Zen DropsKey takeaways
- Kava contains no alcohol; its effects come from kavalactones in the root.
- People often describe kava as relaxing with a clear head, which is why kava bars attract people looking for an alcohol-free evening.
- Never mix the two: both are sedating, and combining them is a suspected factor in rare kava-related liver injury.
- Kava can still cause drowsiness, so don’t drive until you know how it affects you.
Is kava alcoholic?
No. Kava contains no alcohol. The traditional drink is made by kneading the ground root in water, and capsules contain the dried root or its extract. Its effects come from compounds called kavalactones, not from ethanol.[1]
Kava vs alcohol at a glance
| Kava | Alcohol | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Root of Piper methysticum, a Pacific pepper plant | Ethanol, produced by fermentation |
| Active compounds | Kavalactones | Ethanol |
| Tradition | Pacific Island ceremonies and gatherings for thousands of years[1] | Worldwide |
| How people describe it | Relaxed and sociable, with the mind staying clear | Relaxed and uninhibited, with judgment and coordination increasingly impaired |
| Taste (as a drink) | Earthy and bitter; numbs the mouth | Varies |
| Main risks | Rare liver injury; skin problems with heavy long-term use; interactions[1] | Well-documented harms to the liver, heart and brain; dependence |
| Driving | Can cause drowsiness — don't drive until you know how it affects you | Illegal above the legal limit |
Why people choose kava instead of a drink
Kava bars have spread across the United States, and many visitors are looking for an alcohol-free way to unwind in the evening or be social.[1] People commonly describe kava as relaxing without the loss of control they associate with alcohol. Individual experiences differ, and kava is not a treatment for alcohol use disorder; anyone cutting back on alcohol should talk to a healthcare provider.
Why you should never mix kava and alcohol
- Liver. Taking kava together with alcohol is one of the suspected causes of the rare cases of kava-related liver injury.[1]
- Sedation. Kava should not be used with other substances that have sedative effects, such as alcohol or benzodiazepines.[1] Together, the relaxing effects can add up.
- Judgment and driving. The combination makes it harder to judge how impaired you are.
If you have been drinking, skip kava that day. If you take kava, don't drink afterwards.
How Zen Drops fits in
Zen Drops capsules contain 75 mg of noble kava root extract with organic ginger and ashwagandha, with no alcohol. Take 1–2 capsules as needed, no more than 4 in 24 hours, and never with alcohol. Read Is kava safe? before you start.
Frequently asked questions
Can you drink alcohol after taking kava?
No. Kava should not be combined with alcohol. Both are sedating, and taking them together is a suspected factor in rare kava-related liver injury.
Does kava cause a hangover?
Kava does not contain alcohol, so it does not cause an alcohol hangover. Some people feel drowsy or sluggish after large amounts; staying within the label dose helps.
Is kava a good alternative to alcohol?
Many people use kava as an alcohol-free way to relax socially. It is not risk-free, and it is not a treatment for alcohol dependence; talk to a healthcare provider if you are trying to cut back on drinking.
Will kava show up as alcohol on a breathalyzer?
No. Kava contains no alcohol. It can still cause drowsiness, so do not drive until you know how it affects you.
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.