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How Much Kava Kava to Take

Kava kava root is found in the South Pacific, including the islands of Hawaii, Fiji and Samoa. It is a shrub that is a member of the pepper family. The root has been used medicinally in the islands for thousands of years. It also is widely used as a ceremonial beverage in much the same way alcohol is used in Western cultures.

  1. How much do you need?

    • The best answer to this question is that it depends on the recipe. The rule of thumb is to use 1 to 2 oz. of powdered kava kava root for every person drinking the prepared beverage. If you use liquid kava kava extract, 1 oz. is plenty for a six-serving preparation of the beverage.

    Why take kava?

    • The active ingredients in kava kava are called kavalactones. Researchers do not fully understand how kavalactones work, but it appears they influence the concentration of certain neurotransmitters in the bloodstream. The neurotransmitters affected include norepinephrine, GABA and dopamine. The overall effect kava can have increases as more kava is consumed. The kava "buzz" is felt almost immediately, and the more that is consumed, the stronger the "high" that is felt. Kava users do not feel anything like a hangover the day after using it.

    Kava side effects

    • The usual side effects associated with kava use include mouth numbness, rashes, headache, drowsiness and hallucinations. Kava abusers experience more serious side effects including pulmonary hypertension, skin scaling, blood abnormalities, kidney damage and others.

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