How Long Does Kava Stay In Your System? What Science Says

Kava is a natural botanical derived from the roots and stumps of the Piper methysticum plant. Kava has deep roots in the Pacific Islands, where it has been used in social and spiritual ceremonies for over a millennium. In recent years, Kava has gained popularity with several kava bars and ‘plant-based calm movement’ popping up around the US and becoming popular with people seeking plant-based wellness products. 

But as with most botanical products, the research and information available online is pretty slim, making new enthusiasts scared of trying the botanical without the stress of getting into trouble. One of the major concerns new users have while dabbling with kava for the first time is ‘how long does kava stay in the system’ and ‘can it be detected’? If you’re using Kava for the first time, knowing the ‘ins and outs’ of the substance can help you use it responsibly and confidently. Let’s take a deeper dive into what science says about Kava and its active compounds, timing, detection, and safe usage.

Kavalactones: The Active Compound Behind Kava’s Effects

Kava roots contain a complex matrix of bioactive compounds with over 200 chemical compounds identified so far. However, most of the physiological properties associated with kava come from a small group of lipophilic (fat-loving) compounds called kavalactones. These compounds are responsible for giving Kava its signature ‘relaxing  but clear-headed’ profile that enthusiasts love. 

Kava is consumed in various ways, such as kava capsules, extracts, kava powder, and teas. The kavalactones of kava interact with the brain’s GABA receptors – the same neurotransmitter that responds to sedatives and alcohol. This gives kava its renowned effects, such as anxiety relief, mood boost, and relaxation.

What Factors Determine How Long Kava Lasts In Your System? 

The primary effects of Kava are a sense of relaxation, mild euphoria, and sedative effects. However, just like any botanical product, there are no standard effects of kava. Kava effects can vary from individual to individual based on the dosage, type of kava taken, individual metabolism, etc. Here are the factors that influence how long you’ll ‘feel’ kava in your body. 

Dosage and Frequency

Dosage refers to the amount of kava you’ve ingested over a certain period of time. Higher dosage and more frequent usage can lead to product buildup in the system. 

Formulation and Purity

Purity and concentration of the product format also affect how much you ‘feel’ the kava effects. Traditional kava teas are less potent than kava shots and concentrates and therefore will feel milder. Heavy Kavas such as Tudei Kava deliver intense effects that last longer, whereas instant kava mixes and micronized kava are typically less potent with shorter duration. 

Body Physiology

Kavalactones, the active compound in kava that gives it its properties, are lipophilic in nature, which means they interact with the fat stored in your body and are then synthesized in the liver. People with a higher fat percentage might have kava stay in the system for longer.

Liver Function

High metabolism and a healthy liver would lead to better absorption and elimination of kavalactones in the body. However, people with impaired liver function, liver issues, or slow metabolism will experience slower kava effects. 

Food Intake

Research shows that kava, when taken on an empty stomach, leads to intense and potent results, while consuming kava with food reduces its absorption. 

Enzyme Inhibition

Kava and its components may inhibit certain enzymes in the liver, which can affect their own elimination from the body. 

Kava Half-Life

Half-life refers to the time it takes for your body to break down a compound and eliminate it by 50%. The half-life of kava ranges from 8 to 9 hours in most healthy adults. However, some specific kavalactones like kavain and methysticin may have a slightly wider range within a 6-12 hour range, depending on one’s metabolism, liver function, and dosage. 

How To Make Kava Effects Last Longer

There are no defined guidelines for kava consumption. However, according to WHO guidelines, one shouldn’t consume more than 250mg of Kavalactones in a day, split between 2-3 servings with breaks in between, in order not to overload the liver. There is no rule of thumb to tell how long kava effects will last. One should be mindful not to consume a lot in one go, as the effects of kava show up gradually and can take up to 2 hours to reach full capacity. 

1. Take it in a moderate dosage rather than overshooting your metabolic capacity. 
2. Take it on a moderately empty stomach. The ideal time is when you feel like you’re not starving, but also not overloaded with food. 
3. Sip gradually instead of taking a big ‘shot’. 
4. Use clean extracts that are GMP-certified and have transparent labeling so you can check the kavalactones profile. 
5. Drink ample amounts of water to stay hydrated so that your body’s elimination system works optimally.
6. Use only noble cultivars and clean extracts with known kavalactone profiles that offer smoother curves instead of crash spikes. 

Kava and Drug Tests 

Most workplaces or court-ordered drug tests screen for a very limited set of substances, for example, opioids, THC, amphetamines, etc. Kava and Kavalactones can’t be detected by standard authorized test panels. 

Kava and Kavalactones are metabolized by liver enzymes in the body. So changes in liver health, hydration, and diet can impact these enzymes and therefore influence how long it would be detectable in your body. 

Here are the tests that can detect kava in your body and their estimated window of detection. 

Routine tests are unlikely to detect kavalactones. However, if someone were to run specialised high-sensitivity tests, it can be detected in the body for weeks to months. 

Potential Risks Of Kava Usage

Kava is generally tolerated well by people if taken in moderate doses and in its natural and pure form. However, just like any other botanical product, its effects may differ from person to person and can also cause adverse side effects in some people. 

Here are some of the documented side effects of kava usage: 

1. Liver Toxicity and liver issues. 
2. Weight loss
3. Nausea
4. Redness in the eyes
5. Impotence in men 
6. Chronic fatigue
7. Lack of motivation. 

WHO has emphasized the importance of limiting non-noble extracts and avoiding the use of stems or leaves to mitigate the adverse effects. [1]

How To Use Kava Safely and Responsibly 

Just like any botanical substance, it is essential to start slow and use it in moderation. The recommended kava dosage and duration for a day is 250mg for adults, and one shouldn’t exceed that amount at all. Here are some of the ways you can use it responsibly:

1. Store your kava in high-quality airtight containers to maintain its shelf life and freshness.
2. Purchase kava from reputable suppliers to ensure the safety of the product. Kava can be purchased at gas stations and health food stores; however, not all brands follow strict quality control or have transparent labeling. Make sure to only use noble kava extract free from any impurities.
3. First-time users should start with small amounts brewed into tea and see how their body responds to it. For the most authentic experience, one should go for traditional ground kava root.
4. In case you’re using acetonic kava or kava extracts, make sure to read and follow the product label and serving guidelines carefully.
5. Only buy kava from trusted suppliers who have transparent labeling and Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available on their website to guarantee the authenticity of their product.
6. Avoid combining kava with alcohol, sedatives, and other hepatotoxic substances.
7. If symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, uneasiness, or abdominal pain appear, discontinue immediately.
8. If you have any liver conditions or take any sort of regular medication, please consult your healthcare professional before consuming kava.

For first-time users looking for the best kava experience, setting and space also matter! Consuming it in a relaxed setting boosts its central effects and enhances your sleep quality. Drinking kava in the evening lets your body process its calming and relaxing effects without hampering your daily routine.

Is Kava Safe For People In Recovery? 

The core idea of recovery is for one to stay sober. Consuming kava, kratom, or any other botanical substance, however mild, goes against this principal idea. Some recovery protocols advise against using any psychoactive or relaxing botanicals during early phases, as it could lead to another form of addiction.

Kava is a relaxant, and its sedative qualities may further complicate your recovery pathway. Always discuss with your counselor or physician, as transparency is key in recovery. And if permitted, consider starting with a very low dosage under supervision and documenting how your body reacts. 

While kava is not as powerful or strong as pharmaceutical drugs, it still has potential for abuse and dependency. So, for people on the road to recovery, we wouldn’t recommend using it without physician consultation and supervision.

Final Thoughts

Kava’s growing popularity is pushing it into the spotlight. But due to its unregulated usage, this plant-based wellness product is often misunderstood and misused. Like any botanical, understanding its science, safety, and limits is important. It can be used to elevate your wellness routine, but that could only happen with natural and safe kava products free from any contaminants. Therefore, it is important to buy kava from reputable sources like NuWave Botanicals, where we sell products with COAs for complete transparency and authenticity. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.How Long Do You Feel The Effects of Kava?

Kava effects duration is not standard and varies from person to person. However, typically it takes within 20-40 minutes to feel its effects, depending on the form and whether it’s taken on an empty stomach. The effects can last from around 2-4 hours, though subtle relaxing effects may linger a bit longer in some.

2.Can Kava Be Addictive? 

Kava is not considered physically addictive, which means that it doesn’t cause chemical dependence or withdrawal symptoms. However, some people may develop a psychological dependence if they begin using it regularly and rely on it for mood regulation. Responsible and occasional use is key to avoiding dependence.

3.Is Kava Safe To Drink?

Yes! When sourced responsibly and consumed in moderation, kava is considered safe for healthy adults. However, the quality of the kava matters a lot. One should choose noble kava varieties made from peeled roots and ensure that the kava product they’re buying is third-party tested with lab-certificates published online for authenticity. Check out the kava range at NuWave Botanicals manufactured in accordance with GMP standards to get only safe and high-quality kava. 

4.Will Kava Make Me Fail A Standard Drug Test?

No, Kava won’t make you fail any standard drug test. Kavalactones can only be detected in the body through high-sensitivity and specialised kava drug tests. 

5.How To Get Kava Out Of Your System Fast?

There is no proven way of getting kava out of your system, as it is processed by your liver in the body. However, you can eat loads of fatty food or hydrate yourself well to counteract its effects.