Kava, scientifically known as the Piper Methysticum, is root based plant frequently brewed into a tea. It is grown in the volcanic soil of several different pacific islands. Derived from the pepper family, kava is known for its earthy taste, relaxing and socially lubricating effects, as well as the mild numbing or tingling sensation it leaves in the mouth upon consumption. This is a result of the capsaicin present in kava as well as many other plants in the pepper family. 

Many believe that kava was first cultivated in the island of Vanuatu, and it is believed that the first written mention of kava dates all the way back to the 17th century. Due to the longstanding history of kava, much of its origin story remains a mystery, though folklore from different islands across the pacific provide their own interpretations of their introduction to kava. The island of Tonga, for example, explains the origin of kava through a tale of a young family being visited by the island’s king. They were unable to provide a sacrifice for their king, so they sacrificed their daughter, a young child named Kava. From the spot where she had died grew two plants, one bitter and one sweet. The sweet plant was the sugar kane, and the bitter one, they named kava after their daughter.  For more information about the history of kava in Tonga, this video is an excellent resource.

Kava can be a bit of an acquired taste. It’s earthy, a little gritty, and looks like dirt water. It’s also rare that someone would experience strong effects from kava the first time they drink it, because kava has a reverse-tolerance effect. This means that your tolerance is typically higher the first time you drink kava, but the more frequently you drink it, the lower your tolerance becomes, and you begin to feel the effects more easily. For this reason, a lot of people don’t find themselves hooked on kava upon their first interaction with it. 

Kava is not known to be addictive, and is relatively safe to consume. It is important to note that kava is processed in the liver, and as such does need to be consumed in moderation. Abuse of kava, as with most any substance, can cause harm, but as long as kava is consumed responsibility, there is little concern for any adverse effects. It is extremely important to note that kava should not under any circumstances be consumed with alcohol. Ever. Seriously. 

In many cities across the world, kava bars have become a popular attraction. Saint Petersburg, Florida (where I am located) is the kava capital of the central United States. Kava bars typically serve as sober communities for people who prefer to stay away from alcohol and other mood altering substances. They often serve as refuge for people who have struggled with alcohol and drug addictions in the past. Kava bars typically offer kava and kratom, as well as other ethnobotanical teas which provide natural and plant-based experiences as opposed to more dangerous or addictive substances. 

In the Tampa bay area, the kava scene has become a well known and tightly-knit community of people who share different experiences and are able to come together and form strong connections throughout their journey with kava and sobriety. 

Some of my favorite kava bars in Tampa bay are Dharma Kava Lounge,  Low Tide Kava Bar, and Grassroots Kava House. These kava bars have played a huge role in my coming of age, and have allowed me to form some of the most beautiful and wholesome relationships that I have maintained to date. If you are interested in trying kava and kratom for the first time, I highly recommend you check them out.