Kava, an herb native to the western Pacific, is also known as kava-kava, sakau and yaqona. Kava root has long been used as a mild sedative, taking the place of sleeping pills. Powdered kava root must be prepared prior to use as a tincture or tea. The preparation process is quick and easy, requiring only a few supplies. Consult your physician prior to using kava, or any other herb, for medicinal use.
Step 1
Boil 3 cups of water in a pot.
Step 2
Add 1/2 cup of powdered kava root to the boiling water. Allow the kava to boil for three minutes and then remove the pot from the heat. Boiling the kava root longer will lead to a bitter flavor.
Step 3
Place a wire strainer over a large bowl. Pour the water with kava root into the strainer. The large chunks of kava powder will be caught in the strainer and the rest of the kava solution will be in the bowl.
Step 4
Rinse the strainer to remove any kava. Line the strainer with cheesecloth.
Step 5
Place the strainer with cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the water with kava carefully through the strainer and into the bowl. The cheesecloth will catch any small particles of kava that passed through the strainer when straining the kava the first time.
Things You'll Need
- Powdered kava root
- Pot
- Water
- Bowls
- Wire strainer
- Cheesecloth
References
- "Prescription for Natural Cures"; James Balch and Mark Stengler; 2004
- "The Herbal Home Remedy Book: Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups"; Joyce A. Wardwell; 1998
- "Making Plant Medicine"; Richo Cech, Sena K. Cech, and Anne Gunter; 2000
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