This post is a response to a great question that one of our visitors asked regarding what the best way to take kava might be (we get a lot of great questions and we love to answer them almost as much as we love kava kava). It’s something we get asked so often, that we decided to make it into a post. Thanks Elizabeth from the “Kava Kava Root” article comment section for the inspiration!
Onto the explanation:
KAVA ROOT: For me, I like anything I put into my body to be as natural as possible. Therefore, I only make kava drinks out of pure kava kava root. Then, as I explained to Joe (also in the Kava Kava Root comments), I then like to give my kava an extra “kick” by adding a small amount of Kavalactone Paste. When I’m making my favorite Kava Drink recipe, this is that added “secret ingredient,” but it can make a huge difference.
But, truly…that is just my own personal preference!
KAVA CAPSULES: Speaking of, many people don’t quite like the taste of kava kava root. This is understandable, and that is exactly why there are so many options provided by many retailers of Kava. Capsules can provide a “down-and-dirty” way of getting to enjoy the effects of Kava, but something we highly recommend is to take capsules that are no more than 30% Kavalactones. Why is this? It’s because all of the best effects of Kava Root don’t come only from Kavalactones (the main active ingredient): The pleasurable and “good-for-you” effects come from the full spectrum of alkaloids contained within the kava root (24+ to be exact).
With a 30% Kavalactone Capsule, you still get all of the benefits of the entire kava plant, but with enough concentration and potency to get all the pleasurable effects. And this is something we wish we could say more on, but we will leave it with this one thought: The FDA has VERY strict rules in relation to how much Kava Root they feel a person can ingest at one time. These minimums are FAR below what history has shown is safe for anyone who ingests Kava. We would never recommend that anyone does NOT follow the FDA dosage charts for Kava Root, but we know that what they force retailers to list as a typical dose is at least half as much as we prefer to take to get the pleasurable effects we take Kava for.
KAVA TEA: One option that is not really an option is KAVA TEA. Why is this? It’s because the active ingredient in kava is destroyed at a very low temperature, so the hot water required to make tea, destroys all the best parts of kava!
KAVALACTONE PASTE: This is one of our staples in the world of Kava. Because it is so concentrated, it can be quite expensive (we’ve seen Kavalactone Paste for as much as $79.99 per ounce!), but so little is needed. And, our absolute FAVORITE version of Kavalactone Paste is something called a “Full Spectrum Kavalactone Paste.” We try so hard to be unbiased and fair here, but so far, we’ve only found one online retailer that offers this Full Spectrum product, and we can’t imagine our Kava Drinks without it. It’s not as strong as pure Kavalactone Paste, but we have the comfort of knowing that it contains all 24+ alkaloids from the plant, giving us a concentrated, but completely natural product.
CONCLUSIONS: Aside from preference, we have found that, for whatever reason, Kava Capsules offer a more relaxing, sedative experience, and that drinks made out of Kava root offer a more social and energizing experience. As a result, I’m EXTREMELY interested to hear from more kava fans, especially in relation to their experiences with Kava in its different forms. Do capsules energize you or relieve pain and help you sleep? Does making a drink energize you and make you feel more sociable? If you take a larger amount of Kavalactone Paste do you feel tipsy and extra happy in a way that is similar (but far, far safer) than having a drink or two of alcohol? Have you found a way to make drinks out of Kava that we need to know about?
Let me know, and thanks again for all the great comments, questions, and thoughts! – Aloha, Keith
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi. I have been a severe migrain sufferer for 40 years which has added stress to my life, never knowing when one will strike. They have ruined many social functions.
My sister just introduced me to Kava Kava. I am going to try it this Holiday season in hopes it will be the first time in a long time that it will be migrain free.
I’ll keep you posted.
CaratSoup
Best Holiday Wishes
Hi, I saw the article yesterday in tampabay.com about an Kava bar that opened up in St. Pete, FL. I didn’t know anything about kava root before then so last night I stopped by the vitamin shoppe and bought a bottle of capsules. I suffer from severe PMDD with the added stress of having teenage boys I’ll try anything to calm me down from my mood swings. It seemed to work last night and I had a great night’s sleep. I’m hopeful that the Kava Kava will continue to work for me.
Merry Christmas
CK
I’ve been in some trouble lately with marijuana, and i’ve been looking for some alternatives for relaxation. I’ve been debating a few other herbs, and so far from what i’ve heard, I think I’m going to try Kava. It sounds like the perfect remedy for a relaxing day.
Kava is certainly not a legal alternative for any illegal drugs (or even ones prescribed in some states such as medical marijuana), but it certainly is quite effective as a stress-reducer and relaxant. We can’t think of anything that helps ease the stress of the day than Kava, in any form, and we know some folks in Hawaii who enjoy Kava every day, and have for many generations, safely, and without the effects lessening over time, or becoming addictive at all.
Hello, I have been researching kava kava, and have concluded that I would like to use it inorder to help me be less stressed and more comfortable around certain people. We have a bottle of Kava Kava root in our medicine cupboard, but I can not find an expiration date. The bottle is brand new and completely full. I just don’t know how long we have had it. Does it expire? Should I be ok, taking the supplement?
You hit the nail right on the head when you say you want to take Kava to feel “less stressed and more comfortable around certain people.” Kava is also known as the “anti-shyness herb” and for that very reason. As far as your Kava Root in the medicine cabinet; Kava typically has a shelf life of 2 years. We’ve never heard of anyone getting sick from expired Kava products; most-likely you will simply not feel the effects if it’s been in there for more than 2 years.
For Keith: Try a dab of the paste in some pudding or yogurt. Capsules give me indigestion. I’m new to this Kava thing too-would like suggestions too! Thanks!
While kava – the drink made from a cold water infusion – was usually reserved for special occassions, kava is now widely imbibed, but beneath the the convivial drinking, kava still has deep meaning to many islanders. Perhaps the biggest mistake of early missionaries and now some governments was to discourage kava drinking among indigenous communities. Alcohol was soon substituted and the well documented outcomes followed.
As is to be expected kava’s reputation led to it being employed in local medicine in Melanesia and Polynesia.
In Fiji an infusion of the leaves is given to children suffering from convulsions, while an infusion of the stem is used to treat sore throat or sore tongue. A cold water infusion of the branches is used to treat the dreaded filariasis.
In New Caledonia the locals chew the leaves to treat bronchitis, while in New Guines the plant is taken as a tonic and soporific and is valuable for treating gonorrhea and inflammations of the uterus.
In Polynesia an infusion of the yellow leaves is used to soothe crying infants in Tonga, while in Samoa it is also used for treating gonorrhea.
Should you need anything further, just Google fiji taro and kava and look for the ‘bula’ sign.
Hello. I wanted to ask a question as far as dosage. I just purchased Kava Powder from a supplier recommended on this website. On the package it says to use two table spoons for a glass of water. I took two table spoons and threw it on a blender with coconut milk. Then I put it trough a strainer. Drank it. Mouth went numb but other than that I didn’t feel much. Do I need a larger doze? Is 2 tablespoons a sufficient doze? Also, do I have to put this stuff through a strainer? Can I just drink it with the powder in it? Is it digestible? I am sorry for all these questions, but I think I am doing something wrong. Thank you very much in advance.
As we often say throughout our website; Kava suppliers must abide by extremely strict standards set up by the FDA in relation to Kava herbal supplements. Although the dosages personally we take for our drinks is much higher than what’s on any label, even as an informational website, we can’t tell people to go take ginat doses of kava either.
Also, Kava is a unique experience; it doesn’t kick you in the rear…instead, it’s a gentle feeling and ease that takes recognizing and appreciating. Many are used to the kick of a cup of espresso…but Kava is much subtler than that. To know if it’s working, your mouth will go numb…that is the Kavalactones at work.
That being said, Kava isn’t for everyone, and not everyone will feel the effects of Kava, no matter how they take it. As far as eating the root…it’s quite good for you. It’s a lovely dose of fiber for your system, as well as other essential vitamins and minerals. Most simply don’t like the chalky root, but if you do, then you’re not only enjoying an exotic drink, you’re doing something good for your body as well!
What are your thoughts on kava tincture? I just purchased one, to see if it will help with severe pms symptoms and endometriosis pain. Is this a good, effective way to take kava? Thanks
Personally, we’re not huge fans of Kava tinctures and Kava liquid extracts. But, it feels important to stress that it’s strictly a personal preference. Many people love tinctures and elixirs and liquid extracts, and feel that their bodies react better to Kava in that form. Also, Kava is most effective when there’s some sort of natural fat introduced such as coconut milk, soy lecithin, or soy milk. If you put the tincture into a smoothie made from soy milk or one with soy lecithin in it, then there’s no reason the tincture would be any less effective than any other form.
Another issue with tinctures that we’ve found, is that it typically takes for more than just a dropper for us to feel the effects. It might be our higher tolerance, but as with many herbs, for them to be effective, it can take more than one might expect, especially in a liquid extract form, and especially a liquid extract that is alcohol-based. Kavalactone and other kava alkaloids prefer water and fats for extraction (which is why making Kava drinks with soy milk is such a perfect and healthy way to make a kava drink), so the alcohol-based Kava tincture might need a little extra help to be as effective as it could be.
- Kava dot com
I have been looking all over but couldn’t find an answer to my question. Is it still safe to just ingest the powdered root without straining it into tea? i really enjoy the soothing of the mouth and also feel that it would be more potent than the typical drink. But I also do not want to do anything that will cause adverse side affects.
One is certainly not required to strain the Kava powdered root when making a drink or a tea out of it. The only reason most strain out the powdered root is because it can make the drink somewhat chalky. The powdered root is actually good for you, and has a lot of fiber and other minerals that the body can always use. Most natives we know in Oceania seem to consume their drinks with the all the roots in the main bowl of kava, while simply scooping out enough for their own drink, without straining anything.
I am currently experienceing my maiden voyage with kava. I took it in the form of a strees relief tea that was given to me. I was surprised to feel the euphoric efffects hit me in a short time and notably improved my mood. Im a beginner, but the tea worked for me.
Does drinking coffee counter-act the effects of kava?
Pere,
We know many who enjoy coffee with their Kava, and we’re anxiously awaiting a recipe that actually makes some sort of “Kava Coffee”. (It would have to be iced coffee, though, since heat destroys Kavalactones; the active component in Kava Kava). Anyway, to answer your question: it depends on what you’re taking Kava for. Some are stimulated by Kava, and find the addition of coffee to make the experience too “jittery.” Others are relaxed by Kava and really enjoy the “boost” it gives both them and their experience. Some take Kava for back pain, and still there are others who take it to help them sleep. On those cases, it might make sleep a little more difficult! When I asked the kava dot com staff what they preferred, it was split half and half.
So, as often is the case with herbal supplements such as Kava; maybe you can start small and work your way up. Try a bit of coffee before, during, or after your Kava and see if it’s something that enhances your experience. Personally, I enjoy the Kava experience all on it’s own, but that’s most certainly just one person’s opinion.
-Kava dot com
I purchased the kava root powder from Kona Kava Farm. It does not make my mouth go numb like the kava from the kava bar did. I used 2 rounded tbsp for 1 cup coconut juice (5g fat in coconut juice). I blended it for about a minute, let it sit for a few and repeated 2 times. I did not use any lecithin. Should I purchase some? Is there a better way to prepare it?
Kelly,
We often wish there was a way for those who sell kava root powder to legally say what they’d like to say in relation to this amazing root. Since they can’t, we’ll say it for them: Stores and online shops who offer kava root powder are bound by the rules of the FDA when telling customers how much to take per serving per day. At a kava bar, you really have no idea how much kava root powder went into making your drink, unlike at home. Personally, no one here has ever used just 2 rounded tablespoons when wanting to match the “punch” of a reputable kava bar.
We are NOT encouraging anyone to take any more than the FDA-recommended dosage per serving of kava, but are only sharing personal experiences and the possibility that a kava bar might have the freedom to put more or less kava into your drink, without you truly knowing exactly how much went in. Also, if you had purchased from somewhere other than a highly reputable place, we might suspect the kava root powder itself, but Kona Kava Farm is one of the places we buy our product from on a regular basis.
But, we do see errors in your extraction method that might also account for no numbness: We always blend for 3-5 minutes, especially when we don’t have something fatty like milk, soy milk, coconut MILK (not water), or lecithin to extract the active components. We can’t stress how important it is to have something “fatty” in your blend; many think coconut water is similar to coconut milk…but they’re vastly different from each other. Maybe follow one of the countless recipes on the internet, but I suggest blending longer, and adding lecithin or some kind of milk for your extraction especially when using the bare minimum of just 2 tablespoons.
- Kava dot com
Is it possible to overdose on Kava pills? I have been taking Kava in the form of pills for 2 days now ( Gaia Herb Liquid Phyto-caps). The dose says take 1 pill 3 times a day between meals. 3 pills = 409mg of kava kava root and 225mg of kavalactones.
Either I’m super stressed or I’m not taking enough..because when I take 3 I feel only very slightly relaxed…very slightly.
This is a very good question. The simple answer is that there is no record of any healthy individual ever overdosing on Kava. (There was a study done that caused worldwide banning of Kava in the early 2000’s, but the study was done with regular drinkers of alcohol who already had liver damage.) The complicated answer is that the Federal Government, without any extensive testing Kava products, set an arbitrary “Recommended Serving” for all Kava products. They determined that 120mg of Kavalactone equals a single serving, so products like 84% Kavalactone Paste would have about 120mg of Kavalactone in a 1/4 teaspoon measure. For us on staff here, that’s way too small (I like 2 tablespoons of powdered root, plus 1/2 teaspoon for my Kava drinks), but by law, anyone who sells Kava isn’t allowed to recommend more than that.