How Many Milligrams of Kava Kava Should Be Taken?

Kava kava has been a traditional drink in the Pacific Islands for centuries. The beverage has a reputation for creating a sense of well-being and relaxation and lifting people's moods. Recent studies have found it to be a safe and effective treatment for depression and anxiety, when extracted properly.

Warning

• Before you begin taking kava kava for medicinal purposes, consult your doctor. Kava kava was linked to severe liver damage and liver failure in 2002, prompting the Food and Drug Administration to issue a warning about the supplement.

Extraction method

• Studies that followed the FDA warning indicate the method of extracting the kava kava may have been to blame for the liver damage. At the University of Queensland in Australia, researchers claim to have come up with a safer way to extract the kava kava, using a water-soluble method.

Legality

• Your doctor or naturopath will know which brands of kava kava are safest, and where you can get it. The safer water-soluble kava kava extract is now legal for sale in Australia. As a dietary supplement, (as opposed to a medication) kava kava is legal for sale in the United States and many other countries. In the wake of the 2002 warnings, Canada and France still ban the sale of kava kava, though there are some companies allowed to sell the product to individuals in those countries.

Dosage

• Once you and your doctor have determined that kava kava may be safe and effective for you, you can consider how much to take.

  According to a report from the University of Maryland, a standard dose is 150-300 milligrams, 1 to 3 times a day. Your doctor may also recommend a kava "tea," where you boil 2-4 grams of dry kava kava root in water.

Rest Period

• The report by the University of Maryland suggests taking regular breaks during your kava kava routine. Stop taking kava kava for two weeks every three months.