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Kava Dosage Guide

Evidence:Strong
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

General Dosage

120-250mg kavalactones daily from standardized extract, or equivalent traditional preparation

Maximum dose: 300mg kavalactones/day (German Commission E recommendation). Limit use to 3 months without medical supervision.

Dosage Recommendations

General recommendation: 120-250mg kavalactones daily from standardized extract, or equivalent traditional preparation

Timing: For anxiety: divided doses 2-3 times daily. For sleep: single dose 1-2 hours before bed. Best taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

Dosage by Condition

Generalized anxiety
120-240mg kavalactones daily (Sarris protocol: start 120mg, titrate to 240mg)Strong
Acute anxiety / situational stress
100-200mg kavalactones as neededModerate
Sleep support
150-250mg kavalactones, 1-2 hours before bedEmerging
Muscle tension
120-200mg kavalactones dailyEmerging

Upper limit: 300mg kavalactones/day (German Commission E recommendation). Limit use to 3 months without medical supervision.

Timing & Absorption

For anxiety: divided doses 2-3 times daily. For sleep: single dose 1-2 hours before bed. Best taken on an empty stomach for faster absorption.

Can be taken with or without food.

Full Kava Guide

References

  1. Meta-analysisPittler MH, Ernst E (2003). Kava extract for treating anxiety. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. DOI PubMed
  2. RCTSarris J, Stough C, Bousman CA, et al. (2013). Kava in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  3. ReviewTeschke R, Sarris J, Lebot V (2012). Kava hepatotoxicity solution: a six-point plan for new kava standardization. Phytomedicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Sarris J, LaPorte E, Schweitzer I (2011). Kava: a comprehensive review of efficacy, safety, and psychopharmacology. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. DOI PubMed
  5. ReviewOoi SL, Henderson P, Pak SC (2018). Kava for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Review of Current Evidence.. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.). DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisWitte S, Loew D, Gaus W (2005). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of the acetonic kava-kava extract WS1490 in patients with non-psychotic anxiety disorders.. Phytotherapy research : PTR. DOI PubMed
  7. Stevinson C, Huntley A, Ernst E (2002). A systematic review of the safety of kava extract in the treatment of anxiety.. Drug safety. DOI PubMed
Show 5 more references
  1. Ernst E (2002). The risk-benefit profile of commonly used herbal therapies: Ginkgo, St. John's Wort, Ginseng, Echinacea, Saw Palmetto, and Kava.. Annals of internal medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. Abadi S, Papoushek C, Evans MF (2001). Is kava extract effective for treating anxiety?. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. PubMed
  3. Pittler MH, Ernst E (2000). Efficacy of kava extract for treating anxiety: systematic review and meta-analysis.. Journal of clinical psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  4. Economidis G, Lynch M, Taylor S, Asare-Doku W, et al. (2025). Global Perspectives on Kava: A Narrative Systematic Review of the Health Effects, Economic and Social Impacts and Policy Considerations.. Drug and alcohol review. DOI PubMed
  5. Cassidy RM, Burdick K, Anesi T, Daunis D (2024). Kava Withdrawal Treated With Phenobarbital-A Case Report and Literature Review.. Journal of addiction medicine. DOI PubMed