Have you ever consumed kava kava and felt its magic? If you have used it, you must have felt its amazing effects on your body and mind.
It has originated as an extract of the Piper methysticum plant in the tropical islands of the South Pacific. But people are fond of it everywhere, especially in the U.S., where the number of kava bars is growing. Everyone loves it as an outstanding stress reliever!
Now, the real question is, how long does kava last? How long does kava stay in your body? Does kava appear on drug tests? Real Botanicals presents an informative guide that explains how long kava stays in your body and what you should expect to feel.
What Are the Effects of Kava on the Body?
Kava produces a variety of different effects on the body. These can vary depending on usage, person, and several other factors. Let’s explore them in detail, so you know what to expect when you consume kava and it releases kavalactones into the body.
How Does Kava Affect the Body?
Considered the building blocks of kava, kavalactones interact with various receptors in the body, such as GABA receptors, that impact the nervous system and body functioning in numerous ways. It changes how you think, feel, and function—in an uplifting but relaxing way!
Want to find kava near me? Check out our store locator!,
What Are the Calming Effects of Kava?
Some of kava’s most common calming effects are:
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Stress and tension relief
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Muscle relaxation
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Sleep support
Studies have shown that kava helps the body process stressful situations with a general sense of calm, while supporting restful relaxation and sleep. It also boosts energy levels and makes you more active in your day-to-day activities.
However, higher intake of kava can also result in mild to serious side effects for your body. And you don’t want to compromise on your well-being, right? Therefore, it is essential to be aware of some potential side effects as a kava user.
What Side Effects Should Kava Users Expect?
As with any botanical product, it is essential to follow the proper dosing guidelines. Taking too much of anything can result in adverse side effects. Some of those adverse side effects associated with the overuse of kava may include:
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Liver toxicity
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Digestive issues
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Loss of appetite
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Drowsiness
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Dizziness
Moreover, using it in conjunction with other herbs or medications may negatively impact the body's overall functioning processes. However, using these products properly can result in a perfectly relaxing kava drink recipe at the end of the day!
Since we’ve discussed the potential benefits and side effects of using kava, we should also explore some precautionary measures to prevent any negative health issues. Let’s examine some key factors regarding kava use.
What Should You Know About Kava Use
Kava should be consumed responsibly to experience its calming effects and avoid any potential adverse interactions.
How to Use Kava Responsibly?
According to expert recommendations, kava use should not exceed 250 mg a day. Any dose between 70 mg and 250 mg is effective in kava’s calming and sedating properties.
Our Kratom & Kava Mood Boost Shot is an ideal solution for those seeking a responsible use of kava and fully enjoy its effects. These capsules contain a maximum of 250mg of kavalactones, allowing you to add them to your supplement plan with confidence. Learn more about what is kava and kratom here.
Our kratom kava shots are available in the following options:
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Kratom and Kava Shots: 150mg kratom + 250mg kava
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Maximum Kratom and Kava Shots: 375mg kratom + 250mg kava
While kava can be an excellent addition to your wellness routine, we suggest enjoying it in moderation—about three to four times a week is ideal for most people seeking to maintain an active, balanced lifestyle. It’s all about finding what works best for your body and supporting your long-term well-being! If you’re curious about kava vs kratom and how they differ, check out our complete guide: Kava vs. Kratom: A Real Comparison of Kratom and Kava Effects & More
If you ever feel that kava isn’t the right fit for you, that’s completely okay. Everyone’s body is different. Transitioning away from kava may involve a few temporary adjustments, so it’s helpful to be aware of how your body responds. Listening to your body and making empowered choices is always the best approach to wellness.
How does Kava taste? Learn more here!
What Are the Symptoms and Side Effects of Kava Withdrawal?
If you are a daily kava user and you attempt to quit kava, you can feel the following symptoms and side effects within 24-48 hours of withdrawal. These include:
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Sleep disturbance
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Irritation
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Anxiety
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Restlessness
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Nausea and other digestive issues
There’s no need to stress—it's completely normal for your body to feel a bit off when adjusting after regular kava use. If you’re taking a break, simple habits like staying hydrated, eating nourishing foods, and getting some light movement can help you feel your best.
Another reassuring point: any potential withdrawal symptoms from kava tend to be much milder than those associated with alcohol or other substances. In fact, kava is considered a safer alternative to alcohol for many. That said, it's important not to mix the two—keeping them separate helps ensure you get the full benefits of kava safely and responsibly.
Recommended Read: Kava vs. Ashwagandha: A Real Guide to Ashwagandha and Kava Together
Is It Safe to Combine Kava with Alcohol?
Healthcare professionals recommend not combining kava with alcohol, as it can lead to significant liver damage and impairment. It can also affect cardiovascular activity and increase sedation, leading to drowsiness and dizziness.
How Long Does Kava Stay in Your System?
There are many factors to determine the duration of kava in your body system, including kava intake, frequent use, body weight, liver health, and metabolism.
So, the duration of kava in the system varies from person to person. We’ll understand it later. But first, let’s find out how long it takes for kava to begin producing its effects in the body.
How Long Does Kava Take to Kick In?
If you’re looking for quick and effective results from kava use, there's good news for you! Usually, kava takes approximately 20-40 minutes for kava to start working and making you feel calm.
It also depends on how you have prepared or consumed kava. A traditional kava drink typically begins to take effect within 15-30 minutes, whereas capsules or other forms may take longer to take effect. It’s because the best kava drink is prepared directly by grinding kava roots into powder and mixing them with water.
On the contrary, kava capsules are prepared by extracting kavalactones and mixing them with solvents. These solvents are also present in the pills, making kava less effective.
How Long Kava Stays in the System Based on Body Weight
As far as body weight is concerned, kavalactones remain in the body for a longer period, particularly in individuals with higher fat levels. It’s because higher fat content in the body can lead to slower metabolism. It means that it’ll take time for kavalactones to completely leave the body.
If you’re lean, your system is likely to eliminate kava within 48 hours; however, if you weigh more than 200 pounds, it can take up to a week. A healthy liver and less dosage speed up the metabolism process, eliminating kava much quicker.
Let’s know more about how metabolism works in your body to eliminate kava.
How Is Kava Metabolized in the Body?
Once you consume kava, it releases kavalactones in your bloodstream. These compounds interact with the brain, relieving lingering symptoms of stress and producing calming effects. Once kava is fully metabolized in your system, the liver breaks down the kavalactones and prepares them for further metabolism.
How Long Do the Effects of Kava Last?
So, how long do you feel the effects of kava after using it? And are there specific ways to maximize its effects in your body and mind?
What Is the Duration of Kava’s Effects?
Kava’s effects reach their peak approximately two hours after consumption and can last for several hours, depending on the individual's dosage and frequency of use. If you take a higher dose, these effects last longer, and if you take a lower dose, these effects generally fade away more quickly.
How Long After Taking Kava Can You Expect to Feel Its Effects?
As we’ve discussed earlier, kava begins working in the body much earlier, depending on whether you consume it in the form of a drink or capsules. A kava drink begins working much quicker.
Your muscles feel relaxed. You don’t feel any stress and are finally able to achieve a sense of peace of mind! Kava induces a mesmerizing state of mind within 30 to 40 minutes. Do you want to feel this magic for longer? There are a couple of ways that maximize the effects of kava, allowing you to enjoy its calming properties for longer.
How to Maximize the Effects of Kava?
You can maximize the effects of kava in the following ways:
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Prepare kava by kneading and blending its root powder for about 8-10 minutes if you plan on having a drink
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Take a kava dose on an empty stomach to allow it to be absorbed quickly and effectively.
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Consume at least two tablespoons of kava for a quick effect. Larger individuals may require more kava to achieve a more effective result.
However, you should use kava only if your liver is healthy! If you are a regular kava user, it’s essential to check your liver health frequently and detect if kava causes any adverse effects. But is it possible to detect kava in drug tests? Let’s find out.
Can Kava Be Detected in Drug Tests?
Standard drug tests, such as blood and urine samples, are used to detect kava; however, specific tests can detect kava more accurately. For example, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is used to detect kavalactones and other chemical compounds in a sample. Kava can be detectable in blood for up to 48 hours and in urine for up to 72 hours.