Zen DropsKey takeaways
- Kava capsules contain the root of Piper methysticum, either ground or as a concentrated extract.
- Compared with the traditional drink, capsules have no taste and give a measured amount per dose, but usually take a little longer to work.
- Choose products made from the root of noble kava varieties, with a clear dose and maximum per day.
- Never combine kava with alcohol or sedatives, and talk to your healthcare provider first if you take medication.
What is kava?
Kava is a plant in the pepper family native to the South Pacific. Pacific Islanders have prepared a drink from its root for thousands of years, for ceremonies and social gatherings. The compounds most associated with kava's effects are called kavalactones. In the United States, kava products are sold as dietary supplements.[1]
What is inside a kava capsule?
Kava capsules come in two main kinds:
- Root powder capsules contain ground, dried kava root, the same material used to make the drink.
- Extract capsules contain a concentrated extract of the root. Labels often state the amount of extract per capsule and sometimes the amount of kavalactones.
Some formulas combine kava with other botanicals. Zen Drops capsules, for example, contain 75 mg of bio kava root extract per capsule, standardized for kavalactones, together with organic ginger extract and ashwagandha root, in a vegetable cellulose capsule.
Kava capsules vs the kava drink vs powder
| Capsules | Traditional drink | Loose powder | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste | None | Earthy and bitter; numbs the mouth | Earthy and bitter once mixed |
| Preparation | Swallow with water | Knead root in water and strain, or served at a kava bar | Mix with water, knead and strain |
| Dose | Measured per capsule | Varies with the batch and the bowl | Depends on how much you use |
| Portability | High | Low | Medium |
| Onset | Usually slower (the capsule must dissolve) | Usually faster, noticeable in the mouth right away | Similar to the drink |
People who dislike kava's taste, or want a consistent amount without preparation, tend to prefer capsules. People who enjoy the ritual and social side of kava tend to prefer the drink.
Kava vs ashwagandha
Kava and ashwagandha are often mentioned together but are different plants. Kava is a Pacific root taken as needed, and its effects are usually felt within an hour. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an herb from Ayurvedic tradition that is described as an adaptogen and is usually taken daily over a longer period. Some formulas, including Zen Drops, combine the two with ginger. If you take any medication, ask your healthcare provider before combining herbs.
What to look for on the label
- Root only. Kava should be made from the root. Stems and leaves are not traditionally used and have been suggested as one possible factor in rare liver problems.[1]
- Noble varieties. Traditional "noble" kava cultivars are the ones customarily drunk in the Pacific. Some other varieties are considered undesirable.[1][2]
- Clear amount per capsule and a clear maximum daily dose.
- Other ingredients and allergens clearly listed.
- Where the kava comes from. Vanuatu and Fiji are major producers of noble kava.
How to take kava capsules
Follow the dose on your product's label. For Zen Drops, that is 1–2 capsules as needed with a full glass of water, no more than 4 capsules in 24 hours, starting with 1 capsule to see how you respond. Kava should not be combined with alcohol or other sedating substances, and is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.[1] See Is kava safe? for the full safety picture.
Frequently asked questions
Are kava capsules as effective as the drink?
They contain the same plant, but in a different form and amount. Capsules give a measured dose without the taste; the drink is traditional and usually felt faster. How strong either feels depends on the product and the amount taken.
How many kava capsules should I take?
Follow the label of your product. Zen Drops suggests 1–2 capsules as needed, no more than 4 in 24 hours, and starting with 1.
Can I take kava capsules every day?
Health authorities link large amounts and prolonged use of kava with a higher risk of side effects. Zen Drops recommends not using it daily and not exceeding the suggested dose. Ask your healthcare provider about regular use.
Do kava capsules taste like kava?
No. The capsule is swallowed whole, so you do not taste the earthy, bitter flavor or feel the mouth-numbing effect of the drink.
What is the difference between kava and kava kava?
None. "Kava kava" is another name for the same plant, Piper methysticum.
From Zen Drops
Zen Drops Kava Root Extract
75 mg noble kava root extract per capsule with organic ginger and ashwagandha, in a plant-based capsule. Kava grown without pesticides by farmers in Vanuatu and Fiji.
- Noble kava root
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- 16 capsules
$29.99$39.99Free shipping on orders over $50
Sources
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your healthcare provider before using kava, especially if you take medication, have liver problems, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.