Kava’s popularity as an alternative to alcohol has skyrocketed in recent years. Here’s where to try kava drinks and products in Virginia.
Having long been reserved as a ceremonial beverage and medicinal substance in the South Pacific, kava has burst into the mainstream, with places to buy it popping up across Virginia.
The non-fermented beverage is highly sought after because of its calming effects. One major benefit is that it’s non-alcoholic, which means the sober and sober-curious can still participate in ritual drinking and experience some of the same euphoric effects. However, questions about its safety and how to consume it responsibly often arise.
Here’s your guide for understanding kava, as well as a list of places you can buy it in the commonwealth.
What is kava
Kava is made from the rootstock of Piper methysticum, a perennial shrub native to the South Pacific islands, such as Hawaii. The non-fermented beverage is said to be psychoactive, containing the pharmacologically active compounds kavalactones, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Despite its relatively recent rise to widespread stardom, the beverage has been consumed by Pacific Islanders for centuries. They’ve used it for a variety of purposes, including ceremonial and medicinal uses. These societies traditionally chew or pound the rootstock to produce a milky pulp. From there, it is soaked in water before being filtered to drink.
Common effects associated with kava consumption include feelings of mild euphoria and muscle relaxation. Today, kava can be consumed at certain bars and coffee shops or purchased as drinks or supplements.
Benefits
Kava connoisseurs herald it as being an alternative to alcohol while still providing some of the same feelings of calmness. This is because it slows the central nervous system. Reductions in anxiety levels and improved sleep are two common benefits associated with kava because of its depressant qualities, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Health risks
While kava provides certain health benefits, it also presents health risks for those on antidepressants and antianxiety medications, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Those who combine those medications with kava are more likely to experience mood changes and cognitive impairment. There’s also the increased likelihood of liver toxicity.
Additionally, it can cause drowsiness, headaches, nausea, and a loss of appetite.
Considerations before use
While doses of kava typically range from 150 to 400 milligrams, it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider before using it regularly, according to WebMD. Additionally, long-term use may result in a sense of dependency, as well as withdrawal symptoms.
You’ll also want to be cautious about driving under the influence of kava. When trying it, make sure you have a designated driver.
Where to buy kava in Virginia
Point 5
Location: 3435 W. Cary St., Richmond, VA 23221
Point 5 is Richmond’s first standalone alcohol-free bottle shop. It seeks to satisfy the ritual of cocktail making for those who are sober-curious. Its inventory feels, tastes, and smells like real alcoholic beverages but contains less than 0.5% alcohol.
Functional spirits, the shop said, often contain ingredients that can improve one’s mood, memory, body’s ability to process stress, and cognitive functions.
It sells Kava Haven, a crafted kava-infused non-alcoholic spirit. The drink is designed to be an alternative to traditional spirits while still offering relaxation and social stimulation. It features a combination of pure kava extract, lemon juice, and white grape juice. The flavor is meant to resemble that of a lemon drop shot with a hint of ginger. A 750-mililiter bottle costs $42.
Zion Apothecary
Location: 2118 Lake Ave., Richmond, VA 23230
Zion Apothecary bills itself as a one-stop shop for premium botanicals and infused rinks. It sells a variety of kava products, including drinks, soft gels, powders, and tinctures.
Its kava offerings include the following shots: Leilo Relax, Zion Herbals KFusion, Big Mama’s Guava Kava Kava, and Lazy Luau Plant Based Aloha. The apothecary explained that the shots are helpful for those who want a little stress relief while on the go.
Its kava drinks are ideal for those looking to reduce their alcohol intake. The drink options include Zion Herbals Kava Soda, Leilo Kava Social Tonic, and New Brew Euphoric Seltzer.
The Leilo Luna drink and the Leilo Sleep shot are designed to be sleep aids.
ESP Tea & Coffee
Location: 1012 King St. Alexanderia, VA 22314
The eclectic ESP Tea and Coffee shop in Old Town Alexandria serves more than just artisanal espresso and premium tea; it also offers kava.
Pair your kava with a sweet or savory pie. The pie options include vegan tofu curry, sausage tomato fennel, pancake batter, and pecan.
While enjoying your kava, browse the art that’s hanging on the walls, all of which is available for purchase.
Outdoor seating is also offered by the large mural on the patio.
Trippie Hippie
Location: 130 Scruggs Rd. #104, Moneta, VA 24121
Trippie Hippie is the go-to place in the Smith Mountain Lake area for calming products, including kava. It also sells CBD products, incense, crystals, and bohemian clothing.
The store, which bills itself as the largest hippie shop in Southwest Virginia, was opened in 2022 by Jennifer Patterson.
