This is a continuation from my Amazon review as there is a 400 word limit there.
I use Piper methysticum as a self-medication for insomnia and anxiety. Basically, it helps me sleep, although if I have over-indulged I have had several side effects (poor vision, unbalance, mildly upset stomach, etc). I am testing reviving my previous kava habit and new/established suppliers after a ten+- year absence using any kava. Previously, I experimented with multiple sources, usually drinking the cheapest Fijian kava purchased locally in Surrey, Canada (from one Fijian retail business, the rest apparently thought I was a spy from law enforcement), plus costlier 'tudei' kava from online companies. I never understood Health Canada's interference in this mild substance since much more dangerous synthetic products are sold and consumed openly in Downtown Eastside.
I stopped using kava when my non-luxury priced home supply ran out and the retail price tripled. Since then it has *quadrupled* compared to 2009, plus the international foreign currency exchange of CAD has fallen precipitously from my side. I blame the market price being not so affordable anymore primarily on economic and natural factors, a) kava has become too popular (supply and demand); b) severe weather in Micronesia (and Polynesia?); c) COVID supply chain issues. I have no idea if and when there will be a price correction, perhaps when others also start using Scutellaria lateriflora and Humulus lupus as alternatives sleep aides.
My problems with the scullcap and hops is that the first works best if grown at home and harvested at a particular time and way (dried arieal parts as a tisane just isn't at all as effective) and the latter is also costly per gm, albeit tastier! Plus, kava works better and frankly I enjoy the pleasant 'buzz'. I do not drink alcohol and am a rare user of cannabis (despite marijuana, with significant restrictions, being 100% legal in Canada, along with only one other country - Uruguay. I am talking federally). I prefer kava to cannabis because the physical and mental effects are much milder. I never feel 'blasted' with kava (just very, very relaxed) and I see only two 'advantages' to cannabis - it's aphrodisical and orixigenic effects.
My method of kava preparation...
Step 1: inspect package - well-sealed
Step 2: seive all content and save larger bits for other medium (e.g. alcohol or oil)
Step 3: set aside 3 generous tablespoons (sort-of heaping)
Step 4: let dust settle!
Step 5: put kava powder into straining bag
Step 6: add cool water (I forgot that very warm is better) X4 glasses
Step 7: add shotglass of canned coconut milk to bag
Step 8: tie bag tight but with contents loose (lots of space inside)
Step 9: submerge bag for o
70 minutes
Step 10: add a glass of hot water, resulting in tepid instead of cool water (low room temperature where I am)
Step11: slowly hand-knead in its water for 30 minutes
Step 12: drink a few mouthfuls and wait 15 minutes (out of an abundance of caution)
Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this forthcoming critique of this Vanuatu kava product sold in Canada. I paid out of my own pocket. My primary motivations to order from Yaqone were a) no potential CBSA issues; and b) speed of delivery. My previous mail order supplier (Root of the Matter) on Vancouver Island in BC seems to be out of the kava business.
If several persons post replies suggesting further interest I can post my experiences with Bula kava.
I use Piper methysticum as a self-medication for insomnia and anxiety. Basically, it helps me sleep, although if I have over-indulged I have had several side effects (poor vision, unbalance, mildly upset stomach, etc). I am testing reviving my previous kava habit and new/established suppliers after a ten+- year absence using any kava. Previously, I experimented with multiple sources, usually drinking the cheapest Fijian kava purchased locally in Surrey, Canada (from one Fijian retail business, the rest apparently thought I was a spy from law enforcement), plus costlier 'tudei' kava from online companies. I never understood Health Canada's interference in this mild substance since much more dangerous synthetic products are sold and consumed openly in Downtown Eastside.
I stopped using kava when my non-luxury priced home supply ran out and the retail price tripled. Since then it has *quadrupled* compared to 2009, plus the international foreign currency exchange of CAD has fallen precipitously from my side. I blame the market price being not so affordable anymore primarily on economic and natural factors, a) kava has become too popular (supply and demand); b) severe weather in Micronesia (and Polynesia?); c) COVID supply chain issues. I have no idea if and when there will be a price correction, perhaps when others also start using Scutellaria lateriflora and Humulus lupus as alternatives sleep aides.
My problems with the scullcap and hops is that the first works best if grown at home and harvested at a particular time and way (dried arieal parts as a tisane just isn't at all as effective) and the latter is also costly per gm, albeit tastier! Plus, kava works better and frankly I enjoy the pleasant 'buzz'. I do not drink alcohol and am a rare user of cannabis (despite marijuana, with significant restrictions, being 100% legal in Canada, along with only one other country - Uruguay. I am talking federally). I prefer kava to cannabis because the physical and mental effects are much milder. I never feel 'blasted' with kava (just very, very relaxed) and I see only two 'advantages' to cannabis - it's aphrodisical and orixigenic effects.
My method of kava preparation...
Step 1: inspect package - well-sealed
Step 2: seive all content and save larger bits for other medium (e.g. alcohol or oil)
Step 3: set aside 3 generous tablespoons (sort-of heaping)
Step 4: let dust settle!
Step 5: put kava powder into straining bag
Step 6: add cool water (I forgot that very warm is better) X4 glasses
Step 7: add shotglass of canned coconut milk to bag
Step 8: tie bag tight but with contents loose (lots of space inside)
Step 9: submerge bag for o
70 minutes
Step 10: add a glass of hot water, resulting in tepid instead of cool water (low room temperature where I am)
Step11: slowly hand-knead in its water for 30 minutes
Step 12: drink a few mouthfuls and wait 15 minutes (out of an abundance of caution)
Note: I have not been compensated in any way for this forthcoming critique of this Vanuatu kava product sold in Canada. I paid out of my own pocket. My primary motivations to order from Yaqone were a) no potential CBSA issues; and b) speed of delivery. My previous mail order supplier (Root of the Matter) on Vancouver Island in BC seems to be out of the kava business.
If several persons post replies suggesting further interest I can post my experiences with Bula kava.
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