Kava Effects: What to Expect Your First Shell

What first-time kava effects usually feel like

If you are researching kava effects before your first shell, the main thing to know is that kava is usually described as calming, body-relaxing, and socially easing rather than intensely intoxicating. Many first-time drinkers expect a dramatic shift right away, but the experience is often subtler at the beginning: a relaxed jaw, a warm face, a mild heaviness in the limbs, and a quieter mental state. Some people also notice a temporary numbing or tingling in the mouth, especially with traditional preparations. That mouth feel is normal and is one of the easiest signs that you are drinking real kava.

The first shell can begin to register within about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the preparation strength, whether you have eaten recently, and your individual sensitivity. Effects often build gradually over one to three shells instead of arriving all at once. A common first-session pattern is this: the first shell feels earthy and numbing, the second brings more noticeable relaxation, and the third may produce a stronger sense of calm, slowed tension, and reduced social friction. For some users, the first session feels underwhelming, which does not always mean the kava is weak. Serving size, cultivar, and preparation method matter a lot.

It also helps to separate realistic effects from exaggerated expectations. Kava is not typically sought for visual distortion, emotional chaos, or a loss of control. Instead, users often seek steadier benefits such as reduced physical tension, a calmer mood, and an easier transition into the evening. If you are trying kava for the first time, expect the experience to be more about unwinding than escaping. That mindset helps you notice the real effects instead of chasing something kava is not meant to deliver.

Kava effects by stage: from the first sip to the later session

Understanding the timeline of kava effects can make your first session much easier to judge. The earliest sensation is often oral numbness. Within minutes, your lips and tongue may feel tingly or slightly anesthetized. This is a normal result of kavalactones and does not mean anything is wrong. After that, many people notice a gradual body shift: shoulders loosen, restlessness drops, and conversation may feel easier.

During the next phase, usually 15 to 45 minutes after a shell, the experience often becomes more noticeable. This is when users may report a warm, settled feeling in the chest and limbs, less mental chatter, and a stronger desire to sit back rather than stay busy. Depending on the cultivar and amount consumed, this stage may lean more toward uplifted sociability or toward heavier physical relaxation. Headier kavas are often described as brighter, more conversational, and mood-lifting. Heavier kavas are more likely to feel grounding, muscle-relaxing, and suitable for late evening use.

Later in the session, especially after multiple shells, some users experience stronger calm, slower reaction time, and a sleepy or couch-friendly feeling. This is where pacing matters. Drinking too quickly can turn a pleasant session into nausea, dizziness, or excessive grogginess. A practical first-session rhythm is to wait 10 to 15 minutes between shells and assess how your body responds before having more.

  • 0 to 10 minutes: mouth numbness, earthy taste, mild anticipation
  • 10 to 30 minutes: tension reduction, subtle mood shift, body ease
  • 30 to 60 minutes: fuller relaxation, sociability or heaviness depending on type
  • 60 minutes and beyond: lingering calm, possible sleepiness, slower pace

Knowing these stages helps you avoid the common mistake of assuming nothing is happening and overdrinking too early.

How to get predictable kava effects on your first try

The most reliable way to improve your first experience is to control the variables that shape kava effects. Start with your stomach. Many users report stronger effects when kava is consumed on a relatively empty stomach, such as two to four hours after a meal. If you drink it right after a large dinner, the onset may feel delayed and muted. At the same time, going in extremely hungry can make some people feel queasy, so aim for a light, balanced middle ground.

Next, pay attention to serving size and pacing. A smart first session is usually built around small, spaced servings rather than one large dose. If you are using a traditional preparation, begin with one shell, wait 10 to 15 minutes, and reassess. If the effects are mild but comfortable, have another shell. This measured approach lets you find your personal threshold without overshooting it.

Preparation quality is another major factor. Kava that is strained properly and mixed thoroughly tends to produce a more consistent session. If your preparation is weak, watery, or not kneaded long enough, the effects may be disappointing. If it is overly concentrated and consumed too fast, you increase the chance of stomach discomfort. A calm setting also matters more than many beginners expect. Kava tends to show itself better when you are sitting down, not multitasking, and not chasing stimulation.

  1. Choose the right time: evening or low-stress hours work best for first sessions.
  2. Use a modest starting amount: begin with one shell, not several at once.
  3. Wait between servings: give each shell time to develop before adding more.
  4. Drink water separately: stay hydrated, but do not dilute every shell excessively.
  5. Observe your body: note mood, muscle tension, sociability, and drowsiness.

These simple steps make the experience more readable and help you learn what kava actually does for you.

Common side effects, mistakes, and when kava feels disappointing

Not every first session goes smoothly, and that is often due to technique rather than the plant itself. The most common short-term side effects are nausea, stomach heaviness, dry mouth, and excessive drowsiness. These are more likely when someone drinks too much too fast, uses a very strong preparation without pacing, or consumes kava on a stomach that is either too full or too empty for their body. If nausea starts, the best response is to stop drinking, sip water slowly, and give the session time to settle.

Another common issue is feeling almost nothing. Beginners sometimes assume this means kava does not work for them, but there are several practical explanations. The preparation may be weak, the serving may be too small, the stomach may be too full, or the expectation may be aimed at a different kind of substance effect. Kava can be subtle at first, especially if you are looking for a dramatic mental shift instead of paying attention to body relaxation and reduced tension.

There are also a few avoidable mistakes that make first sessions worse:

  • Drinking too quickly: stacking shells fast can bring on nausea before pleasant effects fully develop.
  • Mixing with other substances: combining kava with alcohol or sedatives can increase impairment and side effects.
  • Using the wrong setting: a loud, rushed, overstimulating environment can mask subtle effects.
  • Ignoring cultivar differences: some kavas feel lighter and social, others much heavier and more sedating.

If your first session is disappointing, change one variable at a time on the next attempt. Try a better-timed session, a slightly stronger but still controlled preparation, or slower pacing. That method gives you better information than simply drinking much more and hoping for a stronger result.

How long kava effects last and what to do afterward

For most users, the main kava effects last roughly one to three hours, with some lingering relaxation or sleepiness carrying beyond that depending on dose, cultivar, and personal sensitivity. A lighter, headier session may fade more cleanly, while a heavier evening session can leave you feeling physically mellow for longer. The peak is often shorter than beginners expect, but the aftereffects can be meaningful: reduced tension, less social friction, and an easier transition into rest.

What you do after the session can shape how comfortable it feels. Many users like to eat after drinking kava, especially once the main effects have settled in. A small meal or snack can help if you feel hollow, overly relaxed, or slightly queasy. Hydration also matters. Kava sessions can leave your mouth feeling dry, so drinking water afterward is a practical habit. If the session leaned heavy, avoid tasks that require sharp coordination or fast reaction time.

It is also useful to track your response. After your first shell session, make a few notes while the experience is fresh:

  1. How fast did it start?
  2. Did it feel heady, heavy, or balanced?
  3. How many shells felt comfortable?
  4. Did you notice any nausea or next-day grogginess?
  5. Was the setting calm enough to notice the effects clearly?

These notes help you fine-tune future sessions instead of repeating guesswork. The goal for a first experience is not to push for the strongest possible outcome. It is to learn your response pattern safely and clearly. When approached that way, kava becomes much easier to understand, and future sessions are more likely to feel consistent and rewarding.

Where to Find Quality Kava

Ready to try kava for yourself? Kava.com offers lab-tested noble kava root with full kavalactone transparency, sourced from Hawaii, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

Explore Kava Varieties →

How to Choose Your First Kava: A Beginner’s Guide

Start with your goal before you buy

If you are wondering how to choose kava for the first time, start with the effect you want rather than the first product you see online. Kava is not one-size-fits-all. Different cultivars, processing styles, and formats can feel noticeably different, so the best first purchase depends on whether you want to relax after work, support social ease, or settle into a heavier evening session. Knowing your goal helps you avoid buying a product that is technically high quality but wrong for the experience you want.

A practical way to narrow your options is to sort kava into two broad effect profiles: heady and heavy. Heady kava is often described as more uplifting, social, and mentally bright. Many people prefer it earlier in the day or in social settings. Heavy kava is usually more body-focused, grounding, and calming, which makes it a common choice for evenings. Some products are balanced and sit somewhere in the middle. As a beginner, think about when you plan to drink kava and what you want to feel 30 to 90 minutes later.

It also helps to define your tolerance for taste, preparation time, and experimentation. Traditional medium-grind kava often gives the most authentic experience, but it requires straining and kneading. Instant kava is faster and easier, though it may cost more per serving. Micronized kava can be convenient, but some people find it harder on the stomach. If you know you are unlikely to do a full traditional prep, choosing a simpler format may lead to a better first experience.

  • For social use: look for heady or balanced descriptions.
  • For evening relaxation: look for heavy or body-centered descriptions.
  • For convenience: consider instant over medium-grind.
  • For a classic first session: choose a noble medium-grind kava with clear prep instructions.

Starting with your goal keeps the process simple and gives you a better chance of enjoying your first bowl instead of guessing your way through dozens of listings.

How to choose kava by type, format, and cultivar

One of the biggest beginner mistakes is assuming all kava products are interchangeable. They are not. To understand how to choose kava, you need to compare three things on the label or product page: the type of kava, the format, and the cultivar or blend. These details tell you far more than vague marketing terms like premium or strong.

First, prioritize noble kava. Noble cultivars are the standard choice for regular drinking and are generally preferred for a cleaner, more predictable experience. Avoid products that do not clearly identify themselves as noble, especially if they use broad claims without sourcing details. For a first purchase, transparency matters. A trustworthy listing should tell you where the kava was grown, what form it is in, and ideally which cultivar or blend you are buying.

Next, choose the format that fits your habits. Medium-grind root is the traditional option and is prepared by soaking and kneading in water, then straining. It usually offers good value and a full traditional experience. Instant kava dissolves in water and is the easiest for beginners who want consistency and speed. Micronized kava is finely ground and often mixed directly into water, but because it includes more root material, some drinkers prefer to start with instant or traditional prep instead.

Finally, look at the cultivar or blend description. Single-cultivar products can be useful if you want a specific effect profile, while blends are often designed for balance and consistency. If the seller notes whether a kava is heady, heavy, or balanced, use that information alongside your goal.

  1. Choose noble kava only.
  2. Pick a format you will realistically prepare.
  3. Read cultivar or blend notes for expected effects.
  4. Ignore hype words unless they are backed by sourcing and prep details.

When labels are clear and specific, comparing products becomes much easier and your first purchase becomes much less of a gamble.

Read labels and product pages like a careful buyer

A good product page can tell you almost everything you need to know before buying your first kava. Beginners often focus only on price or star ratings, but the smarter approach is to read the listing for signs of quality, freshness, and honest disclosure. If a seller makes it easy to understand what is in the bag and how to use it, that is usually a good sign. If the page is vague, overloaded with miracle claims, or missing basic sourcing details, move on.

Start with the ingredient list. A straightforward kava product should clearly identify the plant part used, ideally root or root-based material rather than unspecified fillers. Check whether the product is plain kava or mixed with flavorings and other botanicals. For your first session, plain kava is easier to evaluate because you can learn how that specific product feels without extra variables.

Then look for practical information: origin country, cultivar or blend name, grind type, serving guidance, and preparation instructions. Reliable sellers often explain whether the kava is best for daytime, evening, or balanced use. They may also mention taste intensity, recommended shell size, or whether the product is suitable for traditional prep. This kind of detail helps you match the product to your actual needs.

Reviews can help, but read them carefully. Look for patterns rather than one dramatic comment. If many reviewers mention smooth effects, easy prep, or a consistent body feel, that is more useful than a single review claiming extreme strength. Also note whether reviewers describe effects that match the seller’s listing.

  • Good signs: noble identification, origin listed, cultivar or blend named, clear prep instructions, realistic effect notes.
  • Warning signs: no sourcing details, exaggerated claims, unclear ingredients, no prep guidance, confusing serving sizes.
  • Best beginner move: choose a plain product with transparent labeling and consistent reviews.

The more specific the product page, the easier it is to buy with confidence and avoid disappointment on your first try.

Balance strength, price, and serving size

Many first-time buyers assume the strongest kava is automatically the best value. In practice, value depends on how much you need per session, how easy the product is to prepare, and whether the effects match your goal. Learning to compare strength, price, and serving size will help you avoid overpaying for convenience or underbuying a product that looks cheap but requires large amounts to feel effective.

Start by comparing the cost per serving, not just the bag price. A larger bag of medium-grind kava may seem expensive at first, but if it provides many sessions, it can be a better value than a smaller instant product. On the other hand, if convenience determines whether you will actually use it, instant kava may be worth the higher cost. The best first buy is not the cheapest option. It is the one you can prepare correctly and use consistently.

Be careful with the word strong. Strength can mean different things: faster onset, more pronounced mental effects, deeper body relaxation, or simply a larger recommended dose. Instead of chasing the strongest product, choose one with a clear effect profile and begin with the lower end of the recommended serving range. This gives you room to learn how your body responds without overwhelming your first session.

It is also smart to think about session planning. If you want to drink kava once or twice a week, a small bag may be enough for testing. If you expect regular use, buying a format with better value per serving makes more sense.

  1. Calculate approximate servings from the package size and instructions.
  2. Compare cost per serving across products, not just total price.
  3. Choose effect profile over vague claims of maximum strength.
  4. Start with a modest serving and adjust in later sessions.

This approach helps you buy kava that fits your budget and your routine, while reducing the risk of a disappointing first experience.

Make your first purchase easier with a simple beginner checklist

When you are new, too many choices can make buying kava feel more complicated than it needs to be. A simple checklist can turn research into a clear decision. The goal is not to find the perfect kava on your first try. The goal is to choose a solid, appropriate product that teaches you what you like. Once you know whether you prefer heady, heavy, traditional, or instant, future purchases become much easier.

For most beginners, the safest path is a noble kava with transparent sourcing, straightforward preparation, and an effect profile that matches the time of day you plan to drink it. If you want the classic experience and do not mind a few extra steps, medium-grind is a strong starting point. If you want the easiest possible entry, instant is often the simplest option. Either way, avoid mystery blends with little information and avoid buying based only on flashy packaging or the promise of extreme potency.

  • Step 1: Decide whether you want social uplift, balanced relaxation, or a heavier evening feel.
  • Step 2: Choose a format: medium-grind for traditional prep, instant for convenience.
  • Step 3: Confirm it is noble kava.
  • Step 4: Check for origin, cultivar or blend details, and clear instructions.
  • Step 5: Compare cost per serving, not just package price.
  • Step 6: Read reviews for consistency, not hype.
  • Step 7: Start with the recommended lower serving range for your first session.

If you follow this checklist, you will answer the core beginner question of how to choose kava in a practical way. You will move from broad curiosity to a product that fits your goals, your budget, and your routine. That is the best foundation for a positive first experience and smarter choices going forward.

Where to Find Quality Kava

Ready to try kava for yourself? Kava.com offers lab-tested noble kava root with full kavalactone transparency, sourced from Hawaii, Fiji, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.

Explore Kava Varieties →

What is the Strongest Kava?

Dear Kava Guru,

What is the strongest Kava?

Mitch,

San Bernardino, CA

This is a question I’ve been asked perhaps over 100 times, but I apologize that it took me until now to get around to answering it. This is really a 2-part question in my mind. There’s “What is the strongest Kava?” and “What is the strongest Kava product?“.

Why the distinction?

Well, most of us even somewhat familiar with Kava know that, in it’s natural, non-extracted state, Kava powder has about an 8% – 14% Kavalactone content. From years of working with Kava and looking through many hundreds of lab tests on Kava, I would say that one average, there’s about a 10%-12% Kavalactone content. Some of the mellow roots from Samoa or Fiji, tend to have slightly less, perhaps 6% – 8%. Some of the more potent strains are often from Hawaii or Vanuatu, and can have as much as 16% – 18% Kavalactone content. Is this strong? I would say that shells of Kava are plenty strong, and after consuming Kava almost daily for the past 20 years, I still only need 3-4 shells of Kava to get myself to the relaxed and sociable state. I’ve seen newbies need only a single shell, and they’re good for at least 1-2 hours.

But, this all also really depends on the BLEND that your Kava supplier is selling you:

Kava is typically sold as two separate parts; there are “chips” and there are “roots”. Chips are just the main “stump” of Kava root that can get quite thick and large on a mature Kava plant. These tend to be very smooth drinking, but they also tend to be much lower in Kavalactone content. Laterals on the other hand, are the actual “roots” of the Kava in the way we all imagine roots. These tend to have a much higher Kavalactone content, but they also are a little harsher to drink.

That’s why the perfect Kava drink usually comes from a blend of chips and roots, to arrive at a relatively potent Kava drink, that’s smooth to drink. We usually see about a 50/50 blend of chips to roots, but that can vary depending on the Kava Bar or supplier. If there’s a higher blend of laterals to chips, then the drink is less smooth, but it’s a stronger Kava drink in general. Personal preference is what it comes down to when seeking the strongest Kava product available, as stronger isn’t necessarily always better.

Next up is Part II of the original question; “What is the strongest Kava product?”

Up until a couple of weeks ago, this was a simple question to answer; Kavalactone Oil or Kavalactone Paste is definitely the strongest Kava product available. Whether it’s a 70% concentration that we’ve seen at Root of Happiness, or the 55% that we’ve seen at Kava.com, this is the most bang for your buck. But, it’s not for beginners, and it’s extremely easy to be fooled into taking too much of a good thing.

Now, I did say that this USED to be a simple answer, because there was really just one King of the Hill Kava Product, which is the Kavalactone Paste. But, I was just handed a new product from Kona Kava Farm called “Kava Tincture MAX 12%”. Now, this isn’t a product review, but since that product is unique to the Kava marketplace, I can’t fully answer this question without mentioning this product by name. I could say that a 12% Liquid Kava Extract is the strongest product I’ve been able to find, but to me, that’s splitting hairs.

So, how exactly can something that says 12% be anywhere near as strong as something that says 55% or 70%?

It all has to do with the format of the product. With the Kona Kava Farm Kava Tincture MAX, the package states that just 2 dropperfuls contain nearly an entire day’s supply of Kavalactone. Because it’s so easy to place two dropperfuls in the mouth, because it absorbs so easily when placed under the tongue, I’ve noticed quite a difference in effect. The liquid comes on much more quickly. The numbing of the mouth is very immediate and dramatic. And, the change in my state of being happens quite quickly. The paste has more dissolving and breaking down to do, whereas the Kava Tincture is already in liquid form, ready to be absorbed in the mouth, especially in the soft tissue in the mouth that’s made for absorbing food.

So, when discussing what the strongest Kava is, I would say that Kava powder with a blend that’s more laterals than chips, and is from Vanuatu or Hawaii might be your best bet. But, it’s also important to note that the numbers aren’t everything. I’ve found that Fijian Kava ay have less Kavalactone percentage, but it’s an extremely enjoyable drink, with slightly different psychoactive effects to it.

When we’re asking what the strongest Kava product is, I would say that Kona Kava Farm’s Kava Tincture MAX 12% takes the top spot. Mind you, the Kavalactone Pastes that are available, whatever the strength, are extremely close in the long run, and after a few minutes. But, from a sheer “strongest” perspective, if I’m thinking of immediate effects, would be the liquid.

One thing to note before I go, though, is that everything has a price:

Although the new Kava Tincture MAX has a more immediate effect, it does seem to wear off a little more quickly than the Kavalactone Pastes and Oils. This means you may have to go beyond the recommended daily dose in order to keep that state of mind you are enjoying. Shells of Kava on the other hand, with perhaps 120mg of Kavalactone each in them, can be enjoyed with friends over a few hours. The pleasant sensations are very easy to regulate and keep at an even keel.

It’s really up to personal preference, though, and as long as you’re enjoying Kava responsibly, I say explore and seek the peace in this plant of peace, whatever strength you decide is right for you.

Peace & Mischief,
Kava.Guru

Allergic Reaction to Kava?

Dear Kava Guru,

I’ve been using Kava for over a year but just had an allergic reaction. Is this permanent?

Best Regards,
Marc

Another great question; thank you Marc! It’s actually very rare that we hear about allergic reactions to Kava. Most of the allergic reactions to Kava occur after long-time usage, and in amounts that are far far more than the casual Kava drinker. I’ve been enjoying Kava for over 20 years now, and consume, nearly daily, up to 1000mg of Kavalactones (that’s about 4-6 shells of Kava per day). After bi-annual blood tests, and exhaustive self-observation, I haven’t noticed any allergic-type effects to Kava. But, everyone is quite different.

I bring that short snippet up because after looking through all available research on allergic reactions to Kava, it seems that the only documented allergic reactions occur after extensive use, like you, but also with heavy use. You didn’t tell me how much you were consuming per day, but I’m guessing that’s it’s far under the amounts that typically cause allergic reactions. Having said that, though, my best guess as someone who is not a doctor, is that if you discontinue use for a couple of weeks, and then try it again, that you will not have an allergic reaction. There are often a lot of factors that go into allergic reactions, and the only time I’ve seen allergic reactions to Kava in small quantities, is when it’s combined with alcohol.

For me, I can’t consume anything more than a shot a spirits if I am imbibing in Kava, and in all honesty, I can’t really mix the two ever. I get nauseated, and I get itchy skin when I combine the two. The moment I don’t combine the two, I’m fine. And, I know of at least 4-5 friends who regularly combine Kava with alcohol, and they suffer no ill effects whatsoever. It’s really because everyone is different, and different bodies will react to different conditions, and it becomes very hard to predict individual cases.

Just be smart about it, and take a break. When you finish you r break, just try to slowly ramp up your usage and observe carefully. I’m extremely interested to hear how you fare, as stories of allergic reactions are so rare. I’d be happy to share your experience with readers or keep it private; whatever you choose.

Mahalo,

Keith @ Kava.Guru

How to Choose Your Kava By Effect

Happy Kava Custom Kava BlendsImagine if you could choose your Kava by effect! Perhaps one person wants some anxiety relief, while another is looking for an energy boost, while another is looking for something to help ease into a meditative state Kava can be a panacea for anything related to stress relief, anxiety reduction, mental clarity, or even as an aphrodisiac. But what if the power of Kava was boosted by a corresponding concentrated herb that makes the Kava even more potent? This is where Happy Kava Blends come in. Continue Reading

Where Can I Buy Kava?

This is where we review various websites and their Kava Kava products.  Our focus is Kava root, but we have tried every kava product from every website we can find, and post what we think.  We accept no donations or solicitations from any website that sells Kava, and if we have a bad experience with any Kava site, we will always try a second and a third time before making any final judgement on the experience and the quality of Kava on that particular website.
Continue Reading

Where Can I Find a Kava Bar?

We have a vastly easier INTERACTIVE KAVA BAR MAP instead of this dull, static list below.  Visit that page instead; and if you’re a Kava Bar, let us know and we’ll add you immediately!

United States Kava Bars

  • Los Angeles, CA – Kava Shack
  • Cave Junction, OR – Commune I Tea
  • San Diego, CA – Kava Lounge
  • Rancho Cordova, CA- The Root of Happiness Kava Bar
  • Santa Cruz, CA – Luminescence Day Spa, Kava Bar and Tea Room
  • Boca Raton, FL – Nakava
  • Hollywood, FL – Mystic Water Kava Bar & Yoga Studio
  • West Palm Beach, FL – Purple Lotus Kava Bar and Kavasutra
  • St. Petersburg, FL – Bula Kafe
  • Deerfield Beach, FL – Kahuna ‘Awa Bar
  • Tarpon Beach, FL – Sawgrass Tiki Bar
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL – Fiji Kava Bar
  • Hilo, HI – Bayfront Coffee, Kava and Tea
  • Hiwa, HI – Kava Kafe
  • Kailua-Kona, HI – Kanaka Kava Bar
  • Pahoa, HI – Uncle Robert’s Kava Bar/’Awa Club
  • Boone, NC – Noble Kava
  • Asheville, NC – Vanuatu Kava Bar
  • Wilmington, NC – Kat 5 Kava Bar
  • Ithaca, NY – Mystic Water Kava Bar & Yoga Studio
  • Portland, OR – Bula Kava House
  • Austin, TX – SquareRüt Kava Bar

Worldwide Kava Bars

  • United Kingdom – Kava Pub

This is just a partial list of the Kava Bars that are listed on the Interactive Map! Simply zoom in and click around; you’ll discover just how many Kava Bars there actually are in the world! And, the exciting part is, is that the number of Kava Bars began to grow exponentially in 2016. This is exciting news, as Kava.Guru is all about spreading the love and word of Kava as far and wide as possible.

What About Baking With Kava?

Dear Kava Guru,

What about baking with Kava?

Abbey,

Planet Earth

Another great question; thank you Abbey! Most who know the fragile nature of Kavalactones have a number of 140 degrees Fahrenheit in their minds. This magical number is the temperature at which Kavalactones begin to break down. (If you’re not sure what a Kavalactone is, you can see Kona Kava Farm’s “Kava Chemotypes Decoded” for more.)

The key word is “begin“.

Most of my Kava career, I’ve been too afraid to heat Kava up beyond 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Baking with Kava seemed like a pipe dream. I wrote about “Cooking With Kava” in a previous post, and discovered some interesting things when it came to cooking or baking with Kava. It turns out Kavalactones are somewhat sturdier than Kava aficionados have been led to believe. If you are to use it when you are baking, it is imperative you are a capable baker, which can be achieved by attending one of the Bakery classes by Delhi bakers Club.

Also, thanks to the diligence of Wonderland-Labs, a testing lab that specializes in Kava, we now have a handy chart. This chart accurately shows at what temperatures and times that Kavalactones actually break down. Why do we care? Because we can do a lot more with Kava when we can cook with it. Kona Kava Farm has reported that countless people have offered them a number of recipes for cooking, and that the effects can pack quite a punch! There’s actually a good article on Kava.com called “Boiling and Baking With Kava” that also explains this curious topic. So, here’s the breakdown for you:

TO GET 50% KAVALACTONE LOSS

140°F – Heating for 8 hours
150°F – Heating for 7 hours
160°F – Heating for 6 hours
170°F – Heating for 5 hours
180°F – Heating for 4 hours
190°F – Heating for 3 hours
200°F – Heating for 2 minutes
210°F – Heating for 1 hour
220°F – Heating for 30 minutes

They also found that Kavalactone, under pressure, can withstand even higher heats for longer periods of time. This is exciting news to bakers, and explains why the many people I’ve spoken with swear by Kava cookies. Even better news, is that starting from an extract, such as 33% Kavalactone powder can yield very pleasant baked goods. Even if 50% of the Kavalactones were to break down during the baking process, you’d still have a solid 15% of the Kavalactone remaining. No, it’s not as strong as something made from 33% Kavalactone or 55% Kavalactone Paste, but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Something equally as interesting to note is that Kavalactone typically absorbs into the human body via fats. So, coconut milk, very popular in Oceania, can help quicken the absorption of Kavalactones, making the effect even more noticeable. When we’re baking with Kava, there are several sources of natural, healthy fats such as margarine, vegetable oil, nuts, or chocolate chips.

In my humble opinion, Chocolate and Kava is the PERFECT pairing! Kava King also has a Kava Chocolate Bar that’s pretty darn awesome.

So, to me, one of the beautiful things about natural herbal products such as Kava, is the freedom we have to explore them as much as we want, and without fear. If you’ve got an idea for adding Kava to a recipe, I’d love to post it here. If you want to see what it’s like to take a capsule of Kava alongside some chocolate chips, you might be surprised at how extra-pleasant the experience turns out to be. From here at Kava.Guru, I say that baking with Kava can be quite an extraordinary adventure!

Live a little, try out some recipes and share them with us here! If I post your recipe, I’ll send off a 4oz package of Kava.com’s Instant Kava Mix, Natural flavor.

Mahalo,
Kava.Guru

Is Kava from China Dangerous?

Kava from China DangerousI understand that asking if Kava from China is dangerous is a very broad statement for a very broad market. And, after interviews with Kava importers as well as Wonderland Labs (a testing facility that specializes in testing Kava), the results were quite consistent across the board. From more than a dozen testing results from various China-based companies selling Kava in various forms, from powders to Kavalactone extracts in various strengths, the results fell into 2 main categories.

The Kavalactone lineup for 85% of all the Kava we studied from China had a Kavalactone lineup of 2-5-3, and a consistent Kavalactone content of about 11%. Most of this Kava root was advertised as “Noble” Kava root, although 2-5-3 lineups are almost exclusively Tudei Kava. Tudei Kava is actually a non-noble variety of Kava. Another 15% had a consistent Kavalactone lineup of 2-4-3, which is actually consistent with Noble Kava from Vanuatu or possibly Fiji.

Equally as interesting, though, is that the advertised percentages of Kavalactone within the test samples were almost always half of the actual Kavalactone content. When confronted with this information, we were told that the manufacturer’s testing shows results that are quite different than the confirmed results we found.

So, what about the 2-5-3 Kavalactone lineup? It tests out as a non-noble variety of Kava. Most Kava connoisseurs prefer Noble Kava root, which is somewhat analogous to single malt liquors or single origin coffees. Noble Kava root can usually be traced to a very specific geographical location in the world, and is typically thought to be a more “pure” form of Kava. for example, Hawaiian Kava has about 13 major varieties, all of which are a Noble kava root. Varieties such as Ne Ne, M’oa, and Mahakea each have very different characteristics, and typically have different Kavalactone lineups.

But, recent research has shown that Tudei Kava and its FKB content has several key health benefits in the amounts consumed by Kava drinkers.

Read on…

Tudei Kava on the other hand, has the same Kavalactone lineup no matter where it grows in the world. Tudei Kava is a faster growing Kava that typically has thicker rootstock. When the Kava market was exploding in the 1990’s, a lot of farmers were having difficulty keeping up with demand, and switched their crops to Tudei Kava. So, what’s wrong with Tudei Kava, one might ask?

The major constituents of ethanolic kava root extract are kavalactones, including kawain, dihydrokawain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin. Kava root extracts also contain chalcones, including flavokawain A, flavokawain B, and flavokawain C. We initially screened all 6 major kavalactones and 3 chalcones for cytotoxicity toward HepG2 hepatoma cells using MTT assays. None of the kavalactones, except yangonin, exhibited toxicity at concentrations up to 150 μM.

Tudei Kava is known to have larger amounts of Flavokawain A and Flavokawain B (sometimes spelled Flavokavain) than most Noble Kava root. With all of the controversy over extremely rare cases of liver damage with Kava consumption, recently, flavokavain B is emerging as a possible link to that rare liver damage. In study published in the US National Library of Medicine, they had this to say about Flavokawain B (FKB):

Interestingly, all other compounds tested, including FKA and yangonin, failed to induce cell death in L-02 cells (data not shown). FKB (Fig. 1B) was therefore chosen for further investigation, not only because it was a more potent cytotoxin in liver cells as compared to FKC, but also because FKB was >20-fold more abundant than FKC in acetone or ethanol extracts of kava.

Before anyone gets in an uproar though, it’s important to note two key items:

  1. What SOLVENT IS USED to extract Kava.
  2. The AMOUNT of Flavokawain-B that needs to be present to cause this cell damage.

Water, the most common extraction method for Kava, is considered a solvent, and therefore, is included on the below chart. What the chart shows, is that very little Flavokawain-B is extracted from Kava when it’s extracted by water. This is of critical importance, especially when researching what the Kava products you choose to purchase were extracted into. Take a look at the chart below:

flavokawain b extraction chart

Out of 46.6mg/g of Kavalactones extracted into water, there was only 0.2mg/g of FKB. In a full day’s serving of 290mg of Kavalactone as recommended by the FDA, that’s only 1.2mg TOTAL Flavokawain-B in your entire day’s Kava serving.

So, let’s take a look at what amounts were measured in the trials: In the quoted study, mice were orally administered FKB in amounts that are equal to 25mg/kg body weight daily for 1 week. Since a mouse weighs about 0.02kg, that means about 0.5mg of FKB were administered per day for a week.

Translating 25mg/kg of weight into human terms, for a 125lb/57kg person that’s 1425mg of FKB every single day for a week. For a 165lb/75kg person that’s 1875mg of FKB every single day for an entire week.

Let’s look at these astounding numbers for a second: So, even if a human consumed several water-based shells of Kava a day (a typical “shell” of Kava contains about 120mg of Kavalactone), they would only be consuming about 1.2mg of FKB in total. That’s about 1,375 times LESS FKB that induced the reported cell death in mice. Even if you had a full day’s serving of Kavalactone per shell (about 290mg per shell) and still drank several shells a day (rarely happens, even with experienced Kava drinkers), that’s still about 458 times less FKB that induced cell death in mice.

To put this another way, to achieve the same levels of toxicity that were done in the quoted study, a person of average weight would have to consume over 1,000 shells of Kava every day for an entire week. Yes, the argument can be made that over time, damage could accumulate, but that’s not how FKB operates. FKB was shown to be dangerous only in extremely large doses, administered daily over the course of a week. It doesn’t “store up” in the human body, and get more toxic over time.

What does this mean for the average consumer of Kava: If you don’t drink Kava, and a lot of it every day, there is little to no evidence that Kava is hepatotoxic in the amounts you would be consumed. If you happened to purchase some bad product from a shady vendor that was extracted into ethanol, you would still need to consume about 100 shells of Kava in a single day, for an entire week to have the same effects that were shown in the study.

So, if much of the Kava coming out of China is actually 2-5-3 and considered Tudei Kava, is it dangerous to consume? It’s only my very non-scientific opinion, but from the various amounts of evidence I’ve gathered, I would have to say no. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be looking for Noble varieties of Kava root from a reputable vendor when you’re looking to purchase Kava, but it means that Tudei Kava doesn’t appear to be as dangerous as some of the media hype has made it out to be.

In fact, in that same study, they stated this:

Controlling the levels of FKB in kava products by modifying existent extraction methods or possibly by genetically modifying FKB biosynthesis should in principle reduce, if not eliminate, those rare hepatotoxic effects observed in consumers of kava root extracts.

What they are referring to is Kava that is extracted into water. Most consumers are extracting their Kava into water, so it appears that even though this study does show hepatoxicity with levels of FKB that no consumer would be able to physically ingest, even the levels of FKB that could potentially exist in water-based extracts do not appear to be harmful.

As a further note, they also concluded this:

Kavalactones have been proposed to account for kava-induced liver toxicity, but no noticeable toxicity was observed in rats fed with kavalactones (>500 mg/kg, daily for 4 wk). In agreement with this in vivo observation, our data showed that indeed kavalactones had no significant effects on the viability of selected liver cell lines.

This is true for any Kava, whether it’s a Noble variety or the Tudei variety, and this is good news for Kava, wherever in the world it comes from.

Flavokawain B’s Health Benefits?

Now, this will likely be more controversial than any of the other statements in this article, but there’s a peer reviewed study from January 20, 2016 that has concluded that the amounts of Flavokawain B (FKB) contained in the amounts of Kava an average consumer might typically ingest, are not harmful, but protective to our health. Some may find this difficult to believe, but the evidence couldn’t be any clearer. I have taken three of the most definitive conclusions from the study:

Flavokawains promote an adaptive cellular response that protects hepatocytes against oxidative stress. We propose that FKA has potential as a chemopreventative or
chemotherapeutic agent.

And secondly:

Both flavokawains activated Nrf2, increasing HMOX1 and GCLC expression and enhancing total glutathione levels over 2-fold (p < 0.05).

And third:

Calculations by Teschke et al. have shown that the dose of FKB obtained from an ethanolic kava extract is 250-fold below the amount needed to cause modest hepatotoxicity, based on rodent studies (Teschke et al. 2011).

Ths should give plenty of fodder for discussion for those who remain convinced that Tudei Kava is the scourge of the Kava world…

Mahalo,
Kava.Guru

P.S. Read a similar article on Tudei Kava and Flavokawain B called “Is Flavokawain B Dangerous?” to find out more.

Lab Certified Kava – Does It Really Matter?

Kava for Beginners Ultimate GuideOne of the questions I’m getting asked more and more these days is whether “lab certified Kava” means anything. After all, Kava is a natural plant product that grows in places like Hawaii, Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and a few other places. That means it’s mostly untouched by the perils of the modern world right? Well, after just a bit of investigation, the answer is a resounding; “Yes, Lab Certified Kava is critically important to your health.” Whether or not the Kava you are purchasing has been tested in a lab and manufactured in an FDA-compliant facility, it can mean the difference between a pleasant experience and an upset stomach, or worse; a trip to the hospital.

Before anyone sounds alarms of me being alarmist, let me present the facts.

First, I went to Amazon.com and purchased 6 random samples of Kava. I wasn’t too particular, I just wanted to get a wide range of Kava products. I purchased ones that appeared to be very “official” and also had claims of “GMP Kava.” I also purchased ones that said “Lab Certified Kava”, as well as ones that didn’t appear to have any Supplement Facts on them whatsoever. (Supplement Facts are required by the FDA for any consumable product.) I got what I felt was a “representative” selection of Kava products.

Let’s first take a brief class on what the different terminologies mean:

“Lab Certified Kava” – This means any Kava was sent to a lab that can test for things that the FDA requires of all dietary supplements. The typical tests are biological (testing for mold, yeast, Salmonella, E. coli, and a few other pathogens). Kava is a root, and because of that, it spends most of its life underground. Dirt, at least these days, isn’t as harmless as it used to be. Chemicals leech into the water table, and contaminants that get released into the air and get into rain. The Earth itself builds up contaminants over repeated cycles of growing and harvesting. So, getting Kava tested in a lab, and subsequently lab certified Kava is an absolute must for anyone who manufactures, distributes, or sells Kava at a retail level.

And although not every retailer understands, even if the Kava from a supplier was actually lab certified Kava, that’s not actually acceptable to the FDA. Every person who holds Kava for distribution is required to get their Kava tested in a lab to verify the and confirm the results that they were provided with by their supplier. And this is a requirement for every single batch that’s made. With smaller companies and smaller batches, costs just for testing and getting their lab certified Kava into the marketplace can be an astronomically costly undertaking.

Another integral part of the lab certified Kava picture, is testing for heavy metals in Kava. Again, dirt itself may contain trace amounts of a number of contaminants that occur naturally, or were introduced into the ground from various means. Typically, heavy metals testing for Kava consists of Arsenic Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury. The FDA has set up very specific limits of what is acceptable for both food and dietary supplements. In the Kava we’ve tested. In the Kava that Wonderland-Labs tested (a lab that specializes in Kava testing), it appeared to be extremely rare for Kava roots to contain heavy metals.

Biological contamination is another story, though.

“GMP Manufactured Kava” – This is another term that seems to be getting abused recently. Food and dietary supplements need to be manufactured under very strict conditions, to be legally sold in the marketplace. This set of extremely rigorous rules only continues to get stricter. The FDA is making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive as a result. For a Kava product to be truly “GMP manufactured”, any facility must follow a very strict set of procedures. They must also maintain a specific level of cleanliness and sterility in their manufacturing facility. This includes ensuring that every product offered in the marketplace has been “lab certified”. And this isn’t just for the initial product supplied from the manufacturer; every individual type of product must have a “Certificate of Analysis” accompanying it.

With costs for complete safety testing and identification of Kava, each product can cost up to $500.00 per product. For a company that has, say 24 different Kava products, you can see how the testing alone can get very costly. From our interviews, this is causing smaller companies to cut corners, and subsequently, to allow less safe Kava into the marketplace.

Now that we know the main terminology, let’s take a look at some actual testing results. All of our examples come from a lab that specializes in testing Kava. I trust their expertise. And, with literally thousands of test results from virtually every brand of Kava, they seem to be an authority on lab certified Kava. I also know them personally.

O.K., let’s get back to those 6 Kava samples chosen at random.

Lab Certified Kava Biological Testing

And then, the additional biological testing:
lab-certified-additional-bio

Nearly all of the samples came up as safe, or at least safe enough, which was quite a relief. But, out of the 6 Kava samples, one had dangerous levels of a biological contaminant. This could mean at least an upset stomach, or worse; a trip to the emergency room:

Kava Labs Results Danger

I want to stress that I’m not here to be alarmist; these are real results from a random sampling of real Kava on Amazon.com. Also, despite repeated requests, I’m not going to reveal the sources of our samples. Each Kava company has been alerted to the testing results, and we have asked for a follow-up regarding their remedy to this situation.

There are difficulties with Kava safety. Kavalactones start to break down after just 20 minutes in heat above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Traditional means of pasteurization of irradiation can’t happen for Kava as a result. This makes it even more imperative that any Kava be handled with the utmost care, from farm to your stomach.

The new American Kava Association hoping to make a difference in Kava testing. They require testing of every Kava product by every member. this forces companies to adhere to the strict manufacturing standards that the FDA requires of every dietary supplement manufacturer. They also offer a number of benefits for their members. This includes Kava testing at reduced prices for any member, trusted Kava suppliers, and knowledge that they are part of an organization devoted to Kava safety.

Lab Certified Kava Conclusions

Even our cursory study has shown how critically important it is for Kava to be lab certified. Look for the American Kava Association logo on any retailer offering Kava. Don’t be afraid to ask questions when making your Kava purchases. Don’t be afraid to ask if the Kava is manufactured in a GMP facility. Ask for a bit of a description of the process they employ to ensure the safety of their Kava products. Anyone who truly does manufacture their Kava in a GMP manufacturing facility, will be able to share enough details of their process to assure you that their Kava is what they say it is.

Also, Wonderland-Labs offers free Kava testing for anyone who has become sick from any Kava they have purchased. This is simply a courtesy to the consumer. Hopefully you’ll never have to take them up on their offer. But it’s comforting to know that there’s someone out there looking out for the Kava consumer.

12345678