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Heady vs Heavy Kava: Key Differences Explained

Heady vs Heavy Kava: Key Differences Explained

As a Kava enthusiast, your experience journey is incomplete without making a few key decisions. Among those, one of the most important involves choosing the right Kava type that aligns with your desired experience. The question is: how will you know whether you need “Heady Kava” or “Heavy Kava”? No, these are not some randomly thrown words, but two distinct categories of Noble Kava. Understanding what each variety is, what differences exist between them, and most importantly, how to identify them is essential for a more predictable experience. Keep reading — this guide breaks down the ‘Heady vs Heavy Kava’ comparison in the most detailed manner possible.

Table Of Contents:

What Is Heady Kava?

Heady Kava is a Kava variety known for its mood-lifting [1] and improved cognitive [2] effects. Ideal for daytime or social events, this variety’s unique, lighter Kavalactone makeup distinguishes it from the other two varieties, namely Heavy and Balanced. There is no such sedative feeling associated with it, mainly because of the dominant Kavalactones, Yangonin, and Kavain.

What Is Heavy Kava?

A Kava variety prized for its strong sedative [3] and relaxing effects [4] is Heavy Kava. These effects result from a heavier chemotype, mainly including Dihydrokavain and Dihydromethysticin as Kavalactones. Anyone consuming it may feel the effects kicking in slowly, which is why this Noble Kava cultivar is suitable for nighttime use.

Heady Vs Heavy Kava: A Side-By-Side Table Comparison

With the primary differences between these noble varieties discussed, let’s now examine the remaining differences. It is highly essential, as choosing between them would only become easier once you know both these varieties in detail. Here’s a table covering Heady vs Heavy Kava comparison.
Factor Heady Kava Heavy Kava
Primary Effects Cheerful mood [5] Better focus [6] Talkativeness [7] Deep relaxation [8] Sedation [9] Improved sleep [10]
Chemotype Type Lighter chemotype; Yangonin and Kavain are the dominant Kavalactones. Heavier chemotype; both Dihydrokavain & Dihydromethysticin are present in higher concentrations.
Effect onset & duration Faster and shorter-lived. Gradual, i.e, slow release. Associated effects are more pronounced.
Ideal Time for Use Daytime or social gatherings. Nighttime or before rest.
Common Strains Tongan Pouni Ono, Fijian Damu & Samoan Ava are popular Heady Kava strains. There are more varieties as well. Options include:
  1. Vanuatu Kava (Borongoru or Melomelo)
  2. Tongan White
Availability Widely available. Online vendors, Kava bars, and even specialized shops carry them. Commonly available through specialized Kava vendors, for instance, MitraMan Botanicals.
Taste Profile The flavor is not intense and less aggressive. Stronger, bitter & earthier taste due to higher concentration of several Kavalactones.

How To Choose The Right Kava For Yourself?

Choosing a variety, whether Heady or Heavy, involves understanding and interpreting chemotypes. Chemotypes are numerical representations revealing the Kavalactone profile. It is a scientific code consisting of 6 digits, each assigned to a Kavalactone based on its concentration. An HP-TLC test is usually performed by vendors dealing in either Kava variety, and the 6-digit code is written in descending order (from highest to lowest). Here is a table displaying all six Kavalactones and their corresponding codes.
Code Kavalactone
1 Desmethoxyyangonin (DMY)
2 Dihydrokavain (DHK)
3 Yangonin (YAN)
4 Kavain (KAV)
5 Dihydromethysticin (DHM)
6 Methysticin (METH)
Now that the table is clear, let’s understand how you can distinguish between the Kava varieties categorized as Heady and Heavy.
  • If the chemotype starts with a 4 or 3, then that particular product or strain contains Heady Kava root.
  • As for Heavy Kava strains, their chemotype can either start with 2 or 5.
Note: Chemotypes may not reveal the entire story, although understanding them goes a long way in distinguishing between varieties. While the first number in the code is a key indicator, the rest of the numbers also influence the overall experience. Along with that, several factors such as Kava’s age, growing conditions, and root-to-stump ratio can influence the final effect.

Final Thoughts

Kava’s beauty lies in its diversity. Both its varieties, Heady and Heavy, offer a unique experience. Their distinct chemotype yields different effects, as we previously discussed. Heady Kava is celebrated for mood-lifting effects, while Heavy Kava strains are sedative in nature. The heavy chemotype is responsible for the same. When choosing between them, you need to understand their respective chemotypes and how to interpret them. It is a 6-digit code that represents the relative concentrations of the six major Kavalactones in descending order (highest to lowest). Additionally, on your part, you need to only go with trusted sources in order to get your hands on the best Heady Kava or Heavy strains.

FAQs

1. Where can I buy authentic Heady Kava?

If you are looking for Heady Kava for sale, it is worth noting that strains with a ‘heady’ effect profile are widely available both online and offline. Always choose trusted sources, ask for lab reports, and read the entire label.

2. How are Heavy Kava strains processed?

Heavy Kava strains are processed in the same manner as Noble varieties. They are cultivated, dried, & processed in either of these formats: Instant & Micronized. Please note that “Heavy” is a designation that represents a plant’s natural chemical composition.

3. Can beginners opt for Heady Kava strains?

Heady Kava strains can help improve mood [11] & enhance attention [12]. Unlike Heavy ones, these strains do not cause sedation. Beginners can opt for them if they desire to. However, starting small and consulting a physician are essential steps to take.

4. Is it safe to combine both Heavy & Heady Kava products?

Combining both of them isn’t inherently dangerous and is usually done to experience “combined” effects. However, you need to exercise caution and consider your own tolerance levels before mixing them.
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