Instant Kava 'Gold'

Instant Kava 'Gold' is real instant kava from Vanuatu, and real is the important word. This is not micronized root, which is kava ground fine enough to drink, fiber and all. True instant kava is dehydrated kava juice: fresh root is kneaded and pressed into a strong traditional drink, then the liquid is dried down to a fine golden powder. Stir it into water and it dissolves completely, with no strainer bag, no kneading and no sediment.

At a glance

• Real instant kava from Vanuatu, dehydrated kava juice, not micronized root
• Dissolves completely in water with no strainer, kneading or sediment
• About 70% basal roots and 30% lateral roots, the whole plant undivided
• No kavalactone percentage stated
• Onset usually within fifteen to thirty minutes, building over the next hour
• Offered in .5oz, 1oz, 2oz and 4oz sizes

The herb. Kava (Piper methysticum) belongs to the pepper family and is cultivated across the Pacific Islands, with Vanuatu widely regarded as its birthplace. For over three thousand years islanders have prepared the root as a ceremonial and social drink, kneading it in water and sharing it from a communal bowl at day's end. The root carries six major kavalactones, and the balance between them, the chemotype, decides whether a kava feels heady and bright or heavy and body-focused. Noble varieties are the traditional daily-drinking cultivars, chosen over generations for a smooth, predictable experience.

Active content. Because this is dehydrated juice rather than ground root, a small amount makes a full drink. Keeping the whole plant together gives a drink that opens bright and finishes grounded. No kavalactone percentage is stated for this product, so we do not quote one. Gold's blend of about 70% basal roots and 30% lateral roots is the heart of its character:

• Basal root (about 70%): the thick crown at the base of the plant, leaning toward kavain, the heady, uplifting, quick kavalactone
• Lateral roots (about 30%): the thinner runners, richer in the heavier dihydrokavain and dihydromethysticin, which bring body, depth and a settled, mellow weight
• Methysticin, yangonin and desmethoxyyangonin: fill in the middle

Dosage, first time. No fixed serving is given, so start small. Stir a modest amount of powder into a glass of cool water or juice until it dissolves, and drink it on an empty or light stomach. Expect a numbing tingle on the tongue and lips, which is normal. Onset is usually within fifteen to thirty minutes, building over the next hour. Wait at least an hour before a second glass. A first session may feel mild because of reverse tolerance; that is not a reason to take more.

Regular use. Once you know your response, settle on the amount that gives you the feeling you want and keep it there. Because Gold is potent, most people find a little goes a long way, and a second small glass an hour after the first works better than one large one. Give yourself kava-free days each week, and never exceed the amount you have found comfortable.

What to expect. Users describe Instant Kava Gold as a relaxed, social calm that starts bright and clear-headed and settles into an easy, grounded body feel. Because it needs nothing but water, it suits travel, the office, camping or a quick after-work shell. It is not a pre-mixed pour-and-serve drink; for that, see Kavaly Kava-Infused Non-Alcoholic Spirits, and for traditional knead-and-strain root, see our Kava Medium grind Fiji variety.

Side effects. A numb, tingling mouth is normal and fades within minutes. Kava taken on a full stomach or in large amounts can cause nausea, so take it away from meals. Larger glasses bring drowsiness, especially with a whole-plant kava carrying the heavier lateral-root kavalactones. The first few sessions may feel mild because of reverse tolerance. With heavy long-term daily use some people develop dry, flaky skin, which resolves on stopping. If you notice any of these, reduce the amount or take a break.

Interactions and cautions.

• Do not combine kava with alcohol, and do not mix it with sedative or benzodiazepine medications
• Consult a healthcare professional before use if you have any liver condition or take a medication metabolized by the liver
• Take it away from meals
• Do not drive or operate machinery until you know your response
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing; for adults 21+ only

Ingredients and storage. Instant kava (Piper methysticum), dehydrated kava juice from Vanuatu, non micronized, made from about 70% basal roots and 30% lateral roots. Dehydrated kava pulls moisture from the air and clumps, so keep it tightly sealed in a cool, dry, dark place and use a dry spoon.

Common questions

• What is the difference between Instant Kava Gold and micronized kava? Gold is dehydrated kava juice that dissolves completely in water with no sediment, while micronized kava is finely ground root you drink fiber and all.
• How much Instant Kava Gold do you mix per glass? No fixed serving is given, so stir a modest amount into cool water or juice on a light stomach and wait at least an hour before a second glass.
• Why does Instant Kava Gold use both basal and lateral roots? The blend of about 70% basal and 30% lateral root keeps the whole plant together, so the drink opens bright from the kavain-leaning basal root and finishes grounded from the heavier lateral-root kavalactones.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kava is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.