So you’ve recently been introduced to kava. You’re intrigued. Maybe you’re looking to cut back on the amount of alcohol and coffee you drink. Or maybe you like the cultural history of the kava root. Whatever the reason is, you’re curious about the stories you’ve heard about its relaxing and calming effects. But you want to know how kava works. How do you get the same feelings of alcohol with negative after-effects?
The feelings and effects you get from kava come from how it interacts with the body.
What is the active ingredient in kava?
Kava comprises kavalactones, which are little chemicals that interact with your brain. Eighteen different kavalactones have been identified. However, only six are responsible for 96% of the effects of how kava works.
Every type of kava is made of a certain number of kavalactones. This balance is what gives each type of kava its specific effect. These can be divided into two groups: either heady or heavy.
Heady kavas have more of an effect on the mind. They give you a feeling of mental relaxation, calm, and a boost of talkativeness. They are best drunk during the day when you socialize with friends and family.
Heavy kavas impact the body more than the mind. They give you a feeling of heaviness, like your limbs are weighed down, and can leave you feeling sleepy and calm. These, therefore, are best drunk at night when you are having a night in or getting ready for sleep.
How do Kavalactones work in the brain?
Research shows that kavalactones interact with neurotransmitters, the brain’s chemical messengers. Neurotransmitters are responsible for getting signals from the brain to the rest of your body. They control things like muscle function, heart rate, blood pressure, hormone levels, stress, memory, and learning, to name a few. Some of you may have heard of serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.
The neurotransmitter kava affects most is gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short. GABA is the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, decreasing communication between cells. It’s also responsible for motor function and visual control, along with regulating anxiety.
Kavacaltones act by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain. And this is what gives us those wonderful feelings of calm and relaxation.
How long does it take for the effects to kick in
The time it takes for the effects to kick varies per person. The key factors are things like the strength of the kava, how much you drink, and if you are new to kava or more experienced. Generally, you’ll start to feel a calm and relaxing effect in 15-20 minutes. The feeling continues to build until about 2 hours, when you’ll experience the peak effect of bliss and joy, increased talkativeness, muscle relaxation, and calm, depending on the type you are using. Typically, kava affects your mind first due to the kavalactones’ impact on the brain, and then your body responds afterward.
How long do kava’s effects last?
Similar to how long it takes to feel kava, how long the effects last is also individual. If you drink high-quality kava, the effects can last anywhere from 1-6 hours. The effects of kava are like a bell curve. They start slowly, build up to the peak, and then slowly wear off. This also demonstrates the effect kava has on your brain. GABA is increased gradually in your brain and then over time, as the kavalactones are processed through your body and your brain rebalances to normal levels.
What this all means
Put this all together; you get an idea that kava works through a cascade of brain and body effects from when you take your first sip of kava to when you feel its calm wash over you.
For a more in-depth read about the neuroscience of Kava, check out our article here.
* Please note that the majority of kava research pertains to kava extracts, which often undergo significant processing and may contain additional ingredients and fillers that can influence their efficacy. It is crucial to consider this distinction when reading about kava studies. To draw an analogy, enjoying natural kava as a beverage can be likened to experiencing a freshly brewed cappuccino, whereas kava extracts are akin in functionality to a caffeine pill. Both forms have their unique benefits and can cater to different preferences and needs. While it’s helpful to understand research on kava extracts, please view it critically and remember that natural kava offers a uniquely holistic experience.
