How much kava should you drink?

Start with one serving and give it 20–30 minutes before deciding whether to have another. Kava builds gradually rather than arriving sharply, so the most common mistake is judging a serving before it has fully landed.

A typical session:

• One serving — the usual starting point, and often enough on its own
• Wait 20–30 minutes — onset is 10–20 minutes for a shot or extract pour, 20–30 for strained root, and the peak comes at one to two hours
• A second, if you want one — many regular drinkers settle at one or two servings across an evening

Effects scale with the amount. More kavalactones means a more pronounced effect lasting longer. This is fairly predictable, which is why a measured serving is useful — you can find the amount that suits you and repeat it.

Your first few sessions are for calibrating. Kava's calm is a distinct feeling and it becomes easier to recognize with use. Taking more on session one rarely makes it clearer; going back a second and third time usually does.

Finding your own amount. Kava is a relaxant, and a larger amount produces heavier, sleepier relaxation rather than anything sharper. Most people find the amount that suits them within a few sessions and stay there.

Follow the product's own serving instructions. Concentrations vary widely between brands and formats, and guidance written for one product does not transfer to another.

When not to. Don't drive after drinking kava, and don't combine it with alcohol — both are covered elsewhere in this FAQ