Mixing Kava With Other Herbs: What Works and What Doesn’t
Kava is an intoxicating beverage that’s famous for being used as a ceremonial drink. Some people say that it has a similar effect on their nervous system as alcohol, while others believe it’s quite a powerful extract for those with anxiety and stress.
You may have heard of or visited the famous kava bars in the United States. Instead of serving coffee or tea, they serve Kava mixed with coconut milk or chilled water.
Kava’s soothing effect is believed to be one of its best perks. Many people mix it with other herbs to enhance its effect, assuming that that will make Kava stronger. This leads us to a commonly asked question — how safe is it to mix kava with other herbs? Does it really work? To know how the mixing works and its effect on your body, we’ll first understand what kava is and the reasons people consume it.
Kava — A Highly Potent Beverage
Featuring kavalactones as their active compounds, Kava is known to affect the brain receptors. It induces a feeling of calmness and relaxation. The beverage consists of 15+ active ingredients, all of which have psychoactive properties. In the US, it’s commonly used as an alcohol substitute.
People consider it a way to calm their minds and stop certain signals from getting to the brain without indulging in drinking. If you are experiencing anxiety, you might want to head to the nearest kava bar. While it does offer mood-altering advantages, you should know the risks before trying it. Just because it’s considered legal in the United States doesn’t make it a safe choice or a shortcut to coping with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental issues.
The Risks Associated With Kava
Those who are on norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) for depression should not consume kava without a doctor’s consultation. Likewise, you can’t mix kava with alcohol, nor should you have these two together.
Since both work in pretty much a similar way, they may heighten your risk of getting liver toxicity or cognitive issues, as Kava can intensify the effect of alcohol. Kava must also be avoided if you are taking anxiety medication or are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. It might interfere with these meds.
A few common side effects of Kava include drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, indigestion, low sex drive, red eyes, and headaches. People with liver disease, depression, and kidney diseases must avoid Kava or consult their healthcare professional before having it.
Herbs You Can Combine Kava With
Kava can blend well with certain herbs. The right herbs, when mixed with Kava in an appropriate proportion, can help enhance its effects. Here are a few you can try:
- Chamomile Tea: If you often struggle to fall asleep due to stress or mental issues at night, consider mixing kava with chamomile. Like kava, Chamomile is known for its calming effects.
- Peppermint: Peppermint does a lot more than add a delicious flavor to your food. It has a calming and cooling effect on the body, which makes it another great ingredient to combine with kava. People often add a small amount of peppermint to the kava to balance its bitterness and earthy taste. While it has calming properties, peppermint doesn’t have a sedative effect. So, those who just want to unwind after a hectic day at work while staying alert can consider mixing these two potent ingredients for the best effects.
- Valerian Root: Valerian root is known for its sedative effect. The herb is used to treat insomnia by promoting a calming sensation. It can be combined with kava, which also interacts with GABA receptors to help bring your stress levels down.
- Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha is another great herb that can offer long-term relief from stress. Kava provides an immediate calming effect, while ashwagandha works gradually. Like peppermint, ashwagandha doesn’t make you feel sleepy, so you won’t be heavily sedated.
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What Else Can You Mix Kava With?
Kava drink is prepared in water. But did you know you could also use coconut milk? It’s a better and more potent alternative to the water-based Kava drink. The creamy liquid adds a flavor of sweetness, enhancing the taste of the drink. If that sounds too heavy, you can mix Kava with almond milk instead. It’s also known for its fat content, but the nutty flavor of almonds enhances Kava’s natural, earthy taste.
Fruit juice is another excellent choice. If you are having kava for the first time and are too intimidated by its bitter and earthy taste, you can mix it with your favorite fruit juice to mask its bitterness. That said, fruit juices aren’t always a great option, as they are loaded with sugar, which may not fit everyone’s dietary choices.
What Not To Mix With Kava
Some herbs can’t be mixed with Kava because of the risks associated with the combination. Kratom, for instance, is known for its stimulant and sedative effects. Mixing it with Kava can affect your liver and might cause over-sedation. St. John’s Wort is another herb used widely for depression but is one of the many ingredients that can’t be mixed with Kava, as this can increase the risk of dizziness and other health issues. Any herb that can cause drowsiness or dizziness should not be mixed with Kava. with sugar, which may not fit everyone’s dietary choices.
Bottom Line
Using Kava with other herbs can help improve your sleep cycle, promote relaxation, and uplift your mood. That said, not every herb blends well with this potent extract. It’s important that you consult a healthcare provider before consuming Kava, especially if you are planning to mix it with other herbs.
To ensure safety, start with a small dose. Mixing a small amount of a new ingredient will help you assess its impact on your body. You can increase the dose gradually. Also, know what’s in the herb and research it before mixing it with Kava.