| al |
Wondering about kava and its potential for tolerance. Most of the reading I have done has indicated that there virtually is none, but this seems to be based on a couple of very short term, low dose protocols. The only animal study I've read about was in mice, and it evidently showed that in highter doses (but does not say how high in human terms)"partial tolerance," whatever that means, did quickly develop. My own experience of a few months usage...two to as many as four tablespoons a day though some days nothing...that there has been a slight tolerance effect. This may be due to variations in the extraction methods I've been using though. Would be interested in any one else's experience.
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| yee |
(received via e-mail, Fri 7/18/2003 7:55 AM)
Reply to Al, regarding "tolerance" from --Ed Johnston, Association for Hawaiian 'Awa:
By tolerance you mean-- does it take more 'awa to provide the same effect, if you are a regular consumer of 'awa beverage?
My experience with drinking 'awa goes back quite a number of years, about 18 to be exact. However only in the last 7-8 years have I been drinking the beverage nearly every evening. This is so for 'awa I've made from dried powder, 1997-2000 (4-5 nights per week) and from the end of 2000 to the present I have prepared and consumed 'awa beverage made from the fresh root and stump every evening. My "dose" is very specific and my recipe for preparing is also quite exact. The timing of drinking is pretty regular as well. I have noticed absolutely no "tolerance" and by that I mean, it always takes about the same amount to provide an excellent feeling of well-being, relaxation and, eventually, a wonderful nights sleep with pleasant dreams then waking up the next morning feeling refreshed and energetic. I often have the opportunity to introduce 'awa beverage to folks who visit (people who have never consumed before). They experience similar to exactly the same reaction from the same amounts I consume. There is just some adjustment for body weight, of course. So, in a few words-- My experience tells me there is no tolerance if you are moderate and regular in your drinking of the 'awa beverage. Keep in mind that the clinical trials in the past have always involved extracts of kavalactones, not traditional, 'awa root and stump ground and mixed with water and strained.
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