The drinkroot Blog

Everything you need to know about kava — from your first shell to rare island varietals, recipes, science, and the culture behind the cup.

Kava Basics

9 articles

1. First Timer's Guide to Kava (Plus Video!): The Definitive Guide
2. Kava and Liver Toxicity (Plus Video!): The Truth About Kava's Murky Past
3. Kava Dosage: How much kava should I take?
4. What is a Kava Chemotype: And how to pick the best one for you
5. Effects of Kava: How it affects various physical and mental diseases
6. Benefits of Kava: Calming, pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective
7. What is Kava Like and what to expect: An in-depth discussion
8. Instant Kava: What it is and how to use it
9. Traditional Grind or Instant Kava Juice: Who should choose what

Kava Preparation & Recipes

7 articles

1. How to Make Kava: Simple follow-along and ideas
2. How to Make Strong Kava (Plus Video!): Our famous recipe for a grog that will knock your socks off
3. Making Kava Without a Strainer: Don't have a strainer? No problem!
4. How to Make Instant Kava: Short and simple
5. Easy Kava Cocktail Recipes (Plus Video!): Family favorites plus great drink hacks
6. 10 Kava Recipes for the Holidays (Plus Video!): Festive kava cocktails to share with family
7. 4 Must-Try Kava Recipes: Oldies but goodies

Kava Cultivar Guides

6 articles

1. Bir Kar Kava: Red Stems, Quick Lift, Deep Focus
2. Borogoru Kava: Deep Calm from the Land-Diving Island
3. Kelai Kava: The Champagne of the Islands, Born from a Volcano
4. Palarasul Kava: Smooth Calm, Quiet Strength
5. Puariki Kava: The Elder Brother from a Reborn Island
6. Silesse Kava: The Contemplative Creeper from Malekula

Kava Extra Resources

3 articles

1. Is Kava Legal in My Country?
2. Kava Bars: A Social Sanctuary for Wellness
3. Kava for First Timers: Infographic

Kava Culture & Island History

12 articles

1. Vanuatu Kava: The Homeland, the Gods, and the Cultivars
2. Fijian Kava (Yaqona): Grog, Wisdom, and the 13 Nobles
3. Hawaiian Kava (ʻAwa): The Sacred Root of Hawaiʻi
4. Solomon Islands Kava: The Quiet Exporter
5. Kava Ceremony: How to have one and be respectful of traditions
6. Ho'oponopono: A Sacred Practice of Reconciliation and Love
7. Nana i ke kumu: A Call to Return to Your Source
8. Kulia i ka nu'u: Strive for The Summit
9. Ho'oma'ema'e: The Art of Spiritual Cleansing
10. He u'i lolena ku i ki'ona: The Lazy Beauty
11. Brief History of Kava on the Islands

Kava's Effects on Health & Wellness

3 articles

1. Kava Pros and Cons
2. Can Kava Help with Depression? Let's talk about the truth
3. Kava Dermopathy: A condition common in very heavy kava users

Kava Compared to Other Substances

6 articles

1. Alcohol Alternative
2. Kava and Caffeine: Balancing relaxation and stimulation
3. Healthy Alternatives to Common Sedatives
4. Dry January: Embarking on the sober journey — history plus tips and tricks to get you through
5. Kratom vs. Kava: An open conversation
6. Is Kava Considered a Drug?

Mental Health Resources

7 articles

1. How to Build Mental Resilience and Stop Anxiety Triggers
2. Mind Hacks to Transform Your Life
3. Starting Your Day Right: Get back on the path
4. Silencing Negative Voices in Your Head
5. Exercise to Improve Mental Health
6. Natural Ways to Ease Anxiety
7. How To Build A Healthy Self-Esteem

“O ka mea nui, he aloha.”

The most important thing is love. — Hawaiian Proverb