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==News About kava== | ==News About kava== | ||
'''The Kava Craze: Is Kava the Next Big Thing?''' | |||
*Source:http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/185809/The-Kava-Craze-Is-Kava-the-Next-Big-Thing | |||
:By Taylor Villucci | |||
Experiencing varying levels of intoxication during your college years seems to be an understood fact. With wild parties, lots of bars and clubs, and even being able to consume alcohol on campus (looking at you, Chili’s), the ability to consume alcohol or other illicit substances isn’t hard when a part of a large college area like Florida State and Tallahassee. While getting rid of alcohol and other substances within a college community might be near impossible, there are other legal alternatives people are pursuing to be able to relax and wind down after a stressful week. | |||
According to The Alcohol Prevention Team at Florida State, about 33% of women and 59% of men consumed five or more drinks at one sitting. This excessive drinking cannot be attributed to any specific reason— instead, it can be chalked up to a multitude of factors such as students feeling like they need to “escape” from their troubles, pressure from friends to keep drinking, or just the carelessness of being drunk and not counting the amount of drinks they are consuming. The feeling of being intoxicated appeals to many students due to them being more free to socialize, lower inhibitions, and feeling carefree throughout the night. While some drink to excess like this, others are just looking for a way to unwind after a hectic week with some close friends. Kava might be the option for that. | |||
Kava is the root of a plant that is generally consumed via the mouth in drink form. Produced and consumed in the pacific region, as in places like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Hawaii, Kava has started to make its’ way to the continental United States. While Kava by itself doesn’t have the greatest taste, it can be mixed with other ingredients to create a better drinking experience (like a mixed drink can mask the taste of strong alcohol). Other ways to consume the root are in capsule form, which can be mixed with tea or taken orally. | |||
The benefits of drinking Kava range from medical to social. Kava can be used to reduce anxiety in the short term— some people use capsules to mix with their tea when feeling like their anxiety is becoming more prominent. The kava relaxes them and reduces their anxiety to manageable, or nearly untraceable, levels. Kava can also be used as a sleep aid. In a more social aspect, kava relaxes the user and helps them become more sociable once the effects are felt. These effects are part of the reason why kava is marketed as a substitute for alcohol. Without the worry of getting a hangover like with alcohol consumption, the user can feel more relaxed and sociable within a group setting. It can also be compared to alcohol with the relation to being able to drink it fast, like with shots, or mixing it with flavors to create a “mixed drink.” | |||
While being lectured on the dangerous aspects of alcohol, such as becoming impaired and driving, liver damage, or making reckless/poor decisions while under the influence, kava might seem like a better choice for people who are still looking to sit back and relax with friends. However, like most things in life, there can be some negative side effects with consumption. While it is not completely verifiable, there are cases where Kava may have caused liver damage or failure. While not common, it is a side effect that could potentially plague those who decide to consume it. Also, if too much is taken at one time, it may cause an upset stomach. It should also be noted that operating machinery after drinking kava is not recommended. | |||
With kava bars popping up around the country, and even one near Florida State’s campus, kava is becoming more popular within the states and it’s residents. While some people might use it as a somewhat safer alternative to drinking, others may use it as just a way to unwind and calm down for a few hours before bed. Everyone’s kava use might differ, but the usage is definitely going to increase with kava becoming more popular in the states, and in Tallahassee. Everyone should make their own informed decisions before partaking in it, as with anything. | |||
==Kava Photo Gallery== | ==Kava Photo Gallery== | ||
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