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10 Things You Need to Know About Kava (Because It's More Than Just a Trendy Tea)

10 Things You Need to Know About Kava (Because It's More Than Just a Trendy Tea)

Written by: Chere Lucett

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Published on

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Time to read 2 min

Kava. It’s not a new yoga pose or a bubbly champaign-esque wine. It’s a centuries-old plant that’s making waves in wellness circles and chill zones alike. 

Whether you’re kava-curious or just looking for a new way to relax, here are 10 things you need to know about this mysterious happy root that’s been quietly stealing the spotlight.

1. It’s Nature’s Chill Pill (Without the Pill)

Kava is best known for its calming effects. It’s like that friend who always knows how to help you unwind after a long day—except it’s a drinkable root. Packed with compounds called kavalactones, kava works its magic by promoting relaxation without making you groggy. Think “Netflix and Kava” instead of “Netflix and Stress.”

2. It Comes from the Pacific Islands

Kava has been a big deal in places like Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu for centuries. Locals use it in ceremonies, social gatherings, and even to settle disputes. (Imagine sipping kava instead of arguing with your relatives at Thanksgiving. Bliss.)

3. It’s NOT Psychedelic, So Don’t Panic

If you’re worried that kava will send you on a wild hallucinogenic journey, rest easy—it’s not that kind of plant. Kava is all about relaxation, not tripping through the cosmos.

4. It’s a Social Butterfly

In Pacific Island cultures, kava is a social drink. Think of it as the ancient version of happy hour—without the alcohol. Sharing a bowl of kava is a way to bond, chill, and maybe even solve the world’s problems (or at least forget about them for a while).

5. Taste? Let’s Call It ‘Earthy’

We won’t lie—kava’s flavor isn’t exactly winning awards. It’s kind of like drinking muddy water, but in a good way! (Stay with us here.) If you can get past the taste, the benefits are totally worth it. And hey, there are flavored options now for kava newbies.

6. It Can Help You Sleep Like a Baby

Struggling with insomnia? Kava might be your new best friend. Its calming properties can help quiet your racing mind and ease you into dreamland. Just don’t overdo it—moderation is key.

7. It’s a Natural Alternative to Alcohol

For those who want to unwind without the hangover, kava is a fantastic option. It helps you relax, reduces social anxiety, and keeps you in the moment—all while leaving you clear-headed the next morning.

8. There Are Different Ways to Enjoy It

Traditionally, kava is prepared by grinding the root and mixing it with water. But if you’re not into DIY, there are ready-made kava teas, capsules, and even trendy kava bars popping up. Yes, bars. For kava. Welcome to 2025.

9. It’s Got Some Health Perks, Too

Beyond relaxation, kava has been linked to reducing anxiety, easing muscle tension, and even supporting overall mental health. Just remember: it’s not a cure-all, and you should always consult a healthcare pro if you’re unsure about adding it to your wellness routine.

10. Too Much of a Good Thing Can Be… Not So Good

While kava has plenty of benefits, overdoing it can lead to side effects like liver issues (don’t panic!). The key is moderation. Sip responsibly, friends.


Kava isn’t just a wellness buzzword—it’s a plant with deep cultural roots, a knack for helping you relax, and a growing fan base worldwide. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, sleep better, or just try something new, kava might be worth a sip (or two). 

Real Noble Kava - Real Difference

Our products are backed by our 100% ingredient guarantee and have been third-party tested for purity and authenticity. We only use the premium parts of the kava plant.

Centuries of Calm, Rooted By The Kava Plant

Centuries of islanders have been enjoying the effects of kava to bring people together, settle disputes, celebrate life's milestones, and enjoy community. Find out why kava is termed "the root of happiness".

What is kava?

What is kava?

Kava is a traditional beverage made from the root of the Piper methysticum plant, which is native to the South Pacific. Traditionally, it has been used in various Pacific Island cultures for centuries, often in social and ceremonial contexts. The drink is known for its calming effects, which can promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, making it popular among those seeking a natural way to unwind.
How do you make kava?

There are a few extraction techniques to make kava.

Traditional methods include:

The most common and traditional method of kava extraction involves water as the primary solvent, using lukewarm water to maximize the extraction of kavalactones. The mixture is kneaded vigorously.

A basic preparation typically requires:

  • 8-12 oz of hot tap water (100-120 degrees) per serving
  • A strainer bag or cloth
  • Kava root powder
  • A bowl for mixing

Modern Extractions are:

Acetone Extraction Method

Acetone extraction uses acetone to dissolve compounds, which are then separated by filtering and evaporation. This method is simple but requires careful handling due to acetone's flammability and potential for residue.

CO2 Extraction Method

Supercritical CO2 extraction uses pressurized CO2 to dissolve compounds, which are collected when the CO2 returns to a gaseous state. This environmentally-friendly process leaves no toxic residue and allows for specific compound extraction, making it ideal for producing high-purity extracts. (This is the process Kavayn uses for our extraction process).
What are the effects of kava?

The effects of kava depend on various factors like production methods, potency, and amount of different kavalactones. In general, kava provides feelings of calm and relaxation and mood enhancement. We have formulated our kava elixirs to include higher amounts of kavain, a kavalactone known for its calming effects.

Kavalactones help provide the following effects:

  • Relaxation and reduced anxiety
  • Sedative properties that help improve sleep quality
  • Compounds like methysticin contribute to the muscle relaxant effects of kava
I'm new to kava. How much should I take to start?

Hi newbie! Welcome to the happy root fam. Kava has a reverse tolerance effect which means, the more you have, the less you need to feel the effects. So we tell new users to enjoy a full drink pack or full gummy (or even two) to start because you won't feel the effects as fast or as strongly as a regular kava user. Once you consume kava-extracts for a while, you won't need as much to gain that buzzy glow!
Does kava have any health benefits?

Kavalactones have been studied to better understand the following potential benefits:
Is kava legal?

Yes. Kava is listed as a dietary supplement and legal in all 50 United States. However, we recommend consumption of Kavayn products for those over the age of 18.

Where do you source your kava?

Kavayn kava is sourced from several regions such as Fiji, Venuatu, and smaller islands around Fiji.
What are kavalactones?

Kavalactones are a class of bioactive compounds found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum). These compounds are responsible for the calming and relaxing effects associated with kava consumption. There are 18 different kavalactones, but six of them are particularly significant, accounting for over 90% of the active ingredients in most kava varieties:

  1. Kavain
  2. Dihydrokawain
  3. Methysticin
  4. Dihydromethysticin
  5. Yangonin
  6. Desmethoxyyangonin

These compounds are the focus of most studies on kava due to their pharmacological activity and their role in calming effects.
How do I know if your kava is pure?

Glad you asked...we use third-party testing to ensure authenticity. You can view our latest COA here:

How to consume kava or Kava plant extracts

Traditional Kava

Kava has been used by Pacific Islanders for over 3000 years. Traditional kava beverages are generally prepared by crushing, chewing, or grinding the kava root and stump, then soaking it in cold water. This method is commonly used in ceremonies and cultural practices.

Kavayn Elixir Snap Packs (Drinks)

SNAP! Place the flat side down, position the snap pack between your thumb and middle finger. Place your index finger on the top center of the snap pack.

SQUEEZE!

Position the snap pack over your 8oz-12oz beverage of choice, and gently bring your thumb and middle finger together, pressing down with your index finger, folding the snap pack in half.

MIX!

Once you have squeezed the elixir into your beverage of choice, stir or shake the beverage to mix the elixir in. Once you have mixed your drink, sit back, sip and enjoy!
Kavayn Gummies

First timers - Take one gummy, Chew thoroughly. Wait 10 minutes to determine if you want to take another. Kava extracts have a reverse-tolerance effect, so it might take a bit more in the beginning to feel the effects.

Kava drink lovers - Grab a gummy and enjoy. Take two if you want to keep the bliss going. We recommend no more than 4 a day.

Safety Guidelines

Safety considerations

As with any dietary supplement, users should be careful when consuming kava.

While kava is considered a safe supplement in the U.S., please be aware that there have been reports of hepatotoxicity, including liver failure, hepatitis, and cirrhosis associated with kava use. The risk increases with prolonged use, especially when consumed consistently for more than a month or in high doses (1,000 mg/day or more).

In addition, Kava can interact with other substances, prolonging the effects of anesthesia and potentially causing adverse reactions when combined with alcohol.
Potential side effects

Kava users may encounter side effects such as:

  • Upset stomach
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth

Be conscious of your dosage and engage in kava use responsibly.

How does kava compare to other natural alternatives?

How does Kava compare to using THC/CBD or Alcohol?

Kava, THC/CBD, and alcohol each offer distinct experiences and effects. Kava gives you clear-headed relaxation without the mental fog, THC/CBD offers everything from a buzz to therapeutic benefits without the hangover, and alcohol brings that familiar social lubricant effect but carries higher health risks. Everyone's got their preference!

Read more in this article here.

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Chill Vibes: Kava, THC/CBD, and Alcohol - What's Your Relaxation Style?

Chill Vibes: Kava, THC/CBD, and Alcohol - What's Your Relaxation Style?
Looking for ways to unwind? Kava gives you clear-headed relaxation without the mental fog, THC/CBD offers everything from a buzz to therapeutic benefits without the hangover, and alcohol brings that familiar social lubricant effect but carries higher health risks. Everyone's got their preference!

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The Big Scoop on Kavalactones

The Big Scoop on Kavalactones
Ever wondered what makes kava—that earthy-tasting drink from the South Pacific—so special? Meet kavalactones, the star players behind kava's calming effects. These natural compounds are found primarily in the roots of the kava plant (Piper methysticum), which has been used in traditional ceremonies and social gatherings across Pacific Island cultures for centuries.

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Kava: Your Natural Island Escape in a Cup
Ever wondered what people are sipping in those trendy kava bars popping up in your city? Kava comes from the roots of a plant (Piper methysticum) that Pacific Islanders have enjoyed for thousands of years. In Fiji, where it's called "yaqona," it's more than just a drink—it's an important part of social gatherings and ceremonies.

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