Kava Kava for Tinnitus — Post Your Experience!

[GBB]

This is probably not a bad thing to try. And it's awesome you are having so much success with it, @GBB. Keep us posted.

Overall, this seems safer than Benzos and on some islands, like Fiji, almost everyone uses it at least semi regularly (some people have occasionally reported liver damage from it, though, so I especially wouldn't drink with it).

A suggestion though: I have had Kava that was made the traditional way years ago (before tinnitus) and also taken Kava pills. I couldn't "feel" anything with the pills but when it was made from the powder in a Tanoa and soaked for a long time and then strained (i.e. made the "traditional way"), I could feel complete tranquility and a different mental state. It just felt much different and I could tell I was getting the full effect vs the pill which did nothing though I only took one.

Part of me wonders if some people would get a better reaction from traditional Kava.

I would try it myself but I am concerned it could worsen visual snow since it has ion channel effects.

May I ask, are there any other obvious substances that effect these potassium/calcium/sodium channels in the way postulated for Kava e.g. regulate activity? I want to set aside the GABA-specific properties for the moment.

I'm thinking if I could layer multiple substances maybe I could come close to actual silence - at the very least I think I'd like to experiment a bit more, but I am not sure where to start a conversation with my neurologist.

 

[GBB]

Oh I'm taking this shit daily lol. I'm on a pretty high dose from what I can tell, I took 3 this morning.

The thing is, I'm not sensitive to GABA drugs at all. I need 2 grams of Phenibut for example to get good relief. So it's not surprising to me that I need more than you.

Glad it had some effect for you.

 

[FGG]

May I ask, are there any other obvious substances that effect these potassium/calcium/sodium channels in the way postulated for Kava e.g. regulate activity? I want to set aside the GABA-specific properties for the moment.

I'm thinking if I could layer multiple substances maybe I could come close to actual silence - at the very least I think I'd like to experiment a bit more, but I am not sure where to start a conversation with my neurologist.

Ebselen has some activity on both calcium and potassium channels.

Cilantro apparently has some potassium channel effects but I don't think it's easy to take enough to have any effect at all and it may not be selective enough (it reportedly also has some anti seizure activity). It hasn't helped anyone on the forum so far who has tried.

 

[GBB]

Ebselen has some activity on both calcium and potassium channels.

Cilantro apparently has some potassium channel effects but I don't think it's easy to take enough to have any effect at all and it may not be selective enough (it reportedly also has some anti seizure activity). It hasn't helped anyone on the forum so far who has tried.

Thanks! I guess I am holding out for Ebselen then

 

[lymebite]

May I ask, are there any other obvious substances that effect these potassium/calcium/sodium channels in the way postulated for Kava e.g. regulate activity?

Quercetin (available on Amazon) apparently has some of these properties with respect to the KCNQ potassium channel, see details in the research paper at the link, with hat tip to @DebInAustralia for posting earlier in a different thread.

I tried some quercetin without any effects but maybe it's time to try it again, this time in conjunction with Kava.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-020-1089-8

 

[GBB]

Quercetin apparently has some of these properties with respect to the KCNQ potassium channel, see details in the research paper at the link, with hat tip to @DebInAustralia for posting earlier in a different thread.

I tried some quercetin without any effects but maybe it's time to try it in conjunction with Kava.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-020-1089-8

Ah thanks - that is in my Nicotinamide Riboside supplement so I am benefitting from it currently if it does have an effect.

 

[weab00]

Thanks! I guess I am holding out for Ebselen then

I'm also looking forward to Ebselen. It makes sense to me that if this stuff can have an effect on our ears, then a much more targeted and concentrated substance will do wonders for us.

 

[GBB]

I'm also looking forward to Ebselen. It makes sense to me that if this stuff can have an effect on our ears, then a much more targeted and concentrated substance will do wonders for us.

I hope it can shut down reactivity a bit.

 

[Croaker]

I've had a total of 1.5 tablespoons of micronized Loa Waka powder over the past 30 minutes. Pretty small introductory dose. Mild tongue numbing that goes away quickly, some muscle relaxation (kind of like a mild marijuana body high without the mental effects) and maybe a very small effect on my hyperacusis. No change in tinnitus or visual snow.

I feel pretty good overall. It's been a few years since I've smoked weed because it spikes my tinnitus so it's nice to have that slightly tingly body feeling. I would keep using this stuff even if it doesn't help my hyperacusis much.

A lot of people talk about how nasty the taste is but it's not bad, maybe they just aren't buying quality stuff. It's a mild root flavor (very similar to daikon if you've had that) with a peppery aftertaste. I think using something other than water could make it actually taste pretty good, maybe chocolate milk or black tea with honey. The grainy texture of micronized kind of sucks but that can be fixed if you make it the traditional way. Your mileage may vary, I like bitter flavors (whiskey, green tea, dark beer/chocolate, etc.)

Loa Waka is supposed to be a more "heady" variety, so next I'll try the Borongoru sample. It has a different proportion of kavalactones that may have a greater effect on my hyperacusis. It'll be interesting to see if I experience reverse tolerance.

 

[weab00]

I've had a total of 1.5 tablespoons of micronized Loa Waka powder over the past 30 minutes. Pretty small introductory dose. Mild tongue numbing that goes away quickly, some muscle relaxation (kind of like a mild marijuana body high without the mental effects) and maybe a very small effect on my hyperacusis. No change in tinnitus or visual snow.

I feel pretty good overall. It's been a few years since I've smoked weed because it spikes my tinnitus so it's nice to have that slightly tingly body feeling. I would keep using this stuff even if it doesn't help my hyperacusis much.

A lot of people talk about how nasty the taste is but it's not bad, maybe they just aren't buying quality stuff. It's a mild root flavor (very similar to daikon if you've had that) with a peppery aftertaste. I think using something other than water could make it actually taste pretty good, maybe chocolate milk or black tea with honey. The grainy texture of micronized kind of sucks but that can be fixed if you make it the traditional way. Your mileage may vary, I like bitter flavors (whiskey, green tea, dark beer/chocolate, etc.)

Loa Waka is supposed to be a more "heady" variety, so next I'll try the Borongoru sample. It has a different proportion of kavalactones that may have a greater effect on my hyperacusis. It'll be interesting to see if I experience reverse tolerance.

Nice, that sounds good. My expectations for it directly helping tinnitus/hyperacusis weren't high, but I would still be pleased with an anxiety reduction and buzz. I bought the micronized Pouni Ono from Kalm with Kava.

Are you planning on taking it everyday?

 

[GBB]

I've had a total of 1.5 tablespoons of micronized Loa Waka powder over the past 30 minutes. Pretty small introductory dose. Mild tongue numbing that goes away quickly, some muscle relaxation (kind of like a mild marijuana body high without the mental effects) and maybe a very small effect on my hyperacusis. No change in tinnitus or visual snow.

I feel pretty good overall. It's been a few years since I've smoked weed because it spikes my tinnitus so it's nice to have that slightly tingly body feeling. I would keep using this stuff even if it doesn't help my hyperacusis much.

A lot of people talk about how nasty the taste is but it's not bad, maybe they just aren't buying quality stuff. It's a mild root flavor (very similar to daikon if you've had that) with a peppery aftertaste. I think using something other than water could make it actually taste pretty good, maybe chocolate milk or black tea with honey. The grainy texture of micronized kind of sucks but that can be fixed if you make it the traditional way. Your mileage may vary, I like bitter flavors (whiskey, green tea, dark beer/chocolate, etc.)

Loa Waka is supposed to be a more "heady" variety, so next I'll try the Borongoru sample. It has a different proportion of kavalactones that may have a greater effect on my hyperacusis. It'll be interesting to see if I experience reverse tolerance.

It usually takes an hour or two for my tinnitus to go down 1-2/10. Hope it works better for you over time.

 

[Croaker]

Are you planning on taking it everyday?

I'll see how I feel tomorrow. I could see myself drinking it a couple times a week. So far no nausea which was a concern. I think Reddit/Kava forums are just full of wimps It definitely was a pleasant buzz. The effects peaked 40 minutes in and were mostly gone at an hour. Although I still feel relaxed and my legs are a little tingly. Again, very reminiscent of a mild marijuana body high. It actually seems like a perfect social drug which is sort of depressing to think about. Here I am drinking it in my room alone with no music.

I wouldn't say it had zero effect on my hyperacusis. I tested it with a few noises and the irritation threshold was definitely higher, although only by a small amount. The shift was most noticeable while the effects were peaking. This could change with a higher dose, a different product, or as my tolerance changes.

 

[Born To Slay]

I've had a total of 1.5 tablespoons of micronized Loa Waka powder over the past 30 minutes. Pretty small introductory dose. Mild tongue numbing that goes away quickly, some muscle relaxation (kind of like a mild marijuana body high without the mental effects) and maybe a very small effect on my hyperacusis. No change in tinnitus or visual snow.

I feel pretty good overall. It's been a few years since I've smoked weed because it spikes my tinnitus so it's nice to have that slightly tingly body feeling. I would keep using this stuff even if it doesn't help my hyperacusis much.

A lot of people talk about how nasty the taste is but it's not bad, maybe they just aren't buying quality stuff. It's a mild root flavor (very similar to daikon if you've had that) with a peppery aftertaste. I think using something other than water could make it actually taste pretty good, maybe chocolate milk or black tea with honey. The grainy texture of micronized kind of sucks but that can be fixed if you make it the traditional way. Your mileage may vary, I like bitter flavors (whiskey, green tea, dark beer/chocolate, etc.)

Loa Waka is supposed to be a more "heady" variety, so next I'll try the Borongoru sample. It has a different proportion of kavalactones that may have a greater effect on my hyperacusis. It'll be interesting to see if I experience reverse tolerance.

Try higher doses for sure if you think you had any positive effect. I'm taking massive dosages and it's helping.

 

[AfroSnowman]

Inspired by this thread I've been giving it a try for the last couple of days. Jury is still out on its efficacy but seems worth a go.

So here is a question for the hive mind, Benzos are purported to negatively impact neuroplacticity, anyone have any idea about the impact of Kava on neuroplacticity?

 

[Croaker]

Try higher doses for sure if you think you had any positive effect. I'm taking massive dosages and it's helping.

I definitely will. I just started small to see if I would start vomiting/breaking out in hives.

It usually takes an hour or two for my tinnitus to go down 1-2/10. Hope it works better for you over time.

Thanks for pointing this stuff out, it's fun to have something new to try if nothing else.

 

[Croaker]

I'm 30 minutes into a total of 3 tablespoons of micronized borongoru. Definitely a different experience from yesterday. More body relaxation and anxiety reduction, but less euphoria, potency, and overall mental effects. I'm not clear on the exact chemical differences but the vendor claims this variety is lower in the kavalactones DHM and Methysticin.

I'm listening to some songs on my phone's speakers which is pretty big. Not on super high volume but the one on right now has a drumline that would normally irritate me.

Recreationally I prefer the Loa Waka even though it had less effect on my hyperacusis. However the Loa Waka did make me a little jittery which I didn't love. I'll try mixing the two tomorrow.

To the mods, I know this is a research thread not a "review your hipster Polynesian drugs" thread, so let me know if you want this discussion to move elsewhere.

 

[GBB]

I'm 30 minutes into a total of 3 tablespoons of micronized borongoru. Definitely a different experience from yesterday. More body relaxation and anxiety reduction, but less euphoria, potency, and overall mental effects. I'm not clear on the exact chemical differences but the vendor claims this variety is lower in the kavalactones DHM and Methysticin.

I'm listening to some songs on my phone's speakers which is pretty big. Not on super high volume but the one on right now has a drumline that would normally irritate me.

Recreationally I prefer the Loa Waka even though it had less effect on my hyperacusis. However the Loa Waka did make me a little jittery which I didn't love. I'll try mixing the two tomorrow.

To the mods, I know this is a research thread not a "review your hipster Polynesian drugs" thread, so let me know if you want this discussion to move elsewhere.

Just be careful. I had a reduction in tinnitus and spiking last week when I was on a Kava streak. I learned no apparent irritation does not mean you are more durable - I overdid it listening to music etc and ended up with a spike that only manifested a couple days later.

 

[FGG]

Just be careful. I had a reduction in tinnitus and spiking last week when I was on a Kava streak. I learned no apparent irritation does not mean you are more durable - I overdid it listening to music etc and ended up with a spike that only manifested a couple days later.

This is a really, really good point and I hope people pay attention. Anything that acts on GABA is masking your symptoms, not treating them. You could be doing further damage by not protecting your ears.

 

[weab00]

This is a really, really good point and I hope people pay attention. Anything that acts on GABA is masking your symptoms, not treating them. You could be doing further damage by not protecting your ears.

Could the same be said for Ebselen if it reduces symptoms? Or would by reducing inflammation, you'd be affecting the hyperacusis itself?

 

[GBB]

This is a really, really good point and I hope people pay attention. Anything that acts on GABA is masking your symptoms, not treating them. You could be doing further damage by not protecting your ears.

I think ideally someone wouldn't change their behavior but this could offer a nice respite and make life generally smoother with greater functioning, insofar as less perceived irritation from must do activities (e.g. work calls, showers etc...) allows one more normalcy.

All I'm personally looking for is something that will mitigate ringing, even if that means maintaining caution in what I choose to engage in.

 

[Croaker]

Could the same be said for Ebselen if it reduces symptoms? Or would by reducing inflammation, you'd be affecting the hyperacusis itself?

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

Here's a paper I found recently. It discusses anti-inflammatory effects among others. I think there might be more going on here than just temporary symptom inhibition but who knows. I will definitely be cautious as I explore this stuff.

 

[FGG]

Could the same be said for Ebselen if it reduces symptoms? Or would by reducing inflammation, you'd be affecting the hyperacusis itself?

I think you'd be treating at least some of the underlying inflammation as well as masking symptoms.

 

[GBB]

Kava as a Clinical Nutrient: Promises and Challenges

Here's a paper I found recently. It discusses anti-inflammatory effects among others. I think there might be more going on here than just temporary symptom inhibition but who knows. I will definitely be cautious as I explore this stuff.

I hope you're right!

 

[Flyingsheep]

So despite the Christmas madness and my package being set to deliver next week, it magically arrived today. I got Noble Kava Root Powder and made a drink for the first time this evening. Drinking it is definitely something to get used to, but I can say for certain I feel the sedative effects of it.

My tinnitus is super low right now, but I can't claim it's from drinking Kava yet as I am just barely getting out of a nasty 2 week spike. I won't know for sure if Kava is what is suppressing it until about a week from now.

 

[GBB]

Nice, that sounds good. My expectations for it directly helping tinnitus/hyperacusis weren't high, but I would still be pleased with an anxiety reduction and buzz. I bought the micronized Pouni Ono from Kalm with Kava.

Are you planning on taking it everyday?

I bought this too - did it arrive for you? I am using this as my first drink as I've been using pills.

 

[Flyingsheep]

I think I can say that steeping 3 tablespoons of the ground Kava in 1.5 cups of cold water feels about the equivalent to taking a quarter tablet of Clonazepam, but fades away sooner.

I believe drinking it today may have prevented a spike that was creeping up. It was getting screechy until about an hour after I drank Kava and has been very mild since then. Will report again.

 

[weab00]

I bought this too - did it arrive for you? I am using this as my first drink as I've been using pills.

I drank 2 tbsp Pouni Ono from Kalm with Kava. I had mild sedating effects & heavy body high for around an hour before it wore off. It did not have any effect on tinnitus & the mix tastes like shit, although it helps if you mix it with orange juice or another citric juice.

 

[GBB]

I drank 2 tbsp Pouni Ono from Kalm with Kava. I had mild sedating effects & heavy body high for around an hour before it wore off. It did not have any effect on tinnitus & the mix tastes like shit, although it helps if you mix it with orange juice or another citric juice.

Ha sorry to hear, but at least you tried it. Better luck on the next thing.

 

[Croaker]

I drank 2 tbsp Pouni Ono from Kalm with Kava. I had mild sedating effects & heavy body high for around an hour before it wore off. It did not have any effect on tinnitus & the mix tastes like shit, although it helps if you mix it with orange juice or another citric juice.

How about the hyperacusis? I moved to making the traditional drink, it's a hassle but doesn't taste as bad and the effect seems to last longer.

 

[weab00]

How about the hyperacusis? I moved to making the traditional drink, it's a hassle but doesn't taste as bad and the effect seems to last longer.

It's hard to say because I was alone in my room without any noise. How do you go about making the original mix? Can you just use a bowl? Also, did you buy from Kalm with Kava?