Kava Tea - Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Kava Tea - Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Kava kava has been slowly taking over the shelves of convenience stores as a potent herbal additives that can help users manage their sleep issues, anxiety, and stress. With that stated, there are plenty of people around the globe that prefer avoiding gulping down additives pills, powders, or tablets. If you are one of them and still want to benefit from the amazing capabilities of Kava Kava then you should try Kava Tea. Kava Kava is often regarded as alternative medicine. It finds tremendous popularity in traditional ceremonies of Fiji’s indigenous people. It is known for its medicinal properties. This is why it has been the subject of interest among the scientific communities around the globe. Traditionally Kava Tea is made in the same way one brews a cup of tea using tea leaves. Tea made from the roots of the kava plant although have some benefits, it also comes with some potential side effects as well.

Kava root tea is known for its euphoric effects that leave the user calm and composed. One should have all information about the herb for the best results. This post is all about that only. Read on to know more!

1. What is kava tea?

Kava tea is made from the roots of the plant Piper methysticum. This plant is native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean. It is the national drink of Fiji. It is made traditionally in Fiji by crushing the dried out roots of the kava plant, mixing the same in water, straining it, and drinking the mixture after a while. (Reference: What is Kava Kava, WebMD, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

2. What are the benefits of Kava tea?

Kava root tea has many benefits. Some of them are explained in the following sections:

  • It is a great solution to cope with the ill effects of anxiety and stress. (Reference: Kava kava: Benefits and safety concerns, Medical News Today, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)
  • Yogi Kava Tea or simply kava tea helps people who are prone to anxiety attacks; manage the ill effects of the disorder.
  • It is also a great solution for people who want to unwind after a hard day at work, ease their stressed mind, and chill. Tea made from the roots of the kava plant is often labelled as ‘kava stress relief tea’ in most kava tea bars. Back in 2011, a controlled study was conducted where it was proved that tea made from the Kava plant helped participants in the study to cope better with their anxiety and stress-related symptoms.
  • It is also known for its sleep-promoting effects!
  • Other lesser-known kava tea benefits are its ability to allow the user to go into the REM sleep stage and improve the overall quality of sleep. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement. It is that stage of deep sleep where a person’s conscious mind shuts down completely. REM allows a person’s brain to reduce its workload and ensure toxins/waste matters from the brain are completely removed.
  • Kava tea is known for its anxiolytic effects – which is just a clever way of saying that it can calm the mind of a person to such a level that the person will soon feel compelled to take a nap! This is the reason why, in many parts of the world, Kava tea is often used as an alternative solution to people who have sleep disorders.
      Kawa Tea

      Kava facts and health benefits , Health Benefits Times Google Images, licensed under CC BY 2.0

      3. What are the side effects of kava tea?

      Kava tea comes with its fair share of side effects especially when one makes a habit out of it. They are as follows - 

      • Blinding headaches.
      • Frequent or continuous bouts of dizziness.
      • Fatigue – even when the person is fully rested or hasn’t participated in any strenuous activity.
      • Depression.
      • Mild to severe bouts of diarrhoea.
      • Skin problems which could manifest as dry, yellow, or scaly skin – signs of liver damage. It is reported mostly by people who took kava tea in fairly large quantities regularly!

            All of these side effects come to a halt when a person with said symptoms stops ingesting the tea altogether. Furthermore, it is best to stop taking the tea after three months. Why? Well, after that, the chance of the user getting addicted to the tea is pretty high. (Reference: What Is Kava Kava, WebMD, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

            4. How do you make kava tea?

            Traditionally, kava tea is prepared the same was as one brew a cup of tea from tea leaves! Dried kava roots are either ground into powder form or cut into small pieces. The powder or the pieces are then placed in a straining bag and placed in hot water. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to ExpectKalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

            5. Ingredients to gather –

            • High-quality dried kava roots
            • A strainer bag – you can also use a clean white t-shirt if you don’t have a strainer bad at your disposal.
            • Warm water – avoid placing the roots into boiling water.
            • A small to a medium-sized bowl. You will be using this bowl to prepare your kava tea.
                Kawa Kawa Chai

                best kava kava chai recipe , Pinterest Google Images, licensed under CC BY 2.0

                 6. Method to prepare kava root tea

                • Step 1 – Take around two tablespoonfuls of kava root pieces or powder. In case you want to prepare two to three servings then you would need to double the amount of kava root pieces/powder. Place the kava root pieces or powder in the strainer bag/t-shirt and place the same in the bowl
                • Step 2 – Fill up a separate bowl with around 12 ounces of water. Make sure the water is at a temperature of not more or less than 120 degrees. Pour the water into the strainer bag/t-shirt containing the kava root pieces or powder. Leave it as it is for about ten minutes – this is similar to the way one brews tea, isn’t it!?
                • Step 3 – Slowly twist the strainer bag or the t-shirt from the top and make your way to the bottom. This will remove the air from the same. Be sure to knead the contents inside the strainer bag so that every drop of the liquid is extracted from the same. Dip the strainer bag again in the extracted liquid and repeat the process until the extracted liquid starts looking like chocolate milk! You would need to do this for a good 5 minutes if you want a potent cup of kava tea!
                • Step 4 – Refrigerate the kava liquid or you can simply throw an ice cube or two. Do not mix sugar, milk, or anything with the Kava Tea. If you do so, its efficacy will come down drastically!

                      7. What is the suggested dosage for kava tea?

                      It is better if one ingests Kava tea as little as possible, especially when they are drinking it regularly! As per some researchers, it is best to limit the daily dose to less than 250 milligrams per day. Furthermore, one should not take the tea for more than three months at a stretch. (Reference: What is Kava KavaWebMD, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

                      8. How does kava make you feel?

                      As soon as a user takes a sip of the tea, the user would feel as if their tongue and lips are getting numb. There is nothing to worry about as this is a natural and most commonly reported mild side effect. This will last for only a minute or two. It is a generic sign that the tea you are drinking is made from good quality kava plant roots. After this, the user will generally feel euphoric and witness his/her mind shifting into a higher uplifted state. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to ExpectKalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

                      Kawa Kawa

                      Kawakawa - New Zealand's Wonder Herb , The Tea Thief Google Images, licensed under CC BY 2.0

                      9. How long do the effects of kava last?

                      Well, it depends. If the user is having yogi kava tea for the first time then their body and mind will react differently when compared to a person who is having his/her fourth cup. Furthermore, the quantity of the drink will also dictate the outcome. In the end, the uplifting effects of the tea will be felt for about three hours at max but the relaxed feel will last for even more! In the end, the user will be so relaxed that he/she will be compelled to take a nap for an hour or two. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to ExpectKalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

                      10. Is kava tea safe to drink?

                      Kava root tea is a herbal remedy that is often adopted by people who want to take the herbal approach when they want to tackle issues like lack of sleep, stress, or anxiety. But according to several independent studies, it is found that when a person drinks kava tea excessively, then the same could get diagnosed with liver damage in the near future. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to ExpectKalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024) This is the reason why, although Kava Kava is a legalized herbal additives here in the states, the FDA cautions Americans against drinking the tea – as people often tend to develop a habit out of it. There are more than a hundred varieties of the Kava plant. Loosely all of these varieties are categorized into two sections – 

                      • The Noble Kava and
                      • The Tudei Kava.

                          It is best to avoid Tudei Kava since the tea made from the roots of this particular class of the Kava plant, when consumed continuously could lead to side effects like – 

                          • Nausea and
                          • Lethargy.

                            Users should choose lab-tested Noble kava roots or root extract powders as their Kava Tea ingredient since Noble Kava does not have potential side effects. Kava tea reacts with alcohol and a plethora of popular prescription drugs like – 

                            • Benzodiazepines and
                            • Anti-depressants – which is why it is always a good idea to consult with a doctor before one chooses to start drinking this herbal remedy!

                              Furthermore, pregnant women should avoid drinking kava tea since little to no research has been conducted here in the States or any part of the world, related to this matter. Hence, one cannot be sure whether the herbal tea will have any negative effect(s) on a mother and her unborn child. (Reference: What is Kava KavaWebMD, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

                              11. Best Kawa Teas In Indian 2024

                              From masala tea and herbal tea to black tea and desi kahwa, there are so many tea options available in the market and online. Here're 4 best kahwa tea options for you to choose from.

                              11.1. Teacurry -Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea

                              Teacurry Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea has a soft sweet taste, which is delicate on your palate and perfects when you crave some warmth instead of the robust taste of Black tea or coffee. Full of spices rose petals and almonds, the natural green tea leaves create a feeling of ecstasy with each sip. The golden sun-soaked yellow color of the tea, with an intense rosy spicy-sweet smell, relaxes your mind and soul instantly. Teacurry Kashmiri Kahwa green tea is a perfect balance of taste, health & aroma - consisting of Penang Cloves, mighty Ginger, Almonds, Rose petals, Cassia cinnamon, black pepper, green cardamom, and Assam green tea. It's a perfect blend to cleanse the digestive system, boost immunity, detoxify the body, relieve oxidative stress, fight morning sickness, help with indigestion and joint pain. Cinnamon helps in and enhancing blood circulation, while Cardamom helps in clearing up free radicals. (Reference: Kahwah, Wikipedia, Retrieved on 1 January 2023)

                              • Manufacturer: Teacurry
                              • Starting Price: Rs.399 for 30 Tea Bags Based on Teacurry as of 1 January 2023.
                              • Taste: soft sweet taste
                              • Ingredients:Rose petals from the gardens of Maharashtra, Cassia Cinnamon from Punjab, Black Pepper
                              • Aroma: Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea has an intense floral rosy scent mixed with spicy aromas.
                              • Rating: 5.0 /5.0 based on 145 customer reviews on Teacurry as of 1 January 2023.
                              • 100% Natural: Yes
                              • Caffeine Free: Yes
                              • Dietary Plan: Yes diet plan is included.
                              • Benefits:
                                •  improves liver health.
                                •  Rich in Nutrients
                                • Fight against nasal congestion 
                                • Detoxifies the body
                              • Link to Shop: Shop on Teacurry

                              kawha tea ,Teacurry licensed under CC BY 2.0

                              11.2 VAHDAM Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea

                              Kashmiri Kahwa is a well-balanced concoction of green tea infused with robust flavors of Indian spices like cardamom and cinnamon. The richness of saffron and almonds further enhances the aroma creating an unforgettable fragrance as the tea brews. A smooth, rich, delectable and a refreshing brew that is popularly consumed in the Western Ghats, the Malabar region, and Kashmir. This traditional recipe is a treasure trove of multiple health benefits as well.

                              • Manufacturer: Vahdam
                              • Starting Price: Rs.349.00 for 100 gm Based on Vahdam.in as of as of 1 January 2023.
                              • Taste: Light golden, well-bodied mouthfeel of a smooth green tea that reveals complex layers of delectable saffron and exotic spices, and lingering warm spicy notes
                              • Ingredients: Made using 100% real ingredients, our Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea contains: Pure whole-leaf Green Tea (78.62%), Cardamom (9.43%), Cinnamon (9.43%), Saffron (0.16%), and Almonds (2.36%)
                              • Aroma: Rich notes of saffron layered with fragrance of warm spices and umaminess of green tea
                              • Rating: 4.0/5.0 based on 37 customer reviews on Vahdam.in as of as of 1 January 2023.
                              • 100% Natural: Yes
                              • Caffeine-free: medium
                              • Benefits:
                                • Boosts Immunity & provides relief from common cold & flu.
                                • Boosts metabolism and gut health.
                                • Lowers bad cholesterol.
                              • Link to Shop: Shop on Vahdam.in

                              Kashmiri kawa Green tea ,Vahdam licensed under CC BY 2.0

                              11.3 The Tea Trove - Organic Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea

                              Kashmiri Kahwa Green Tea is an exotic tea made with Kashmiri green tea leaves, Ginger, Cinnamon, Cloves, Cardamom and Orange. To make Kashmiri Style Noon Tea recipe, first boil a cup of water in a saucepan. After boiling, add 2tsp Kashmiri Kahwa tea leaves and simmer for 1 minute. Now add 1/3 rd tsp baking soda to it and keep stirring continuously for 10 seconds. Now add 1 cup water . Boil until it becomes red. Now reduce the flame, add 1 cup milk and keep stirring. The color of the tea will now turn dark pink. After boiling add 1/2 tsp salt, mix and serve in a cup

                              11.4 The Indian Chai – Kashmiri Kawa Chai

                              AROMATIC TEA: Kashmiri Kahwa tea is an aromatic tea infused with delicate flavours of whole spices. Kashmiri Kahwa is subtle on your taste and ideal for the times whenever you crave a little warmth and still don’t want the heaviness of classic milk coffee or tea!

                               Kashmiri Kahwa TeaTheIndianChai licensed under CC BY 2.0

                              12. Frequently Asked Questions

                              • Is it legal to buy Kava kava here in the US? Absolutely! Kava kava is legalized in The United States since it is classified as a herbal additives. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to ExpectKalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)
                              • What does Kava Kava do to your body? Kava kava is packed with kavalactones which interact with the user’s brain. It targets the amygdala – the region that is responsible for a person’s emotions. In simple words - Kava tea leaves the user with a relaxed mind and body. (Reference: Trying Kava for the First Time? Here’s What to Expect, Kalm With Kava, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)
                              • Is kava tea addictive? Yes, and the reason is simple – Individuals who drink Kava Tea regularly often develop a tolerance towards this potent yet beneficial herb. This is the reason why one should not exceed the daily dose of 250 milligrams per day. (Reference: Kava Addiction and AbuseThe Recovery Village, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)
                              • Can the elderly have Kava tea? Sure the elderly can have Kava Tea given they are not making a habit out of it. With use, the efficacy of Kava kava decreases this means that one would need to increase their dosage per serving to gain the desired results. It is best to avoid this scenario altogether when the user is elderly. (Reference: KavaHartford Healthcare Senior Services, Retrieved on 1 January 2024)

                                It is evident by now that Kava Tea has lots to offer and to make the most out of it, one can refer to the information shared in the above sections with their eyes closed! Every one of us here at teacurry.com is passionate about tea, tea products, the rich history of this beverage, and its benefits. We spend hours on end to bring to you blogs that are full of properly vetted information from renowned and reliable sources on the internet. Still, it is natural for our readers to have queries and opinions as it is the most human thing. This is why we welcome them! Feel free to share your queries and opinions in the comments section below. We will get back to you shortly!

                                Back to blog

                                1 comment

                                I appreciate the tips and suggestions you provided in your post, they’re very practical and useful.

                                sunil singh

                                Leave a comment

                                • Top 8 AMH Support Tea For Women In India

                                  Top 8 AMH Support Tea For Women In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In the pursuit of holistic well-being, women often encounter unique health challenges, with fertility being a crucial aspect. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a key player in understanding reproductive health, and...

                                  Top 8 AMH Support Tea For Women In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In the pursuit of holistic well-being, women often encounter unique health challenges, with fertility being a crucial aspect. Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) is a key player in understanding reproductive health, and...

                                • 5 Best  Acidity Teas In India

                                  5 Best Acidity Teas In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  Acid reflux, a common digestive woe, often disrupts our daily lives with its uncomfortable symptoms. From the burning sensation in the chest to the regurgitation of stomach acid, the impact...

                                  5 Best Acidity Teas In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  Acid reflux, a common digestive woe, often disrupts our daily lives with its uncomfortable symptoms. From the burning sensation in the chest to the regurgitation of stomach acid, the impact...

                                • Top 5 Ovo Boost Tea for Women In India

                                  Top 5 Ovo Boost Tea for Women In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In a society where the well-being of women plays a pivotal role, the quest for holistic health solutions has become more pertinent than ever. Enter Ovo Boost Tea a specially...

                                  Top 5 Ovo Boost Tea for Women In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In a society where the well-being of women plays a pivotal role, the quest for holistic health solutions has become more pertinent than ever. Enter Ovo Boost Tea a specially...

                                • Top 5 DHT Blocker Tea In India

                                  Top 5 DHT Blocker Tea In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In a world where first impressions matter, hair health plays a significant role in our overall appearance and confidence. Many factors contribute to the vitality of our locks, and one...

                                  Top 5 DHT Blocker Tea In India

                                  Rishabh Dixit

                                  In a world where first impressions matter, hair health plays a significant role in our overall appearance and confidence. Many factors contribute to the vitality of our locks, and one...

                                1 of 4
                                • 100% Natural

                                  Teacurry Teas are natural and made from authentic herbs for maximum efficacy.

                                • Plant Based

                                  We use herbs as part of our commitment to super herbs and sustainability.

                                • No Sugar

                                  Teacurry herbals contain no added sugar and all its teas have zero calories.

                                • Herbalists

                                  Teacurry teas are crafted by skilled and experienced herbalists and doctors.

                                Talk to our Experts