So you’ve recently been introduced to Kava Nectar and kava’s effects. You’re intrigued. Maybe you are looking to cut back on your alcohol and coffee consumption. Maybe you like the cultural history of the kava root. Whatever the reason is, you’re curious. But how does kava work?
And what are the kava’s effects? How do you get the same feelings of alcohol with negative after-effects?
The feelings and effects you get from drinking kava come from how it works in the body.
What is the active ingredient in Kava Nectar?
Kava, and Kava Nectar, is made up of kavalactones, little chemicals that directly interact with your brain. Although 18 different kavalactones have been identified, only six are responsible for 96% of kava’s effects.
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 a stronger 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 sleepy and tired. Therefore, they are best drunk at night when you are having a night in or getting ready for sleep.
How does Kava Nectar 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 that kava affects the most is gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short. GABA is the body’s main inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning that it decreases communication between cells. It is also responsible for motor function and visual control, along with regulating anxiety.
Kavacaltones act by increasing the amount of GABA in the brain, which gives us those wonderful feelings of calm and relaxation.
How long does it take for Kava Nectar to kick in
The time it takes for the effects of Kava Nectar to kick in varies from person to 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 for about two hours, when you’ll experience the peak effect of happiness, calm, increased talkativeness, muscle relaxation, and tiredness, depending on the type you are using. Typically, due to the impact the kavalactones have on the brain, feel kava in your mind first to respond, and then your body will respond.
How long do Kava Nectar’s effects last?
Similar to the time of effect, the length of the effect is also individual. If you drink high-quality kava, the effects can last anywhere from 1 to 6 hours. Kava’s effects work like a bell curve. They start off slowly, build up to the peak, and then slowly wear off. This also demonstrates the brain effect: how 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, and you get a cascade of brain and body effects from the first sip of Kava Nectar to the moment you feel its calm wash over you.
Check our article here for a more in-depth read about kava’s effects and the neuroscience behind them.
*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.
