Those of you who are in the process of discovering the myriad pleasures and benefits of kava kava root often are not sure exactly where to start with this gentle, joyous plant, and may wonder how much kava kava to take. The answer to that question depends, of course, on a number of variables.

First, what kind of kava are you taking -- in what form is it? This will be part of determining how much kava powder to use. If you are working with powdered kava root, such as the rich Mahakea strain offered by Kona Kava Farm, you will want to use roughly 2 to 4 tablespoons of root powder per person, which should correspond to about 1 to 2 ounces of powder. If you are new to using kava, it is best to start on the low end of this, so as to become acclimated to its effects.

This same dosage range applies for Kona Kava Farm’s Kava Chai, which is also made with powdered Mahakea Kava root -- use 2 to 4 tablespoons of this mix per person; we prefer using a blender, and generally let it run for at least five minutes. For Kava Chai, as also for powdered kava root, take no more than 2 tablespoons per serving.

We also are assuming that you blend your root powder with water (or another liquid of your choice) in a blender for at least five minutes, and then, that the root powder is squeezed thoroughly, so as to maximize extraction of the active ingredients before being discarded. And these are important points: our powdered root is some of the richest (and consistently rich, from batch to batch) you’ll find anywhere, but to maximize its effectiveness, you must blend the powder for at least five minutes, and then must squeeze the powder thoroughly in cheesecloth (or a similar straining cloth/device). In doing these things, you’ll be sure to extract as many kavalactones (the main active constituents in Mahakea kava) as possible.

Now, for our patent-pending Instant Kava Mixes, things work a tad differently, but it’s still quite easy to determine how much kava kava to take. For these mixes, we also recommend 2 tablespoons. But with these instant mixes, all you have to do is blend and enjoy -- no straining is necessary (in fact, you can eat these mixes right out of the package). Our Instant Kava Mixes are made from a micronized kava extract, and will dissolve with water, or whatever beverage you choose. This same dosage range also applies to our unique and delicious kava concentrates, which are the standard-bearer of kava versatility. A tablespoon or two can easily be mixed with water.

For our 30 percent Kavalactone capsules, we recommend taking 2 capsules at a time, a maximum of 2 times a day. These capsules epitomize kava convenience, and make it easy to take your favorite relaxing root with you, wherever you may go.

For our 5:1 liquid kava extract, we don’t have an exact kavalactone percentage, but suggest 1 or 2 dropperfuls.

Now, when using our 70/84/90 percent Kavalactone paste, one must pay particular attention to the dosage: as these pastes are extremely pure and concentrated, it’s easy to underestimate the effects they will have. It doesn’t matter how you use it -- eaten straight from the container, mixed in water, or even added to a preparation of kava root powder. What matters is the dosage; a serving consists of TWO pea-sized amounts, weighing a total of 3 grams. If you’re wondering how a whole serving of kava can be crammed into two pea-sized scoops of paste, well, it’s due to the purity of the product -- it consists only of a kavalactone-rich extract and soy lecithin (used as a binder for the oily kavalactones). This same dosage range also applies to our Full Spectrum Kavalactone paste.

Finally, our 84 percent KavaLOVEtone Capsules make it incredibly easy to remember how much kava kava to take. Simply take 2 capsules for a serving, no more than 3 times daily. These capsules are one of our top-selling products, and with the ease and convenience they offer, it’s not difficult to see why. They combine pure 84 percent Kavalactone extract with a synergistic blend providing some of the most relaxing herbal extracts*. Along with Mahakea kava root, KavaLOVEtone capsules contain chamomile, hops, lemon balm, gotu kola, gingko biloba, Asian ginseng, maca root, passion flower, skullcap, St. John’s wort, and vitex.

No matter which of these products you are using, remember: all are rich in active constituents, and if you have limited or no experience with kava kava, it is best to start on the low end of the dosage recommendation, and gradually increase the amount of product.

So, if you’re wondering how much kava kava to take, don’t fret -- the information is always close at hand. Simply visit our articles page to read this and any number xxxof other helpful articles on this remarkable root.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to cure, treat, diagnose, or prevent any disease.