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Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) is a herbal plant commonly found in Pacific islands. The name Kava is derived from Polynesian languages and means “bitter.” It describes the taste of this herbal preparations.
This tall shrub with heart-shaped leaves has roots containing a compound known as kavalactones. This substance is said to help with stress and anxiety and promote restful sleep. It has allowed many to overcome the feeling of restlessness and live healthy lives.
That being so, this supplement could be your answer to bring a sense of calmness and build healthy sleeping habits. Let’s explore the best kava brands you can start consuming to bring soothing effects to your mind and body.
Quick Summary
Best For Cost-Effectiveness: Double Wood Kava Kava Extract
Great For Vegetarians: NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract
Best For Liquid Drops Formulation: Gaia Herbs Kava Root
| Product Name | Kava Kava Content (mg) | Price / Amount | Direction To Use |
| NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract | 250 | ~ $30 / 120 capsules | Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily as needed |
| Double Wood Kava Kava Extract | 500 | ~ $20 / 120 capsules | Take 1 capsule per day for the first few days, then move up to 2 capsules per day |
| Gaia Herbs Kava Root | 37.5 | ~ $18 / 30mL | Take 20-30 drops in a small amount of water 3 times daily between meals |
| Natrol Kava Kava | 200 | ~ $9 / 30 capsules | Take 1 capsule, 1-2 times daily, with a meal |
Best Kava Supplements
NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract
KAVA CONTENT (mg):
250
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $30/120 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 capsule 1 to 2 times daily as needed. Daily usage not to exceed 4 weeks.
Pros
- Non-GMO
- GMP quality assured
- Vegan and vegetarian
Cons
- Produced in a GMP facility that processes allergens such as yeast, wheat and soy
This dietary supplement is rated as one of the top brands in the market. NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract contains 30% kavalactones, extracted from the roots. It’s manufactured in vegetarian capsules, making it a suitable option for people with dietary restrictions.
Besides, this product also contains organic Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus), an Asian herb that helps alleviate general fatigue. The combination of ingredients in this relaxing herbal blend provides maximal consumer benefits.
The excellent 4.4 stars ratings on this product are a testament to its effectiveness. Many customers describe this dietary supplement as “good quality” and “the best capsules for sleep and anxiety”.
Double Wood Kava Kava Extract
KAVA CONTENT (mg):
250
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $20/120 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Start with a 1 capsule dosage (500 mg) per day for the first few days, especially if you haven’t used it before. If you don’t experience any side effects, move up to a 2 capsules daily dosage (1000mg)
Pros
- Made in the USA
- Most cost-effective product
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- Some complaints on dizziness or headache
Double Wood Kava Kava Extract capsules are standardized to contain 3-5% kavalactones. This means you’d get at least 40 mg of kavalactones per serving. These capsules can either be taken by mouth or opened up and mixed into your drink of choice.
Moreover, this product is gluten-free and soy-free. It has no aftertaste, making it easier for people to consume regularly. Each bottle of this best kava capsule comes with a two-months worth of supply. In other words, this product is one of the most affordable and best kava brands.
Gaia Herbs Kava Root
KAVA CONTENT (mg):
37.5
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $18/30mL
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 20-30 drops in a small amount of water, three times daily, between meals. The maximum time of use is one month.
Pros
- Ranked in the top 10 of Kava products
- Made from sustainably sourced ingredients
- Purity-tested
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Gaia Herbs Kava Root is one of the best kava brands for anxiety as it provides calming and relaxing effects. This brand’s ingredients are ethically harvested from the Island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. That being so, you can benefit from this supplement’s high purity and potency. It comes in small, easy-to-store bottle packaging, so you can conveniently bring it with you when you’re on the go.
Natrol Kava Kava
KAVA CONTENT (mg):
200
PRICE / AMOUNT:
~ $9/30 capsules
DOSAGE RECOMMENDED BY BRAND:
Take 1 capsule, 1-2 times daily, with a meal. Do not exceed a total of 300 mg kavalactones per day.
Pros
- No artificial coloring or flavoring
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Each bottle contains product supply for only a month or less
Natrol is amongst the leading American brands that provide drug-free sleeping aid vitamins and supplements. Their supplement is a high-quality product made of naturally grown kava roots in the South Pacific region. It delivers exceptional benefits such as reducing stress, calming anxiety, and fighting the feeling of restlessness. These capsules are easy-to-swallow and promote mind and body relaxation when consumed regularly.
How To Choose From These Supplements?
Firstly, consider the dose of kavalactone (or kavalactone percentage) per serving. An adequate amount of kavalactone for anti-anxiety effects may range from 45 to 80 mg three times a day [1]. Secondly, ensure you’re informed of the source of Kava supplement ingredients. Ethical harvesting protocols and subsequent purity testing help eliminate the toxicity.
Finally, monitor for any side effects while taking the supplement. A suitable product should provide enough doses to stimulate therapeutic effects without many undesirable side effects. If you’re experiencing sustained side effects such as dizziness, diarrhea, or skin problems, it may indicate that the product isn’t right for you [2].
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does this supplement work?
Yes, the best kava brands serve as an effective complementary method to treat anxiety symptoms or disorders. In 21 randomized controlled trials, regular use of kava supplements showed positive effects on participants’ mental health [3]. This supplement also demonstrates a strong potential to relieve insomnia and restlessness.
Nevertheless, Kava supplements are not a substitute for anxiety medications, but rather a complementary medicine option. Therefore, most kava brands recommend a short-term use, not exceeding eight weeks.
What is form of this supplement is best to take?
Kava supplements are available in various forms: capsules, liquid drops and even in tea products! While Kava teas are more common, the capsules formulation may be preferable for those who don’t enjoy Kava’s bitter or “earthy” taste.
On the other hand, Kava liquid drops may be suitable for those who wish to mask the taste of Kava in their drink of choice (i.e., juices or water). In terms of effectiveness, all forms of Kava have the same potency. The differences only lie within the kavalactone dose per serving of Kava products.
Which kava capsule is strongest?
In this list of best kava for sleep and anxiety, Double Wood Kava Kava Extract is the most potent kava brand. However, all mentioned products have equal potential to promote positive effects.
Although high doses of kava may mean better results, it’s also more harmful to your liver. So make sure to also look out for signs of liver injury such as stomach pain, dark-colored urine, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Bottomline: Top Kava Kava Supplements
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Kava supplements provide a tangible solution to anxiety and associated mental exhaustion. Although these supplements have a long history of use, it’s still recommended that you consult your healthcare provider if you’re planning on taking any of the brands. This is because it could interact with your existing medications, making them unsuitable.
So while you’re out there picking out the best kava brands, keep in mind to prioritize your health and safety too!
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional. We have assembled this article through in-depth research based on the information available at the date of publishing. We may receive a small commission for purchases you make through our links, but this comes at no extra cost to you. This commission allows us to continue doing what we love through Health Plugged, which is delivering evidence-based health information to our readers worldwide.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Lakhan, S.E., Vieira, K.F. (2010). Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders: systematic review. Nutr J 9, 42. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-9-42
- Saeed, S. A., Bloch, R. M., & Antonacci, D. J. (2007). Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. American family physician, 76(4), 549-556.
- Smith, K., & Leiras, C. (2018). The effectiveness and safety of Kava Kava for treating anxiety symptoms: A systematic review and analysis of randomized clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 33, 107–117. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.09.003
