Kelai Kava Instant

Kelai Kava Instant is a rare single cultivar grown in Vanuatu almost exclusively on the island of Epi, and most of it is drunk locally, which makes it hard to source and makes this a limited edition. This instant is the entire plant dehydrated into a water-soluble powder, approximately 70% Basal roots and 30% Lateral roots processed together rather than separated, which is how it stays a TRUE SINGLE CULTIVAR. The posted certificate of analysis and graph from a trusted 3rd party laboratory back that up. The taste is creamy and smooth, unusual for kava, and the character is uplifting and leans heady.

At a glance

• Rare limited-edition single cultivar from Epi Island, Vanuatu
• Whole plant, approximately 70% Basal roots and 30% Lateral roots, processed together
• True single cultivar, backed by a third-party certificate of analysis and graph
• No kavalactone percentage stated
• Creamy, smooth taste; uplifting and heady character
• Offered in .5oz, 1oz, 2oz and 4oz

The herb. Kava (Piper methysticum) is a shrub in the pepper family from the Pacific Islands, and Vanuatu is generally regarded as its original home. For more than three thousand years islanders have pounded the root, worked it in water and shared it as a social and ceremonial drink. Vanuatu protects its noble cultivars by name, each one propagated by cuttings and each carrying a chemotype, a fixed ratio of kavalactones. Kelai is an Epi Island noble that sits on the heady side of that spectrum, which is why it is valued for company and conversation rather than for putting people to bed.

Active content. No kavalactone percentage is stated for Kelai; the third-party certificate of analysis and graph on the listing confirm the cultivar's identity, and we do not go beyond what they show. Heady and heavy are questions of ratio among the six kavalactones, and the result here is potent but pleasant, a lift with relaxation underneath it rather than weight on top:

• Kavain: the fast, bright, mood-lifting one, which a heady cultivar like Kelai leans toward
• Dihydrokavain and dihydromethysticin: the slow, heavy pair that sink into the body, taking a back seat here
• Methysticin, yangonin and desmethoxyyangonin: the remaining principal kavalactones

Dosage, first time. There is no gram serving on the listing, so begin with a small spoonful stirred into a glass of water, coconut water or juice; the creamy profile makes it one of the few kavas that is agreeable in plain water. Take it on an empty stomach, well after a meal, since food dulls the effect and invites nausea. The tongue tingles within minutes and the uplift builds over the next half hour. Wait at least an hour before adding more.

Regular use. People who know Kelai usually take a single cup when they want to be sociable and awake, and keep the amount steady. Kava's reverse tolerance means early sessions can feel lighter than later ones; give it a few tries before judging, and never push a heady cultivar hard, because more does not make it heavier, only more likely to turn queasy.

What to expect. Users describe Kelai as bright, warm and talkative: relaxed but alert, easy in company, focused enough for a creative evening. It suits late afternoons, gatherings, a kava-bar night at home or a mellow daytime session. It is not a heavy, sedating kava and it will not carry you to bed. For that, its single-cultivar sibling Borogoru Instant Kava is the evening choice, and for a heady blend at a lower price point see our Instant Kava Heady Variety (Day Time).

Side effects. Expect a numb, tingly mouth that fades. Because Kelai is heady, drowsiness is less common than with heavy cultivars, but larger amounts can still bring it on. Nausea is the usual sign of too much or of drinking on a full stomach; reduce and space it out. Long-term heavy daily use of any kava can dry the skin, which clears when you stop. Reduce or stop if anything feels wrong.

Interactions and cautions.

• Do not mix Kelai with alcohol or with sedative or benzodiazepine medications
• Consult a professional before use if you have a liver condition or take a medication processed by the liver
• Take it away from meals, and do not drive until you know how it affects you
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing; adults 21+ only

Ingredients and storage. Kelai cultivar noble kava (Piper methysticum) from Epi Island, Vanuatu, approximately 70% basal root and 30% lateral root, dehydrated into a water-soluble instant with nothing added. Keep sealed in a cool, dry, dark cupboard; it is a limited lot, so protect it from moisture.

Common questions

• Why is Kelai Kava Instant a limited edition? Kelai grows almost only on Epi Island and is mostly consumed locally, so export lots are small and irregular.
• Is Kelai kava heady or heavy? Heady; it is uplifting and social with a smooth relaxing base, the opposite end of the spectrum from Borogoru.
• Does Kelai instant kava taste like typical kava? It is noticeably creamier and smoother than most cultivars, which is part of its reputation.

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.