Kava Taste Test: 6 Kava Products Reviewed

Kava, dubbed as nature’s answer to stress and anxiety, was first made and consumed in the Pacific islands over three thousand years ago. It is noted for its calming effects and is used to fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression, to help increase a person’s overall well-being and cheerfulness, reduce aggression and stress, and to help with insomnia.

Natives of the islands of Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and Vanuatu consume kava during important gatherings, ceremonies, and even religious events. Today, it is not just the Pacific Islanders who are enjoying the soothing benefits of kava. It is now widely available in the Europe and in the US.

Traditionally, the drink was prepared by pounding the roots of the kava plant and then straining the liquid through a mesh. Now, kava comes forms including liquid extracts, capsules, tablets, and herbal sprays.

Our Kava Story

We first came across Kava a few years ago when my husband wanted to look for alternative and natural cures for his anxiety problems. Since he didn’t want to take the narcotic route like he did before, he started taking kava. What we found was that it not only helped reduce his anxiety but it also put him in a better mood and it gave him mental clarity. Soon, I started taking kava myself.

Sometime later, we introduced kava to my sister. She first tried the liquid extract that we usually took but she hated the taste! So we started experimenting with other kava products like capsules, sprays, tea, and candy.

We take kava as a mood enhancer (we like to call it our “happy shot”) around the holidays, when we go to big events to help ease our social anxiety, and even on Monday mornings so we won’t feel overwhelmed with our workload.

The Taste Test

We did a little research and got six different kava supplements that we’ll be reviewing today. We got some of these from the local grocery store and ordered the others online.

We took the different kava products throughout the day to see how each one would affect our moods.

On the taste-test roll are Now Kava Kava Extract, Pure Mountain Botanicals Kava, 1-Hour Break Kava Root Extract (Mint), Natural Kava Kava Capsules, Yogi Kava Stress Relief Tea, and Ozia Originals Kava Kava Candy.

1. Ozia Originals Kava Kava Candy

Product Description: Stressed out at work? Our Kava Stress Relief Candy formula was specially developed using just the right balance of functional ingredients (kava root, lemon balm and chamomile) so you can ease stress & anxiety naturally while staying       functional for a busy work day. Easy and convenient to use anytime, anywhere (at work, meetings or travel). You name the place and we will ease your tension. Not to mention inconspicuous so you can easily keep matters to yourself.

Since this candy came in orange flavor, we really had high hopes that it would somehow mask that kava flavor but we were wrong. The pungent and bitter taste and smell of kava still cuts through.

It does have the chewable texture of Bottle Caps candy but it says on the packaging that you’re supposed to dissolve it in your mouth for as long as needed. However, I chewed on it and the candy released a stronger, rather unpleasant kava flavor. But I’m glad I did because I’d rather get over the taste at once than have it linger in my mouth for longer.

We should mention that the candy numbs your tongue (it even says so on the label) but that’s supposed to show that it’s working.

 

 

 

2. 1-Hour Break Kava Root Extract

Product Description: 1Hour Break® does not interfere with cognitive functions, so you    will stay mentally focused throughout the entire day. Each spray bottle contains 80 s         prays, has a refreshing wintergreen taste and is packaged in a travel-size bottle so you    can take it with you. 1Hour Break® is the highest quality product available. Its effectiveness cannot be matched by products in powder or pill form. 1Hour Break® is handcrafted in small batches from organic and wild-harvested plants, herbs, and flowers. It is Non-GMO, 100{689aa6ecc40f1f2c0ba687345254d406fc5a551d5a9ae4d2840519f4487717f6} natural, vegetarian, gluten free, kosher certified, and non-habit forming.

This one is a mint-flavored kava spray. As indicated on the label, each serving is anywhere between five and fifteen sprays. We were originally supposed to take five sprays but Haleigh was only able to do four and I, three the I had to struggle to get to ten sprays.

Each burst of this product coats your tongue with a strong kava taste with overtones of peppermint that lingers more than the typical liquid version of kava.

Haleigh thought hairspray taste better while I thought chasing it down with some lime water actually cuts through the pungent kava aftertaste.

3. Mountain Botanicals Kava

Product Description: Supports normal stress levels: prepared from fresh kava root of the piper methysticum plant to help support a normal relaxed mood.

This was recommended by a friend of mine. It’s alcohol-free and has de-ionized (distilled) water. It’s very similar to the usual kava extract we take both in smell and in dosage. We prepared it the same way—two droppers in shot glass of sweetened tea.

It tasted way better than the Now brand. It’s not as bitter-tasting nor does the taste linger in the mouth.

4. Now Foods Kava Kava Extract

Product Description: Kava Kava is an herb that has been widely used for hundreds of years by native South Pacific Islanders. As a dietary supplement, take 2 droppersful in juice, water, or herbal tea 1 to 3 times daily as needed. Daily usage not to exceed 4 weeks.

We’ve been taking this kava extract for quite some time now. It definitely has a strong taste and smell and the flavor lingers inside your mouth for a good ten to fifteen minutes. We take it tincture-type–mixed with a little bit of sweet tea.

5. Yogi Kava Stress Relief Tea

Product Description: When stress has a hold on you, take a break and brew a cup of Kava Stress Relief. Native to Oceania and the South Pacific Islands, Kava has traditionally been cultivated for its power to calm the body and mind and encourage a good night’s sleep. Kava is also recognized by herbalists for its ability to promote a state of relaxed awareness without compromising mental functions. Yogi’s Kava Stress Relief tea combines this relaxing herb with Cinnamon and Sarsaparilla to add warmth and spice, and Carob Pod for rich flavor. Relax and find tranquility with a warm soothing cup of Kava Stress Relief.

Actually Justin picked this tea up for me. We were travelling one time and I didn’t have Kava with us. I was feeling a little overwhelmed and so we stopped at the grocery store which didn’t have this so we got Kava tea.

It has a smaller dosage and helps relax you at night. I usually take this when I have a hard time sleeping and it helps take the edge off right before bed.

6. Natural Kava Kava Capsules

Product Description: Imagine the happy, peaceful feeling of being on a vacation on a South Seas island and you will understand the magic of the herb Kava Kava. For years travelers to the area were welcomed with a Kava Kava brew so that they could relax and enjoy paradise. South Pacific islanders have used Kava Kava for more that 3,000 years for its remarkable calming effects. Research suggests that Kava Kava may help provide nutritive support for soothing your nerves and relaxing your muscles without making you sleepy. Discover a renewed sense of well-being and put your worries behind you with Kava Kava.

We got these capsules for Haleigh since she repelled the taste of liquid kava. You take these two capsules at a time together with a meal or a glass of water. It’s much like any other suppplement in capsule form. It’s easier to take too and there is no bitter aftertaste to worry about.

 

Overall, my favorite would have to be the Pure Mountain Botanicals Kava. It had the least bad taste, was easier on the palate, and provided great relaxation. This is followed by the kava spray and then by the kava tea.

Meanwhile, Haleigh ranked the kava capsules first since she would rather not taste the flavor of kava when she takes he supplement. This is followed by the Pure Mountains Botanicals Kava. Her third option was the tea despite not having tried it yet only because she didn’t like the candy or the spray.

Let us know your favorite kava brand in the comments section. Have a great day!