Kava Orange Dream

Kava Orange Dream is a canned seltzer that pairs time-honored premium kava root with the bright zest of organic orange. It is smooth, refreshing and entirely alcohol-free, made for beach days, backyard lounging and low-key gatherings where you want a drink in hand and a clear head afterward. The kava is brewed from traditional South Pacific cultivars and the rest of the can is plant-based and organic. If summer were a beverage, this is the one we would pour.

At a glance

• Canned seltzer pairing premium South Pacific kava root with organic orange
• Smooth, refreshing and entirely alcohol-free
• Plant-based and organic beyond the kava
• No kavalactone percentage printed
• Effects can last 1 to 3 hours
• Comes as 1 can, 4 cans, 12 cans or 24 cans

The herb. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a tropical shrub in the pepper family native to the islands of the South Pacific, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Hawaii, where it has been cultivated and celebrated for over 3,000 years. Islanders traditionally grind or pound the root, mix it with water and share it in ceremonies, at social events and in quiet moments of peace; it is valued as a cultural bridge that brings people together. Each cultivar carries its own balance of kavalactones, which is why some kavas feel heady and bright while others feel heavy. The noble cultivars are the ones chosen for daily drinking across generations.

What's in it. The can carries an infusion of premium kava root in sparkling water with organic orange and other organic ingredients; no kavalactone percentage is printed, so we make no claim about one. The gentle tingle or numbing on the tongue you may notice with the first sips comes from these compounds and is the natural hallmark of authentic, good-quality kava root. Kava's character comes from six principal kavalactones:

• Kavain: quick, uplifting and clear, the sociable one
• Dihydrokavain and dihydromethysticin: arrive later and settle into the body
• Methysticin, yangonin and desmethoxyyangonin: round out the whole

Dosage, first time. Chill it and open one can. Sip it slowly, away from a meal, because kava taken on a full stomach is weaker and more likely to feel queasy. Kava effects can last anywhere from 1 to 3 hours depending on the variety, the amount and your own metabolism, so let a first can play out completely before deciding on a second.

Regular use. People who know their response usually keep to one or two cans over an afternoon or evening. Because of kava's reverse tolerance the first few cans can feel subtle and later ones fuller, so give it a few sessions before judging, and never stack cans to force the point.

What to expect. Users describe a sunny, easygoing calm: relaxed, present and social, with none of the heaviness of an evening kava. It suits post-work wind-downs, picnics, socializing without alcohol and a warm afternoon with snacks and a sunset. Most people feel clear-headed the next day, since kava does not typically cause a hangover. It is not a strong or sedating format; for a heavier, traditional experience, see our Tongan Kava High Potency (Medium Grind). For a different fruit in the same seltzer family, try Kava Peach on the Beach.

Side effects. The numb tongue is expected and passes. Nausea is uncommon at one can and usually tied to a full stomach or too many cans; drowsiness can follow larger amounts. In either case stop for the day and it clears within hours. Months of heavy daily kava use can dry and flake the skin, which resolves when you stop.

Interactions and cautions.

• Enjoy kava on its own rather than with alcohol, since both are processed by the liver, and do not combine it with sedative or benzodiazepine medications
• Anyone with a liver condition or on a liver-metabolized medication should consult a healthcare professional first
• Take it away from meals, and do not drive until you know your response
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing; adults 21+ only

Ingredients and storage. Sparkling water, premium kava root (Piper methysticum) from South Pacific cultivars, organic orange and organic plant-based flavorings; the full panel is on the can. Store cool and out of direct sun, refrigerate before serving and finish an opened can that day.

Common questions

• Does Kava Orange Dream taste bitter like traditional kava? No, the organic orange leads and the earthy, peppery root sits well in the background.
• How long do the effects of Kava Orange Dream last? Typically 1 to 3 hours, depending on the amount and your metabolism.
• Is Kava Orange Dream a good replacement for a cocktail at a party? Yes, it is a zero-alcohol social drink that leaves you clear-headed the next morning.

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.