People love kava for its enjoyable, relaxing effects. It can help reduce stress and improve conversations and social interactions.
Many people new to kava want to know what type of kava they should take, how much to take, and how long does kava stay in your system. By the end of this post, you’ll have the answers to all of these questions and be ready to get the most of all your kava experiences.
What are the effects of kava?
Kava is a traditional Polynesian beverage that contains kavalactones. The effects of the drink include relief from stress and anxiety, relaxation, improved conversations and social interactions, as well as decreased muscle tension.
Traditionally, kava is consumed in social settings. It is often served in a coconut shell, and the drinker will chew on the kava root while drinking from it.
Many people find kava to be a healthy alternative to alcohol.
Pharmacological analysis of Kava
The effects of kava are produced by a number of kavalactones, the most important being Kavain and Dihydrokavain. Other kavalactones include methysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin.
Kavalactones have been reported to act as an anti-convulsant and a weak anxiolytic in animal studies. Other studies on kava have reported that it may have a protective effect against stress.
Kavalactones are metabolized to inactive compounds via two different metabolic pathways: Cytochrome P450 and P-glycoprotein. There are two primary types of metabolites created when the liver processes kavalactones: delta-lactones and keto-kappa lactones.
Pharmacokinetics of kavalactones in humans is not well understood due to the lack of pharmacological studies using appropriate scientific methodology.
The effects from drinking kava can last up for five hours, but this varies depending on factors such as how much was consumed and if any other substances were taken
What are Kava products available for you?
As kava has grown more popular in the world, a diverse array of kava products have been created to satisfy all the different ways people might want to enjoy it.
Kava powder is the most common type of kava product. It is also one that has been around for the longest time. The powder is prepared into a tea by blending it with water and then filtering it.
Kava tea bags are another popular way to enjoy kava without having to mix it with other ingredients like water or milk (though some people prefer this as well).
Micronized Kava is an instant form of traditional Kava that provides up to three hours of calming effects. It is made by using the traditional boiling and drying process to extract polyphenols from raw kava root.
People generally choose micronized kava because it is easier to take, and is often more convenient than kava tablets. A person can prepare this instant kava by simply adding cold or hot water and stirring thoroughly until it reaches the consistency of milk.
Kava concentrate, also known as kava extract, is made by using a solvent such as alcohol or acetone, which is then evaporated off with heat. These products can produce stronger effects that last for up to twelve hours.
Kava concentrates are a good choice if you want to experience the full benefits of kava without having to make a traditional home brew.
Kava pills are the form of kava most similar to other supplements. They are made by grinding the kava root into powder and then packaging it into capsules. People will choose a kava pill because it’s easy to transport and take.
How are kava varieties different from one another?
Kava varieties are different in taste, potency, and effects. There are three main categories of kava – Noble, Semi-Noble, and Tudei.
So what’s the difference between a Noble kava and a Semi-Noble kava?
A noble variety is milder, has less of an impact on your sleep cycle, and doesn’t usually result in any significant negative effects.
Whereas a semi-noble variety will often cause drowsiness or sedation. For this reason, noble kavas are considered to be superior.
Here’s an example of how the different types of kava taste:
Noble kava: earthy, woodsy, and slightly peppery
Semi-Noble kava: nutty and spicy with a long pepper aftertaste.
Tudei variety: has the most potent effects of all three varieties but also comes in second to last when it comes to taste. A tudei kava tastes like roots, dirt, and pepper.
How long will Kava tea last inside your body?
Most kava drinkers find that the noticeable effects of kava last between 1-3 hours. If you drink kava at night, it will likely stay in your system until the following morning. Drinking kava tea with food may decrease the intensity and duration of its effects on your body.
The metabolites of kava tea can likely stay in your system for up a week or more. Because kavalactones are fat-soluble, it takes longer for your body to clear them.
What is the right time to re-take Kava tea?
There is no right time to re-take kava tea.
Some people like taking it once their effects wear off, others prefer waiting until the following evening before having more.
The best time you can take Kava depends on your own personal preference and what kind of feeling you want from the drink.
By experimenting with kava and paying attention to the results you get, you can start to understand how your body reacts to it and how much you need to take to get the effects that you are looking for.
Tips on using Kava tea in a safe way
In the US, kava is classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) by the FDA. If used appropriately, it is a safe and enjoyable experience.
Kava is not recommended for pregnant women, people who are taking certain medications, or those who have a history of mental illness or addiction issues.
There are no known interactions between alcohol and kava; however, combining these substances could lead to an increased risk of side effects such as impaired coordination and judgment. If you want to combine kava with something, you might want to try a safer alternative like CBD oil or kratom.
Kava has been shown to be non-toxic and safe when consumed in moderation– usually around three cups per day or less than one cup over the course of 24 hours.
Kava is non-addictive. Unlike a sleeping pill or another medication that might be used as a sleep aid, kava does not cause withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking it. This is why there are no issues with kava addiction.
