Kava Kava: Does it Relieve Stress?

I have a hard time winding down in the evenings, and I have a tendency to stress excessively about things. I've tried different techniques to relieve stress and help me to relax, but never found a solution that really worked.

A friend of mine told me about Kava Kava, and said that it would help me to relax and not stress as much. Of course I was skeptical but I was willing to try it. Below is my personal experience with Kava Kava.

Kava Kava: does it relieve stress - personal experience

I decided to try the kava kava powder, which has to be poured into some kind of straining bag or cloth and then kneaded in water to release what is called "Kava lactones" into the water.

I used the tips of women's panty hose (not used; it was a brand new pair), because that is what the website I ordered the kava kava powder from said they use. I put two heaping tablespoons of the kava kava powder into the panty hose, and then dipped it into a bowl filled with 1 cup cold water.

I kneaded the Kava Kava in the water for about 5 - 10 minutes. After I was done doing that, I stirred up the mixture (which looks like dirty water), and then dumped it into a cup.

Kava kava tastes like dirt mixed in water, so It's recommended that you drink it rather quickly, and that's what I did.

Within seconds of drinking the kava kava mixture my mouth and tongue became slightly numb, which is normal. I enjoyed the numbness, and it wasn't enough to impair my ability to talk or taste.

Shortly after drinking that Kava Kava drink, I began to relax significantly. I just felt like smiling. I felt content and at ease. Many people say Kava Kava will get you "high" but I didn't experience it so much as a high, but rather just being "chilled out."

So does Kava Kava relieve stress? From my personal experience I would say it does. I try to make myself worry and be stressed out when I drink the Kava Kava, but it doesn't work. I also seem to sleep a lot better when I drink it.

I can't say everyone will have the same experience with kava, so I'm not going to recommend it. But if you're interested I'd suggest doing plenty of research on Kava Kava before trying it yourself. There is some controversy about its health benefits and potential harmful effects. You should also talk to your doctor before trying Kava.

If you'd like more information about Kava Kava, and its stress relieving effects, I've provided a couple links to some kava kava websites.

Note: Kava Kava can be purchased in the United States but has been banned in some countries.

Kava Kava websites and information:

Taste of Kava

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