What is kava?
Kava (Piper methysticum) is a Pacific Island plant whose root has been at the center of ceremony and social life for over 3,000 years across Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga, and Hawaii. The traditional kava ceremony, grinding the root and straining it in water, remains a living practice today.
The active compounds
Kava's signature calm comes from kavalactones such as kavain and dihydrokavain. These compounds interact with GABA pathways to produce relaxation and a sense of ease, distinctively without the cognitive fog associated with alcohol, users often describe feeling calm yet clear.
How kava is used
Traditional kava is prepared by water-extracting ground root. For consistent potency and convenience, a supercritical CO2 extract concentrates the kavalactones cleanly, with no solvent residue, an efficient modern route to kava's classic relaxing effect.
Safety and responsible use
Kava is for adults 21+. Do not combine kava with alcohol or other substances metabolized by the liver, and avoid daily heavy use. If you have a liver condition or take medication, consult a healthcare provider before use.
Shop Kava
Learn more
Frequently asked questions
What does kava do?
Kava promotes relaxation and a calm, sociable mood through its kavalactones, which act on GABA pathways, typically without clouding mental clarity.
What are kavalactones?
Kavalactones (such as kavain and dihydrokavain) are the active compounds in kava root responsible for its calming, anxiolytic-like effects.
Is CO2 kava extract better than traditional kava?
CO2 extraction concentrates kavalactones consistently with no solvent residue, giving reliable potency. Traditional water-prepared kava remains the cultural standard; the extract is a convenient, standardized alternative.
Is kava safe?
Used responsibly by healthy adults 21+, kava has a long history of use. Avoid combining it with alcohol or hepatotoxic substances, and consult a provider if you have liver concerns.