In this article, we will be discussing everything about kava’s duration. Ranging from what issues can speed up or slow down its effects to just how long it lasts, and so on.
Also, if you want to find out how long kava takes to work you are in the right place. We promise this would be an interesting and informative read, so, sit back and let us begin!
How Long It Takes to Work
Generally, it takes fifteen minutes before your body starts to feel any effect of the product. Although, sometimes, it may take 30 minutes before the effects first hit.
Also, kavas are made differently, so it would be impossible to specifically say the exact time it takes for it to start working. With some, you may feel the first effect even before the first shell (cup) finishes, while with others, you have to take 2 or even 3 shells before the effects hit. However, the first effect you will feel after taking the product is euphoria, after which, the sedative or relaxing effect will follow.
Aside from this, several factors may affect the time the effects are first felt.
Factors that Affects the Onset of Kava’s Effects
As already stated, some factors can affect the timing you begin to feel the effects of the product. Some of these factors are:
1. Other Medications or Supplements
If you are taking other medications or supplements that use the same absorption pathway that kava does, they will compete for it. This will, in turn, slow down the absorption rate and lengthen the time needed for kava’s effect onset.
Some of these supplements include psyllium husk and slippery elm. Alternatively, some supplements can increase the absorption rate dramatically; this would, in turn, reduce the time need for kava’s effect onset.
Therefore, if you are already taking other medications or supplements, you may want to find out how it is absorbed before you add kava to the mix.
2. Empty vs. Full Stomach
Just like when you take coffee or alcohol, you will feel the product’s effect faster if it is taken while your stomach is empty. The reason being that, your digestive tract contents will all be competing for absorption. You can read this to learn more about the absorption process.
But, if the stomach is full, the product will be absorbed slowly, resulting in a prolonged onset time.
3. The Form Taken
Kava comes in various forms and the type which is taken can affect the absorption rate. If you are taking it in form of tinctures or tea, you can expect a fast onset of the effects. On the other hand, if you are taking it as capsules, the onset of the effects will take a longer time.
4. The Product Grind
If the grind is fine, the onset will be faster. This is a major reason people prefer micronized kava to those with coarser grinds.
That the product’s grind is fine means that its surface area is larger. This often allows water to mix well with more active kavalactones. This way, the kava that the digestive tract absorptive lining has contact with is increased. Therefore, more kavalactones will enter your bloodstream, and the onset time is made faster.
How Long Does it Last
The duration that kava lasts can be within 4 to 6 hours; however, if you drink the product throughout the evening, its effects may last for longer.
Also, just like with the onset time, how long it lasts is based on several factors. It also depends on the individual. For some persons, the euphoric (heady) effects may last for about 2 to 4 hours. The stress-reduction, anti-anxiety, muscle relaxant, sleep supportive (heavy) effects may last for longer, like six to even eight hours.
Effect’s Timeline
The effects you will feel from taking kava often come in several waves. Below is a timeline of what to expect:
1. Immediately you take it
Once you drink the kava tea, the sensation you will feel is a numbing or tingling on your tongue or lips. This feeling is often immediate and is due to the presence of active kavalactones. You can visit https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324015 to learn more about kavalactone. The strength of the drink often determines how strong the numbing or tingling sensation will be.
2. 15 to 30 Minutes
The real effects start within about 15 to 30 minutes. These effects are often energizing and euphoric. Mild euphoria may wash through you and you may begin to feel carefree and very relaxed. Most experienced drinkers say that the drink’s onset often starts from the head and moves down the body and the effect intensifies.
3. 30 to 120 Minutes
Most people will begin to feel a great degree of well-being and euphoria. The intensity of the effect is often determined by the amount of kava consumed. You may feel creative and talkative, yet carefree and relaxed. However, there may be no motivation to carry out any of the creative ideas you come up with.
4. 120 Minutes – 6 Hours
As time progresses, the effects become prominent. What you will begin to feel now is often called the heavy effect. Your muscles will relax and your body may become very heavy, you may feel like you are going down into the floor or chair.
Based on the quantity or type of kava taken, you may sleep off before the end of 6 hours.
Conclusion
Kava effects’ onset time can significantly vary from one individual to the other. Several other factors like the state of the stomach (whether it is full or empty), the quantity taken, the form taken, and so on can affect the onset time. However, some persons will “feel” the kava tea between seven and thirty minutes after they take it.
The duration which the effects last can also vary from one individual to the other.
If you are new to this, it helps to know what to expect when you take it. Therefore, the effect’s timeline was also discussed in this article.
