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How Long Does It Take Kava to Work?

Jeff Yauck | October 14, 2024

If you’re contemplating using kava, you probably have a lot of questions. Among the most pertinent is the length of time it takes for a user to feel the substance’s effects. Those who try kava claim to feel more relaxed and calm, and its advocates say it has earned a place in their daily wellness routine.

In reality, there is no universal onset time because there are many factors to consider. These include the consumption method and how your body reacts. It’s worth noting that not everyone feels the effects of kava, while others don’t like the outcome.

This article outlines these considerations in more detail, provides ballpark estimates for onset time and the duration of kava’s effects, and also investigates a curious phenomenon known as reverse tolerance.

The Consumption Method Matters

First and foremost, you must realize that there are many ways to enjoy kava. Traditionally, kava is taken as a drink or an extract. The plant’s root is crushed, ground, or powdered and soaked in water to be consumed as a beverage. Many kava users suggest that drinking it in this fashion provides the most noteworthy effects.

Of course, you don’t have to grind the plant’s root yourself! There are plenty of pre-prepared kava drinks on the market. You may even come across a kava cordial, which involves adding water to the concentrated mixture. This ease of preparation means that kava concentrates are often the choice of first-time users.

However, it’s also possible to enjoy kava in an edible form. Those who try kava gummies prefer the taste to that of a beverage. After all, the word “kava” comes from “awa,” a Polynesian word for bitter. You don’t need to think long and hard about what a kava drink tastes like!

You’ll find that the effects could kick in faster when you drink kava compared to when you consume it in edible form. Yet, there’s a possibility of the effects lasting longer when you eat a gummy.

When Can I Expect to Feel the Effects of Kava?

Assuming that you consume a kava drink, it’s possible that you’ll notice something within 15 to 30 minutes. If you use a kava gummy, it could take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. However, factors such as the dose, your bodyweight, and metabolism all play a role. So, you shouldn’t expect to feel the effects of kava in the same timeframe as someone else.

What are the effects of kava? Well, that also varies! According to anecdotal reports, the effects come in waves. First, you may feel an odd sensation in your mouth. Those who consume a high-quality kava drink claim that their lips and tongue feel tingly or numb. Typically, the more intense the numbing sensation, the stronger the kava.

The relaxing, calming effects are next with users suggesting that the feeling begins in the head before moving down the body. At this stage, they feel more content and may have a more positive outlook. The sense of calm and well-being may course through the body, potentially making the user feel more sociable and creative.

Once the effects take hold in the body, the user may wish to sit or lie down and chill out. In general, it’s best not to use kava if you have to complete an important task or are planning to drive later. Depending on the user, sleep could be next on the agenda.

How Long Does the Kava Feeling Last?

Yet again, this depends on the individual and the quality of the product. A premium-grade kava product should provide longer-lasting effects. You may also find that using kava on an empty stomach could speed up the onset time and also contribute to a greater duration of effects.

Anecdotal reports suggest that the “peak” effects may occur an hour or two after drinking kava. Those using kava gummies may need to wait a little longer. Overall, assuming someone takes a moderate amount, they may feel noticeable effects for 3-6 hours.

It’s also worth mentioning that most people should avoid using Tudei kava if possible and stick with products that use the Noble kava cultivar instead. There are some unpleasant side effects linked to Tudei kava such as lethargy and nausea. More concerning is the fact that these issues can persist for up to two days! Indeed, its export is banned in some South Pacific Island countries.

Does Reverse Tolerance Occur in Regular Kava Users?

If you regularly consume most substances, your body develops a tolerance. For instance, those who drink alcohol fairly often find that over time, they need to consume more of it to have the desired effects.

With reverse tolerance, a substance becomes more effective when used regularly. It is claimed that when you use kava frequently, it has more pronounced effects over time. The suggestion is that the kavalactones in kava affect neurotransmitter function, causing the body to adapt to kava over time, heightening its effects as it gets used more often.

While certain websites claim as fact that reverse tolerance occurs with kava use, the jury remains out. Thus far, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to verify or dispel such claims.

The Onset of Effects Vary When Using Kava

In the end, it’s impossible to predict how long it will take for the effects of kava to become noticeable. In fact, there’s no guarantee that you’ll experience noteworthy effects at all. What I can tell you is that factors such as consumption method, your physiology, and the quality/potency of kava product are all relevant.

When drinking kava, you may feel the effects in 15-30 minutes and experience them for 3-6 hours. These timeframe can differ if you consume kava gummies. If you’re interested in using kava, take note of the laws in your country and consult with a physician if you have any concerns.

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