What Is Kava? The Ancient Root Behind the Modern Calm

The world moves fast. Talk about an understatement! Between the constant noise of app notifications, continually adding new entries to today’s to-do list, and the tug-of-war between getting things done and staying sane, calm sometimes feels like a luxury. That’s where Kava can help. 

While it has gained a lot of momentum in the U.S. in the past several years, Kava isn’t a trend. It’s a tradition. Otherwise known as Piper methysticum, Kava has been part of Pacific Island life for thousands of years. The Kava plant makes more than drinks. What is Kava? It’s a ritual. It’s a way to reflect, celebrate, or unwind. 

Today, Kava is finding a new audience among those looking for calm without compromise. Whether you want to learn more before trying it, or you’re experienced with Kava drinks and just want to know more about it, you’re in the right place. Let’s uncover what Kava is, its historic roots, and its recent rise in popularity. 

The Origins of Kava 

Kava has a history dating back centuries. Ancient cultures used Kava beverages to mark important gatherings and low-key hangouts. Families, friends, and even entire villages would pass around a drink containing this freshly strained root. 

While the setting to enjoy it has become modernized, Kava’s effects have not. Trading villages for bars and lounges, people continue enjoying Kava when they want to unwind a bit, ease into social situations, or just chat with friends without alcohol's inebriating effects. 

Instead of passing around a large and dense wooden bowl, students, professionals, and adults from all walks of life can enjoy Kava in much more convenient and delicious ways. For example, Kava by Mitra9 offers a Variety Drink Mix Pack that includes the following mouth-watering flavors: 

[Your Daily Ritual Starts Here] 

The Science of Calm 

On the surface, Kava root doesn’t look like anything special. It is ground up into fine powder that is mixed with liquid to form a brown beverage, letting kava’s kavalactones (its active compounds) shine.  

These naturally occurring chemicals interact with brain pathways linked to relaxation. They influence the limbic system and the amygdala. In simple terms, it can help regulate your emotions. Think of Kava as a way to unlock mild calmness without the fog and post-drink hangover from alcohol. 

Researchers studying the Kava root have identified over a dozen kavalactones, with six believed to shape most of its effects. These compounds contribute to what drinkers describe as “relaxed alertness,” a state of balance where the mind seems clear as the body releases tension. 

Why do people turn to Kava? A few of its most recognized benefits include: 

Bringing Modern Mindfulness and Balance 

So, what makes Kava special? For one, it offers something rare — the ability to slow down without checking out. Unlike caffeine-loaded energy drinks or coffee that pushes you into overdrive, Kava helps you reconnect with calm. 

It’s all about balance. The kind of balance that can help support creative thinking, meaningful conversation, and moments of peace (especially after exhausting, long days). 

The modern Kava experience is about accessibility and authenticity. Enjoying a Cool Breeze Kava Shot on your work break? Enjoying an Orange Dreamsicle Kava Seltzer with friends? You’re taking part in a time-honored tradition dating back thousands of years. 

Kava isn’t about escaping stress. It’s about finding calm in the middle of it.  

Enjoy a Taste of Tradition 

While Kava translates to “bitter,” you’ll never taste that in Kava by Mitra9’s functional beverages. 

Kava by Mitra9 honors that same legacy while giving it a refreshing twist. Every product blends tradition with modern taste, offering a clean, balanced, and flavor-forward way to experience calm. 

With natural ingredients, quality-sourced Kava root, and delicious flavors, our Kava Seltzers, Drink Mixes, and Shots prove that mindfulness can be modern, refreshing, and flavorful all at once. 

Beyond its calm-inducing qualities, the true beauty of Kava lies in its connection to people. Every shared cup, every relaxed conversation, and every mindful pause reflect centuries of Kava tradition passed from island communities to modern life. It’s a reminder that slowing down isn’t a setback. It’s a smart choice. 

Sip the Calm