Where does our source of Kava come from?
- Darwin Valdez
- May 19
- 3 min read
Updated: May 19
Kava (Piper methysticum) is more than just a beverage, it’s a sacred plant with a rich cultural legacy, scientifically validated benefits, and centuries of ceremonial use in the South Pacific. At Roots Kava Bar NY, we take pride in bringing this ancient drink to our community in its purest and most potent form. Our commitment begins with where and how we source our kava—and ends in the satisfying, soothing shell served to you.
What is Kava?
Kava is a shrub native to the South Pacific, primarily cultivated in countries like Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, and Papua New Guinea. The rhizome and rootstock of the plant are ground into a powder and mixed with water to produce a mildly sedative, earthy drink known for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), muscle-relaxing, and social-enhancing effects.
The active compounds in kava are called kavalactones, of which there are six primary types. These compounds interact with the brain’s GABA receptors, producing relaxation without impairing cognition, making kava a powerful, natural alternative to alcohol or pharmaceuticals.
The History and Tradition of Kava
For over 3,000 years, kava has been used in ceremonial, religious, social, and medicinal contexts across Oceania. In Vanuatu—the cultural home of kava—consuming a shell of kava is a symbol of respect and community, often used to mark the resolution of disputes, welcome guests, or invoke spiritual blessings.
Kava is traditionally prepared by pounding, grinding, or chewing the roots and mixing them with cool water in a tanoa (wooden bowl). The resulting brew is shared communally in coconut shells. Unlike Western beverages, kava’s use is ritualistic and intentional, honoring the land, the ancestors, and interpersonal connection.
Noble vs. Tudei Kava
There are over 100 cultivars of kava, but not all are suitable for daily consumption. At Roots Kava Bar NY, we exclusively source noble kava—the safest, most desirable variety that’s rich in calming kavalactones and low in hepatotoxic risk.
By contrast, tudei kava (meaning "two-day") contains higher levels of undesirable compounds like dihydrokavain, which may cause side effects and prolonged sedation. Tudei kava is banned or restricted in many countries due to its questionable safety profile.
Our Source Philosophy
We believe that the quality of kava begins at the source. That’s why we work directly with ethical, transparent, and community-focused suppliers who practice sustainable agriculture, provide fair compensation to farmers, and maintain rigorous testing protocols for purity and potency.
Healing Herbals Store is a reputable online source of ethnobotanicals and sacred plants, including premium noble kava from Vanuatu and Fiji.
Why Healing Herbals?
Third-party lab testing to ensure kavalactone content, chemotype, and microbial safety.
Clear labeling of origin, cultivar, and batch date for full transparency.
Offers a wide range of single-origin noble kavas like Borogu, Pouni Ono, and Loa Waka—each with its unique flavor, mouthfeel, and psychoactive profile.
Partners with local farmers and cooperatives, ensuring the kava trade remains ethical and regenerative.
At Roots Kava Bar NY, we regularly feature seasonal kavas from Healing Herbals, known for their potency, smoothness, and authentic taste.
Our Preparation Process
Once our kava arrives, we follow traditional cold-water extraction methods—just like it’s done in the South Pacific. Here's how we prepare it:
Cold Water Brew – No boiling! High heat destroys the delicate kavalactones.
Muslin Bag Extraction – The powdered root is kneaded and massaged to extract maximum potency.
Strain and Serve – The resulting brew is filtered and served in shells (small cups), ready to drink.
We keep it fresh daily, using filtered water and food-safe preparation tools to ensure the cleanest, smoothest experience possible.
Why Drink Kava?
Stress Relief – Calms the nervous system without fogging the brain.
Better Sleep – A natural sedative effect helps with insomnia.
Social Boost – Eases social anxiety and enhances connection.
Non-Addictive – No tolerance buildup or withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Alternative – No hangover, no liver strain (when noble kava is consumed responsibly).
At Roots Kava Bar NY, our kava isn’t just a product—it’s a promise: to honor the plant, protect the culture, and provide you with a safe, authentic, and elevating experience.
By sourcing with trusted suppliers like Healing Herbals we can guarantee that every shell you drink supports ethical sourcing, Pacific Island communities, and centuries of tradition.
Next time you raise a shell, know that you’re not just sipping a relaxing brew—you’re part of a legacy.
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