Is Kava Bad For You? Understanding The Risks & Benefits

Kava has gained worldwide attention for its calming reputation, but many still wonder: Is kava bad for you? Originating from the South Pacific, this traditional root drink has been used for centuries in social and ceremonial gatherings. Today, it’s found everywhere from wellness stores to trendy bars, often praised for its soothing qualities. Yet, discussions about its safety and potential side effects continue to surface. In this guide at Prof Whyte's, we’ll break down what science says about Kava, its possible benefits, the risks you should be aware of, and how to approach it with informed awareness.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's first understand what Kava actually is and where does Kava come from. Originating from the Pacific Islands, Kava is a traditional beverage made from the crushed roots of the Piper methysticum plant. Typically, only mature plants aged three to five years or older are used to prepare it, as they contain the highest concentration of Kavalactones. They are the active compounds responsible for Kava's potential effects. Wondering what they are? Let's find out: 

Curious to find out 'how does Kava make you feel?' Then, here are some of the potential effects of Kava that you must know about:  

• It may help in elevating your mood [1]. 

• It might support relaxation and mental clarity [2].

• It may encourage you to feel super chill [3].

• It might relax your muscles and improve sleep quality [4].  

• It may help in reducing anxiety [5]. 

So, if Kava has so many benefits, then what's the catch? Why the concern? Is Kava safe to drink?  

Long before Kava became this popular, a study showed [6] that Kavalactones interacted with specific brain receptors, primarily GABA-A, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which were linked to relaxation and mood. The study suggested that Kava might have helped in releasing the happy hormones, helping in dealing with depression [7]. Therefore, with much curiosity, another study was conducted.  

In 2003, UCLA Health [8] took the matters in their hands through a clinical review of 11 trials and found that most participants experienced reduced anxiety. However, side effects like nausea, drowsiness, and headaches [9] were common.  

However, a 2019 study with 171 people found only mild, short-term benefits that weren't statistically significant. At the same time, the side effects remained the same.  

It was noted that the lower doses and traditional water-based Kava preparations were much safer. While factors like genetics also mattered, Pacific Islanders had a great metabolism for Kava, but a portion of other populations did not. Hence, proving that Kava may benefit largely, but its safety depends on the dose, preparation, and individual health factors.  

If you're still unsure about whether Kava is right for you, here's the good news: you can always start slow. Try a light serving and see how your body responds. You could even begin with a simple cup of Kava tea to ease into the experience. 

That said, Kava can affect everyone differently depending on factors like dosage, preparation, format, and your overall well-being. Therefore, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine.  

Now you know where Kava comes from, how it makes you feel, its benefits, risks, and side effects. Basically, everything under the sun! No need to spend hours scrolling the web anymore; as everything you needed to know is right here. Isn't it? 

So go ahead, give it a try. Because the next time someone asks, 'Is Kava bad for you?' you'll know exactly what to say. Don't you? Absolutely! 

Yes, Kava tea is largely known for combating fatigue as it may support relaxation and pain relief [10]. However, its effects may vary from person to person, depending on factors such as body weight, metabolism, and dosage. 

It depends. Since Kava is plant-based, it can be considered healthy when used responsibly. However, it can be addictive. Therefore, overuse or mixing it with alcohol or medications may cause side effects. Consult a healthcare professional before using.  

Yes, Kava is legal in the US, and no authority classifies it as a controlled substance. That being said, the laws are ever-evolving, so staying updated on them will ensure you stay within the rules.  

Yes, Kratom can be combined with Kava. However, it's best to stick to a pre-measured, convenient shot like our K-Plex Kava Kratom Extract Shot. Manually mixing the two may not always give the desired results or be considered safe.  

No, unlike alcoholic drinks, Kava usually does not cause any hangover.