Is Kava Safe?

For over 3,000 years, Pacific Islanders have gathered in peaceful circles, sharing shells of kava to mark celebrations, seal agreements, and unwind after long days. But is this time-honored remedy truly safe?

If you've been curious about kava’s benefits but hesitant due to conflicting information, you're not alone. Let's clear the air and separate fact from fiction, using science, tradition, and common sense as our guides.

 

The Tale of Two Kavas: Why Quality Changes Everything

Here's the first crucial fact that often gets lost in the debate: not all kava is created equal. Traditionally, only noble kavas have been used for regular consumption, due to their more favourable composition of kavalactones and other compounds that produce more pleasant effects and have lower potential for causing negative side effects, such as nausea, or "kava hangover."

Noble Kava (the good stuff):

• Used traditionally for millennia
• Grown for 4+ years before harvest
• Contains balanced kavalactone profiles
• Produces pleasant, predictable effects
• Minimal side effects

Non-Noble Kava (including "tudei" or two day kava):

• Causes unpleasant effects lasting up to two days
• Often grown quickly for profit
• Higher levels of potentially harmful compounds
• Never traditionally consumed regularly
• Associated with negative side effects

 

What Is The Pacific Paradox?

Scientists initially coined the term "Pacific Paradox" to describe how Pacific Islanders consumed kava for centuries without liver problems, while some Westerners experienced issues. But recent research reveals there's no paradox at all, just a difference in preparation and quality.

Traditional water-based preparation naturally filters out problematic compounds that chemical extraction methods concentrate.

 

What the Science Actually Says About Kava

Recent comprehensive reviews have provided reassuring data. When noble kava is prepared traditionally and consumed responsibly, the safety profile looks remarkably different. Still, several analyses of studies on the topic have found no evidence of liver damage in people who have taken these supplements in the short term, or about 1 to 24 weeks.

 

The Kavahh Difference of Standards

At Kavahh, we've taken every lesson from both tradition and science to heart. Here's how we ensure safety:

1. Noble Kava Only: We exclusively use noble kava varieties, the same types Pacific Islanders have safely consumed for millennia.
2. Root Only Sourcing: Only peeled rhizomes and roots should be used for aqueous kava extracts for both medicinal and traditional purposes. We never use leaves, stems, or other plant parts associated with negative effects.
3. Water Based Processing: Following traditional methods, we use water extraction, avoiding harsh chemicals that can concentrate unwanted compounds.
4. Quality Testing: Every batch is tested for purity, potency, and safety, ensuring consistency you can trust.
5. Transparent Dosing: Our shots contain clearly labeled amounts of kavalactones, so you always know exactly what you're getting.

 

Safe Consumption Guidelines

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to natural remedies. Here's how to enjoy kava safely:

DO:

• Choose noble kava from reputable sources
• Start with lower doses to assess your response
• Stay hydrated
• Use kava in a calm, relaxed setting
• Take breaks between use (not daily for extended periods)
• Consult your healthcare provider if you have any health conditions

DON'T:

• Mix kava with alcohol or other sedatives
• Use kava if you have liver disease
• Take kava with medications without consulting your doctor
• Drive or operate machinery after consuming kava
• Use products that don't specify noble kava varieties
• Exceed recommended doses

 

What Are The Side Effects and Interactions of Kava?

Let's be completely transparent. Even quality kava can cause some effects:

Common, mild effects:

• Slight numbing of mouth and tongue (considered pleasant by many)
• Mild drowsiness
• Relaxation (that's the point!)

Rare effects with excessive use:

• Dry, scaly skin (reversible when use stops)
• Stomach upset
• Headache

Important interactions to avoid: Kava should not be used together with other substances that have sedative effects, such as benzodiazepines or alcohol. If you take any type of medicine, talk with your health care provider before using kava.

 

What to Keep in Mind With Kava’s Safety

The safety concerns that emerged in the early 2000s appear to stem from a perfect storm of factors: poor quality kava, improper extraction methods, excessive doses, and lack of quality control. When you remove these factors, you're left with a botanical that has stood the test of time.

 

Make an Informed Choice with Kavahh

At Kavahh, we've built our entire approach around these safety principles. Our enhanced noble kava shots give you all the relaxation benefits of this Pacific treasure while maintaining the highest safety standards. We believe you shouldn't have to choose between effectiveness and safety; you deserve both.

Your wellness journey is unique. Always consult with healthcare providers about any supplements, especially if you have existing health conditions or take medications. When in doubt, start low and go slow.

Experience the Kavahh difference today. Because you deserve to relax without worry.