Kava

Kava

Depressant

1 dangerous interaction — combining Kava with certain substances may be life-threatening.

Species of plant

Kava or kava kava (Piper methysticum: Latin 'pepper' and Latinized Greek 'intoxicating') is a plant in the pepper family, native to the Pacific Islands. The name kava is from Tongan and Marquesan, meaning 'bitter'. Kava can refer to either the plant or a psychoactive beverage made from its root. The beverage is a traditional ceremonial and recreational drink from Polynesia, Micronesia, and Melanesia. Nakamals and kava bars exist in many countries. Traditional kava is made by grinding fresh or dried kava root, mixing it with water or coconut milk, and straining it into a communal bowl. Outside the South Pacific, kava is typically prepared by soaking dried root powder in water and straining it. It is consumed socially for its psychoactive effects, comparable to those produced by alcohol but without significant cognitive impairment or addiction risk. Kava also produces a numbing sensation in the mouth.

Kava consists of sterile cultivars clonally propagated from its wild ancestor, Piper wichmanii. It originated in northern Vanuatu, where it was domesticated by farmers around 3,000 years ago through selective cultivation. Historically, the beverage was made from fresh kava; preparation from dry kava emerged in response to the efforts of Christian missionaries in the 18th and 19th centuries to prohibit the drinking of kava.

According to in vitro research, the pharmacological effects of kava stem primarily from six major kavalactones that modulate GABAA, dopamine, norepinephrine, and CB1 receptors, and inhibit MAO-B and ion channel mechanisms. Kava reduces short-term, situational anxiety, but its specific efficacy for generalized anxiety disorder appears to not be supported by the evidence.

Many countries banned or restricted kava in 2002 due to safety concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) subsequently reviewed kava’s safety and concluded that moderate consumption of kava in its traditional form, as a water-based suspension of roots, presents an "acceptably low level of health risk". However, WHO and other health authorities have also concluded that consumption of kava extracts produced with organic solvents or excessive amounts of low-quality kava products may be linked to an increased risk of adverse health outcomes, including liver injury.

How It Feels

Kava announces itself first on the tongue. The traditional preparation -- muddy, earthy, faintly bitter water strained from the pounded root -- produces an immediate and distinctive numbing of the mouth and lips, a mild local anesthesia that is the first tangible sign that something pharmacologically interesting has entered the body. The lips tingle, the tongue grows slightly thick, and there is a warmth that begins in the throat and descends into the stomach. This oral numbing is kava's calling card, and it arrives within seconds, well before the systemic effects begin.

Within twenty to forty minutes, the first wave of the kavalactones reaches the brain, and the world begins to shift. Anxiety loosens its grip, not with the dramatic totality of benzodiazepines but with a gentler, more organic softening. The muscles relax, particularly in the face and shoulders, and there is a growing sense of calm sociability -- a willingness to engage with others that feels warm and genuine rather than chemically imposed. The mind remains clear, even sharpened in some respects, while the emotional undercurrent of worry simply fades to background noise. There is a physical pleasure to the relaxation that is distinctly kava's own -- a warm, slightly heavy sensation in the limbs that has been likened to sinking into a warm bath.

At the peak, the experience divides into two broad streams depending on the kava variety. Heady cultivars produce a more cerebral, uplifting effect -- enhanced sociability, a brightening of mood, a sense of mental spaciousness. Heavy cultivars push toward deeper sedation -- a profound muscular relaxation, a drowsiness that pulls the eyelids downward, and a body-centered tranquility that makes sitting motionless feel like the most natural and rewarding activity imaginable. Both paths share a common anxiolytic baseline and a sense of peaceful well-being that is kava's most universal gift. At higher doses, coordination diminishes noticeably, and there is a visual softening that makes the world appear gently out of focus.

The comedown is gentle and generally pleasant. The calm persists as the more pronounced effects recede, leaving behind a mellow afterglow that can last for hours. Sleep, when it follows a kava session, is deep and restful, and the morning after is typically clear and refreshed -- there is no hangover comparable to alcohol's, though the stomach may feel slightly tender from the root's astringent properties. The overall impression of kava is of a profoundly civilized intoxicant -- warm, social, anxiolytic, and remarkably forgiving, a substance that seems designed for the communal evening rather than the solitary escape.

Subjective Effects

The effects listed below are based on the Subjective Effect Index (SEI), an open research literature based on anecdotal reports and personal analyses. They should be viewed with a healthy degree of skepticism. These effects will not necessarily occur in a predictable or reliable manner, although higher doses are more liable to induce the full spectrum of effects.

Physical Effects

Physical(10)

Dehydration— A state of insufficient bodily hydration manifesting as persistent thirst, dry mouth, and physical d...
Dizziness— A sensation of spinning, swaying, or lightheadedness that impairs balance and spatial orientation, o...
Increased libido— A marked enhancement of sexual desire, arousal, and sensitivity to erotic stimuli that can range fro...
Motor control loss— A distinct decrease in the ability to control one's physical body with precision, balance, and coord...
Muscle relaxation— The experience of muscles throughout the body losing their rigidity and tension, becoming noticeably...
Nausea— An uncomfortable sensation of queasiness and stomach discomfort that may or may not lead to vomiting...
Pain relief— A suppression of negative physical sensations such as aches and pains, ranging from dulled awareness...
Physical euphoria— An intensely pleasurable bodily sensation that can manifest as waves of warmth, tingling electricity...
Respiratory depression— A dangerous slowing and shallowing of breathing that can progress from barely noticeable reductions ...
Sedation— A state of deep physical and mental calming that manifests as a progressive desire to remain still, ...

Cognitive & Perceptual Effects

Visual(3)

After images— A visual phenomenon in which a faint, ghostly imprint of a previously viewed image persists in the v...
Colour enhancement— An intensification of the brightness, vividness, and saturation of colors in the external environmen...
Visual haze— A translucent fog or haze overlays the visual field, softening the environment and reducing clarity....

Cognitive(8)

Amnesia

Pharmacology

Pharmacologically, kava's effects stem from 18 different chemicals found within the plant called kavalactones, six of which have been found to be directly psychoactive in the body. The first of these are methysticin, dihydromethysticin, dihydrokavain, all of which act on the GABAA receptor and behave as an agonist, creating the well-known anxiolytic effects. Dihydromethysticin is also a reversible selective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor, specifically acting upon the MAO-B enzyme. Next is yangonin, which is unique in its ability to activate the CB1 receptor in the endocannabinoid system. Desmethoxyyangonin is also an MAO-B inhibitor and is able to increase dopamine levels in the Nucleus Accumbens. This, along with the potential increases of serotonin and other catecholamine concentrations, may be responsible for the purported attention-promoting effects of kava. Lastly is kavain. Kavain has shown evidence to be a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It also shows evidence of being an activator of NMDA receptors. Kavain has also been proven to be an effective GABAA receptor agonist and a positive allosteric modulator of GABA efficacy. Kavain is also weak anti-epileptic due to its sodium ion (Na+) channel antagonism. It is also an effective mood stabilizer, working as an antagonist on Ca2+ (calcium ion) channels and as a positive modulator on K+ channels (potassium ion). Its effects on calcium ion channels also make it an effective anticonvulsant and, in synergy with yangonin, makes an effective analgesic (Pain reliever) working with both calcium ion channels and the endocannabinoid system.

Studies have shown that kava can and will induce a low level of hepatic apoptosis similar to how paracetamol affects the liver and also can affect hepatic enzymes. Because of this, certain medications can make kava unsuitable and even dangerous for some users. Noble kava root alone can not, without consuming very large amounts of the substance, induce toxic levels and no overdose has ever been recorded. The consumption of 'noble' kava root has very low toxicity, however consumption 'tudei' kava and the stems and leaves of kava plants may increase the risk of liver damage.

Some research has been done into finding the LD50 of kavalactones with results stating that around 300-400 Mg/Kg daily would be the likely lethal dose based on animal studies.

Kava is known to produce a "reverse tolerance" in many users, in a similar fashion to substances like kanna. This means that continued use is required in order to experience full effects. Some users do not experience this.

Kava is traditionally regarded as non-addictive especially in comparison to other chemically related drugs such as benzodiazepines. In some Pacific Island communities, there is some record of people who have a psychological addiction to kava and drink it like an alcoholic drinks alcohol.

Hepatic Route drugs - Kava inhibits several liver enzymes in the CYP family. Consequentially, combining kava with drugs metabolized via CYP pathways, such as paracetamol, may cause adverse effects. For a list of medications click here A 2010 review concluded that it's possible that ethanol combined with kava may be the cause of kava hepatotoxicity.
Anticoagulants - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of anticoagulants can be found here
Antiplatelet - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet agents. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of antiplatelet agents can be found here

In some countries, kava has been banned but in most, it is simply regulated.

Australia** - Kava is regulated by the National Code of Kava Management. Only 18 year olds may have it and can only possess 2 Kg in their baggage.
United Kingdom** - In the UK it is illegal to sell, supply or import any medicinal product containing kava for human consumption. It is legal to possess kava for personal use, or to import it for purposes other than human consumption (e.g. for animals).
United States** - In the U.S., kava was once noted as a potential "Liver Damaging substance" but this remark has since been archived by the FDA and kava is legal for sale, trade, possession, use, and all other uses.
Canada** - While Health Canada has similar remarks to the U.S. regarding kava, there is no ban on the substance.
Benzodiazepines
Kava (Wikipedia)
Kava (Erowid Vault)

History

Substance	Status	Note
Dissociatives	Dangerous	—

Kava has been consumed in Pacific Island communities for over 3,000 years in both social and religious rituals, often as a drink. Kava's constituents have a sedative effect and act mainly on the GABA and dopamine receptors, as well as the sodium and calcium ion channels, but have also been found to have action upon the endocannabinoid system, specifically the CB1 receptor sites. Kava has been likened to the effects of alcohol without the heavy mental effects. Kava is primarily used to relieve anxiety (anxiolytic), to relieve pain (analgesic), and to boost sociability.

Commonly, kava is drank throughout the day by Pacific Islanders such as those on Vanuatu or the Islands of Hawaii. This drink is popularly consumed before spiritual rituals and before social events due to its mild psychotropic effects and its more potent sociability inducing effects. Kava replaces alcohol in many Pacific communities.

Entheogen

Kava cultures are the religious and cultural traditions of western Oceania which consume kava.

Kava is found to contain eighteen different chemicals called kavalactones. Kava's effects are believed to only relate to six psychoactive and medicinal kavalactones: methysticin, dihydromethysticin, kavain, dihydrokavain, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin.

Some research has been done into finding the LD50 of kavalactones with results stating that around 300-400 Mg/Kg daily would be the likely lethal dose based on animal studies.

Hepatic Route drugs - Kava inhibits several liver enzymes in the CYP family. Consequentially, combining kava with drugs metabolized via CYP pathways, such as paracetamol, may cause adverse effects. For a list of medications click here A 2010 review concluded that it's possible that ethanol combined with kava may be the cause of kava hepatotoxicity.
Anticoagulants - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of anticoagulants can be found here
Antiplatelet - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet agents. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of antiplatelet agents can be found here

In some countries, kava has been banned but in most, it is simply regulated.

Australia** - Kava is regulated by the National Code of Kava Management. Only 18 year olds may have it and can only possess 2 Kg in their baggage.
United Kingdom** - In the UK it is illegal to sell, supply or import any medicinal product containing kava for human consumption. It is legal to possess kava for personal use, or to import it for purposes other than human consumption (e.g. for animals).
United States** - In the U.S., kava was once noted as a potential "Liver Damaging substance" but this remark has since been archived by the FDA and kava is legal for sale, trade, possession, use, and all other uses.
Canada** - While Health Canada has similar remarks to the U.S. regarding kava, there is no ban on the substance.
Benzodiazepines
Kava (Wikipedia)
Kava (Erowid Vault)

Toxicity & Safety

Lethal dosage

Some research has been done into finding the LD50 of kavalactones with results stating that around 300-400 Mg/Kg daily would be the likely lethal dose based on animal studies.

Tolerance and addiction potential

Dangerous interactions

Depressants (1,4-Butanediol, 2M2B, alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, GHB/GBL, methaqualone, opioids) - This combination potentiates the muscle relaxation, amnesia, sedation, and respiratory depression caused by one another. At higher doses, it can lead to a sudden, unexpected loss of consciousness along with a dangerous amount of depressed respiration. There is also an increased risk of suffocating on one's vomit while unconscious. If nausea or vomiting occurs before a loss of consciousness, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Dissociatives - This combination can unpredictably potentiate the amnesia, sedation, motor control loss and delusions that can be caused by each other. It may also result in a sudden loss of consciousness accompanied by a dangerous degree of respiratory depression. If nausea or vomiting occurs before consciousness is lost, users should attempt to fall asleep in the recovery position or have a friend move them into it.
Stimulants - Stimulants mask the sedative effect of depressants, which is the main factor most people use to gauge their level of intoxication. Once the stimulant effects wear off, the effects of the depressant will significantly increase, leading to intensified disinhibition, motor control loss, and dangerous black-out states. This combination can also potentially result in severe dehydration if one's fluid intake is not closely monitored. If choosing to combine these substances, one should strictly limit themselves to a pre-set schedule of dosing only a certain amount per hour until a maximum threshold has been reached.
Hepatic Route drugs - Kava inhibits several liver enzymes in the CYP family. Consequentially, combining kava with drugs metabolized via CYP pathways, such as paracetamol, may cause adverse effects. For a list of medications click here A 2010 review concluded that it's possible that ethanol combined with kava may be the cause of kava hepatotoxicity.
Anticoagulants - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of anticoagulants can be found here
Antiplatelet - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet agents. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of antiplatelet agents can be found here

Overdose Information

overdose has ever been recorded. The consumption of 'noble' kava root has very low toxicity, however consumption 'tudei' kava and the stems and leaves of kava plants may increase the risk of liver damage.

Some research has been done into finding the LD50 of kavalactones with results stating that around 300-400 Mg/Kg daily would be the likely lethal dose based on animal studies.

Hepatic Route drugs - Kava inhibits several liver enzymes in the CYP family. Consequentially, combining kava with drugs metabolized via CYP pathways, such as paracetamol, may cause adverse effects. For a list of medications click here A 2010 review concluded that it's possible that ethanol combined with kava may be the cause of kava hepatotoxicity.
Anticoagulants - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with anticoagulants. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of anticoagulants can be found here
Antiplatelet - Kava may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with antiplatelet agents. Specifically the kavalactone kavain. A list of antiplatelet agents can be found here

In some countries, kava has been banned but in most, it is simply regulated.

Australia** - Kava is regulated by the National Code of Kava Management. Only 18 year olds may have it and can only possess 2 Kg in their baggage.
United Kingdom** - In the UK it is illegal to sell, supply or import any

Full	Unknown
Half	Unknown
Zero	Unknown

Dosage

Duration

How It Feels

Subjective Effects

Physical Effects

Physical(10)

Cognitive & Perceptual Effects

Visual(3)

Cognitive(8)

Pharmacology

Detection Methods

Urine Detection

Blood and Serum Detection

Hair Follicle Detection

Standard Drug Panel Inclusion

Confirmatory Methods

Interactions

History

Harm Reduction

General Principles

Kava-Specific Considerations

Toxicity & Safety

Overdose Information

Dangerous Interactions

Tolerance

Legal Status

Experience Reports (12)

Tips (5)

Community Discussions (2)

See Also

References (4)

Frequently Asked Questions

Transpersonal(1)