Piper Methysticum Extraction Explained!

Kava is a traditional beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific. Traditionally, it has been used in various Pacific Island cultures for centuries, often in social and ceremonial contexts. The drink is known for its calming effects, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it popular among those seeking a natural way to unwind.

There are a few extraction techniques to make kava.

Traditional methods include:

The most common and traditional method of kava extraction involves water as the primary solvent, using lukewarm water to maximize the extraction of kavalactones. The mixture is kneaded vigorously.

A basic preparation typically requires:

• 8-12 oz of hot tap water (100-120 degrees) per serving
• A strainer bag or cloth
• Kava root powder
• A bowl for mixing

Modern Extractions are:

Acetone Extraction Method

Acetone extraction uses acetone to dissolve compounds, which are then separated by filtering and evaporation. This method is simple but requires careful handling due to acetone's flammability and potential for residue.

CO2 Extraction Method

Supercritical CO2 extraction uses pressurized CO2 to dissolve compounds, which are collected when the CO2 returns to a gaseous state. This environmentally-friendly process leaves no toxic residue and allows for specific compound extraction, making it ideal for producing high-purity extracts. (This is the process Kavayn uses for our extraction process).

The effects of kava depend on various factors like production methods, potency, and amount of different kavalactones. In general, kava provides feelings of calm and relaxation and mood enhancement. We have formulated our kava elixirs to include higher amounts of kavain, a kavalactone known for its calming effects.

Kavalactones help provide the following effects:

• Relaxation and reduced anxiety
• Sedative properties that help improve sleep quality
• Compounds like methysticin contribute to the muscle relaxant effects of kava

Hi newbie! Welcome to the happy root fam. Kava has a reverse tolerance effect which means, the more you have, the less you need to feel the effects. So we tell new users to enjoy a full drink pack or full gummy (or even two) to start because you won't feel the effects as fast or as strongly as a regular kava user. Once you consume kava-extracts for a while, you won't need as much to gain that buzzy glow!

Kavalactones have been studied to better understand the following potential benefits:

• Reduced anxiety: several studies have concluded that kava extract is an effective treatment for anxiety. (ref: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12535473/)
• Improved sleep: kava has been used to improve sleep quality. (ref: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7600512/)
• Enhanced cognitive function: Improvements in memory (ref: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7600512/)
• Reduced cravings for addictive substances: ref: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7600512/)

Yes. Kava is listed as a dietary supplement and legal in all 50 United States. However, we recommend consumption of Kavayn products for those over the age of 18.

Kavayn kava is sourced from several regions such as Fiji, Venuatu, and smaller islands around Fiji.

Kavalactones are a class of bioactive compounds found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). These compounds are responsible for the calming and relaxing effects associated with kava consumption. There are 18 different kavalactones, but six of them are particularly significant, accounting for over 90% of the active ingredients in most kava varieties:

1. Kavain
2. Dihydrokawain
3. Methysticin
4. Dihydromethysticin
5. Yangonin
6. Desmethoxyyangonin

These compounds are the focus of most studies on kava due to their pharmacological activity and their role in calming effects.

Glad you asked...we use third-party testing to ensure authenticity. You can view our latest COA here:

Kava has been used by Pacific Islanders for over 3000 years. Traditional kava beverages are generally prepared by crushing, chewing, or grinding the kava root and stump, then soaking it in cold water. This method is commonly used in ceremonies and cultural practices.

SNAP! Place the flat side down, position the snap pack between your thumb and middle finger. Place your index finger on the top center of the snap pack.

SQUEEZE!

Position the snap pack over your 8oz-12oz beverage of choice, and gently bring your thumb and middle finger together, pressing down with your index finger, folding the snap pack in half.

MIX!

Once you have squeezed the elixir into your beverage of choice, stir or shake the beverage to mix the elixir in. Once you have mixed your drink, sit back, sip and enjoy!

First timers - Take one gummy, Chew thoroughly. Wait 10 minutes to determine if you want to take another. Kava extracts have a reverse-tolerance effect, so it might take a bit more in the beginning to feel the effects.

Kava drink lovers - Grab a gummy and enjoy. Take two if you want to keep the bliss going. We recommend no more than 4 a day.

As with any dietary supplement, users should be careful when consuming kava.

While kava is considered a safe supplement in the U.S., please be aware that there have been reports of hepatotoxicity, including liver failure, hepatitis, and cirrhosis associated with kava use. The risk increases with prolonged use, especially when consumed consistently for more than a month or in high doses (1,000 mg/day or more).

In addition, Kava can interact with other substances, prolonging the effects of anesthesia and potentially causing adverse reactions when combined with alcohol.

Kava users may encounter side effects such as:

• Upset stomach
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth

Be conscious of your dosage and engage in kava use responsibly.

Kava, THC/CBD, and alcohol each offer distinct experiences and effects. Kava gives you clear-headed relaxation without the mental fog, THC/CBD offers everything from a buzz to therapeutic benefits without the hangover, and alcohol brings that familiar social lubricant effect but carries higher health risks. Everyone's got their preference!

Read more in this article here.