An Afternoon Cup of Kava Kava

Chances are you clicked on this post because like me before yesterday, you have absolutely NO IDEA what Kava Kava is and the name sounds super cool/ chic. Honestly, I've heard friends who frequent the "cafe" drop the name in conversation and I've always just assumed it was a type of tea or coffee.

The Kava Kasa shop is near the corner of Diamond and Cherry, a few doors down from my jewelers, where I happened to be having my ring cleaned. Brittany suggested we stroll down the street because we have never gone into any of the shops. It was a cooler, wind whipping fall afternoon, so the thought of a warm beverage sounded delightful - so we decided to grab a cup of tea. We quickly learned it is NOT a type of tea.

As first timers, the friendly staff could obviously tell that we were looking at the menu as if it were written in a foreign language. He instructed us on the different ordering options and was very patient as we hummed and hawed with indecisiveness. The subtle instrumental background music filled the atmosphere with a mellow mood (perfect for studying or some casual conversation). Brittany chose to follow the owners favorite (chocolate almond milk based) and I went for a basic pumpkin spice because FALL.

I've no had one boI had one bowl of Kava Kava , so now that qualifies me as a certified expert to tell all with you, right? WRONG. But after my glorious girl date afternoon ( running errands with a friend is so much more classier than doing it all alone), my herbal medicine nerd self wanted to learn all about the benefits of this plant based drink to better understand why owner, Riccardo Schinina, felt a compelling urge to share the elixir with Grand Rapids.

In Pacific Islands (Fiji and Tonga) kava is used for social gatherings and traditional medicine. Kava Kava is an herbal remedy that's made from the roots of Piper methysticum (nightshade) -- a type of plant found in the islands of the Pacific Ocean. Its name literally means “intoxicating pepper.” Kava is created by drying out the roots or crushing them into a powder from the plant. Then they add water and drink the mixture. It contains substances called kavapyrones that act much like alcohol on your brain, making you feel calm, relaxed, and happy

Benefits of Kava Include:

• Reduce anxiety

• Aid Sleep

• Reduce pain sensations (including PMS)

• Natural Probiotic

• Anti-Bacterial

• Enhances Clarity

• Heightens Attention

• Aphrodisiac and Anesthetic Properties

(In instances of over consumption, distress/ damage can be caused to the liver.)

Ironically, that friendly staff member serving us was the owner, Riccardo. He encouraged us to drink the bowl within 10 mins for max benefits and said since we didn't know what to expect, we might experiencing some tongue numbing initially. Brittany has a super sensitive system when it comes to caffeine and she is actually allergic to alcohol. It only took a few sips for her to say she couldn't feel her face.. in a good way. CRAZY.

I was able to finish my bowl without feeling such extreme effects. An hour or so later was when I noticed, as I was talking to some vendors at the Lions and Rabbits Bridal Expo, that mentally I was so sharp but I was unsure if the words coming out of my mouth were matching. You know how you feel after a few glasses of wine... out of control, lose tongue, mentally impaired. I did NOT feel that lack of control but I did feel the mental ease.

As an individual that suffers from anxiety, I welcome anything that provides me a mental reprieve and focus, without taking away my self control too. I am a firm believer that you can't judge a product until multiple uses, so I look forward to incorporating Kava into a work/studying atmosphere, to experience the benefits vs. a social day running errands.

Next time you're thinking about grabbing afternoon drinks (they are open till midnight too) with the girls, why not head over to Kava Kasa instead!

Or better yet,Kava virgins, I encourage you to come grab a cup WITH ME!

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Also available : specialty drinks, loose leaf teas, coffee, golden milk, cacao and more.

Kava Kasa

The root of happiness

962 Cherry St. SE

Grand Rapids, Mi 49506

Hours of Operation

Sun - Thurs. 11AM-12AM

Fri & Sat 11 AM - 2 AM

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