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There are many different sources to buy Kava online and different forms of this plant extract available.
Kava-kava, is a shrub that grows on some Pacific islands and has been used to make a traditional beverage with relaxing properties.
Kava supplements have been well-studied in clinical trials and have been shown to reduce stress and calm the mind. They appear to promote mental tranquility and anti-anxiety effects without the side effects of alcohol.
Traditional use of kava goes back thousands of years and it continues to gain in popularity today. It is consumed for its pain-relieving, sedative, euphoric and anxiolytic properties.
Some people buy kava kava in whole rhizome form to make traditional beverages or recipes at home. Other people use kava extract supplements, pastes, resins or liquid extracts instead. [1]
The World Health Organization has determined that moderate consumption of traditionally-prepared kava products poses an “acceptably low level of health risk.” However, consumers should be aware that some low-quality products are linked to cases of liver damage.
Anxiety
Mood
Sleep- Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
- Improves feeling of wellbeing
- Shown to improve sleep & insomnia
Top Kava Products* ❯Where to Buy Kava Online
You can find a large variety of kava supplements and products for sale at Amazon.com.
However, if you want a larger selection, you may need to visit individual websites of different manufacturers and distributors. Some of the best-reviewed kava supplements online and brands online are not available on Amazon.
When selecting a retailer or brand, look for products that:
- Are organically sourced, harvested, manufactured, handled and shipped;
- Do not contain any above-ground kava plant parts (stems, leaves, etc.);
- Have not been extracted using alcohol or acetone;
Further, make sure that the kava you buy is sold by an established and well-reviewed company. Avoid companies that are newer, less well-established and that lack user reviews.
Kava plants grown in Fiji, Tonga and Hawaii tend to have good reputations. However, it is the fresh kava roots sourced from Vanuatu that are purported to be of the highest quality.
The island of Vanuatu has established its own quality standards for the types of this plant that can be exported internationally. Only “noble” strains are permitted to be sold for export.
Also avoid companies with prices that seem too low as they may not be selling a high-quality strain of this plant.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that there are 286 kava products available for sale currently. [1]
These products can vary in the amount of active kavalactones contained per serving. Different products contain different amounts as well as different profiles of these bioactive constituents.
Where to Buy Kave in Local Stores
Although the selection will most likely be quite limited, you can shop for kava offline in venues like CVS, GNC and Walgreens. In most cases, you will probably find only capsules and tablets in these stores.
You may be able to find some kava powders in local stores but rarely any whole rhizomes. If you can locate kava distributors in brick-and-mortar stores near you, it is still recommended to research the brand online and read user reviews to ensure products offered meet the above criteria.
Another option is to visit a Kava bar that specializes in preparing cocktail recipes made from this plant. One popular drink is the Kava Colada. These bars tend to be located in highly-populated metropolitan areas on the Western and Eastern coasts of the United States.
Types of Kava for Sale
Kava is sold in several different forms. The most widely-available forms are bulk powders or oral capsules. These also tend to contain the lowest concentration of active alkaloids.
Liquid extracts are more concentrated, meaning a smaller dosage will be required to achieve desired effects. These tinctures can be mixed into hot or cold water or added to smoothies.
There are also highly-concentrated kava powder extracts, resins and pastes that cost more but may be easier to consume. Some of these products are full-spectrum while others may contain higher amounts of a specific kavalactone.
Kava tea bags can be found online at Amazon and other stores; however, they are generally not very potent and have low dosages of active constituents.
Kava supplements are extracted either in petroleum-based solutions like alcohol, or water. In the past, use of this plant was associated with more than one hundred cases of liver toxicity with death resulting in some.
None of the cases of hepatotoxicity or death were attributed to preparations that were water-extracted. Alcohol/acetone kava products are not generally recommended and should be avoided to prevent liver toxicity
Because there are dozens of kava supplement manufacturers offering products, it is important to perform due diligence while shopping. Some of these companies are based overseas. Others provide no contact information or have poor reputations.
Nootriment offers a helpful guide for online supplement shoppers. Reading it can help you to avoid some of the most common mistakes online shoppers make. You can view the guide here.
Kava Kava Harmful Effects
As noted, kava was associated with liver damage and death cases in the past. This resulted in bans on the sale of the plant in some countries, including Canada, Australia, the UK and Germany.
However, these bans have been lifted now, for the most part, as clinical evidence has demonstrated that the plant is safe when prepared traditionally.
The issue is with alcohol-based extracts that were sold in certain international markets. Using water-based extracts does not increase liver enzyme levels or cause hepatotoxicity.
According to a 2016 review of research literature from the past 15 years, “Despite reports of alleged kava-induced hepatotoxicity which led to the withdrawal and restriction of kava in several countries, systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted over the last 15 years found a clear positive benefit-to-risk ratio for kava.” [1]
However, that does not mean that there are not some side effects possible with kava usage. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMM), this plant should not be used without medical supervision and regular testing of liver enzyme levels. [1]
NMCD states that kava supplements should not be used for longer than 6 months in normal doses with medical supervision.
Some of the common side effects of this product include dry mouth, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness and headache. Allergic skin reactions and involuntary movements are also possible.
Traditionally prepared kava beverages have been used for a very long time, especially in South Pacific islands. Some cultures consume these beverages regularly, much like people elsewhere may drink tea or coffee.
Most people do not experience adverse side effects from consuming kava properly and in short-term periods. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone to purchase and use.
Before you buy kava online, discuss using it with your doctor. Kava may interact with certain drugs, health conditions, herbal supplements and even foods.
Article last updated on: July 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment