brew is ready when the liquid has turned an opaque tan with a slightly oily sheen. In traditional South Pacific preparations, kava roots are sometimes soaked in water for several hours!

3) Steeping kava without an emulsifier. Some substances dissolve in water, while others dissolve in lipids (fats). Kava contains a wide range of kavalactones and other constituents, some of which can only dissolve in fats. This means that if you make a kava brew using only water, some of the root's active constituents will not be extracted into the finished drink. Forgetting to add an emulsifying fat is probably the number one cause of disappointing kava experiences! Fortunately, you can get around this by adding a small amount of a vegetable fat, such as the soy lethicin we sell under "Kava Accessories", to your kava brew.

Kava is emerging as a supplement that may improve mental focus* and reduced nervousness* in demanding situations, such as plane trips, public speeches, job interviews, and more. For best results, kava supplements should be taken 1 to 2 hours before a potentially stressful situation. The most common effective kava uses are to simply to relax after a busy day, either with friends or alone, and to manage everyday stress*. I hope this guide will help our readers avoid the most common errors that lead to an unsatisfying kava experience. After all, we believe the uses for effective kava are broad and growing, and anyone interested should be able to experience them. Happy brewing!

*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.