Kava Drinks Review + Benefits – Is it a Safe Alternative to Alcohol?

Kava, also known as kava kava, is an herbal preparation that comes from the piper methysticum shrub native to the South Pacific.

Kava drinks have been prepared for thousands of years from the root and stems of the plant. The non-alcohol beverage has a mildly intoxicating effect and is used to promote relaxation and pro-social behavior.

Indigenous groups in the South Pacific have used the beverage as part of traditional religious rituals and welcoming ceremonies. It remains widely used in that region today, although use of the herbal extract has spread around the globe.

Kava is prized for its mild psychoactive properties that have been shown to improve anxiety, low moods, sleep dysfunction and more. Kava drinks are also used to relieve sore muscle and reduce feelings of pain.

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

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Kava Drink Overview

Kava comes from a shrub known as Piper methysticum. The psychoactive compounds in kava extract are known as kavalactones.

There are more than a dozen types of kavalactones that have been studied to date.

Although the precise properties of these compounds are not yet known, they appear to modulate activity of the cannabinoid and GABA neurotransmitter systems in the brain (1, 2).

These neurotransmitters tend to have a depressant effect on nervous system activity. Upregulation of cannabinoid or GABA activity promotes a sedative response in the body and can support a sense of calm and relaxation.

In social settings in the South Pacific, drinks made from the roots of the plant have a similar role to alcohol. Kava bars are common in many Pacific islands and can also be found in certain parts of the USA.

This herb is also prepared into an herbal tea, used as an oral dietary supplement or used topically in the form of a paste.

Common Uses

Kava drink has a depressant effect on the central nervous system (CNS), meaning that it leads to feelings of calm, drowsiness, and mild sedation. These side effects have led kava to become a popular recreational substance and alternative to alcohol.

Some users suggest that it promotes lowering of social inhibitions, reduced feelings of anxiety and a brighter mood without interfering with mental clarity or energy levels. It is sometimes used to promote relaxation and better focus in times of stress.

Scientific reviews of kava extract suggest that it is also helpful for the treatment of certain conditions.

Randomized controlled trials have shown that kava extract may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (3), improve sleep quality in people with stress-induced insomnia, reduce hot flashes, and improve mood.

However, Kava has not been approved by the FDA as a drug for the treatment of any medical conditions. More research is needed to validate purported benefits.

In research studies, kava extract has been shown to exhibit anxiolytic effects similar to benzodiazepine drugs such as Xanax and Valium. These drugs also work on GABA receptors in the brain.

In one study, participants took it daily for 24 weeks and experience no adverse effects or withdrawal symptoms that are common with pharmaceutical drug use.

Some preliminary studies have also examined the effects of kava kava on cancer, improvement of cognition, and the treatment of depression. More research is needed before any definitive health claims can be made.

Recommended Dosage

There is no clear established dosage of kava drinks or extracts. Most research trials establishing the effectiveness of kava for treatment of clinical conditions use a standardized formulation that contains 70% kavalactones.

The safety of kava root extract has been established in clinical trials using up to 300 mg of kavalactones daily in three divided doses. At this dosage, the herbal extract is reportedly efficacious and well tolerated by patients.

Many individuals begin at a lower dose of kava kava liquid extract and gradually titrate the dose to the recommended level. The effectiveness and safety of dosages exceeding 300 mg of kavalactones daily is unknown.

Most clinical trials have investigated the use of this plant extract for a period of six to eight weeks, although one study did take place over a longer 24-week time frame. The long term effects of taking kava are not yet known.

How to Take

One of the best ways to try kava drinks is by visiting a kava bar. Kava bars are legal in many areas throughout the United States such as Florida, Colorado, New York, and other areas.

As states and municipalities occasionally enact new laws related to the use of kava, it is best to check the legal status in your area before using this supplement. The use of kava drinks is currently illegal in the United Kingdom, although sale of supplements and teas is still permitted.

Kava root extract may also be purchased in health food stores or from online retailers. The supplement is available as a liquid extract, bulk powder, pills, tea, gum, and dissolvable sublingual strips.

Smoking kava extract is not the traditional way of taking this herbal supplement. However, some reviews state that smoking the herb results in a similar profile of effects to oral use.

Kava drinks are typically prepared using the extract powder. This powder may be stirred into water and strained to remove excess solids.

Alternatively, some reviews recommend blending kava extract powder into soy milk with a spoonful of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey drink. The powder is known to have a bitter taste and may require flavoring agents to mask.

Additionally, kava kava liquid extract is easy to add to other drinks to obtain the benefits of kavalactones. Many recipes are available online.

Potential Side Effects

Kava root extract is generally well tolerated, however, some mild side effects have been documented. These include gastrointestinal distress, headaches, and allergic rashes.

Some individuals who are allergic to kava may experience respiratory problems, hives, or other signs of an anaphylactic reaction. Seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.

In rare cases, use of kava drinks and extracts has been associated with hepatotoxicity and liver failure (4). Several deaths due to liver failure have been reported, although these findings are controversial.

Some people may have difficulty metabolizing kava, leading to ill effects on liver health. Before taking the supplement, discuss it with your doctor to ensure it is safe.

Kava extract is contraindicated for individuals taking certain medications. It may negatively interact with anti-anxiety medications (e.g., Xanax), barbiturates, cytochrome P450, statin medications, and levodopa.

Do not drink alcohol or use other CNS depressants while taking kava, as this may have severe negative effects. The safety of kava kava has not been established for pregnant women, lactating women, or children. These individuals should avoid taking this product or consult their doctors before use.

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