Coral Sea Kava, Author at Coral Sea Kava

On our recent travels to Vanuatu, we were put in touch with Cameron McLeod from Australia Kava Shop. Cam was formerly a long-term resident of Vanuatu – residing there for 15 years and working in the kava industry for most of that time. We chatted about how Kava has expanded worldwide and, most recently, in Australia. Australia has banned kava since 2007, but in 2022, they allowed kava to be imported and sold as food under an import system.

Australia Kava Shop Founder Cameron McLeod

Buying Kava in Australia

Cam mentioned that since the ban had been lifted, there has been a flood of kava into Australia. Amongst a sea of sellers and products, there now appears to be some clear leaders in the field that are doing the right thing by kava in Australia. Australia Kava Shop and some of the other front runners are abiding by the following key tenants of selling kava:

Testing all their kava before importing to determine:

Noble Variety
Moisture Content

Making sure that HACCAP packing is used for all products repackaged in Australia.
Making information about kava in Australia available to kava newbies in Australia
Giving back to South Pacific Charities.

Cam was passionate about the Charity component. Australia Kava Shop runs a program called Shells for Boards. Cam was a founding member of the Vanuatu Surfing Association, so they donate $1 for every Kg of Kaa sold to the VSA to help with board and community programs.

Value-added kava products in Australia

Unfortunately, under the new Australian laws, kava cannot be used as an ingredient in food. That means that products like Kava Cola (that Cam was involved in – see below video), Kava Chocolate, and other Kava products like we have in the US are unavailable. There is hope that the Australian government will change its position when the current laws are revised in 2024.

Kava Bars in Australia

Unlike in the USA, Australia hasn’t yet created a burgeoning kava bar scene. Cam mentioned a few are around, but it hasn’t taken off yet. However, he wants Australia Kava Shop wants to be at the forefront of it. Currently, he is working with an investment group looking to roll out a trial kava bar on the Gold Coast of Australia, intending to expand once successful.

The Future of Kava in Australia

It’s easy to forget that kava in the USA in 2002 consisted of 1 kava bar and only 3 or 4 vendors of real kava. Fast forward to now; there are over 300 kava bars and endless vendors… Nobody is as good as Coral Sea Kava, “wink wink”, but there are lots of us! Cam said he hoped to see Australia grow comparatively just like the USA. We certainly hope so, as this will mean more money in the hands of the Pacific Islands, and more kava can only make the world a better place!

Woman relaxed drinking kava and listening to vinyl records on her bed

Kava (Kava kava or Piper methysticum) is a plant that grows in the South Pacific. Cultural ceremonies used kava roots for centuries. Kava is now becoming popular around the world as a natural way to improve well-being and productivity, boost energy, reduce stress levels, and fight anxiety, while also helping you relax at night. In this article, we will discuss the 5 powerful benefits of kava tea.

Kava, Awa, Ava, Yaqona, Yagona, Grog, Waka, Sakau, Seka, Malok, and Malogu are all words for kava in different South Pacific cultures. Kava kava is a shrub plant that is part of the pepper family. It has served as a form of medicine in addition to its ceremonial purposes for centuries in the Pacific Islands.

Stress Management – One of the Top Cited Benefits of Kava Tea

One of the benefits of kava tea is its ability to help you manage your stress levels. — Photo by Luis Villasmil on Unsplash

Kava tea can help to manage and relieve stress. Like during the pandemic, when zoom fatigue and our heightened immune system could cause a spike in our stress levels. Kava can help take the edge off and put you at ease. Allowing you to carry on with whatever challenges come throughout the day. During a stressful day, you can simply brew up a little kava tea and let the kavalactones do their work.

Since it is an effective natural stress reliever, your can experience all the benefits of kava tea without the side effects associated with prescription drugs. While prescription medications can be an effective solution for stress and anxiety, many people are beginning to discover the benefits of kava for their anxiety and stress management.

“I love this tea because it allows me to work at my job and still keep my sanity.
It takes the edge off balancing work and home.”

It’s a go-to for Anxiety

Kava can help reduce anxiety so you can go about your day. — Photo by Uday Mittal on Unsplash

Kava can temporarily reduce anxiety and provide a sense of calm when you’re suffering from high blood pressure. There have been a few studies that have looked at the effectiveness of kava tea on blood pressure.

One study in Germany involved 40 patients with high blood pressure who were given a daily dose of kava, while the control group was given a placebo. After several weeks, the patients who had been given kava experienced a significant drop in their blood pressure while the control group experienced no change.

Another study involving patients with high blood pressure looked at the effects of kava over a several-month period. The patients saw the benefits of kava tea after reporting a significant drop in their anxiety at the end of the study.

Stress Relief Is Within Sight When Drinking Kava

Stress relief is one of the top benefits of kava team on the body. — Photo by Radu Florin on Unsplash

You may be asking yourself, “Why is kava so popular?” Well, when consumed regularly, kava tea helps to promote a sense of inner peace, allowing you to let go of the stress of everyday living. It can also be useful in managing self-induced stress, relieving and minimizing tension, anxiety, and stress that sometimes comes with being a caregiver. Another benefit of kava tea is that it can help you to maintain a level head in challenging situations.

“I feel happier and completely at ease when I drink this tea. It doesn’t give you a ‘high’ but it does help to relax you.”

It’s a Natural Alternative to Sleep Aids

There are many benefits of kava tea as a natural sleep aid. — Photo by Rafal Jedrzejek on Unsplash

Kava tea is often used to help with sleep, as it can relax your body and put your mind at ease. It has a calming effect on the nervous system, which helps to address insomnia.

A 2013 study published in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, found that the benefits of kava tea had a positive effect on sleep quality and negative mood in young adults. In the study, kava extract improved sleep quality and reduced depression and anxiety.

Kava tea is very effective in helping you get a good night’s sleep. It is also a great way to make your transition into sleep a bit easier. It can help you relax and fall asleep faster, sleep more soundly, and stay asleep all night with no interruptions.

The Benefits of Kava Tea On Your Overall Health

The benefits of kava tea have been seen the world over from relieving stress and reducing anxiety, to helping reduce the effects of insomnia. All of these are positive contributors to your overall health. Kava can help alleviate muscle aches and pains, tension headaches, joint pain. It is also a great remedy for reducing swelling and inflammation. This traditional Pacific Island remedy is also a great way to help reduce your appetite, especially in times when you are trying to lose weight, but do not want to suffer from hunger pains or cravings.

Kava tea is also a healthy alternative to alcohol. Many people have been able to quit drinking altogether because of this wonderful beverage. Kava tea is a great way to relax and unwind without drinking too much alcohol. When you are drinking kava tea, you are safe from having a hangover the next day. It has been found to stimulate saliva production, keeping your mouth clean and teeth healthy.

Tea is the traditional form and effective way to consume kava, however, you can also consume it as a tincture or capsule. It is safe, effective, and can help keep you healthy and happy.

Takeaway: Kava tea is a very potent, but safe drink. It’s worth taking just one or two cups a day to reap the benefits of kava tea on improving your health and relieving stress.

Author: Coral Sea Kava

Kava in Australia