Kava kava
(Piper methysticum) is a mood-altering beverage that is used traditionally by indigenous populations in the South Pacific in both ceremonial and social occasions and is now becoming popular world wide as a natural relaxation aid. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies have found that kava kava may be of benefit in treating nervousness, insomnia, and anxiety. The traditional method of preparing a beverage from kava kava involves chewing the root and spitting the spittle-soaked juice into a big bucket to be consumed by the group. Since most people in the modern world are probably not prepared to repeat this method, other more hygienic methods of extracting the potent properties of kava for use as a beverage have been developed.
Instructions
1. Purchase kava kava powder at a health food store or from an online retailer. Kava comes from several different islands in the South Pacific and there are different theories as to which one is the best, but just make sure it is 100 pure kava with nothing added.
2. Put two even tablespoons of the kava kava powder into the blender.
3. Add the cup of water and half cup of milk to the blender. If you don't want to use milk, you can use a tablespoon of coconut oil or even olive oil instead as the fat will help to emulsify the active compounds in the kava kava and help them to be extracted better.
4. Blend the mixture on high for two minutes. Stir with spoon to remove any powder that may be stuck to the sides of the blender and blend again for another two minutes.
5. Strain the mixture through a strainer or cheese cloth to filter out any kava powder. Squeeze out the remaining powder as the last bit that is trapped in the plant fibers is often the strongest of the batch.
6. Pour kava kava beverage into cup or glass of your choice and enjoy.
Tags: kava kava, kava powder, kava beverage, kava kava powder, South Pacific
