How Long Does Kava Last & Stay in Your System?

What Is Kava?

Kava is a drug derived from the plant Piper methysticum. This specific plant is native to the South Pacific, and it’s been a part of traditional ceremonies for thousands of years. Kava is typically crushed and ground or powdered into water to be consumed as tea. However, it can also be taken as a supplement or extract.²

Kava may be used for its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties.  It may also help reduce stress and using Kava for anxiety is common. However, within the context of various religious and cultural ceremonies, people also take it to alter their consciousness.  In more rural South Pacific locations, people often use kava in important rituals, including naming ceremonies, funerals, and weddings.

How Long Does Kava Last & Stay in Your System?

Kava tends to enter the bloodstream quickly. It’s estimated that it takes about two hours for the drug to reach its peak effect. Kava is known to last in the system for over 24 hours after initial ingestion.¹ The exact length for how long kava will stay in your body is based on numerous factors, including how much you take and the kava strength.

What Factors Determine How Long Kava Will Last?

There is no specific way to determine how long a specific drug will remain in someone’s system. Individual body weight, age, weight, genetically inherited liver enzymes, and sex all impact how the body metabolizes different drugs. In addition, the type of drug, dosage, and frequency of use will also impact how long kava can be detected in someone’s body.

The Dosage

A drug’s dosage refers to how much of a specific drug is consumed over a certain period of time. In general, a higher drug dosage correlates with the drug staying in the system longer. Higher doses also correspond with more drug-related symptoms and side effects. Experts generally recommend taking no more than 250 mg of kavalactones per day.³

Kava Types

Kava comes in several different strains with various primary kavalactones. They’re also prepared differently. People may prefer certain types for their specific mood-altering effects. In addition, some types are known for having more unwanted side effects than others. In general, drugs with higher concentrations will generally persist longer in the system.⁴

Your Metabolism

The body primarily breaks down drugs via the liver. Everybody has their own unique metabolic rate, and genetic variables, age, health conditions, and medication interactions may impact metabolism. It is possible to make lifestyle changes, such as exercising more frequently and sleeping better, to support your metabolism. Those with fast metabolisms generally metabolize drugs faster than those with slower metabolisms.⁵

The Amount Of Kavalactones

Kavalactones refer to the primary compounds within the kava root. Research shows that at least 18 kavalactones have been identified and specifically isolated from kava root extract. Six leading kavalactones account for about 95% of the total kavalactones used in kava. Each of these can have various effects on the system, which can impact absorption and half-life.⁶

Kava Half-Life

A drug’s half-life refers to how long it takes for the amount of a drug’s active properties to diminish by half. It’s estimated that it takes around 2 hours for kava to reach peak blood levels. Although research is scant, some studies show that kava has a half-life of about 9 hours.⁷ However, this depends on the dosage and type of kava used.

Kava’s Reverse Tolerance

Reverse tolerance refers to the sometimes seen phenomenon of repeated exposure to a drug making a person more sensitive to its effects. It does not happen with every medication but if it happens with kava it would mean the same dose would cause increasing strong user reactions.

How Do These Factors Add Up?

Several factors play into how long kava ultimately stays in your system. There’s no predictable way to know how long it will take for your body to eliminate its presence. In addition, standard drug tests do not generally test for kava, so you may not know if it’s still in your body.

How to Make the Effects of Kava Last Longer

In general, there is no way to tell how long the effects of kava will last. It’s important to be mindful of taking too much at one time, as that can exacerbate unwanted side effects. In addition, the initial symptoms often emerge gradually and can take up two hours to reach their full capacity.

Some ways to extend the effects of kava include:

• Fast before using kava: Some people note more intense effects when using drugs on an empty stomach.
• Take a higher dosage: A higher dosage will always make the effects of a drug last longer. However, it’s also possible to be overwhelmed by these effects.
• Be aware of your source: Some strains of kava may last longer than others.
• Consider your environment: Your physical surroundings can affect how you react to certain drugs, including kava. Many people find it’s best to prioritize having a calming, relaxing environment.

How to Stop The Effects of Kava

Kava symptoms tend to diminish after about 2-3 hours, although this effect will vary based on each individual drug use. Unfortunately, there is no way to expedite this process. Some people recommend simply trying to distract themselves if they’re having a hard time. Take a nap, watch a movie, connect with friends, or engage in chores- these activities can keep you occupied as you wait for the effects to wear off.