Vanuatu Kava Root Noble Strains Effects & Safety [Review]

Vanuatu Kava root, from the South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, is often described as the highest quality source of kava available to buy online.

Kava kava, or Piper methysticum, is a shrub found in some areas of the western Pacific. There are several different sources of this plant, including Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.

Depending on how and where the plant is grown, there can be differences in the alkaloid content found in the extracts of the rootstock. These different strains of kava are associated with different experiences and purported benefits.

Kava in general is used to promote calmness and relaxation, reduce stress and muscle tension, and ease the symptoms of anxiety. Kava teas and other beverages are also used recreationally due to their ability to create a more relaxed state of mind.

Consumers can buy kava from the islands of Vanuatu in the form of a bulk powder, liquid tincture, oral capsules or a highly-concentrated paste. Before deciding to use this product, it is recommended to learn more about its effects compared to other kava strains, as well as its uses and potential adverse effects.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a warning in 2002 about kava use based on reports of possible liver damage associated with low-quality alcohol-based extracts from this plant. [1]

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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View User Ratings* ❯

Uses and Effects of Vanuatu Kava

Vanuatu kava is prized for being the highest quality kava available to purchase online. Only noble kava strains that meet rigid quality standards can be exported from this island under the Republic of Vanuatu Kava Act of November 7th, 2002.

This act requires manufacturers to ensure that their product is free of the areal parts of this plant and only contains extracts from the roots. Some active constituents found in the leaves and stems are believed to pose a risk of side effects.

There are different chemotypes or strains of Vanuatu kava available. The different strains vary in their composition of active phytochemicals, containing different amounts of the six major kavalactones including:

• Desmethoxyyangonin
• Dihydrokavain
• Yangonin
• Kavain
• Dihydromethysticin
• Methysticin

Some of these strains have stronger mood-boosting or euphoric effects. Other strains are described as melting away stress and exerting a strong sedative effect.

Vanuatu kava kava root is believed to be more potent than products grown in Fiji. In Vanuatu, farmers differentiate between “noble” and “ignoble” varieties of the root.

Noble kava is carefully cultivated to produce effects that are more pleasant than non-noble varieties. Noble kava root is also associated with a lower risk of adverse side effects, making it potentially safer to use.

Vanuatu kava is thought to help promote mental clarity in addition to relaxation and stress relief, while Fiji kava is associated more with strong calming effects.

Common Uses

Vanuatu kava is generally used for anxiety and depression, as well as reducing stress and promoting relaxation.

This herbal extract may also be used to promote sleep, reduce headaches and menstrual soreness, and relieve aches and pains.

According to the results of a 2013 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, kava is effective at relieving the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. [2]

Using Vanuatu Kava

Vanuatu kava is available for consumers to purchase on Amazon and other online retailers that sell dietary supplements. It is also sold in some speciality local health stores or in local kava bars.

Vanuatu kava extract comes in different forms for oral use, such as powder and liquid extract, and is also available as dried roots that can be made into tea.

Consumers should look for products that are noble-certified and labeled as being made in Vanuatu. Some of the manufacturers that sell these products include Kava King, KavaDotCom and Kava Kalm.

The recommended serving size on one brand of Vanuatu kava root powder is 3 tablespoons or 15 grams. Dosages can vary depending on the concentration of the product and how the root extract has been processed.

It is recommended to consume this product on an empty stomach, at least 2-4 hours after a meal. The powder is usually mixed with water, left to steep and then strained to remove the plant material.

Users typically start with a small dosage and only gradually increase the amount that they take over time. Consumers who use these products should ask their doctor about safe amounts to use based on their age and medical conditions.

Based on user reviews, many people who use Vanuatu kava products indicate that they are effective at encouraging relaxation and easing anxiety. Some report that Vanuatu kava also helps sharpen their focus and concentration by improving mental clarity.

A small number of people who use Vanuatu kava products reported that they did not produce the expected results, although they did not experience any adverse effects.

One manufacturer states that many people experience “Reverse Tolerance” when first drinking beverages made with this plant extract. They say it may take a week or two in order for the effects to kick in.

Risks and Legality of Vanuatu Kava

The Republic of Vanuatu issued the Kava Act of 2002 in response to reports of liver damage in some kava users. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, over 30 cases or liver damage linked to kava use have been reported in Europe. [4]

This led the US FDA and the governments of other countries like Canada and Australia to take steps toward protecting the public from these risks, such as issuing warnings or banning the use of kava as a dietary supplement.

However, recent research suggests that kava root itself is not dangerous, so long as it is processed appropriately and only the roots of the plant are used to make health products. Using water-based extracts can help to minimize the risk of adverse effects.

Vanuatu has enacted strict laws on the cultivation and sale of kava products both domestically in the republic and as exported products. According to these laws, exports must be made from noble kava root that has been planted for a minimum of 5 years prior to harvesting and cultivated with organic methods. [5]

Medicinal Kava is not permitted to be exported from Vanuatu unless it meets certain strict requirements.

Due to the reports of liver toxicity linked to consumption of this plant, it should not be used by anyone who has been diagnosed with hepatitis or other liver problems. Those with liver disease and those who take prescription medications that affect the liver should not use Vanuatu kava without talking to a doctor.

Kava also has the potential to interact with certain medications, such as anti-anxiety medications and anticonvulsants. Consumers who take medication should consult their doctor about the safety of taking Vanuatu kava products.

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