Instant Kava Powder Review, Dosages & Side Effects – Where to Buy

Instant Kava root drink mix is a popular beverage for promoting stress relief, a calm mind and alleviation of muscle tension.

Instant Kava comes in the form of a micronized bulk powder that can be stirred and dissolved into water for easy consumption. This makes it more convenient than other preparations of this powder which require steeping and straining to prepare.

Kava kava, also known as Piper methysticum, is a type of shrub found in the western Pacific area. Kava kava roots are used in beverages in South Pacific countries, such as Fiji, for ceremonial purposes and for relaxation.

Kava extracts are also available as encapsulated supplements, liquid tinctures, pastes, teas, resins and powders that can be taken orally. Instant Kava products are typically differentiated based on their kavalactone content, with brands offering between 5-9% concentrations.

Consumers who are interested in using instant kava products for relaxation, anxiety relief or other purposes should know how they work, what kinds of benefits they provide and what types of risks are associated with their use.

Some kava products have been associated with potentially harmful effects in certain individuals. Using these products according to direction is important to minimize the potential for adverse reactions.

Kava

Herbal Supplement

Anxiety

Mood

Sleep

How It Works:

• Reduces feeling of anxiety & stress
• Improves feeling of wellbeing
• Shown to improve sleep & insomnia

Dosage:

Between 100 - 300 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

Top Kava Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Instant Kava Review

Instant kava powders can be added to water and other liquids for immediate consumption. These products provide consumers with a convenient form of kava that requires minimal preparation.

Instant kava is used mainly for relaxation and stress relief. It is also used to reduce anxiety and manage the symptoms of several conditions, such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.

Kava also contains anticonvulsant properties, which has led to its use for epilepsy as well. Other uses for instant kava include improving sleep quality and managing discomfort that occurs during menstruation.

Instant kava is also used for other purposes, such as relieving headaches and the symptoms of the common cold. It is also used for relieving musculoskeletal pain.

While this herbal extract is used by natural medicine practitioners to address many different health conditions, it has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions.

Effects of Instant Kava

According to the National Institutes of Health, kava contains chemicals called kavalactones, which might help promote improved sleep, relieve pain and induce feelings of calmness. [1]

Some of the constitients identified in the roots of this herb include, kawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin (DMH), yangonin, dihydrokawain (DHK), and
pyrones.

This plant extract has an anxiolytic effect on the mind, which means that it inhibits brain signalling patterns that are associated with anxiety. Unlike other anxiolytic drugs, it does not appear to work by stimulating the GABA(A) receptor complex.

Instead, it may work by modulating excitatory signals in different parts of the brain. This may be why users report that it relieves feelings of anxiousness without causing a sedative-like sensation at normal doses.

Kavalactones in instant kava products are reported to result in a state of relaxation and mental quietness. Users say this product can have a “numbing” effect on the body and can reduce muscle aches and pains.

Consumers should note that it is difficult to determine the exact amount of kavalactones in instant kava products compared to capsules, tablets and other oral supplements. Always purchase from vendors who provide a Certificate of Authenticity that shows it has been analyzed for kavalactone content.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Kava is rated Possibly Effective for managing the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

This rating is based on the findings of a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. [2] In this study, a 70% kavalactones extract was found to be comparable in efficacy to treatment with low-dose benzodiazepines.

Kava has also been studied for epilepsy, depression, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and headaches.

NMCD states that there in not enough evidence to assess the efficacy of kava for other uses, such as insomnia. [3] There are only a small number of available studies into the effects of this herbal extract on humans.

How to Prepare and Use Instant Kava

Instant kava preparation typically involves mixing the concentrated, micronized powder into water, juice or another beverage. Instant kava products do not need to be strained, unlike kava root powder products.

The raw root powder needs to be strained to remove coarse fibers, much like when preparing any other herbal tea. Instant kava products are usually specially prepared to remove these fibres so it dissolves completely and straining is not necessary.

Consumers who use these products should follow the directions listed on the package in terms of how much powder to use or ask their doctor how much is safe for them to take depending on their age and health.

Consumers who want to buy instant kava drinks or powder can find these products at Amazon, GNC and other online retailers. Some of these products are powders that are added to beverages, while others are labeled as kava coffee or kava cocoa.

Many of these products are marketed for stress relief, relaxation, reduced anxiety and improved sleep.

A large percentage of consumers who use instant kava reported that these products are effective at inducing relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety and improving sleep quality. A small percentage of consumers indicated in reviews that these products were not effective due to lower amounts of kavalactones.

Risks of Instant Kava

The use of low-quality kava products has been linked to liver damage in some individuals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, more than 30 individuals in Europe have reported liver damage. [4]

Some argue that it is not kava that causes liver damage, but rather certain solvents used in the manufacturing process. Researchers have demonstrated that kava kava extracts can be used safely, so long as they are prepared with water-based extraction methods.

Consumers should note that experts do not know for certain if kava alone leads to liver damage or if its combination with other medications harm the liver.

Consumers who want to use instant kava should check with a doctor first to learn more about potential risks and side effects that can occur with use. Some of the commonly reported adverse reactions include nausea, anxiety, restlessness, skin problems, drowsiness and dizziness.

Moderate use of kava for four weeks or less is considered safe in healthy people, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [3]

Those who use instant kava should consult their doctor about how often or how long they can safely use these products, especially if they have liver disease and use medication that affects the liver.

Women who are pregnant and women who are nursing should avoid using instant kava or other products due to the possibility for harmful effects on the developing fetus or infant.

Kava can interact with some types of medication in addition to drugs that affect the liver. These include drugs for anxiety, diuretics and anticonvulsants. Consumers who take these medications should talk to their doctor before using instant kava products.

Rate This Article

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)