How long does kava take to kick in? The biggest question we here from beginners before trying some kava for the first time. There are different varieties of kava, which tend to stay in the body for different durations. Just like anything you consume, the body will take time to pass it through the different body systems before it is eliminated from the body. There are some people who can feel the effects of kava for about two hours while others will record the effects for four hours. There are some cases where people even report feeling the effects of kava kava for a whole week! Just like coffee, there are different factors which determine how long it can last in your body. The way your body reacts to the substance directly affects how long kava will take to kick in.
Factors affecting the duration of kava kava in the body
Metabolism
The process which leads to conversion of the chemicals from one form to the other is referred to as metabolism. The liver is used to break down the substances. The way different individuals break down kava through metabolism varies. There are people with fast metabolism rates while others can have some delays which lead to the plant staying in the body for long. The way the drug is metabolized plays a huge role in when and how long you feel it and varies greatly in different individuals based on factors like gender, age and weight.
The Half Life
The time it will take for any substance to lose half of its life plays a factor as well. The different types of kava take different periods to reach their half-lives. For example. If you consume a kava strand which has a long half-life, then you’ll be exposed to the effects for longer than those that have a shorter half-life.
Dosage
Just like any coffee or tea, the amount you consume is probably the biggest factor contributing to the effects. If you consume a large dosage, you will feel the effects quicker and for a longer period of time. In contrast, taking a small dosage will yield the effects for a shorter period of time.
Kavalactones
Kavalactones are what actually causes the anti-anxiety, calming, and euphoric effects of kava tea. So, the amount of kavalactones in the strand determines how long it will last in your body system and how strong the effects will be. If the percentage of kavalactones is high, it will produce a stronger effect that lasts longer in your body.
Reverse Tolerance
We have a lengthier article on kava reverse tolerance here if you want to learn more. Reverse tolerance is the idea that the more you consume the product the more you feel it. Often people who drink kava for the first time feel little to no effect, but then try it again a few times and all of a sudden start feeling the effects. In short, the more you use it the less you need to feel the effects. The level of reverse tolerance in different individuals varies as well based on some of the factors mentioned above.
Type of Kava
There are several types of the kava plants and varietals on the market. Depending on the type or brand you purchase, you will feel different effects on your body and mind. There are some forms that are stronger and tend to last longer in the body than others and different varieties have slightly different effects in terms of anti-anxiety, calming, and relaxation. Rooted Kava Bar only uses and sells the highest quality kava directly from the farmers. All kava is tested and prepared properly which plays a huge role in giving you the proper effects.
It’s completely normal for the effects of kava to last different periods of time and in different strengths for different people. Whether you prepare it at home or come into the bar for a few shells…BULA!
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