New to Kava? A Quick Guide
What is kava?
Kava is an ancient plant and traditional drink of peace from the South Pacific islands, enjoyed for social, cultural, medicinal and political purposes for over 3000 years.
Not all kava is created equal. Just as with coffee or wine, kava comes in different varieties (learn what makes the best cultivars) - and quality and purity determine whether you'll experience authentic kava's peaceful, remarkable effects.
What does kava do?
The kava experience depends on your choice of cultivar, and how you prepare and consume it.
Generally, high quality kava is known for its relaxing properties and ability to induce sociability and a feeling of harmony without diminishing mental clarity or awareness. For many users, kava is a pleasant, soothing drink that relieves fatigue, relaxes the body after hard work or effort, clarifies the mind and brings a sense of well-being.
As Professor Robert Gregory from Massey University described it:
"Kava makes you quiet and able to think and listen to your thoughts. Your mind opens to what has been and should be done. The subjective feeling after kava is to be slowed down, for it almost forces one to become quiet. Sometimes it is like entering a light relaxed dream. The altered state of consciousness is subtle and mild. Noise, interference with thought processes, bright lights, movement, all hinder the effect, the mildly altered stream of thought. The effect is maintained only if there is peace and quiet."
Think of it as the opposite of coffee - while coffee energises and stimulates, kava gently calms and grounds you. Like coffee, kava is regulated as a food product in New Zealand, offering a natural way to unwind.
Where to start? Which kava to choose first?
Your best options are traditional ground roots (for the fullest experience) or instant kava (for convenience). We don't recommend or sell kava pills or extracts. Learn about the differences between kava forms and types.
We pride ourselves on selling the world's finest kava - processed from freshly harvested plants using advanced processing methods that capture authentic fresh kava character. We specialise in specific noble cultivars, each with unique profiles and effects.
For beginners, we recommend starting with any of these options:
- Instant Green - Smooth, harmonious instant blend delivering classic Vanuatu experience with mental uplift and gentle ease
- Melo Melo traditional grind or Melo Melo instant - Our most balanced single cultivar, offering both mental and body ease in a uniquely mellow, warm manner
- Palarasul traditional grind or Palarasul instant - our perhaps smoothest, pleasantly uplifting cultivar, particularly good for social or creative sessions
- Borogoru traditional grind or Borogoru instant - Classic heavy (more sedating) kava for deeper body effects and evening wind-down
- Pacific Elixir (traditional grind) - Our flagship balanced blend, perfect all-rounder for any occasion
Single cultivars like Melo Melo or Palarasul offer consistent, specific effects' profile. Our blends (Pacific Elixir and Instant Green) can between batches depending on specific cultivars' availability.
Remember: Traditional grind requires a food-grade strainer bag for filtering. Instant needs no accessories.
How to prepare and drink it?
Traditional preparation involves mixing dried roots with water and straining - it's relaxing in itself and delivers the richest experience.
Instant preparation simply requires stirring powder into water - perfect when time is short.
Our complete kava preparation guide with video shows you exactly how to make perfect kava. Plus, discover tips for making your kava session great.
Organically Grown Noble Kava
100% pure noble kava from pristine volcanic soils. Our farmers cultivate specific single cultivars in regions best suited for each variety. Each plant matures for 3-5+ years using traditional organic farming methods passed down through generations.
Always Processed from Fresh
Each batch is exclusively made from kava harvested to order - never old village-dried stock. All plants undergo rigorous assessment: cultivar verification, freshness inspection, contamination screening, and rejection of any unhealthy or damaged roots.
Cleaned and dried to fresh perfection
Freshly harvested roots are meticulously cleaned and dried using proprietary methods. The process preserves maximum potency, fresh aroma, and bioactive compounds, while ensuring food safety. Each batch is immediately vacuum-sealed or nitrogen-flushed, locking in peak freshness.
Every Batch Tested
Our kava undergoes comprehensive testing using UHPLC analysis (superior to standard HPLC), full microbiological screening, and chemotype verification in an advanced in-house laboratory. Every batch comes with complete certificates of analysis and exceeds FSANZ Standard 2.6.3 requirements.
Check out our Certificates of Analysis