What is Kava? (And Why You Keep Hearing About It In Kenya)

If you have ever seen Kava, you know it looks a bit like mud water. And if you have tasted it, like I did four years ago, well, you know, it kind of tastes like mud water, too. It’s earthy. It’s spicy. It makes your tongue go a little numb.

But there is a reason people in the Pacific Islands have been drinking this stuff for over 2,000 years.

So, What Is It?

Kava (also called kava kava) is not some new trendy concoction; it’s actually a traditional drink from the South Pacific islands. It’s made from the roots of a tropical shrub, scientifically known as Piper methysticum, which is part of the pepper family. For years, Pacific Island cultures in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga have used kava in ceremonies and social gatherings to promote relaxation and community bonding. In Fiji, for example, it’s common to gather after work and share a communal bowl of kava instead of heading to a bar for beers.

To prepare traditional kava, the plant's dried roots are pounded or ground into a powder, then mixed with water (and, historically, some Pacific Islanders would even chew the roots and spit them into water; thankfully, we have strainer bags now). The brew is strained and served usually in a communal bowl or individual coconut shells. The result is a muddy, earthy-tasting drink that might make your lips and tongue tingle or go slightly numb for a few minutes, which is totally normal. This numbness is a hint at kava’s active ingredients, which we will discuss below.

How it works (The simple science)

I know this might sound a bit like "hippie" medicine to some, but there is real science here. The root contains compounds called kavalactones.

There are about six main kavalactones (and many minor ones) identified in kava, and each has a slightly different effect. Without getting too technical, here’s the gist:

• Dopamine: Some kavalactones increase dopamine, which gives you a slight sense of euphoria and happiness.
• GABA: Another increases GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid). This helps regulate emotions and calm you down. It’s similar to how prescription anti-anxiety meds work, but without the heavy sedation.
• Serotonin: Others affect serotonin, which helps regulate mood and sleep.

I like to think of kava as the drink that gives you a hug from the inside. After a shell or two, you might notice your racing thoughts slow down, your tight shoulders relax, and a mellow sense of well-being wash over you. Now that you know what kava is, let’s talk about why people (myself included) love it so much.

The Benefits of KAVA: Why drink it?

You might be wondering why you would swap your evening beer or glass of wine for a cup of earthy root water. Here is what the research (and centuries of history) tells us.

Anxiety Relief 

This is the big one. Kava is known as nature's answer to stress. It calms the central nervous system. In fact, studies have compared it to prescription anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax or Valium, but without the foggy mind or dependency issues those drugs can bring.

We are not saying don't use your meds now, but the difference is that Kava doesn't usually mess with your cognitive function(depends, though, everyone's different). You can still think clearly. It just naturally eases anxiety and promotes a sense of calm without heavy sedation.

Kava "melts the stress and anxiety away and gives you a nice, clean euphoric feeling of well-being." And I'm pretty sure Kava users can second that! You feel relaxed yet alert. It is a calm focus that’s perfect for deep conversations or just unwinding after a long day.

Better Sleep (Without the Grogginess)

Many people use kava in the evening as a natural sleep aid due to its gentle sedative effect (but be sure to take the right one). It helps quiet those racing thoughts and relax the body, making it easier to drift into sleep.

What I love is that kava doesn’t knock you out cold or mess up your REM dream cycles as some prescription sleep drugs do. Again, I know it seems like I have a vendetta against prescription drugs 🤣, but all in all, you can fall asleep naturally and wake up refreshed, not groggy.

In one small study, kava significantly improved sleep quality in people with stress-related insomnia compared to a placebo. I often have a cup of kava an hour or two before bed, sometimes if I need to unwind.

A Social Alternative to Alcohol 

This is my favorite reason. I had been struggling with weekend binge drinking. I know a lot of you corporate people can relate. But anyway, I used Kava to change that. That is a story for another day.

But when you drink kava, you get a pleasant buzz of relaxation and mild euphoria that makes you talkative, happy, and sociable, much like having a beer or glass of wine might. But without impairing your judgment and without the hangover. I can go spend the evening laughing and connecting with people after my Kava drinks and walk out feeling calm and clear-headed. No dizziness, no slurred speech, and definitely no headache the next morning.

For anyone who’s trying to cut down on alcohol (or cut it out entirely), kava offers a natural buzz that won’t wreck your liver or your Monday morning. It’s even helped some folks get through the rough patches of alcohol withdrawal by giving a safer substitute to relax with.

Now, I’m not saying it is healthy to overindulge. Kava dependency is definitely possible, too much of anything isn't great. But compared to the alternative? It changed the game for me.

Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief 

Along with calming the mind, kava can also relax the body. Pacific Islanders have long noticed that after a kava session, muscle tension eases up. Those tight neck and shoulder muscles from a stressful day just let go.

Some of kava’s kavalactones actually have pain-relieving (analgesic) and muscle-relaxant properties. Personally, if I’ve got post-basketball soreness or a tension creeping in, kava helps take the discomfort down a notch. It’s not a numbing painkiller by any means, but it does seem to soothe minor aches and help you feel more comfortable in your body. This gentle relaxant effect is one reason kava is sometimes used in herbal medicine for things like mild muscle spasms or fibromyalgia.

It Gets Better with Time (Reverse Tolerance)

Let me share a quirky little secret about kava that surprises a lot of first-timers. With most substances (think coffee or alcohol), the more you use them, the more you need to feel an effect, right? Kava does the opposite, thanks to something called reverse tolerance.

When you’re brand new to kava, you might not feel much on your first cup. I remember my very first shell of kava. Aside from a numb tongue, I thought, “Hmm, am I feeling anything?” Some newbies even report needing a couple of sessions on different days before the full relaxed sensation kicks in.

Don’t give up! As you continue to drink kava on different occasions, your body becomes more receptive to it. Eventually, a small serving can give you plenty of bliss. I find this trait absolutely awesome. It means over time, I actually spend less on kava and still get the same chill vibe. So if your first kava experience is mild, just know it tends to work better the more you acquaint yourself with it.

Is it Safe?

Kava is generally considered safe and non-addictive when used responsibly. It doesn’t create chemical dependency, meaning you won’t find yourself needing kava just to feel “normal,” nor do you get nasty withdrawal symptoms if you stop.

Major health authorities have noted that traditional kava drinking has a low risk of harm, especially compared to alcohol. The World Health Organization even ranked kava as much less harmful than alcohol or tobacco in terms of social and physical effects.

Of course, moderation and quality are key. Most of the scare stories you may have heard – like kava hurting the liver – stem from improper use (such as using non-root parts of the plant or mixing kava with lots of alcohol or drugs). When you use the noble root, which is what we sell, it is generally considered safe. I haven't seen legitimate studies proving that high-quality traditional Kava hurts the liver.

A Few Heads-up Notes

• Hydrate: Kava is a diuretic (like coffee). It dries you out. Drink plenty of water or electrolytes when you have a session.
• Empty Stomach: It works best if you haven't eaten a huge meal right before. Try to wait a couple of hours after eating.
• Don't Mix: It's best not to mix it with alcohol or prescription meds.

Where Can You Find Kava in Kenya?

If you try to look for Kava in your local health shop or pharmacy in Nairobi, you won't find it. In fact, you won't find it at any big supplement store either.

Right now, Kava is extremely hard to come by in this region. No other stores deal with it.

Moods Botanica is the first to change that. We are the only place in Kenya stocking authentic Kava products sourced directly from the Pacific Islands. We stock the best varieties to make sure you get the real deal without the hassle of shipping it from overseas yourself.

We generally stock three broad categories to suit whatever vibe you are looking for:

• Heady: These are your "daytime" Kavas. They are cerebral, euphoric, and great for creativity or social situations. They lift your mood without making you too sleepy.
• Balanced: The versatile option. Perfect for hanging out with friends or unwinding in the afternoon. It’s a mix of mental relaxation and body calm.
• Heavy (Sedative): These are best for the evening. If you want to melt into your couch, relax your muscles after a workout, or get a deep sleep, this is the one you want.

Check out our Kava products in Kenya if you want to give it a try. I’d love to hear what you think of your first experience.

Until next time, cheers (or as they say in Fiji, “Bula!”).