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Premium Kava Range
What is Kava?
Kava kava, kawa, awa, ʻava, yaqona or yagona, sakau, seka, and malok or malogu. Called by many names throughout the world, we are proud to introduce our new, premium range of Kava (Piper methysticum), aka the intoxicating pepper.
Consumed traditionally in South Pacific Island cultures for centuries, Kava is closely related to the black pepper tree and is a hardy, slow-growing shrub embellished in heart-shaped leaves, but the real magic comes from kavalactones. These little compounds are the VIPs responsible for both the psychological and physiological effects Kava bestows upon the drinker, with each cultivar featuring its own unique composition for a variety of different effects: from sedating to uplifting, there’s a drinking experience for every Kava connoisseur.
Our Premium Kava Range
We take quality seriously here at Happy Herb Co, which is why we’ve partnered with a trusted Kava supplier to bring you our premium range of some of the finest, most prized cultivars of Vanuatu. Each is sourced from 100% Noble Kava, which has been extensively researched and proven safe for human consumption, as opposed to Ignoble Kava which can be applied to a wide variety of Kavas that have not had this same human consumption safety proven. Noble Kavas are revitalising, and normal amounts can be consumed regularly by almost anyone without any adverse side effects. These powders are pure goodness: originating straight from noble cultivars, they’re packed with kavalactones like kavain and dihydrokavain and each has its own chemotype, resulting in different flavours and effects.
The effects of each cultivar may also depend upon the person consuming it, so some people greatly prefer one cultivar over another. If you’re after a different buzz, be sure to try them all! We primarily stock traditional grinds, but have recently expanded our range to include Instant Kava for a quick and easy fix.
So, whether you’re a Kava connoisseur or new to the Kava world: dive into our selection, try them all and find your perfect match today. Who knows, you may just find your new favourite way to unwind!
How to make Kava
Traditional Method
This method is based on how Kava is traditionally consumed across Vanuatu. Perfect for a chilled Kava session with your mates!
- Place approximately 3 heaped tablespoons (35g ~ 1/3 cup) of our Traditional Grind Kava into one of our kava strainer bags and place into a bowl
- Add about 600ml of room temperature water.
- Tightly close the strainer bag and knead the kava well under water for 10mins.
- Squeeze all the excess water out of the strainer bag, and set aside (you can be re-brewed it later).
- Serve in half sized cups (referred to as shells in Vanuatu). Kava is best swallowed down in 1-2 quick gulps. Have a piece of fruit ready to cleanse the palate. Enjoy!
See video below to view this method in action!
Shop our Traditional Kava Range
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Traditional Kava - Noble Blend
Regular price $38.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Traditional Kava - Melo Melo
Regular price From $41.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Traditional Kava - Kelai
Regular price From $41.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Traditional Kava - Borogoru
Regular price From $41.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per
Blender Method
This method is a quicker and easier way to make Kava with our traditional grind powders.
- Place approximately 3 heaped tablespoons (35g ~ 1/3 cup) of our Traditional Grind Kava into a blender with about 600ml of room temperature water.
- Blend on high for 1 – 2 minutes.
- Pour Kava liquid through a Kava strainer bag or cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess liquid.
- Serve in half sized cups (referred to as shells in Vanuatu). Kava is best swallowed down in 1-2 quick gulps. Have a piece of fruit ready to cleanse the palate. Enjoy!
Instant Method
Instant kava powder is a dehydrated kava beverage – simply add water!
- Add 1 -2 teaspoons (8g) of Instant Kava to a glass.
- Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Stir & Enjoy!
Shop our Instant Kava Range
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Instant Kava - Borogoru
Regular price From $82.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Instant Kava - Melo Melo
Regular price From $82.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Instant Kava - Green Daytime Strain
Regular price From $82.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per
Kava Science
Kava chemotypes – we’re using some big words here, but what exactly are we talking about? Chemotypes essentially identify the distinct chemical profiles akin to fingerprints found in different biological organisms. In this case, we’re talking about Kava. Kava plants have very little variation in how they look (also called morphology), however they contain widely differing amounts and ratios of organic chemical compounds. By understanding the importance of chemotypes and how to discern them, you’re better able to determine which Kava cultivar you may enjoy most, particularly once you’ve had some experience in drinking Kava.
To take a deeper dive and explore more about kavalactones, chemotypes and cultivars, check out our blog on The Science of Kava.
Kava Culture
Listen to the Kava
What does this mean exactly? Well, many of the kava drinking cultures in the South Pacific Islands say that in order to get the most out of your drinking experience, you must listen to the kava. What this typically means is to sit in a quiet, dark place, to be able to ruminate on your most intimate thoughts. As we briefly touched on before, Kava has been consumed traditionally in South Pacific Island cultures for a very long time. Consumed as both a social and ceremonial drink, Kava ceremonies in Vanuatu were once surrounded by complicated rituals and restricted to secret societies where only powerful men could partake. While used for a number of medicinal purposes, Kava was also considered a gateway to the realm of the ancestors, spirits and Gods. In fact, Kava was considered so powerful it was banned by Christian missionaries for roughly a century in an attempt to “eliminate competition with other gods” on many of the Vanuatu Islands between 1880 and 1980. These days, Kava has evolved in Vanuatu from this secret, highly prized ceremonial drink, to a relaxing beverage sometimes consumed daily while still playing an important role in ceremonial events.
Read more about the rich history of Kava in Exploring Kava Culture Around the World.
Frequently Asked Kava Questions
What is Kava?
As we’ve touched on, Kava is a crop closely related to the black pepper tree. A hardy, relatively slow-growing shrub adorned with heart-shaped leaves, it’s name means ‘bitter’ and the part we consume is made from the root or stump of the shrub. It is typically available in several different forms, including the brown powder which produces the brownish-coloured drink which makes up our range, as well as capsules, extracts and drops.
What is Noble Kava?
Noble Kava, as opposed to Ignoble Kava, has been proven safe for human consumption. Extensively researched, Noble Kava is revitalising, refreshing and in normal amounts can be consumed regularly by almost anyone without any adverse side effects. The term Ignoble Kava can be applied to a wide variety of Kavas that have not had this same human consumption safety proven.
Is Kava legal?
Prior to December 1, 2021, Kava was a controlled substance in Australia. While there are still regulatory controls around the importation and selling of Kava, this is purely to ensure the quality and safety, and in most countries drinking Kava is now, fortunately, legal, and many people can now enjoy the benefits of this ceremonial drink. It is important to ensure you are purchasing 100% Noble Kava.
What is the difference between Instant and Traditional Kava?
Quite simply, Traditional Kava requires more preparation than Instant Kava. Think coffee grinds to instant coffee.
Does Kava get you high/stoned?
Kava will not get you high in the typical sense. It is known to elevate mood and wellbeing and produce a feeling of relaxation, so may be useful for those with anxiety, insomnia or other nervous disorders. Higher doses may produce more intense feelings of euphoria or sedation, but Kava does not produce the same sort of high that controlled substances do.
What are the benefits of Kava?
As discussed, Kava may be useful for people who deal with stress, anxiety, insomnia and other nervous disorders. It slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body, producing a mildly euphoric sedating effect. It’s a sweet little buzz without inebriating the senses.
What are the side effects of Kava?
It’s important to ensure you are always consuming Noble Kava in safe quantities. Some side effects you may feel, dependant on the drinker, is drowsiness and mood changes. Always make sure you are using Noble Kava, as Ignoble Kava may lead to liver damage.
More info on our Noble Kava Cultivars
Instant Kava - Borogoru
The new instant version of Borogoru!
When you do not have time to traditionally brew Kava, Instant Borogoru is a convenient way to enjoy the same strength and taste of this strain. The purity is maintained through the dehydration process, and much less is needed per cup. The result is each bag provided approximately 3 times as many serves per pack compared to our traditional Kava packs.
A heavier cultivar known for its soothing and gently sedating character. This peppery kava is best enjoyed later in the evening, or as a muscle-melting body refreshment after strenuous physical effort.
If you would prefer the traditional grind of this strain, please click here.
Island of Origin: Espiritu Santo, VanuatuAverage Laterals to Stump Ratio: 30-70
Typical Chemotype: 243516
Processing: Fully washed and peeled. Dried in a temperature-controlled dehydrator.
Effects: Muscle melting/body, mellowing/sedating, slow onset/long lasting.
Flavour profile: More of a bitter/peppery taste wit notes of fresh herbs, licorice and black pepper.
Content: Kava (Piper methysticum)
Preparation: Instant kava powder is a dehydrated kava beverage: simply add water. Use up to 1- 3 full teaspoons (5-15g) in 300ml water per person. Adding any type of milk or fatty product can help activate the Kava and create a smoother taste. Enjoy!
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