Kava is a traditional South Pacific Islands drink made from the root of the Piper Methysticum (kava) plant. Used for over 3,000 years in ceremonies, social gatherings and relaxation rituals, it’s known for its deeply calming effects. Kava’s active compounds, Kavalactones, naturally enhance GABA receptor activity, easing anxiety, relaxing the nervous system, and guiding you into a beautiful state of presence and ease—all without intoxication or impairing mental clarity.

How kava works in the body:

Calming GABA activation: Kava’s active compounds (kavalactones) boost the activity of GABA, the brain’s primary calming neurotransmitter. By enhancing GABA’s effects, kava helps quiet down nerve signals that cause stress and anxiety (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).  

Positive mood support via dopamine: Kava also has a gentle effect on dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to mood and reward. By subtly modulating dopamine pathways, kava can uplift your mood and create a mild sense of euphoria or contentment without overstimulation​ (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

Relaxation without impairment: One of kava’s advantages is that it helps you unwind without clouding your mind or causing dependence. Unlike alcohol or heavy sedatives, kava promotes calmness without making you drowsy or impairing mental sharpness. In other words, you stay relaxed yet alert – perfect for social or daytime use where you want to feel good but functional ​(restorativemedicine.org).

Starting with a tingly buzz on your tongue, you’ll feel a warm and floating sensation. Within 10 minutes, a wave of serene clarity sets in—releasing muscle tension, quieting the mind, and unlocking deep calm. Overthinking fades into peaceful stillness.

Kava’s effects typically start within 10–15 minutes, depending on factors like your body, metabolism, and whether you’ve eaten recently. The first sensation is often a slight mouth-numbing feeling, followed by a gradual wave of buzzy relaxation.

How Long Do the Effects Last?

• Peak effects: ~30 to 45 minutes
• Lingering relaxation: Up to 3 hours, depending on the dose

Unlike alcohol, kava’s effects come on smoothly and fade without a crash or hangover, making it ideal for unwinding while staying clear-headed.

Kava invites you to slow down, fitting somewhere between the social warmth of wine and the calming energy of tea. Enjoyed solo or in conversation, the best experience comes in spaces where you can relax — pairing perfectly with fresh air, candlelight, good company, or your favorite book.

Best Settings for Kava:

• Social Gatherings – A great alternative to alcohol for a laid-back, connected vibe.
• After Work or to De-Stress – Helps you unwind without fogging your mind.
• Creative or Reflective Moments – Pairs well with journaling, music, or deep conversations.
• Evening Wind-Down – A natural way to ease into a relaxed state before bed.

Kava isn’t a stimulant, so it’s not ideal for high-energy activities. Instead, it’s perfect for chilling out, enjoying good company, or simply giving yourself a moment to breathe.

The right amount depends on your experience level and the effect you're looking for.

If you’re new to kava, drink a good amount. We know, that’s counterintuitive - unlike alcohol, kava has a reverse tolerance. It builds up in your system over time, so first-time drinkers often need more kava or repeated exposure before experiencing its full relaxation benefits. So start with two packets, listen to your body, and go from there. You may need to consume kava over multiple sessions to overcome the reverse tolerance.

Recommended Serving Size:

• Standard Dose: 1–2 servings for relaxation and social ease.
• Stronger Effects: 2+ servings for deeper relaxation. Drinking more deepens the floating, relaxed sensation.

Kava is safe for regular use, and many people drink it a few times per week or daily in kava-drinking cultures. Once your body adapts, you’ll feel the effects more easily with less kava over time.

Yes, kava is safe when consumed responsibly, and traditionally prepared kava has been used for centuries without major health concerns. While past research raised questions about liver toxicity, those claims have since been debunked. Unlike alcohol and benzodiazepines, kava is non-intoxicating and non-addictive, making it a natural anxiety-reducer and way to unwind without the usual downsides.

Liver Toxicity: What the Research Got Wrong

In the early 2000s, kava was linked to liver toxicity in a handful of cases, leading to bans in some countries. However, later research found that these cases were tied to poor-quality kava products, not traditionally prepared kava root (https://iris.who) 

• The problem? Some supplements used solvent-based extractions (alcohol/acetone) and included stems and leaves instead of just the root. These non-traditional methods may have introduced compounds that stressed the liver.
• The reality? Pacific Island communities have consumed water-extracted kava root for generations without widespread liver issues. Scientific reviews now support that properly prepared kava is safe, and many bans have since been lifted.

Kava causes relaxation and muscle looseness, which may slow reaction time. While it doesn’t impair judgment like alcohol, we don’t recommend driving after drinking kava, especially if you're new to it or have consumed a larger amount. If you feel drowsy or physically relaxed, it’s best to wait until the effects wear off before getting behind the wheel.

No. Kava does not create dependency or withdrawal symptoms. Unlike alcohol or anti-anxiety medications:

• There’s no tolerance buildup, so you don’t need more over time. In fact, kava has a reverse tolerance. The more you’re familiar with it, the less you’ll need to feel its effects.
• Stopping kava use doesn’t cause withdrawal.
• It doesn’t rewire the brain in a way that leads to addiction.

Yes! Kava is legal in the United States, and you can buy, sell, and consume it without restrictions at the federal level. Despite past concerns, no bans or major regulations exist in the U.S. today for traditionally prepared kava root.

In the early 2000s, some countries temporarily restricted kava due to misinterpreted research on liver toxicity—but these claims were later debunked (see “Is kava safe?” for more details on this). Pacific Island nations, where kava has been consumed for centuries, fought back against these misguided restrictions, and many countries have since reversed their bans.

In the U.S., kava remains widely available, recognized as a natural, non-intoxicating alternative to alcohol, and is gaining popularity in wellness communities and kava bars across the country.

Some NYC kava bars have been shut down due to outdated health codes that don’t properly classify kava. Instead of updating regulations, authorities have taken an overly aggressive enforcement approach, misapplying permits meant for alcohol or food service.

These shutdowns aren’t about safety—they’re a bureaucratic issue, not a kava issue. As kava gains popularity, NYC will eventually have to catch up with modern wellness culture.

In traditional kava-drinking cultures—like Fiji, Vanuatu, and Tonga—regular kava drinkers consume significantly more than casual users in the West. It's common for experienced drinkers to consume several servings over the course of an evening, often 5–10 times the amount a beginner might drink.

• In Vanuatu, where kava is most deeply rooted, some drinkers consume several liters of strong kava in a single session.
• Unlike casual Western use, kava in these cultures is often a daily ritual for relaxation, social bonding, and even spiritual or ceremonial purposes.

Kava is best enjoyed on its own, but it can interact differently depending on what it’s mixed with.

• Alcohol + Kava = Not Recommended 🍺❌
  Both are depressants, meaning they compound sedative effects and can put extra strain on the liver. Mixing the two can lead to increased drowsiness, nausea, and overall sluggishness—not an ideal experience.
• Kava + Cannabis = Can Pair Well 🌿✔️
  Kava can balance out THC’s intensity, making it a great addition if you’re prone to getting caught in your head or experiencing cannabis-induced anxiety. Its grounding effects help settle overthinking, promote relaxation, and enhance presence, so kava consumed with THC will smooth out the high.
• Kava + Psychedelics (Mushrooms, MDMA) = Supportive Companion 🍄💜
  Kava can help ease the come-up jitters before a psychedelic or MDMA experience, creating a more relaxed mindset going in. During the experience, it can add a sense of calm presence, reducing tension or overstimulation. On the comedown, kava is a gentle way to unwind, ease post-roll anxiety, and help transition back to baseline without feeling scattered.

If you choose to mix, start slow and listen to your body—kava has a unique effect profile, and how it interacts with other substances varies by person.

Kava interacts with neurotransmitters—just like these medications—and combining them may amplify effects like sedation or have unintended impacts. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what’s best for your body and routine.

As with any supplement, consult your physician or healthcare provider before using kava if you are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant.