Kava
Ceremonial Pacific plant with anxiolytic effects; among the best-evidenced natural anxiety remedies. Requires proper sourcing.
stresscalmsleepanxiety
Evidence last reviewed: 04 Apr 2026
Trade-offs & context
Known concerns, timing considerations, & interactions
Liver
Hepatotoxicity risk with daily use, especially combined with alcohol or from non-noble varieties (stem, leaves, tudei kava)
Interaction
Additive CNS depression with alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids — do not combine
Tolerance
Dermopathy (scaly, dry skin) with chronic heavy use — fully reversible on cessation
Dot colour: ●High concern ●Moderate ● Low / note
Biomarkers studied
Outcomes directly measured across the evidence records below
Cognitive
Anxiety
Evidence
1 record
Anxiety / GAD symptoms
Adults with generalised anxiety • Meta-analyses of RCTs
COCHRANEHigh
Consistent & meaningful anxiety reduction; effect size comparable to low-dose benzodiazepines.
Dose: 240 mgDuration: 4–8 weeks
Hepatotoxicity risk mostly from non-noble varieties or stem/leaf use — not root. Do not combine with alcohol.
Forms
Noble kava root extract (30–70% kavalactones)
Use noble (traditional) kava only; avoid 'tudei' varieties.
Stacks containing Kava
Public community stacks that include this ingredient.
stressmoodcalm
Stress Reduction & Mood Enhancement
by@athlete
Kava & buspirone are combined to reduce stress & enhance mood. Kava provides calming effects, while buspirone is an anxiolytic that helps manage anxiety & improve mood.
Kava
300mg
Buspirone
15mg
New