Kava for Beginners: 12 Fast Q&As

1) What is kava?

A drink made from the root of Piper methysticum. Its active compounds—kavalactones—are associated with calm, relaxed focus.

2) What does it feel like?

Most describe loosened tension, calmer mood, and social ease. A brief tongue tingle is common.

3) How fast does it work? How long does it last?

Traditional brew: 10–30 minutes to feel, 2–4 hours typical duration. Extracts and capsules: allow 30–60 minutes.

4) How much do people typically use?

Human studies often reference 120–280 mg kavalactones/day, split into 2–3 servings. Follow your product’s label and start low.

5) Quick label math

A 200 mg extract at 50% kavalactones = 100 mg kavalactones.
(Extract mg × % = mg kavalactones.)

6) Day or night?

Many prefer evening. For daytime, use smaller servings until you know your response.

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7) What forms can I buy?

• Traditional root (strain and knead in water)
  
  
• Micronized/instant (no straining)
  
  
• Extracts/tinctures/capsules (standardized % for consistent potency)
  
  

8) Noble vs. tudei—what’s the difference?

Noble cultivars are favored for cleaner, more predictable effects and taste. Tudei can feel heavier and linger longer.

9) How do I read a kava label fast?

Look for kavalactone %, mg kavalactones per serving, root-only sourcing, and third-party testing.

10) What can I mix it with?

Great in mocktails (citrus, ginger, pineapple, coconut). Avoid combining with alcohol or sedatives.

11) Is kava addictive?

Kava isn’t considered habit-forming. Standardized short-term use hasn’t shown dependency in studies.

12) How do I make a simple traditional brew?

1. Add 2–3 Tbsp medium-grind kava to a strainer bag.
   
   
2. Knead in 8–10 oz cool–lukewarm water for 5–10 min.
   
   
3. Squeeze well and discard the fiber.
   
   
4. Sip; wait 15–20 min before deciding on more.
   
   

Storage: Keep dry kava airtight and cool. Refrigerate brewed kava up to 2–3 days.