Kava (Piper methysticum) is a small shrub native to the South Pacific islands including Vanuatu, Fiji, Hawaii, and others. And has been safely used by islanders for 3,000 years. Piper methysticum (Piper is Latin for ‘pepper’. And methysticum is derived from the Greek for ‘intoxicating’).
In Polynesia and Micronesia, Kava has been traditionally used as a ceremonial drink. Kava is best known for elevating contentment, mood, well-being and sense of relaxation.
Several clinical studies have found kava to be effective in treating symptoms of anxiety. Other studies have shown kava to help improve sleep quality.
As a nootropic, kava is used primarily to lower anxiety with a potency rivalling some anti-anxiety prescription drugs.
Kava helps:
- Neurotransmitters. Kava affects brain levels of GABA receptors. GABA is the ‘calming’ neurotransmitter. And an increase in receptor sites for GABA accounts for Kava’s anti-anxiety properties.[i]
- Neuroprotection. Kava provides protective effects against strokes. Two of Kava’s compounds, dihydromethysticin and methysticin are similar in potency to Memantine which is used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease.[ii]
- Cognition. Kava improves reaction time and cognitive function. Kavalactones in Kava interact with ion channels in the brain. Influencing neurotransmitter function.[iii]
Table of Contents
Overview
Kava (Piper methysticum) is an herb that’s native the South Pacific islands. It’s traditionally been used in the islands as a hypnotic, psychotropic, and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety).
Kava continues to have a central place in everyday life in the islands where its grown. [iv] It’s used as a ceremonial beverage in Fiji where it’s commonly given to the Head of State.[v]
Kava root contains a collection of 6 bioactive compounds called kavalactones (kavapyrones); including kawain, dihydrokavain, methysticin, dihydromethysticin, yangonin, and desmethoxyyangonin. Kava also contains small amounts of other alkaloids, flavonoids and glutathione.
The presence of glutathione seems to reduce the toxicity of some other kavalactones. Standardized extracts are important in deciding on what Kava supplement to buy to ensure reliability and safety.[vi]
The main compounds in Kava readily cross the blood-brain barrier. And reaches your brain in about 45 minutes after taking the supplement.[vii]
How does Kava work in the Brain?
Kava boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- Kava boosts cognition. Kava relaxes the muscles and mind, but it doesn’t affect cognition the way other antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs do.
After a review of 10 clinical studies of Kava, scientists at Australia’s Brain Sciences Institute at Melbourne University found Kava did not negatively affect cognition. In fact, some studies on Kava showed it “significantly improved visual attention and working memory processes”.
The research team stated that Kava’s “enhanced cognition may be attributed to the ability of Kava to inhibit re-uptake of noradrenaline in the pre-frontal cortex”.[viii]
- Kava relieves anxiety. Several clinical studies have shown that Kava relieves anxiety.
California’s Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation took a look at 24 studies of Kava and other herbal medicines for anxiety. And there was substantial evidence that kava relieved not only anxiety, but also restlessness and insomnia.
They even looked at animal studies that showed Kava has anxiolytic effects “but not sedative or mental impairing” effects “which are typical side effects caused by benzodiazepines”.[ix]
How things go bad
Chronic stress, anxiety, loss of neuroreceptors and neurotransmitters can damage your brain. And one of the ways this manifests is memory loss.
It comes as no surprise that people with memory loss experience higher rates of anxiety and depression. As verified in one Australian research study.[x]
↓ Chronic stress reduces memory capacity
↓ Bioavailability of neurotransmitters decline
↓ Number of neuroreceptors decline
↑ Increase in anxiety destroys quality of life
Under conditions of chronic stress your brain loses the capacity to transmit signals between neurons efficiently. Memory, cognition, and decision-making all suffer as a result.
Kava benefits
Kava has a long and proven record of medicinal therapeutic value. Much of the clinical evidence supports the use of Kava in treatment of anxiety.
Unlike benzodiazepines, Kava does not have similar sedative and mental impairing effects. And Kava seems to provide this calming effect by increasing the number of GABA-a receptors.[xi]
Kava extracts have also been seen to bind to GABA, dopamine, serotonin and opiate receptors as well.[xii] This implies that more of each neurotransmitter is available to the brain since their associated receptors are blocked or inhibited by Kava.
Kava extracts have also shown antidepressant effects. Some of the trials demonstrating this effect on depression also noted that Kava raised no safety concerns at the doses and duration studied. Unlike some well-known pharmaceutical antidepressants.
Kava has also been shown to boost cognition and attention. In one study researchers stated that Kava’s “enhanced cognition may be attributed to the ability of kava to inhibit re-uptake of noradrenaline in the pre-frontal cortex…”
And finally, Kava also prevents and may even treat several types of cancer. Research shows for example that one of the components of Kava, Flavokawain B reduces prostate tumor growth and inhibits cancer.[xiii]
And that’s just one of many examples of how different components of Kava can fight cancer in the lung, bladder and other organs.
How does Kava feel?
This can be a little complicated so stay with me. Any particular preparation of Kava will contain up to 18 different kavalactones. Each will have some type of psychoactive effect in your brain.
And to complicate things even more, there are several distinct strains of Kava grown in Hawaii and the South Pacific today. All with their own unique profiles of kavalactones and as a result, their own subtle differences in effect.
In general, supplementing with Kava (Piper methysticum) can make you feel relaxed, enhancing calmness and lowering anxiety while promoting sociability.
Higher doses can generate feelings of gentle euphoria, with greater sedation and mild motor impairment.
Many neurohackers say that at lower doses, Kava’s effects are a little like those generated by alcohol and certain kinds of anti-anxiety medications. Some users say it works as well as popping a Xanax.
You should experience an increase in focus along with a sense of calm. And even though Kava works well as a sleep aid, taking it during the day shouldn’t make you drowsy.
Kava Clinical Research
Kava has a lot of clinical research to back up its reputation as a nootropic. Research studies have been noted throughout this article. Here are two more…
Kava as an anti-anxiety therapy
A study at the University of Melbourne, revealed that Kava could be an alternative treatment for those suffering from Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
In this 6-week placebo-controlled, double-blind trial, 75 patients with clinically diagnosed GAD were given Kava or a placebo.
Participants were given Kava extract tablets twice per day for a total dose of 120 mg kavalactones for the first 3 weeks. In cases of non-response, the dose was increased to a double-dose twice per day for the 2nd three weeks of the trial.
γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and noradrenaline transporter polymorphisms were analyzed as potential pharmacogenetic markers of response. Reduction in anxiety was measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) as the primary outcome.
Kava was well-tolerated. And results showed no significant differences in liver function. One interesting observation during this study was that subjects who had genetic differences in GABA transporters modified their response to Kava.
At the conclusion of this trial, 26% of the Kava group were considered in remission for their anxiety symptoms compared to the placebo group. Overall, all participants who received Kava, showed a significant reduction in anxiety levels.
And one additional finding of this study was that Kava increased the female participants sex drive.[xiv]
Kava enhances cognitive performance
Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with healthy volunteers. The purpose of the trial was to investigate the effects of Kava on emotions and cognitive performance.
One group was given a single dose of Kava extract (300 mg). And that single dose led to an increase in “cheerfulness”, improved accuracy and speed in task performance, increased visual attention and a boost in short-term memory.
The research team compared the effects of Kava to conventional benzodiazepine-type anxiolytics which tend to impair cognitive performance. The team concluded Kava is a potent anxiolytic agent which can boost cognitive function.[xv]
Kava Recommended Dosage
Kava extracts are made with a variety of different strengths, and from different source plant material. So it’s difficult to recommend exact dosages.
Fortunately, Kava is relatively forgiving as far as dose is concerned. So taking 2-3 times the recommended dose of an extract should cause no issues.
Some neurohackers claim that extracts are just not strong enough. And the only way to get the full effect of Kava is to use ground Kava root which can be found at some natural food stores. Make sure it smells fresh (it should have a relatively strong smell).
Fresh powder is used to make a cold tea by making a cold water extraction. Fresh powder is soaked in cold water for 15-20 minutes or more, stirring or shaking occasionally. You can then strain out the powder if you like.
If you want to go the capsule route, look for a Kava extract called “WS1490”. For anxiety and other cognitive issues use 300 mg of this extract daily. Preferably split into three 100 mg doses. One dose in the morning, one early afternoon and the last in the evening.
You can also choose a Kava extract supplement with 250 mg total kavalactones. You can use this multiple times throughout the day. If you use only a single dose, take it just prior to sleep.
Kava Side Effects
Kava has a long and proven track record of medicinal therapeutic value. But if you start doing research on Kava, you’ll see reports of possible liver toxicity. Let’s address this right now.
Most research shows there is little to no evidence to support this notion of liver damage when using Kava. For example, one large review out of the University of Melbourne included 24 clinical studies.
One of the researchers stated, “Of the 435 clinical trial participants taking Kava supplements in our review, some at high doses, no liver issues were reported. Therefore, the current review supports the conclusion that liver toxicity is indeed a rare side effect.”[xvi]
For most of the history of the Kava industry, it’s been harvested and prepared by native, Pacific Islanders. Roots are stored in bulk after harvest. And could develop mold or acquire other contaminants.
Increasingly, many Kava suppliers harvest and process their Kava using international manufacturing standards such as ISO, GMP and others. And because of the restrictions by first world countries (esp. the European Union) on the importation of raw ingredients, these protocols are now stricter.
So when selecting a Kava product, make sure the manufacturer is adhering to good manufacturing practices.
Long-term heavy and consistent consumption of Kava could cause a scaly skin rash called dermopathy. This is reversible when Kava use stops.
And finally, Kava should not be mixed with prescription drugs. Don’t use Kava if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. Kava use may make you unable to drive (similar to alcohol). Don’t use Kava if you have liver problems. And avoid combining Kava with Xanax, clonazepam, lorazepam, phenobarbital, and Ambien.
Type of Kava to buy
In the South Pacific, whole Kava root are chewed for their medicinal value.
Kava is also available in liquid form, as tinctures, and standardized extracts as capsules or tablets.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
Kava extract 250 – 500 mg per day
I recommend using Kava as a nootropic supplement.
Your body does not make Kava on its own. So you must take it as a supplement.
Kava is especially helpful for those suffering from anxiety and stress. Studies show it helps stop and reverse the devastating effects of anxiety and stress in your brain, and body.
Kava also has a reputation for lifting mood. And doesn’t have the same side effects as prescription antidepressants.
And unlike pharmaceuticals like benzodiazepines, Kava boosts cognition and short-term memory.
The usual serving of prepared Kava in the South Pacific is 2-4 fluid ounces. Depending on how its prepared, a bilo (coconut half shell) can contain anywhere from 150 – 500 mg of kavalactones. And native islanders often consume several bilos in a Kava drinking session.
Although the local Kava Committee has issued an advisory upper limit of 300 mg of kavalactones per day, many Pacific islanders consume far more, without any ill effects.
[i] Jussofie A., Schmiz A., Hiemke C. “Kavapyrone enriched extract from Piper methysticum as modulator of the GABA binding site in different regions of rat brain.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 1994 Dec;116(4):469-74. (source)
[ii] Backhauss C., Krieglstein J. “Extract of kava (Piper methysticum) and its methysticin constituents protect brain tissue against ischemic damage in rodents.” European Journal of Pharmacology. 1992 May 14;215(2-3):265-9. (source)
[iii] Cairney S., Maruff P., Clough A.R. “The neurobehavioural effects of kava.” Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2002 Oct;36(5):657-62. (source)
[iv] Singh Y.N. “Kava: an overview.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1992 Aug;37(1):13-45. (source)
[v] Schelosky L., Raffauf C., Jendroska K., Poewe W. “Kava and dopamine antagonism.” Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry 1995 May; 58(5): 639–640. (source)
[vi] Olsen L.R., Grillo M.P., Skonberg C. “Constituents in kava extracts potentially involved in hepatotoxicity: a review.” Chemical Research in Toxicology. 2011 Jul 18;24(7):992-1002. (source)
[vii] Keledjian J., Duffield P.H., Jamieson D.D., Lidgard R.O., Duffield A.M. “Uptake into mouse brain of four compounds present in the psychoactive beverage kava.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 1988 Dec;77(12):1003-6. (source)
[viii] LaPorte E., Sarris J., Stough C., Scholey A. “Neurocognitive effects of kava (Piper methysticum): a systematic review.” Human Psychopharmacology. 2011 Mar;26(2):102-11. (source)
[ix] Lakhan S.E., Vieira K.F. “Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review” Nutrition Journal 20109:42 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-9-42 (source)
[x] Sohrabi H.R., Bates K.A., Rodrigues M., Taddei K., Martins G., Laws S.M., Lautenschlager N.T., Dhaliwal S.S., Foster J.K., Martins R.N. “The relationship between memory complaints, perceived quality of life and mental health in apolipoprotein Eepsilon4 carriers and non-carriers.”Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. 2009;17(1):69-79. (source)
[xi] Jussofie A., Schmiz A., Hiemke C. “Kavapyrone enriched extract from Piper methysticum as modulator of the GABA binding site in different regions of rat brain.” Psychopharmacology (Berlin). 1994 Dec;116(4):469-74. (source)
[xii] Dinh L.D., Simmen U., Bueter K.B., Bueter B., Lundstrom K., Schaffner W. “Interaction of various Piper methysticum cultivars with CNS receptors in vitro.” Planta Medica. 2001 Jun;67(4):306-11. (source)
[xiii] Tang Y., Li X., Liu Z., Simoneau A.R., Xie J., Zi X. “Flavokawain B, a kava chalcone, induces apoptosis via up-regulation of death-receptor 5 and Bim expression in androgen receptor negative, hormonal refractory prostate cancer cell lines and reduces tumor growth.”International Journal on Cancer. 2010 Oct 15;127(8):1758-68. (source)
[xiv] Sarris J., Stough C., Bousman C.A., Wahid Z.T., Murray G., Teschke R., Savage K.M., Dowell A., Ng C., Schweitzer I. “Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.” Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2013 Oct;33(5):643-8. (source)
[xv] Thompson R., Ruch W., Hasenöhrl R.U. “Enhanced cognitive performance and cheerful mood by standardized extracts of Piper methysticum (Kava-kava). Human Psychopharmacology. 2004 Jun;19(4):243-50. (source)
[xvi] Teschke R., Sarris J., Schweitzer I., “Kava hepatotoxicity in traditional and modern use: the presumed Pacific kava paradox hypothesis revisited” British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2012 Feb; 73(2): 170–174. (source)
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I’m looking for good stake for kratom
What do you mean by a “good stake”?
Hi! i want to know if it is recomended to use Kava with Gaba supplements. I´ve been taking kava for several months now and I can see the effect and I´ve had less anxiety. My problem is in certain situations that trigger panick attacks, and I wonder if taking GABA would work for those days like taking a plane or having to talk in public.
Or if you have any insights of something else that could help for this specific moments.
Thank you
Lols, I don’t see a problem using GABA with Kava but it may not solve your problem. Because you are already supporting GABA by using Kava. If you are still experiencing panic attacks something else is going on.
It could be too much serotonin causing panic attacks. In that case you may want to try increasing dopamine which will suppress serotonin. You need serotonin and dopamine to be in balance. Increase dopamine with L-Tyrosine.
You can also try Lithium Orotate which works for a lot of people in calming them down.
Thank you very much for your response. The general anxiety has actually decreased since I take Kava. I take it in form ok cold pressed kava oil. it happens more in specific situations, more like phobias. In daily basis i feel much better.
Lols, you may also want to try Lemon Balm. Because it helps make GABA more effective in your brain.
Thank you so much!!! I will try it out.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us David.
Do you know of any “trusted” brands that provide the recommended dosage of Kava?
David, this company has great reviews and are worth checking out: https://amzn.to/2S5k2Ox
And Double Wood Supplements is a company I trust so you may want to try their Kava and compare the two: https://amzn.to/3esqAhv
I recently came across your website while researching nootropics and it is so thorough and helpful! Thank you for making this information available in a clear and understandable way.
My question relates to any possible interactions between kava and the “Sleep Fairy” formula (2 capsules):
MAGNESIUM BISGLYCINATE 20 mg
VALERIAN ROOT 200 mg
L-THEANINE 200 mg
GABA 200 mg
5-HTP 100 mg
CHAMOMILE 100 mg
MAGNOLIA BARK 100 mg
MELATONIN 5 mg
I’ve been struggling with poor sleep due at least in part to a hyperthyroid condition that causes some anxiety with excess release of epinephrine. The first night I took the full dose (2 capsules) of “Sleep Fairy” and I slept soundly through the night but felt groggy the next morning due to the 5 mg of melatonin.
The next night I took one capsule and slept well with no grogginess.
In the event I wake up during the middle of the night and can’t go back to sleep due to anxiety, do you think taking some kava would be worth a shot if it’s been a few hours since taking the Sleep Fairy formula? Or would you recommend a different supplement to take during the night to help fall back to sleep?
Thanks for your input!
David, there’s a lot of emphasis on GABA with that pre-made stack. Using Kava concurrently will potentiate the effect of each ingredient in that stack that works on GABA.
You could try Kava to help you get back to sleep. See how it works. If you feel groggy the next morning something in there is too much. It’s either melatonin or GABA.
Our brain naturally uses only about 0.8 mg of melatonin at night. Far less than 5 mg which is too high a dose in my opinion.
Thanks so much for the reply. I took just one of the “Sleep Fairy” formula mentioned above and slept well but felt somewhat dull for pretty much all the next day. I’m not positive it was due to the formula as I have chronic sleep deprivation, so the dullness could be accumulative. Last night I took 500 mg of Valerian and about 0.25 mg of liquid melatonin. I didn’t sleep at all and tossed and turned all night until nearly dawn. I had to get up to eat something as I’m hyperthyroid and have some issues with high metabolism and too much epinephrine getting released, causing high blood pressure and resting heart rate. I’m taking 12.5 mg of metoprolol once daily to help with the heart issues but I can’t tell a huge difference, particularly with the pulse rate. Do you think Acetyl L-Carnitine would be worth a shot to help with hyperthyroid and possibly sleep issues? If so, what would you suggest as the dose and timing?
In addition to the “Sleep Fairy” formula, I have on hand two other sleep formulas that I haven’t yet tried. The first contains these ingredients in one capsule:
Vitamin B-6 (as Pyridoxine HCl) 5mg
Magnesium (as Magnesium Glycinate) 30mg
Ashwagandha Root Extract (min. 2.5% Withanolides) 150mg
L-Theanine 100mg
5-HTP (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract) 50mg
Phosphatidylserine (from Non-GMO Sunflower Lecithin) 35mg
Melatonin .3mg
The second formula contains these ingredients in two capsules:
Melatonin .5mg
l theanine 100mg
glycine 1g
inositol 100mg
rutaecarpine 100mg
I know I need to get my stress hormones and hyperthyroid under control. I can literally feel adrenaline being released after I lie down and try to go to sleep.
I understand it’s impossible to say for sure, but do you think one of the above sleep formulas would be better for my condition and and worth trying for sleep assistance? I’m feeling somewhat desperate to try and regulate my poor sleep.
David, likely the “second formula” would be better and safer. You could try that one but add 100 Phosphatidylserine (PS) from sunflower lecithin and 200 mg Lemon Balm. Is there a reason why you’re not using L-Tryptophan for sleep?
And there are several studies (https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/86/8/3579/2848640) that show L-Carnitine helps get hyperthyroidism under control. So yes, ALCAR would be a good choice in this case.
I want to chip in here. It took me years to appreciate the effects of kava. As the article states, it’s like popping a Xanax for some … others don’t really notice much. But I kept coming back to through research, trying again, being disappointed again. Finally, I began drinking one cup every day. And it has served me very well ever since. And high quality ‘Heavy kava’ at night definitely helps me sleep. Maybe not really falling asleep, but once your there. You definitely sleep better. Oleamide helps met and mother who hadn’t slept a decent night’s sleep in 4 years and started sleeping 6 with one or two drops of high-quality CBD oil.
Ashwagandha seems like a candidate since it lowers cortisol, and I think a lot of sleep problems have to do with that.
And as always, lifestyle intervention … can’t have it all:)
Thanks Rico
Just reading through this, I’ve had the same issue recently and in the past with thyroid over activity especially right before bed. From my knowledge potassium and calcium regulate the thyroid, just like sodium and magnesium regulate the adrenals (sodium increases activity and magnesium decreases activity). For the thyroid (potassium increases activity and calcium decreases activity). I found in order to get my thyroid under control I had to increase my daily calcium intake (500mg each meal) otherwise my thyroid will act up before bed and cause sleep issues. I also have to watch my potassium intake for the day (lower just a bit) in order to ensure the proper balance/ratio.. I have to listen to my body to find the right balance. For what it’s worth this has been my experience and works, for any one that’s reading this 🙂
Hi David,
Very interesting read on Kava. I’m wondering if in your research you came across any information regarding any down regulation of gaba receptors, as you write part of the moa is its binding to the site. You also mention that kava may increase the number of gaba receptors, which for people stopping benzodiazepines is potentially game changing as that is the main issue. Not a lack of gaba, but a lack of receptors. Another added bonus for this would be the reduction of glutamate.
Jay, if Kava does increase the density of GABA receptors I don’t see who it could down regulate them. And you’re correct it could be beneficial for someone coming off of benzos.
Hi David,
My husband has been suffering from pretty bad anxiety for a few years and recently started experiencing some mild depression.
We have been looking at Kava to help him relax and focus.
We are also interested in Polygala, Lion’s Mane and St. John’s Wort.
We are wondering if Kava would work better with any of the supplements we’re interested in or if it would interact negatively with them?
What would you suggest to someone to help with cognitive and creative thinking(My husband is an author), calming the racing thoughts, and helping relax his muscles?
Thank you for your time.
Vanessa, you’ve a lot going on in your comment. So I’m going to simplify it for you to start. If you can calm “racing thoughts” you’ll go a long way to helping each of the other symptoms you mention.
If his L-Glutamine levels are low it can result in racing thoughts. And Cat’s Claw, Lithium Orotate, Lemon Balm and Valerian have all be shown to help tame “racing thoughts”.
Lion’s Mane is a very powerful supplement for brain repair and has also been shown to help alleviate anxiety and depression after a couple of weeks of daily use.
And magnesium chelate 400 mg before bed will help relax muscles and help him sleep.
I suggest reading the review for each of the nootropics I mention in this comment and set aside Kava, Polygala and St. John’s wort for now.
Hi David. Does Kava have estrogenic effects and should men be concerned taking it? Some sites say it raises prolactin levels. The obvious concern would be it causing gynecomastia.
John, Kava finds to dopamine receptor which in turn makes dopamine more available. Dopamine inhibits the release of prolactin and LH.
I am under 60 years old and I’m looking for any supplement(s) that may be helpful for COPD/ Emphysema and to improve my energy and quality of life, anxiety/ social isolation relief as well. I am on portable oxygen (2L) and nebulizer (6x/ day w Albeuterol). A friend recently introduced me to Kava which helps with anxiety but tastes bad. Any info is appreciated!
D, you’ll find some other options n this post: https://nootropicsexpert.com/top-7-nootropic-adaptogens-to-conquer-anxiety-and-stress/. You may want to try Lemon Balm.
Hello David,
I am using 200 mg kava (30 % kavalcatones, 60 mg) 1 to 2 times per day for about week. The maximum dosage is 2 capsules as per supplier.
Can you build tolerance to it and if so, what is the pause period to reset the tolerance?
Will there be any withdrawal effect?
I guess at such dose its very hard to get any problems with the liver, but still is it dangerous to take it regulary?
Dave, I did the research and found that liver toxicity from using Kava is extremely rare. And you can’t develop a tolerance to Kava either.
The only somewhat serious side effect from long-term heavy and consistent consumption of Kava is it could cause a scaly skin rash called dermopathy.
I would like to have my son try Kava for his anxiety, but he is presently on 1 mg of Clonazepam, 36 mg of Concerta and 15 mg of Mirtazipine. The long-term view is to wean off of Clonazepam, but in the short-term he wants to raise his dosage (which I do not want for him) because of his increased tolerance. My thought is that Kava would fill the gap and eventually aid in cutting down the Clonazepam.
Should we be concerned about interactions?
Claudine, you should avoid Kava while he’s on these drugs. Because you could end up with life threatening side effects from multiplying the effects of how these drugs work. You can’t predict this amplification effect but it could be deadly.
Hi David,
Do you have any experience or data on combining Kava with Valerian and say for interests sake Magnolia Bark?
Cheers
Brett
Brett, no idea about Magnolia Bark. But Kava and Valerian both boost GABA in your brain. So using both of them may be a little too much GABA.
Hey, I am wondering about the reaction time benefits associated with kava. I am currently playing video games at a very high level and want to eventually go pro. Reaction time is my biggest weakness, I hover around mid 180s to low 190s. I bought kava capsules after seeing a study where reaction times were increased by about 40%. After 2 days of testing, kava only made me tired and slowed my reaction time by 10 to 20 ms. Is this because my body is still getting used to the kava?
Matthew, I’ve done some consulting for pro Gaming clients and Kava certainly never came up. I don’t see how it could for what you’re trying to do.
Maybe this will help: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-esports-gaming/
Do you ever recommend brands? I can’t find the WS1490 version.
M, the brands I trust to do the testing are Gaia Herbs: https://amzn.to/2TqIckV, Now Foods: https://amzn.to/2NxjNGO, Natrol: https://amzn.to/2Nr0UVF, or Source Naturals: https://amzn.to/2QTRwfs. But you’ll need to do some math to figure out how to get 250 mg total kavalactones in each dose for it to be effective.
Can you take Kava alongside St John’s Wort? Many thanks
Chelsea, I don’t recommend it because both of these nootropics affect GABA.
SUBJECT: Kava & Weight Gain
Hi, David,
First of all, I thank you for the abundant and useful information on this “Nootropics Expert” website. I appreciate it very much.
I have something to share regarding Kava. (If Kava is the same as “Kava Kava”).
I have suffered from chronic insomnia for several decades–mostly Insomnia Type 2. (inability to STAY sleep.) A few months ago, upon the advice of a relative, I began taking Kava every night. Soon, I began to wake up rested and energized–as I had not felt for a long time. I was thrilled!
However, 4 weeks later, I realized that Kava was making me GAIN WEIGHT. [Since May of 2017, when I began my successful low-refined-carb weight loss nutritional plan, I keep a diary of foods, supplements, exercise, etc. I discovered that the week that I began to take Kava was the 1st of 4 weeks of consistent weight gain (unique in previous 1.75 years); I stopped the Kava; the following week, I had gone back down about, 1.5 lbs., to a weight more like my “normal” weight.]
Because of the impact on weight, I will no longer take it on a regular basis; however, I WILL take it on special occasions–when I want to hedge my chances of getting better sleep for that one night. (I took it one night last week–and it appears to have worked!)
I highly recommend it to anyone who experiences poor sleep–and who may be desperate to get one or two days of better sleep.
I hope this helps someone.
Hallo David
I want to know the best supplemment to cure ED
Thanks
Ali, depending on what’s causing ED, there is not really any “cure”. But likely the simplest daily solution for ED is 6,000 mg of L-Arginine with 1-2,000 mg of L-Citrulline.
Hallo David
That mean valerian can help treat premature ejaculation.
Thanks
Serge, I said “possibly” because while Valerian affects serotonin in parts of the brain I’m not sure if it specifically affects the areas responsible for PE. You’d need to try it.
Hallo David
I hear that kava can cure premature ejaculation is it true of do you know what more to cure?
Serge, Kava likely won’t help PE because it Kava works primarily on GABA.
Premature ejaculation seems to have something to do with serotonin and its receptors. For a deep study on PE which is a challenge to read: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2671940/
Drugs that seem to be effective are primarily serotonin 5-HT2C receptor agonists. For example; Paxil (Paroxetine), Anafranil (clomipramine), and Zoloft (sertraline).
So we’re looking for natural nootropics that are 5-HT2C receptor agonists as well. You can try these:
Cat’s Claw – https://nootropicsexpert.com/cats-claw/
Valerian (possibly) – https://nootropicsexpert.com/valerian/
My son has been using Kava to help with anxiety but has recently come across studies showing Memantine helping with anxiety. What do you know about Memantine? Can you give advice on this?
Angie, memantine is a prescription drug used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease. It was developed by Eli Lilly & Co. in 1968.
Kava has been used for over 3,000 years for mood and anxiety with the added benefit of improving cognition.
So it’s a choice between a pharmaceutical with potential side effects. Or a natural nootropic with a proven track record.
Thank you! Any suggestions as to what else may help besides Kava, when getting off of Phenibut?
Some have reported that Phenylethylamine (PEA) helped kick the habit of Phenibut or caffeine without going through withdrawal: https://nootropicsexpert.com/phenylethylamine/
Do you find any negative side effects with kava/.? I just started using it and havent experienced any yet but am curious.
You shouldn’t experience any side effects with Kava as long as you stay within recommended dosage limits. And don’t combine it with prescriptions meds. Final bit of advice is know where your Kava is coming from, who processed, and that’s it’s pure Kava.
Thank you David for your answer.
It’s noble kava from one of the most respected vendors out there. Is it possible that the ADHD stack (based on yours), which I started recently, has an effect on my meds (the equivalent of Adderall)?
Its effects are much less pronounced than normal. I’m about ten days in. The only ingredients that differ from the stack on the site are Lion’s mane and Ashwagandha. But I have used variations of the stack before and never ran into in problems so that seems highly unlike. If anything; I should get around with less.
The reason I was thinking about the kava is because of this (once again; thanks for the incredible well-informed articles) part;
Kava extracts have also been seen to bind to GABA, dopamine, serotonin and opiate receptors as well.[xii] This implies that more of each neurotransmitter is available to the brain since their associated receptors are blocked or inhibited by Kava.
So this is basically what an ssri does in regards to specific serotonin receptors? Or Ritalin? So having a cup of kava in the evening (or during the day) should actually make your medication work better? I know we’re probably talking about very marginal gains and am not planning anything in that nature. I’m merely trying to understand what’s going on. I eat very healthy, to little exercise – that’s for sure, I get a decent amount of sleep. The only medication I take is something I have been since my late teens.
It’s very frustrating because I want (need) a balanced and structured schedule and am dedicated to find one that works with minimal use of pharmaceuticals. But as the light went on for you, something inside me decided to turn it off (Temporary I hope – and I have had episodes like this before). There are parts of my job where I don’t need any medications because it’s fast-paced, answering questions, making sure everyone knows what to do – in chaos I have oversight. But then there are periods where I have to write. I have been a little down lately. But when I’m one happy camper everything is floating around in my head like leaves on a windy day … Between thought and expression lies a lifetime. It’s the expression part that’s nearly impossible at the level I work.
Could it just have to do with being down, not depressed, just a kind of hopeless feeling … I know that’s all it is. It’s feeling and it’ll pass. It’s like a cycle; fall, winter …
There’s not really A question but if you have any ideas I would be very eager to hear them.
Keep it up!
Nico, your comment about SSRIs, serotonin, Ritalin and Kava has merit. The only way to know is trial and error and experiencing its effects.
But your right that there are many other causes of feeling down occasionally. Including lack of light in the winter and not enough vitamin D.
Or you’re not stimulating your dopamine/motivation pathway which could also result in feelings of hopelessness. More on that here: https://nootropicsexpert.com/hacking-motivation-with-nootropics/