What's a "Kava Bar"?

Kava is a traditional beverage of the South Pacific made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant. The roots of this plant are typically dried, ground into a fine powder, and then mixed with water to create the drink. Kava has a unique flavor profile that is often described as earthy and somewhat bitter, and it leaves a numbness or tingling sensation in the mouth due to the active compounds it contains.

Kava does not contain alcohol. Instead, the kavalactones interact with the nervous system to produce effects that are typically described as relaxing, calming, or mildly euphoric. People often consume kava for its ability to reduce anxiety and promote sociability.

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia. The leaves are often dried and crushed or made into a powder, which can be consumed in several ways, some of which are chewing them directly or brewing them into tea. The taste is often described as earthy and somewhat grassy.

Health-wise, kratom has been used traditionally to help with various ailments and conditions. At lower doses, it has stimulant-like effects, increasing energy, alertness, and sociability. At higher doses, kratom can have sedative and pain-relieving effects, acting on opioid receptors in the brain. It has long been used as a traditional medicine to help manage chronic pain.

Damiana is a small shrub native to Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. The plant produces small, aromatic flowers, but it is best known for its leaves, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Damiana is yet another beverage that can be found in some kava/kratom bars.

Damiana has a distinctive aroma, often described as somewhat sweet and reminiscent of chamomile. The leaves are often dried and brewed into tea. The taste has a strong floral flavor at its base with a slightly earthy aftertaste. One of its most well-known uses is as an aphrodisiac, but there is some evidence suggesting that damiana may also have antidepressant properties.