Kava supplements might be the best kept secret amongst busy, overwhelmed people in the South Pacific. Kava supports feelings of calm and relaxation – ideal for those of us facing times of increased pressure.
What is Kava?
Kava or Kava Kava grows naturally in many of the Pacific Islands, interestingly the Kava plant doesn’t grow in New Zealand due to the climate being too chilly. It’s botanical name is Piper methysticum and it’s closely related to the common pepper plant.
Traditional Kava use involves mixing the powdered root with water or coconut milk to make a kava drink. This mix is used as a ceremonial drink in many Polynesian cultures, where it’s still taken today to support calm and relaxation.
Kava benefits and Kava effects
Kava has earnt itself a special place in the realm of stress, worry, and sleep support. Here are some of the supportive effects of Kava:
- The phytochemicals in Kava work to calm feelings of worry, a busy and overwhelmed mind, and tension.
- Kava can be taken on the spot to support calmness when you’re feeling stressed.
- Kava can support feelings of relaxation in larger doses, which makes it very supportive to those having a hard time falling asleep.
- Kava keeps on doing its job while you’re sleeping, allowing you to wake up feeling calm the next morning.
Our 10 most favourite kava supplements include kava tablets, encapsulated kava powder, sprays, and liquid herbal extracts.
The best Kava products for stress
The body needs extra vitamins and minerals when facing extra demands, it can also do with a little herbal support. Our favourite products to support you during times of stress are special blends of herbal extracts and nutrients to give you the get-up-and-go to get through. Whether you’re after on-the spot options or daily support options, give these a go:
Kiwiherb Stress Arrest
This mighty herbal liquid is excellent when you need calmness under pressure. When you need some ‘right now’ support take 3-6 ml of Stress Arrest, up to three times daily. To make the moment of calm last, pause and practice some deep belly breaths for a minute or two. You’ll feel noticeably calm, and more able to take on your next challenge. Good Magazine’s Best of Natural Winner for Stress & Sleep.
- Concentrated on the spot support.
- Added Withania (Ashwagandha) and Passionflower for resilience and calm.
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Artemis De-Stress Spray
Feeling like you have a lot on your plate? Have this spray on hand to support feelings of relaxation and mental clarity. Not only is this spray good when you’re on the go, the formula contains herbs that will nourish tired adrenal glands and support resilience when you need it most. Formulated by an expert herbalist.
- On the spot, perfect for the pocket or handbag.
- Blended with Lemon Balm, Green Oats, Licorice, and Withania (Ashwagandha).
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NOW Foods Kava Kava Extract 250mg
Kava supports a calm state of mind, while Siberian ginseng supports mental clarity and focus while also acting as an adaptogen. Adaptogens support the body to handle stressful situations and are a great daily stress support supplement.
- Daily supplement.
- Kava and Siberian ginseng.
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The best Kava products for worry
Kava does wonders to bring calm and ease during moments of overwhelm to help you feel onto-it and ready to face life’s challenges. Taking Kava before bed can have you waking up feeling well rested the next day. Addressing the underlying reasons behind your worries is an important part of healthy stress management, and sharing with someone you trust can help lessen the load.
Radiance Ashwagandha Instant Calm
Support your nervous system on the spot with this convenient spray from Radiance. With a fresh mint berry flavour that will awaken your senses, pop one in your pocket and be prepared for any of life’s little challenges. The Withania will support resilience, and the Lemon Balm will calm and soothe.
- On the spot, ideal for pocket or handbag.
- Herbal extracts of Withania (Ashwagandha), Kava, and Lemon Balm.
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BePure Inner Calm
Inner Calm is an all-round support for the mind and body when experiencing extended periods of stress and overwhelm. Uniquely formulated to provide all the nutrients you need to make the neurotransmitter GABA – which has a calming effect on the brain and body. Suitable for all genders, the Magnesium and Vitamin B6 makes this an ideal support during the second half of the menstrual cycle for premenstrual tension.
- Take at night, and as needed during the day.
- Added Passionflower, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Magnesium & Zinc.
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Nature’s Sunshine Kava Kava Concentrate
These little wonder pills contain a concentrated dose of pure standardised Kava. Designed to be taken with a meal during the day for emotional and nervous system support – or taken at night before bed to support sleep. Because of the concentrations of Kava in this supplement, it’s best not to take this one before operating heavy machinery or driving long distance.
- 120mg of Kavalactones.
- Dry herb extract.
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Gaia Herbs Kava Root Extra Strength
Another concentrated Kava supplement, but in the form of a liquid tincture. The liquid extract absorbs readily and is great for those times when you need something quickly. You only need a very small amount, 10-20 drops, it’s an alcohol extract, so it may feel slightly tingly on the tongue.
- 50mg of Kavalactones.
- Alcohol extract liquid absorbed more readily than capsules.
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The best Kava products for sleep and relaxation
Kava is an excellent sleep support, especially if you find it difficult to unwind at the end of the day. Not only will Kava help you drift off, it will also support a deep, restful sleep - it will have you feeling refreshed in the morning.
Artemis Deep Sleep
Deep Sleep from Artemis is a easily absorbable liquid formula that will hit the right spot at the right time. Taken before sleep, this herbal mixture will have you feeling calm and relaxed and will support your mind and body to get into a healthy sleeping pattern. For a deeply restorative sleep add this one to your shopping list.
- Added Passionflower, Skullcap, and Licorice.
- Do you prefer a tea before bed? Try the De-Stress and Sleep Duo from Artemis.
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Frequently asked questions:
- Is Kava legal?
Yes, Kava is sold as a food (powder), and as a supplement in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
- Can you drink kava and drive?
If you are taking a Kava supplement from HealthPost, and following the dosage instructions, then there is no issue driving after taking Kava. However, it is recommended that you don’t drive or operate machinery after taking Kava the traditional way.
- Can I take Kava during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then give the Kava a miss as there’s not enough evidence to show safety at this stage. If you are looking for support for stress, worry, or sleep, we really like Clinicians Magnesium 625, which is suitable to use while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Have another question about Kava? Check out our Artemis blog calm the mind with Kava.
The best kava brands at HealthPost
Whether you are looking to buy Kava on its own or blended with synergistic herbal extracts and nutrients – you will find a kava supplement that suits you. At HealthPost we have sourced the finest Kava products, which have been formulated using the best Kava powder available.
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