Kava Extracts & Instant Kava

Everything on this page concentrates or pre-processes the root so there is no kneading and no fiber. At the strong end sit the 85% kavalactone CO2 paste and the high potency kava extract powder; kavain isolate is the single-kavalactone option for formulators. In the middle are the instant kavas, dehydrated whole-root drink that dissolves in water: Heady (day time), Body (night time) and the 11.4% high potency body blend, plus micronized kava and the 5% water soluble extract. Traditional medium grind root is under kava root powder, and the full lineup under kava.

At a glance

• Kavalactone content stated on every listing, from 5% instant to 85% paste
• Instant kavas dissolve in water or juice in under a minute
• Heady (day) and Body (night) instant blends, chosen by chemotype
• Kavain isolate for precise formulation

Heady vs heavy. Kava's six main kavalactones split roughly into kavain and yangonin, which read as uplifting and clear, and DHK and DHM, which read as heavy and body-focused. A cultivar's ratio between them is its chemotype. Our Heady instant kava is made from kavain-forward cultivars; the Body blends lean the other way. Extracts and paste carry the whole profile at high concentration.

How to choose.

• Easiest first kava: Heady instant kava stirred into juice.
• Evening session: Body instant kava or the 11.4% high potency if you want it stronger.
• Smallest serving, biggest effect: CO2 paste, measured on a scale.
• Making your own drinks, capsules or tinctures: extract powder or kavain isolate.

How to use. Instant kava: one to two teaspoons in 6 to 8 oz of water or juice, stirred or shaken, on an empty stomach. Paste and extract powder: weigh the serving on the product page with a milligram scale and mix into a fatty drink such as milk or coconut milk, which helps kavalactones disperse. Wait 30 to 45 minutes before judging.

What to expect. Instant kava feels like a strong bowl: numb tongue, relaxed body, easy mood. Paste and extract are faster and more pronounced, so the serving sizes are much smaller. Reverse tolerance applies to all of them; early sessions often feel light.

Cautions.

• Do not combine kava with alcohol, sedatives or benzodiazepines
• Not for use if pregnant, nursing, or with liver concerns; ask your provider if you take any medication
• Do not drive after a kava session
• Adults 21 and over only

Common questions

• What does 85% kavalactone mean? By weight, 85% of the paste is kavalactones, so a serving is a fraction of a gram. A kitchen spoon is not precise enough; use a scale.
• Can I mix instant kava into coffee? You can, but hot liquid degrades kavalactones; use warm, not boiling.
• Is instant kava the same as micronized? No. Instant is dehydrated prepared drink and dissolves fully; micronized is finely ground root that stays suspended.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Kava is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Keep out of reach of children.

Written by Robert Lattig, founder of Healing Herbals, practicing herbalist for 13 years.